Sask Patient

Wow - I think I'm pretty darn lucky... so far no problems at all... the swelling around the 2 most important incisions (port of course, and the highest one where the band was put in at the top of the stomach) are both a bit painful, and I still have a bit of gas pain in the left shoulder, but otherwise I feel pretty good! :crying: Sleeping on both sides with the help of a body pillow and so far able to tolerate everything from skim milk to pudding, mini ravioli (pureed) to oatmeal. I only had one sharp pain in the band from swallowing a med that might've tried to get through sideways :cursing:... but otherwise I'm in great shape. Back at work yesterday. Prayers going for everyone having some struggles and everyone being banded today through the end of the month. BANDSTERS RULE!! :huh2: Stace

Hey all! Sorry it's taken a few days to get back on this thread, but just wanted to let you know that all is well, Tijuana was tremendous, Dr. Kuri is the most compassionate doctor I have ever met and I have had a recovery better than I could have ever expected. The hospital and hotel were both absolutely spotless with gleaming marble floors, sparkling glass doors, and first rate care and service. The surgery itself went very well and despite the language barrier, communication with the nursing staff was definitely possible (who needs words!). We arrived back in Regina on Saturday night and today was my first back at work. It seemed like a REALLY long day. I was supposed to attend a meeting tonite but I fell asleep and TOTALLY missed it... OOPS!! Oh well... I've done fairly well with tolerable pain from both the 5 incisions and the Co2 gas, although today seems to be one of the worst I've had :crying:(still not too bad though!). Going back to the last post I had put on this thread, sadly my kitty passed away the night before we left. It was just awful and unexpected, but I am VERY grateful to God for taking him before we left, otherwise I would've missed getting to say goodbye. :tt1: I'm on full/pureed liquids and am having NO trouble getting in all of my liquids on top of bowls of pureed soups/pastas etc. I was worried that I was eating too much actually, but my facilitator has given me all of the reassurance I need, and reminded me that this is the HEALING phase, not necessarily a LOSING phase. I have my first appointment with my local GP tomorrow and can't wait to tell her all about it and take her the xrays of the barium swallow :thumbup: (which are just super cool). She's very supportive in every way so I want to give her as much info as I can so she can help other patients. I think I am only her 3rd patient to have this done (it isn't available in my province all). Anyhow - before I ramble anymore, just wanted to letchyall know that I am OK, Tijuana was a really great experience for me and I'm here to answer any questions anyone might have about it. GLAD TO BE A BANDSTER!! Stace:biggrin:

GOD IS SO GREAT!!! I was banded in Tijuana the day after KiKi's Mom (HEY THERE GIRLFIREND!!) and it was tremendous. Dr. Kuri's van picked us up at the airport and took us right to the hospital where I was checked in and run through the ekg, blood/urine workups. I feel so great, I almost feel guilty! Mexico was just incredible - I made some fantastic new friends! Everything from treatment to facility, to the care and compassion of the nurses even if they couldn't speak much english, they were adorable and made sure you felt no pain. The hospital really was nicer than any hotel I've stayed in, just prestinely clean, gleaming marble everywhere and you constantly saw cleaning staff. It was cleaner than most of our hotels too, let alone our hospitals. The surgery went really well and recovery was pretty easy for me - I am "one of those" who seemed to breeze through it. The hotel was gorgeous. You just had to tell them you were a Dr. Kuri patient and they would bring you apple juice, Jello and the best tasting chicken broth I have ever had. We were able to take in a bit of shopping and took TONS of pictures which I will post later. Got home about 10PM last night. I have 5 incisions, 4 about 1" and one about 2"-3" but no staples or stitches for removal at all. I have very little pain, a bit of tightness and a bit of gas pain still but absolutely NOTHING like I expected. Nothing. Today is my first day of full liquids (bye bye Jello!!) and I'm having THEE most DELISH creamy vegetable soup that we bought down there... what a treat! I got the 10cm Inamed Allergan band and so far I've only felt the very odd hunger pang, very few and far between, plus I sat and had chicken broth while DH had good, delicious looking meals (and some McDonalds even) and I actually didn't feel ripped off - at least not yet, but I'm sure I will sometimes down the road. Anyhoo - I should go and get unpacked here! I am so happy and excited... let the life change BEGIN!!! AMEN!! :banghead: If you have any questions about Dr. Kuri or Tijuana from my perspective, send me a private message and I'd be happy to talk about it! Talk soon! Stace

