niabo

My surgery was 11/30 so I can't be of much help with that but I too have the hard painful lump that makes it hard to walk around. I sleep well because of the CBD I take though. From what I read from other patients, you won't really have a problem losing that amount of weight. You've already lost 25 lbs in less than a month so12 lbs a month shouldn't be a problem.

Austin was great. We lived there from 2000-2003 and again 2008-2019. I had my youngest while there the first time (while in grad school at UT) and you know what they say about Texans having to get back to Texas!! Our kids were raised there (and of course they're in a band--still), and the culture was laid back and just groovy. Most of that has changed with Big Tech moving in and of course COVID. I hope that the live music recovers because we have many many friends who are musicians and/or in the music industry in some way. My dearest friends are there and as soon as it's safe to get back down there for a visit, I'll be there. On the other hand, I simply LOVE Philadelphia and Jersey. I'm originally from central Jersey (yes, it is a thing) and it's still beautiful with wide-open spaces, seasonal changes that are spectacular, beaches, orchards, and trains to NYC and DC. I'm not really familiar with the Jersey cities in the north & south though. That said, I went to college in Phila, and my goodness I love being back. I'm sure it has everything to do with my neighborhood--as that's always been the case in this city. Sorry for the bio but I rarely give up the chance to boast about "my" cities!

I'm getting the sleeve too. Good luck to you! Hanging out here (and in the Facebook group for my facility) has really helped A LOT with nerves.

Hello!! Thanks for everyone's intros. I'm an African American 52yr old cis woman, but I'm open to friends who are just good folks. Married for 23 yrs. Two young adult kids, 2 cats, 1 dog. My surgery is on Nov 30th, and I'm looking to make friends too!

I'm new too! I'm heading to Mexico. Where are you getting yours done?

I use either Trader Joe's Pea Protein Powder (affordable) or Garden of Life Vanilla Protein Powder (pricey) and blend with soymilk. The Garden of Life tastes better but it's expensive $35-$45 depending on where you get it. If I remember correctly the Trader Joe’s is $10 (don't' quote me), and they also have a hemp protein powder but not sure if that's allowed.

I'm on day 2 of my pre-op diet (surgery on Nov 30th). I opted to just make my own protein shakes since we drink smoothies daily around here. I just mix the protein powder with soy milk (oat milk wasn't on my list 😞) and drink it down (minus the fruit). In the past, when I wanted help with my appetite, I drank psyllium with grapefruit juice to fill me up (and it helps with poop as it's fiber). I currently emailed my dr. to see if I could continue to do so.

I told my girlfriend who had the surgery 2 years ago, my husband, and my two young adult kids. No one else--not my mom or MIL, not my business partner, siblings, other girlfriends, etc. I just didn't want "lay-people" to criticize my choice, and question my research. It was a long mental (and financial) journey and I just figured I didn't need naysayers, or jealously to get in my way. I know what's best for me and I only wanted absolute understanding, support, and not a lot of FAQs from who I told.

From what I hear there aren't any (from a friend who flew a month ago for a wedding). I'm flying into San Diego, and their driver picks you up and drives across the border though. The facility where I'm staying has a fairly strict policy though (masks all the time, thorough cleaning, etc).

Good luck to you!! 😄

I moved from Austin 18 months ago to Philadelphia but I'm originally from Jersey!! Stay safe. My friends are telling me that it's a shitshow down there.

If you have healthcare I suggest you find a therapist. It'll be good to speak with someone regularly who can give you insight and tools to manage your stress and teach you self-care options. Good luck.

I'm out-of-pocket $5500 in Mexico (on Nov 30th) not including my flights.

Awesome! Those first few days after most surgeries are the worst!!

I'm so sorry. That's so unfortunate. Hopefully, they'll get the numbers down before the end of the year.

(I know you didn't ask me but) I've been using Garden of Life for years now (unrelated to surgery) and really love it. Currently, we use it in our smoothies (frozen fruit, oat milk, protein powder), for my preop and postop I'm going to substitute the oat milk with soymilk (since that's on the list), and fresh fruit with ice cubes (if the fruit isn't allowed).

I'm heading to Mexico in 2 weeks. I'm currently calling around seeing if there is a local doctor willing to do my follow up. I was concerned with the flight back home but I'm hoping that everything will be ok. So sorry you're feeling bad but help me understand how it's any different than if you'd gotten the work done in the states. I'm interested in knowing if this is exclusive to your surgery being done in Mexico. Also, where did you go if I may ask?

Is there a reason why you don't have to be on a liquid diet? And if you don't mind sharing, why are you getting the sleeve after bypass?

This! ^^ I hope you made it back to campus or some other safe(r) place.

Those are my stats exactly! I'm scheduled for the 30th and I was worried about losing too much, not being able to lose enough, and other things they don't really mention about low BMI. I'm exactly 204lbs now, and my goal weight range is 140-150. I "hold" weight and tend to look lighter than what I usually am so I'm comfortable with that range (but I'm not stressing about being lighter-LOL). Thank you for your post. Can I ask, did you experience anything different than people with higher BMIs (e.g. losing slower, recovery, issues)?

I think I already posted but I will be there on the 28th (leaving on 12/3) and surgery on the 30th. Please look for me to say hello if you're there at the same time.

Hi! My day is Nov 30th and I'm anxious as well. Good luck to you! (I'm not a chef and making broth always looked waaaay harder to me than buying it. My plan is to find a great organic broth in a few "flavors" and to go with that.)

Thanks for the advice. I do have a question though, did you feel like you had to get a revision because, with 50 pounds to go, you had just stopped losing?

I know you posted months ago and I hope that you figured out what was right for you. I'm replying here (so many months later) because your stats are almost identical to mine (I'm 5'7") and after much consideration, I decided to get the sleeve done (out of pocket because my BMI is 31 without health issues) on Nov 30th. For the comment above about "have you tried everything," I get that question, but I think it's unwarranted. Because this is an elective surgery for me (and I assume for the OP) getting here has not been a flippant decision. Just like people who are more obese, this is often our last choice too. Why should I wait to get more obese when the writing is on the wall--slow steady weight gain without success in losing. What I do know is that I have to pay out-of-pocket currently but I do believe that in the near future, surgery for low BMI candidates will become more common (if you believe the medical journals). I think that most of the hesitation for insurance companies is money (duh). There are places here in the states that do the surgery on low BMI patients as there are places in Mexico, Europe, and India. Just do your research because only you and your doctor can determine if this is right for you.

I have a low BMI (31) and I'm scheduled for Nov 30th. Thanks for your insight. It's really hard to explain to people that I've lost weight on diets (and most recently with a diet Dr.) but gaining it back has always been a problem because of cravings and such. I opted for the sleeve for mostly the long-term benefit of reducing hunger more than just weight loss. Congrats on your surgery btw.