3636millie

The budgeting is a great idea. I just want to remind you that after surgery, you will be eating alot less so your food budget will be much less. If you are on any prescription medications, more than likely it won't be long before you are able to stop some of them, especially if they were for blood pressure, diabetic problems. For example: Before my surgery, I was spending approx $500 a month of prescriptions. I am off all prescribed medications now except Prevacid solutabs which are $80 co-pay. I used the $420 plus the extra I was saving on food to pay off the loan I took out. I paid the loan off in 2 years instead of 4. Wishing you all the very best on your weight loss journey!

I haven't heard of anyone having trouble with cereal after being sleeved. I don't think alot of people eat it though as it is usually very high in carbohydrates which isn't good if you are in the weight loss stage post surgery. The only cereal I've really heard about people eating after being sleeved is oatmeal with Protein powder added in on the mushie stage. I know you have had problems with your band but the sleeve is so different. I haven't had any problems eating anything except extremely cold things since being sleeved. Cold things make me have esophageal spasms. I'm o.k. with this though as it prevents me from eating alot of bad stuff like ice cream, etc. Just remember to chew stuff really well and take small bites. You will do fine as long as you don't eat alot of high calorie, high carbohydrate "slider" foods.

You may want to re-send your e-mail. I think Dr. Aceves and his staff usually take a week a month off as he travels to precept other surgeons doing the bariatric surgeries. This may have been the week he takes off. Also, we have been having a few earthquakes here lately. Sometimes the cables for the internet go down with even the slightest tremblers. Mexicali isn't that far away from where I live (Yuma, AZ) and it is usually closer to the epicenter. Just a thought. You could always call them also. They have a toll free number listed on their web site. You are gonna love the sleeve!!!! Keep us updated.

The ones I use are called "Pearls". I get them at Walmart back in the Vitamin section. They are in a blue box. I take them once a day. Haven't had any problems with the lactose intolerance that some have had. I'm pretty sure that it is because I've taken the probiotics. Hope this helps!

April, Sweetie, hang in there. You are having the same thoughts and feelings that most of us have had. Remember, you have just been through a major surgery. Your hormones are fluctuating. You are probably subconsciously angry at your "situation". I remember very well after having my lapband placed (I'm sleeved now) sitting on the "throne" and looking down at myself thinking "what have I done". I cried for a few days as I was so pissed at myself for the shape I was in, I was mourning the loss of food, and most of all mourning the loss of "my best friend" which was food. I used food as a method of dealing with everything in life. I've since realized that food was not the "friend" that I thought it was. In a few days, you will start feeling better and realize "Hey, I CAN do this". In a few weeks, after you have lost some pounds, you will be amazed at how much better you feel. In a few months, this phase of your journey will be but a faint memory. It will all be so worth these few days of misery. About 2 years ago, I had all I could do to get home and flop down in a chair after work and sit there and eat till time for bed. Now, after a loss of 110 lbs, I have a life. Today, for example, I went "tubing" on the Colorado river. I've climed mountains since surgery. I was able to keep up with 4 young marines last weekend while helping my friend move (I'm 54 years young). Just keep your eyes on the prize!!!! You can do it. As far as "getting your protein in". Don't worry about this in the first few weeks. Just work on getting your fluids in. That is the most important thing at this time. In a few weeks, when the swelling in your tummy goes down, you will be able to get the needed Proteins and nutrients. Just don't worry now. FLUIDS, FLUIDS, FLUIDS are the most important. Keep us posted and welcome to the loosers bench. It will be so worth it!!!!

You are doing great. Don't worry. I felt the same as I never had problems getting my liquids and protein drinks in immediately post op. I am now a little over 6 months out and believe me, I can definately tell my stomach is smaller!!!! I was really pissed yesterday for the 4th of July picnic. I was really gonna pig out but only managed 2 bites of a garbanzo bean salad and 1/2 a Johnsonville brats. Had some more as "left overs" today. I even squeezed a bite of cake in today but was miserable after. Congratulations on your new sleeve. You are gonna love it!!!!!!

Have you tried to add a probiotic to your daily vitamine routine? I started on the probiotic as soon as I could after surgery. I'm thinking that all the "good" bacteria in your GI system may have taken a big hit with the surgery and taking the antibiotics. It would be worth a try. I haven't had any issues with diarrhea since starting the probiotic.

Just so you know, I'm not a troll or a paid poster for Dr. Aceves. I had my revision from band to sleeve with Dr. Aceves. The price for the revision was $12,500. It may be different now as I think that sometimes in the summer, they have special deals. However.... To answer some of your concerns. I had the best care by Dr. Aceves and the hospital was immaculate. If they would have told me to get down on the floor and lick it with my tongue, I would have. It was that clean. I have lived in many other countries and worked in hospitals in those countries. Dr. Aceves is, hands down, one of the top 5 physicians I have ever met (I've come across thousands). The hospital was the cleanest and I received the best care there. It was better than the care I've received in the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Really, if I start having trouble with my gallbladder and I can make it to Dr. Aceves and he will do it for me, he will be the one I go to. Before I had my surgery in Mexicali, several of my staff who are circulators, scrub tech, etc went to the hospital with me and we literally did the white glove test. Not one speck of dust. Dr. Aceves was even gonna let us see the surgery (observe while he did the procedure on someone else) but we just ran out of time. They had nothing to hid from us.