I really need some prayers. If you are not an animal lover don't waste your time reading this, but if you do - please help!! My DH and I leave for Tijuana in the morning and my surgery is Wed. I', not at all nervous, scared or otherwise feeling negaive at all EXCEPT I AM VERY ANGRY with myself and VERY WORRIED about one of my darling animal companions. This weekend my DH was away at work and so I wanted to reflect on what is about to happen. So I went away camping with my 2 dogs and for the forst time, took my oldest kitty Spooky, who is a severe asthmatic. It's a story, but in a nutshell I am an idiot to have taken poor Spooky cat with me - he is back in the hospital on oxygen not doing well AT ALL. Send him a prayer for me would you? I know he's "just a cat" but he is my baby and he is struggling again. (I nearly lost him in May) I thought the fresh air would do him a world of good. He HATED the drive out (about an hour away) until he went into the backseat with the dogs and then he calmed down. Until he did settle down then, I had even thought about turning around and coming home. I should have. But once we got there he seemed to really enjoy himself that afternoon and night. I tethered him to my chair while he played in the grass, chasing butterflies, and later on chillin' in the motorhome while I took the dogs for a walk. Well, yesterday morning he started coughing so I packed us all up and headed home. Got about 1/2 way and remembered that I had left one of the ceiling vents open in the motorhome (DAMN IT!!) so had to go ALL THE WAY BACK (an extra hour of driving which he DIDN'T need or like) and by last night his respiratory rate soaring up to 39 (should be 28 top end). So at 1AM, back to the vets he went. I was crying so hard on the way hme I could hardly drive. I am so STUPID! He's just been so normal lately that I forgot he is a fragile little guy. They're keeping him until we get back (if he survives it this time poor baby) I'm an absolute mess today. Can't even really talk too much 'cuz I start to cry. Was up until after 3 and top that overtiredness with everything going on for me I guess, let alone now wondering if he is going even to pull through this again. I can't imagine him dieing alone without me with him... My God... and I can't hardly even think about what going to be happening to me. I hope the IV and catheter hurts me like hell... I feel so damn bad for him. I just called to check in and they haven't been able to take him off of the oxygen for more than 5 minutes. I am so scared for him! Sorry for rambling, I am just so upset - he's 15 and I've had him since he was a baby. Thank you so much - I appreciate every prayer we can get! With much gratitude (& tears!) Stacey

Hey there everyone! It has been so great reading all of your pre-and-post-op stories, advice, suggestions on this thread and such a thrill to be part of this exciting group!! DH and I fly out to Tijuana early tomorrow morning from Canada and I finally get my surgery on WEDNESDAY!! :wink2: The day after tomorrow!! I am so excited - no nerves, 2nd thoughts, regret, any of that - just pure peace and eager anticipation! :thumbup: I lost 7 lbs on my first 6 days of the Dr. Kuri LSD pre-op and was pleased with that. I do get to eat one meal of solid protein a day on it and have been practicing the whole tiny bite-chew-chew-chew routine. I can see how it will take some concentration to get used to that!! The lucky dogs got lots of my little bites when I would get weary of the chewing. They LIKE this whole band thing too!!! Look forward to chatting with all of you on the other side!! We get back to Canada late Saturday night... Kiki's Mom - if you see this in time, GOOD LUCK TOMORROW, and if not until after your surgery, then I shall see you by the pool either Thursday or Friday with Jello in hand sister!!! Can't WAIT TO GET THERE! :thumbup: Stace

