Elisabethsew

I warned them that me and anesthesia don't agree and told them of the horrible nausea and what drug works best for me. It's no longer used in this country but it is in Mexico and others... droperidol. They gave me that post-op and the nausea went away. I had rigors (uncontrolled shaking) but they used a hot air blower to deal with that issue. It took them 3 sticks to get an IV in my horrible veins. Unfortunately, it developed a phlebitis and Dr. Aceves yanked it the morning after my surgery which left me way behind in fluids and dehydrating. I'm finally getting back to a balance today.

Hi Susan, I'm glad to hear you made it home OK and that all went well with the biopsies. I honestly would not have survived in your room with that cold. LOL. I'm one day ahead of you and feel human today. As for the taste, I am wondering if it has something to do with being in ketosis. You were on liquids and I was on 30 gm of protein a day and had a very high level of ketones. It will be interesting to see if things change when we enter the full fluid phase. Keep healing!

Natalie, Except for having a slip and a lot less weight to lose, your story is nearly exactly the same as mine. I'm so glad you're on the road to health and congratulations on your loss.

It's post-op day 5 and I finally feel good. The jet lag is gone and the awful gas pain that landed in my left shoulder is also history. I decided not to take anything for pain (last pill was Sat night) yesterday or last night (slows peristalsis and I wanted the gas gone) and it worked. LOL. I was able to sleep on my left and right sides as well as my back. The most tender spot is near where the port was removed and where the drain was. In my case, those 2 spots are close. It feels like I did 300 sit-ups but the more I move, the better I feel. I tried 5 different Protein drinks/powders when I was banded and hated them all. This time, I bought 3 different types and just can't get past the awful protein taste. I called the patient coordinator and asked if I could use a soy based drink that has 7 g protein, 1 sugar carb, 3 Fiber carbs, and 70 cal in 8 oz. Normally, this is not allowed until post-op day 11. Thankfully, I got the OK and Soy Slender is now my best friend. LOL. It tastes like chocolate milk. I also purchased Special K protein Water. This product is expensive and only has 5 grams of protein in each bottle (50 cals) but it's a way for me to keep drinking (tastes like a lite lemonade) and get some protein in. The greatest "gift" happened when I decided to bite the bullet and get on the scale... down 7 pounds since Tuesday.

Why is your surgeon requiring you to lose 10 pounds?

Whether or not they admit it, I think a lot (not all) of patients are drawn to advertised prices and swayed by paid and persistent coordinators whose paycheck depends on recruiting patients. The economy is tough and coming up with money for weight loss surgery is a sacrifice. I did a lot of research and chose the best surgeon for me because I wanted it done right the first time and I wanted it done safely. That meant choosing a surgeon with a proven record of success, a surgeon who did not bang out 6-10 surgeries a day, and care in a real hospital with intensive care capability. I got home yesterday and the first word that comes to mind from my experience is "impressive". I have been an RN for a LONG time and my area of expertise is critical care. You can bet I watched and questioned everything and am a very satisfied customer. So, people can elect to go to whatever surgeon they want to. It's just plain rude to slam people who are trying to answer the questions that are asked.

WOW! Now THAT is cause for congratulations! You should be so proud of yourself. Can you imagine what size bathing suit you'll wear?! I'm so happy for you!

Hi Larry, Follow the link below to my post-op thread. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f281/band-out-sleeve-its-done-91314/

A sleeve is a vertical partial gastrectomy. Did you lose all your weight with the band? How much of your stomach was removed and what area? Like WASA, I am confused. Maybe he did do a VSG and is suggesting revising to a DS?

I go to full fluids on Saturday and I already know I want tomato Soup. LOL. THAT really saved me when I was first banded.

Thank you! I had some chicken broth and tea this evening and am quite satisfied. I made "real" dinner for my sister and THAT looked good. LOL. My challenge is to get in the required amount of fluids so I'll work on that tomorrow.

Hi Larry, I started a new thread to share the experiences of the operative and post-operative VSG surgery that can answer your questions. As for your question about opting for the sleeve instead of the band, I say, "GO FOR THE SLEEVE". Thank you for your kind post.

I'm sure you're making the long journey home and you'll need to get to bed early and sleep late so you feel human tomorrow. Keep us posted when you can. Congratualtions on getting that parasite out and a sleeve revision.

