MrsPenguin

I had sleeve surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Frayre from Ponce Bariatrics on December 5th. Like anyone, I was nervous about going over the border for this and my family was pretty freaked out about that, although they supported me in making this decision. I had the single port surgery through my belly button ($6,000), and for an additional $700, they took out my gal bladder as well through the same hole. My starting weight was 210 lbs, 34 BMI, and 5'6" tall. I had a friend who had gone through Dr. Ponce and had a great experience, so that is why I chose them. Dr. Frayre is another surgeon who works with Dr. Ponce and I was told that they always do surgeries together, even though I can't verify that, as I never saw or met Dr. Ponce. I won't lie, the first couple of days were rough, and it was my first major surgery, so I have nothing to compare to, but I do believe I received excellent care. I am a total sissy when it comes to pain and I really think I have a lower than normal tolerance for it. I was in a sort of tiny hospital called "INT clinic"...only about 12 or 14 rooms total and I had a room to myself with bathroom and walk in shower. The nurses were great and so responsive, even though they spoke little to no English. My single port incision is about an inch long, and located not so much IN my belly button, but at the top of it which was different from what I thought. I have a very deep and narrow belly button, and they have to get all their instruments through that hole, so maybe that is why. I also had a very small drain incision. From my experience, I wouldn't say my recovery was faster with this surgery, but if you want less scars, this may be what you want to choose. You could save $1,000 and just go with the regular surgery and have 4 or 5 tiny incisions. But I am healing well after 10 days and no issues. I do believe Dr. Frayre and Dr. Ponce are accomplished surgeons. I was told Dr. Frayre had the sleeve surgery himself. This is long, but I hope this info is helpful. Sent from my SM-N910G using the BariatricPal App

Dec. 5th 2016. I'm finding it so intetesting how many of us have hit stalls around this time, including me. Now 1 month at the same weight. I have lost 46 lbs...down from 210. I had the surgery at a relatively low bmi as diabetes is rampant in my family and I was worried I was on that path. Very happy I made the decision to do this. I wish to lose a bit more so hopefully the scale will move again. Pretty happy with my results. Nice to come back and read about everyone's experiences at this point.

I'm just over 4 months and had sushi for the first time the other day. I could only eat 2 pcs comfortably. I just made sure to chew thoroughly, as always. I consider it a treat since most of the time, protein comes first.

That is totally normal...it's healing.

Me too. Just after 4 months. Thankfully it hasn't been too bad, but it is noticeable (to me). I know it's temporary, so I'm trying not to be too upset. Maybe I'll start taking the Biotin again. I took it for the first month and then stopped, thinking that was good enough.

I was put on 10,000 mcg of Biotin for a month after my surgery. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to keep taking it, so I stopped. I would ask your surgeon if you can. I'm about 4 months out now and I must admit, I have had a little bit of hair loss. But it hasn't been too bad. I know it's temporary. I have a friend who had the surgery, did not take Biotin, and had no hair loss. So I guess it depends on the individual somewhat. I would say it doesn't hurt to take it and if I did it over, I might have continued to take it after the one month. Who knows if it would have helped.

Small sips and small bites. I still do that nearly 4 months out. It's just more comfortable that way.

Thank you for sharing your progress and achievement. So fantastic!

It's really tough at first...no picnic! Just concentrate on getting through the day in front of you and doing your very best to stay on your eating plan and hydrate. For me, the eating/drinking plan helped me to create good habits that I still follow. I'm almost 4 months out now, and eating is just now getting comfortable for me, although I still eat approximately the same amount at each meal. I am SO incredibly happy with my weight loss and so glad I took this step. There were some times when I thought, 'this sucks!' That is pretty normal. It DOES get better!

I believe it's just having thoughts about regretting the surgery, or that "what the hell did I just do?" kind of feeling. It's a permanent surgery with a big life change. It's a very normal thing, so don't sweat it if you have those thoughts. I did. But so happy now!

I had the surgery because I know that diets don't work! For those of us whose food meter is broken, this is the best option. Keep working towards your surgery date. It's really, really worth it!

I call it psuedo-hunger.

You may also find that slow walking in fresh air will help. Consider sipping while you walk.

I had a weird taste in my mouth for a week or so after surgery. I related it to the surgery and the fact that my stomach was operated on. And the taste was from that. If you were like me, it should go away soon. Eating and drinking will not be enjoyable at this point, but just keep doing what you need to do...doctor's eating/water plan...like clockwork. It will get better.

I don't know the answer to that, but I'm not getting much protein either. I do my best and select protein first, but at about 9 weeks post surgery, I'm still not eating much. I've pretty much lost the taste for smoothies and protein powder kind of grosses me out. A lot of days I don't even feel like eating, which is just so weird since that was all I wanted to do before the surgery. I think we just need to do our best on protein and wait until we are able to take in more.

Was 34 bmi, 49 years old (which isn't old!). Now 9 weeks post and 30+ pounds gone. Hubby says I've stopped snoring. My inflammation markers dropped from 9 (high) to a very normal 4. Pain in feet and joints is less. I had the surgery to dodge the Diabetes bullet. It is rampant on both sides of my family. I was heading that direction.

Yes, it has kind of gone quickly...especially at the first few weeks. I was happy to get to the point where I could shower without worrying about my incisions. The biggest change is I don't seem to care about food as much as I used to. It doesn't call to me the same way. It's kind of a relief. At this stage, I have to tell myself to eat, because I'm not feeling hunger. That will come back eventually I'm told.I meant to say the time went faster AFTER the first few weeks.

Today I celebrate 8 weeks post surgery for gastric sleeve. As of today, 30.5 lbs gone. I'm feeling so much lighter and it's just easier to move around with a smaller body. At this point, I'm on regular food, eating about 1/2 to 3/4 cup food at a meal, eating 4 to 5 times a day and drinking water in between. Still concentrating on protein and staying hydrated. I have some days when I feel a little 'off,' when nothing sounds good to eat. As another person said in a post, that it feels like aliens have taken over her taste buds and stomach. It feels like that sometimes right now. But, I have heard that this is a phase that will pass, so I'm not worried. I have continued to lose, although now it has slowed to 1-2 lbs a week, but I only have about 20-25 lbs to go, so I guess I'm past the halfway mark. I keep expecting the dreaded stall to happen, and you may find me posting about that at some point. Last week only 1 lb. down, but I'll take it! I wonder at what weight my body will equalize to. I guess Ill find that out later. I am so glad I did this, even though there have been some challenges...it's been so worth it. I have really appreciated Bariatric Pal and have gotten a lot of comfort from everyone's posts. Thanks for listening!

And thanks, I'll be waving goodbye when the aliens depart, lol. Let 'em have some fun while they're here I guess.

Yes, it has kind of gone quickly...especially at the first few weeks. I was happy to get to the point where I could shower without worrying about my incisions. The biggest change is I don't seem to care about food as much as I used to. It doesn't call to me the same way. It's kind of a relief. At this stage, I have to tell myself to eat, because I'm not feeling hunger. That will come back eventually I'm told.

I have days like that too. I'm 8 weeks out. Some days, nothing tastes good and I'm slightly nauseated by the thought of food, and other days I'm fine. From what I have read, this is kind of a phase and will pass. Strangely enough, refried beans are one of the things I really like.

I had to laugh at your aliens comment! Such a good description...and accurate for me at 7 weeks.

I'm in New Zealand...not much available here in the way of sugar free treats ????

I found taking a deep breath when I took a sip really helped me.

It sounds a bit too soon for gym workouts. Give your body a chance to heal. Walking is awesome.