It's finally here!! :wink2: I have my bags pretty much packed, furry companions are all looked after (although one is really sick :thumbup: so please say a prayer for my sweet cat Spooky to be well), cashier's cheque ready, plane tickets in hand... DH and I are OFF to Tijuana at 6 in the morning with surgery on Wednesday. I am at total, complete peace with the whole thing and just can't wait to start working on the other side! Lost 7 pounds on the LSD in the week that I've been on it... I was pleased with that!:thumbup: Here we Go-o-o-o-o-o-o!!!!! Talk to you when we get back :biggrin2: (late on the 23rd-this Saturday night) Stace

I just love this website and the wonderful WONDERFUL support and love that we all share. Having you to listen to and share with is amazing. As I head into my final week of waiting, it is so great to see everyone's anticipation, excitement and experiences. My DH and I fly to SanDiego on Tuesday with the surgery on Wednesday next week - no real nerves yet, just that eager feeling of "let's getter done!!". Can't wait! :biggrin: GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD, AND IS HAVING, THEIR "BIG DAY" THIS WEEK!!!! Prayers goin' up for all of you!! Take care...:biggrin2: Stace

Hey there everyone. Getting SUPER excited for the BIG DAY just one week from TODAY!!! YIPPEEE!!! :sleep2: I started my pre-op LSD on Monday, using the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powder. I'm finding that I am feeling somewhat funny from it though. Monday it was a rank migraine :crying: (possibly from the big time cut back in food volume I'm guessing), yesterday it was this heavy, gassy feeling really low in my tummy :Banane37:, and today it's more nauseous than anything. Anyone else get that? I'm determined to not stop the diet because I want the safest surgery possible but at the same time I sure hope this gets better with each day. Thanks everybody! I appreciate any thoughts or advice... Stace

Hi guys - thanks so much for that... I took an antacid this afternoon and it seemed to help. I'll just keep going for now I guess but next time I won't buy SO MUCH of the same product without trying it first - my mistake for sure! Anyhow, thanks for the well wishes and advice! I really appreciate it! Stace:biggrin2:

Hey there guys! Thanks SO much for these great surgery stories - I had been reading lots of scary ones lately so this helps a whole bunch! I get mine 2 weeks from TODAY and couldn't be more ready or more excited!! WooHoo!! :w00t:

I couldn't agree more! And Weighting, I actually haven't had to wait that long since embarking on this journey back in middle of June. But, in some ways it feels like I've been waiting my whole life for the freedom that I am hoping the band will bring me. Breaking the chains of food's hold over me for once and for all... and in doing so finally gaining my freedom and self respect. All I can say is THIS IS GONNA BE AWESOME!!! :biggrin2:

Hey there! CONGRATULATIONS on your decision! :biggrin2: I have my surgery on the 20th and can not WAIT! A great website to help with the whole psychological/emotional side of eating is www.shrinkyourself.com It is a 12 week course that I started (ironically) before even making my decision to have surgery. It is a wealth of information on self discovery and walks you through some engaging mental exercises that you can apply to everyday life. It does have a cost involved to take the course, but after all I had spent on the countless diets and gadgets I had paid for, it was a pretty small price to pay to find out WHY I do what I do. Let me know what you think... I'm going to stick with it and re-do every session again once I have my surgery. GOOD LUCK! Stace

Hey there Mizz! I wondered the exact same thing... it's why I went for the Slush Mug, but I plan on asking my surgeon when I am getting my surgery. Some say the freezing kills the carbonation but I'm going to go with whatever he tells me. If they are off limits it's OK, I'll just use some juice in the mug instead. :biggrin2:

Hey there girl! No worries... I knew you hadn't forgotten about me hunnie! You have so much on the go with the little one and now that she's figured out what those feet are for I'm sure it's busier than ever! :biggrin2: I am SO GLAD TO HEAR that you are feeling much better. PRAISE GOD!! And CONGRATULATIONS on that great loss! :wink_smile: That is fantastic!! I am very excited to start my pre-op Unjury shake diet on Monday. The next 2 weeks are gonna fly by I am sure!!! YAY!! And to help distract me, I got 2 little 6-7 week old kittens on the weekend - OK - truth is it wasn't just to distract me but it sure is helping!!! :thumbup: They are ADORABLE, although one is kinda sickly so I have her on antibiotics and eye creme - but CUTE!?! I could watch them play for hours... Congrats again on your sugery and the success!! Remember to take it easy... Stace