Thanks to everyone. I left Mexico at 5:45 AM yesterday and made it home at 9:45 PM... a LONG trip. The worst part was sitting on the plane so long but I felt much better when I got off and walked the entire length of the airport to the baggage area. My advice is to keep moving. Sleeping in my own med was heaven! The hospital gives you a 2 week supply of dissolvable nexium and 8 sublingual pain pills. I took nothing for pain today (post-op day 4). For the first time in years, I laid flat on my back on one pillow and had no heart burn and no regurgitation. The most discomfort is on my left side where the drain was and where they took the port out. It's not unusual to be able to sleep on your left side for several weeks. My suture lines are all healing nicely and the sutures are dissolvable. Continued drainage from the penrose drain is to be expected for up to 10 days or so. I shower and wash with soap, pat dry, and fold a gauze pad over the wound and paper tape it in place. It doesn't drain through. I'm sore and tired and still am trying to move the gas out of my body. Yesterday, my back hurt and now that's gone. Today, it's my left shoulder and when I get up and move, the pain lessens. As for work, I am already correcting dissertation proposals from my students (my P/T job). I will return to work in the hospital on Wed. No heavy lifting is allowed for 4-6 weeks post-op and no swimming or soaking in a tub is allowed until after 15 days (don't want bacteria entering the drain site). I guess that's the update for now.

Hakun seems to believe "support" is telling a person who picks a surgeon with bad outcomes that it's OK to go for it. Madame provided a wealth of links showing why Betancourt/Emmanuel clinic is NOT a good choice.

I just did the last test to make sure there were no leaks and passed. The penrose drain will be coming out in a few hours and I've been walking a lot. I'm packing for the return trip and will be leaving Mexico at 5:45 AM. Dr. Aceves gives you copies of ALL the tests/results you had and writes a brief note so you can give it to your primary physician. They also give you a 2 week supply of Nexium and some sublingual pain medication in case you need it. I've only needed pain medication a total of 3 times since I arrived. Ilovejames, you'll be in good hands with Dr. Aceves and his team. I'll definitely post to keep you updated.

Susan is sleeved and tired. I am sure she will post when she's up to it.

It appears his mind was set on this before he even posted so, it's his life and he can elect this surgeon. I stand by my postings.

After my 13 hour shift tonight, I'll be heading to the airport to have my revision to the VSG on 4/1. Yes, it will be a marathon day for me with no sleep until Wed evening. Three years ago today, I was banded. I am so looking forward to this revision. I'll post when I can.

I think her name is Felicia Rashad.

If you have never had any weight loss surgery, you can have the band, or the sleeve (VSG), or the bypass, etc. I am having surgery on 4/1 also. However, mine is called a revison surgery. They are taking this band out of me (thank God) and then doing the sleeve procedure. From a personal perspective, I would advise you to have the sleeve. Weight loss is superior to the band and you don't have to deal with all the problems associated with the band. Please keep us posted on how you do.

Unlike most people, I just never got the restriction I was supposed to. I followed ALL the rules and, with each fill, kept hoping that it would be "the one" that would allow me to FEEL restriction. Well, that never happened. What did happen was increasing heart burn, acid reflux, and not knowing if I would be able to sleep through the night or wake up choking. I now have heart burn after every meal despite taking Nexium and Tagamet. Before deciding to get this band out of me, I went back to my surgeon's office and they did another fill. Surprisingly, the fill did not cause an increase in heart burn. It also did not provide any noticable difference in the faint restriction that I have. I can eat anything and everything and always could. I lost 70 pounds because I dieted. The band is not for me. I am very happy for the people who have had success but know I will never be one of them. So, on 4/1, the band is leaving my body and I'm revising to a VSG. I can't wait!

I think the consensus has been established and it's overwhelmingly recommending you keep the fill level when you travel. The reasons have been numerous and on targert. At this point, it seems like rehashing the same points. You've got the opinions you wanted, should get the opinion you need (your surgeons), and stop worrying about something that isn't happening for over 8 months from now. Geeeeeeeeeez... get on with life!

Congratulations! Have you picked out your summer bikini? LOL. Seriously, you'll be looking great this summer. I am hoping for the same success you're getting.

Congratulations on the loss! I'm doing the 30 carb/day diet and am down 4 pounds. I miss fruits and veggies. LOL. Everything has soooooooo many carbs... 3 days to go for me and 4 for you before we begin a new life... band complication free!