mcipanda

With regard to the recent kidnappings/murders, I've heard that Americans, especially tourists, are targeted for ransom or cash. People who regularly travel to Mexico for medicine and procedures will register their car with the Mexican state so they can swap license plates once over the border. The fact that the hospital is driving to get you and bring you back is very helpful and adds a bit of safety, since their vehicles and driver will be local. I've also heard that some of these medical facilities have an unspoken "understanding" not to mess with their patients, but that could all be here-say. Whatever you decide, I'm wishing you the best! My surgery is also on 3/13, but here in the US, so feel free to message me if you'd like to support/track one another. Take care!

I'm similar to you (surgery scheduled for 3/13) and around the same weight, though my BMI is higher because I'm 5'3". As a person who has worked in tech and traveled for many years, I do wonder if you're pushing it a little bit. When I had a hysterectomy (after two c-sections), I took 4 days off and went back to work the following week from home. I was so committed to my job that I didn't even consider the fact that I could have taken 6 weeks off through short term disability. I truly thought it would be easy. I mean, after each c-section, I was up taking care of the baby and my kids immediately. This laparoscopic hysterectomy seemed like a drop in the bucket, but I was wrong. My body and mind tired really fast. I felt like I constantly needed to take a nap. The work I produced was subpar and I wasn't able to contribute to meetings or brainstorming sessions properly. With this VSG surgery, I know I'll need to drink only liquids for the first 10 days... that's going to seriously zap my mental energy, all while trying to heal internally. Apart from the physical aspect, there's the emotional one to consider. This is a whole new way of life that I am committed to giving myself time to adjust to. If I just get right back up and go to work, I will be distracting myself from what I need to deal with today vs. tomorrow. These are just my thoughts of course. Only you can know yourself best. Plus, your work situation might be very different from mine. Just hope these thoughts can help give you a different perspective. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!! Wishing you a very fast, easy recovery!

First, I bet what your Dad said really hurt. I'm sorry he said that to you. I'm not sure what people are thinking when they hear the words "weight loss surgery." Sometimes I get the feeling they assume someone snapped their fingers over your body and now the excess weight is just going to melt off of you. If that were true, maybe..MAYBE you could see a difference in 3 weeks. But this isn't a magic bullet and you're not going to melt away. Your body has figured out how to store and hold that fat for many years. It's not going to let go so easily. I know this going into surgery (mine is scheduled for 3/13), but I'm sure someone will need to remind me when I'm a few weeks - and many months - in. I'm so happy you can feel the difference yourself, because you're the only one who matters when it comes to this. Take care and good luck on your journey!

Just read through this thread and am so proud of the accountability you’ve taken for the cheat meals. It was probably really hard to tell your surgery team what happened, but you did it anyway. There is strength in that. We are all going to make mistakes, but your new tummy will act like rails on the wagon so you don’t fall off easily. We will all be here to support you if that happens. Wishing you a successful surgery with an easy recovery ❤️‍🩹 I am going in on Monday, just a few days after you, so you’re not alone! 😊

Lol this would be the greatest way to end the pre-op diet!

Thanks @Spinoza! I’m starting Day 8 and so far, so good. It’s fun to say “this time next week, I’ll be in surgery!”

Thank you for sharing this. It was so interesting to see that your friends of the same weight all wore different size jeans. That’s a really good point. After having 3 kids, my tummy fits differently in jeans vs before. That’s something I need to consider. And I agreed with you wholeheartedly on the vision board! I started mine a few days ago and have added pics of airlines, indoor skydiving, scuba diving, snow shoeing and - stretch goal - white water rafting 😊

Congratulations!! It’s surreal isn’t it? To see the one on the scale? You did so good. Can’t wait to join you. Thanks for always sharing your experiences and advice with us!

My mom has bipolar and had gastric bypass almost ten years ago. She has always done well, which is encouraging, but definitely chat to your doctor and surgeon. I’ll be getting a gastric sleeve next week and had a really long chat with my surgeon about Wellbutrin and Lexapro (I take both). The first thing he asked was weather or not I was on the Wellbutrin XR (extended release). I agree with another poster that extended release meds should be monitored differently, but only your doctor will truly know. Good luck to you!