Oh... My... GOSH.... In a word, WOW!!! I have my surgery on the 20th and as another former 1/2 marathoner to comment on this thread, I can not WAIT to get back into it again... THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your inspirational story!!!!!! Stace

Flemindl... Good luck,Good luck,Good luck!!! :biggrin2: Many prayers going up for you and for your Dad... will be thinking of you tonite and tomorrrow. Let us know how you are doing OK?? Stace

NeverB4, THANK YOU! The Lord is my strength too and has given me some incredible life lessons and AMAZING gifts, including the opportunity to have this surgery. My faith is my guide. New2Me, how ARE you!?! We're all hopin' and prayin' that you are feeling better now... As for me, I'm getting SO excited... Aug 20th is my date! I start the LSD pre-op on Monday and as luck would have it, my Unjury Protein package came from the US today - which was SUPER fast, I just ordered it last week!! Can not WAIT to embark on this new journey!! :thumbup:

Thanks a million Band Aid!! I'm going to just use my Slush mug for juices and yogurt and such - no more pop or beer for me :thumbup: I'm afraid - no way! Not worth it... it's gonna pay off in the end!! :thumbup:

So - as I gear up for surgery (ON THE 20TH!!!:smile:) I'm getting everything stocked that I can think of, including the original SLUSH MUG! We can't buy them in Canada but I found a place online called the Vermont Country Store who would ship for me. Cost me a small fortune :wub: but soooo worth it! They really do make slush (I was skeptical but hopeful and was THRILLED at the results!!) so down the road when I am craving a Slurpee from 7-11 I'll be able to make a yummy frozen slushie treat :w00t:! I love pop and beer but I'll have an easier time giving it up knowing I'll have this to fall back on. Getting SO EXCITED for my big day!!

HI there! SO great to hear from you!! I'm sorry that you are still not feeling great, but consider that it really IS a short time since your surgery. Be gentle and kind and understanding to your body - it'll get better. I've read quite a few stories on here from folks that are hurting and dealing with the gas days afterwards - most say that moving/walking helps. I think I am going to try and get some extra days off of work myself. I have surgery on the Wed and was planning on working on the Mon following but we'll see. Just keep moving and don't give up. A young lady that my husband works with had her band in March and she still has a tough time with tightness in the mornings - OH - I also read that it can get tighter if we don't hydrate enough so keep on sippin' sister!! Hang in there and keep us in the loop!! Lots of luv & hugs.. Stace

Hi all! LauraLee I could not agree more with you guys!!! I sing in a Country Gospel band at my church and one of my favourite songs that I have the priviledge of singing is Jesus Take the Wheel... well, about 3 months before making my decision I was singing that and TOTALLY meaning for God to take this burden. I am just so tired of dealing with it (went on my first diet at 11 years old - I'm now 43 and 250lbs!) In June I finally decided enough was enough and started researching everything from RNY, Duodenal Switch, sleeve and the lapband. Of course I prayed and asked him to show me the way, give me the signs and let me know which way I was supposed to go... right down to when it came to the surgery date. I'm having my surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Kuri and there was really only one date in August that would work for my husband and I. I sent it off to my Facilitator and just said "If it is your will Lord". Within 2 hours I had the response... "You GOT IT!"... I just cried. I completely agree that satan will do whatEVER he can to get a grip on us through any addiction or weakness. Jesus wants us happy and healthy so we can continue to do his work and help to spread the good news that he is here for everyone. THANK YOU for starting this thread - by just looking at the number of posts I know that I am with an incredible group of people and I can not wait to get to know you all better... Together in Christ Thank you Lord Jesus for this gift! AMEN! :biggrin2: Stacey