MarinaGirl

I don't eat artificial sweeteners as my research shows they don't help with weight loss, in fact the opposite occurs. Therefore, I stay away from sugar-free yogurt. Instead, I eat FAGE plain Greek yogurt, which has 20g of protein in it. I sometimes add fresh puréed fruit or strawberry or chocolate Unjury protein powder if I want to flavor it up a little.

Oxycodone amps me up and makes me constipated so I try not to take it if I can. After my surgery in April, I was given strong stuff in my IV when I woke up in the recovery room then just IV Tylenol the rest of the time in the hospital. When I was discharged I stopped the Tylenol all together. YMMV

Acid reflux is a common side effect with Gastric Sleeve surgery. Many patients will need to take PPIs continually, which brings other risks; however, untreated reflux can lead to cellular changes (e.g. Barrett's Esophagus) and increased risk for esophageal cancer. Make sure you're talking to your PCP about it, who may refer you to a Gastroenterologist for further testing and monitoring.

Try not to drink your calories so stick with water if you can.

These things may cause an ulcer, not sure if any apply to you: 1. H. Pylori infection 2. NSAIDs or Aspirin 3. Smoking 4. Alcohol 5. Carbonated Beverages 6. Coffee (decaf or regular)

If you cut out sugar and carbs do you feel fine?

Are you taking tiny sips of water, et al? For the first 4-5 weeks after surgery I experienced pain if I took too big a sip, which really wasn't that big actually.

My response keeps disappearing from this thread when I post it. My fabulous surgeon in Tijuana, Mexico was Dr. Ramos Kelly. I had a great experience and no complications. I stayed at Hospitale Angeles for a few days and then at Hotel Lucerna for a couple of days. He visited me twice a day in the hospital and once a day at the hotel. Since returning home Dr. Ramos Kelly has still provided guidance and answered questions when I needed it. The care I received was better than most US surgeons and hospitals. Do your research and you'll find the best qualified clinician for you. Good luck!

I had a great experience with WLS in Tijuana, Mexico. My surgeon's name is Dr Ramos Kelly and my MGB surgery was at Hospitale Angeles. I stayed there for a few days and then spent a couple more days at Hotel Lucerna. Dr. Ramos Kelly visited me twice a day in the hospital and once a day at the hotel. I've had no complications and am losing weight! So glad I did this!

I got great hydration therapy in the hospital as I was hospitalized for 3 days with an IV, but then it was harder to get fluids in when I first returned home. Four weeks post surgery I went to a naturopathic doctor and got IV hydration therapy and I've been back on track with my fluids ever since. I'm glad I did it but it cost me $145.

With your acid reflux, has the surgeon considered revising you to a Gastric Bypass instead of a VSG?

It most likely means you took 1-2 bites too many. If you're getting this feeling a lot then you may be challenging your sleeve/pouch a bit so try eating smaller bites, eat slower, chew really well, and stop before you feel like puking.

Tylenol

At my work, paid short-term disability is approved and managed by a separate company, so the paperwork the doctor signs goes directly to them, not to my employer. For unpaid leave, the signed paperwork from the doctor goes to someone in Benefits, not to HR or my supervisor. Every company is different.

Congrats on the pre-op weight loss and good luck with surgery tomorrow!

I weigh myself every morning, after I go to the bathroom when I first wake up. This is when I'm the lightest all day.

When I worked in Paris many years ago I was very impressed wth the French medical system; much better than the US. I've also received great care in Sweden, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.

Medical care in the US sure sucks sometimes.

I've tried 5 flavors and all are a no go now.

GENEPRO does not have a good reputation on this forum.

I liked Quest Bars before surgery but now I can't stand them.

@Apple1: Good luck with surgery tomorrow!! I loved the chicken broth at Hotel Lucerna, where I stayed after surgery. I squeezed fresh lime juice in it, which made it even yummier! I also went on a tour of TJ the afternoon before surgery and that was a good distraction. All the best!!

I had a GREAT experience with WLS in Tijuana. I definitely got better care than in a US hospital and my surgeon (Dr Ramos Kelly) visited me twice a day in the hospital and once a day in the hotel where I went to recuperate for a couple more days after being discharged. I've also kept in contact with him since I've returned home and he continues to answer questions and provide guidance. My insurance would not cover surgery for me and the cost for self-pay in the US was astronomical so that was not an option. Medical Tourism is very important to Mexico so the assumption by folks that it is unsafe is unfounded and shows your lack of current and accurate knowledge of the industry. On this website, if 1 person shares a complication, many immediately blame all medicine in Mexico. And yet the majority of complications we read about are happening to patients who have surgery in the US - so that same mindset should make people afraid of surgery in the US. Crazy how your bias can skew your perception of reality?! My point is Mexico can be a very safe and affordable option for people who aren't lucky enough to have the right insurance.

I traveled alone and had no issues. I brought my carry-on rolling suitcase with a luggage lock to the hospital. My private hospital room had a safe in it so I kept my wallet and electronics in there when I was in surgery, walking the halls, sleeping, showering, or just away from my room. I'm glad I traveled by myself so I could just focus on my recovery and sleeping. It worked out wonderfully - no regrets.

Most people don't get incision staples that have to be removed later. I certainly didn't. I can't remember if I had dissolvable stitches or glue; either way, no action required post-op.