Haha “hell week” is right. I’m not sure if a liquid diet would be better (as Elidh said, fewer choices = easier?) or the freedom to eat what you want as long as it fits specific macros. Heck, even macros gave me heck recently. My brain is bouncing back, but A couple days ago, I wouldn’t have remembered my middle name without a drivers license 😅😆

Thank you for sharing, Fred 😊 I hope I can lose a tener as well!

Yes! It’s a real doozie. The first few days were good, but the second few days were harder for some reason. The caffeine withdrawal is definitely tough. I even dropped to half caffeine and only 1 cup a day before quitting entirely but the headaches and grouchiness made it so I felt the needle to keep myself away from the family for their own protection 😂 I totally understand the worry factor when it comes to cheating. Every time I think about it, I imagine my surgeon shaking his head in disappointment while tearing off the gloves. “This liver is just too big, close her up!” Ahhh worst nightmare 😱😨

Omgosh, on day 13 your surgery got post poned?? That must’ve been frustrating! I’m really happy you were able to have the surgery eventually. Do you remember what you had for your liquid diet? Was it all protein shakes or other? I’m thinking I may move to liquids the last three days. Just wanted to see what helped you 😊

I heard you say you don’t want to have “two surgeries”, and it reminded me of my mother’s experience. She had gastric bypass and lost more than 100lbs. Within a few years, she had to have surgery to remove her gallbladder. The surgeon told her it’s very common for RNY patients to eventually need this operation. Either way, you may end up having two surgeries after all. I would instead focus on the present risk factors and make your final decision based on your comfort level. Good luck to you!!

I’m having surgery on 3/13 and just discussed this with my nutritionist. On my plan, “Clear” liquids is anything you can see through (Water, ice, broth, Gatorade zero, sugar free jello, even diluted apple juice). After the first few days, I’m able to move up to “full” liquids like protein shakes, thinned yogurt, strained soups (no bits at all). Definitely check with your provider on this because everyone seems to have different requirements 😊

Congratulations on your progress! I just wanted to say thank you for your thoughts on “ideal” weight. Letting my body choose sounds like the most natural way forward, provided I hit all of my nutrition goals daily. I want to be healthy first. 😊

I have Anthem Bluecross and they require a BMI of 35 with at least 2 comorbidities OR a BMI of 40 with zero comorbidities. They also required proof of previous diet attempts, a psych evaluation and a dietician consultation. My surgeon required a full blood panel with 12 hour fasting prior, a sleep apnea test and commitment to seeing him twice before surgery and a nutritionist 2 times prior to surgery + once per month thereafter for a full year. Once everything was submitted to insurance, I was approved in ONE day. It's crazy, I know... I could hardly believe it myself. I even kept the approval letter so I can frame it later lol

Thanks Smanky, I love this idea. I’ll shoot for 181 and figure out the rest when I get there. There’s a brand new pair of size 14 jeans in my closet that I can’t wait to shrink out of. 😊 Your progress in spite of having similar feelings is inspiring and I’m grateful you’re here to to share! 🙏

You made such a good point here… thank you! I’m wishing you all the r best with your upcoming bypass! I hope you’ll post your process so I can cheer you on 🙌😊

THIS exactly… I also don’t want to set a goal too low, even though I believe in the power of “stretch” goals. When it comes to my weight, I’ve tried and failed so many times that failing a goal after having a surgery like this feels almost unacceptable if you know what I mean.

Thanks so much for your response, Guru. I needed to hear that someone else has had these thoughts. I really only have my mom to talk to at the moment (she had WLS in 2005), but she remembers what it was like to be an adult woman in her mid-20's at 115-125lbs (5'2") even after having a baby. I worry sometimes about self-sabotage, unable to believe I could be below a size 14 and subconsciously making sure I'm right. Reminds me of a line from "It's a Wonderful Life" when Mr. Potter says to Jimmy Stuart's character, "My God, man, are you afraid of success?!"

I'm March 13th! Good luck everyone!