I think you should get someone else to do your surgery. I had an ass hole surgeon. Said some pretty shitty things to me. Wouldn't listen, etc. Well, I had adhesions under my band that had nearly closed my stomach off. He was so busy telling me it was all my fault that he wouldn't listen to me. I finally found Dr. Aceves who would take care of me as no one in the US would take over someone else's patient,especially as there were problems. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Aceves for basically saving my life when my US surgeon wouldn't listen.

Please don't get discouraged. You have been through a major surgery. Plus, I'm sure your eating habits are much different now. It takes a while to start getting all your strength back. Seems like about the 3rd month for me that I stopped feeling "draggy". It does get better. Give yourself time. Congratulations and welcome to the loosers bench!!!

I am so sorry to hear about what happened to you. I've been working 14 hr days 5 days a week and haven't been checking on the postings lately. Please be assured, you are greatly appreciated and loved by everyone on here. I just want to agree with the above poster. I work in an ambulatory surgery center. YOU DID NOT RECEIVE WHAT THEY CLAIM THEY GAVE YOU. Just about every one of our patients receive midazolam (also known as Versed). We usually average about 30-40 patients a day. I've been doing this for years and this is not what happens with this drug. They out and out lied to you. You received some kind of paralytic. I just don't want you thinking you had a reaction to versed when you didn't. It is a wonderful drug when used properly and I'd hate for you to need it in the future and then not get it because you were lied to. Please, if you can and your insurance will allow it, see a therapist. This is usually the protocol for someone who has experienced what you have gone through. In fact, most hospitals/surgery centers/clinics, etc who have patient's experience what you have gone through, do have policies in place that patient's who have had your type of experiences (which by the way are pretty rare and usually happens during the procedure-doesn't happen here as we use bis monitors on all patients) are referred to therapist to help deal with what has happened. Hope this makes sense as I'm too tired to go back and proof read. Just want you to know that I will say a special prayer for you tonight. Big hugs to you.

If you can, try to purchase some smaller silverware. The small demitasse spoons that you can find work great for spoons. This helps control the bite size. I agree with the above poster about putting your fork/spoon down between bites. Then chew as described above. This really helps alot. Another tip is to not eat anything that you can pick up by fingers. This may sound strange but try it. Alot of foods that are "no, no's" are things you can pick up with your fingers. These things are usually stuff that is difficult to digest (such as celery sticks, etc). Be sure you are realxed before eating. Try not to get distracted while eating and then forget and swallow a big glob of stuff. Try to drink something warm before starting to eat. This will help relax the muscles, etc so that you start out with a wide open esophagus. Good luck!

I had band to sleeve revision December,2009. The band almost killed me. I absolutely am so happy with the sleeve!!!!! No more travelling with "puke cups" in the car. No more having stashes of WalMart bags around the house to vomit in. I no longer have to "scope out" the restaurants to find the bathroom and then find a place to sit with a clear shot to the bathroom. No more vomiting along side the interstate highway while travelling and having the indignity of people honking as they drove by. I could go on an on..... I am a "normal eater" now, just in alot smaller quantities. I'm not hungry most of the time. The only real problem is "head hunger" at times but that is o.k. too. Best wishes on your new sleeve!!! Keep us posted! I read this board alot but don't post much as I'm active at OH.com and don't agree with some of the things that happen here. I'll be watching for your comments on the difference between the 2 surgeries!!!!!!

I had a revision from band to sleeve. The band nearly killed me. Spent the last few months of my "band life" getting I.V. fluids 3-4 times a week. I couldn't get anything to go through my band, including Protein shakes, on some days even when I was unfilled. It is a VERY long story...... Anyway, I am so VERY, VERY happy with my sleeve. The difference is like night and day. My surgery ended up being 3 times longer than most revisions due to all the adhesions I had in my abdomen. Any where the band touched, I had adhesions. I feel that I didn't have any problems with my revision due to the skill of my surgeon. It is so very important that your surgeon has skill and experience doing revisions. Please, whatever you do, don't "settle" on a surgeon until you have done your research. As far as unfilling the band before surgery. My surgeon recommends unfills several weeks before the procedure. This will help ensure that any swelling you may have due to the band being full will be decreased the day of surgery. You are gonna be so glad to get rid of the band. OMG, I can't believe the difference in the quality of life. Good luck to you!!!

Donna, I am so glad you posted. I have been wondering about you and Linda. Please know you both are in my thoughts and prayers. It has been a long road for you both and I know that you are exhausted. Better times are ahead for you both. <<<<HUGS>>>>>

Some interesting reading over on Obesity Help in the VSG forum tonight. Especially on page 1 by PeanutFreeMom.

Hotel Lucerne. Will be thinking of you on your surgery day!

Kathy, I live in Yuma too!!! I had my revision in December with Dr. Aceves. You aren't gonna believe how much better you will feel!!! You must be so excited!! Marilyn

Tiffy, I try to not get involved in the drama but.... Check out "The Double Flame" over on OH site. You will have some answers!!! I swear to god, I've had 2 people who thought about using Dr. A in TJ who will not do it now because of some of the attack pack mentality that they have observed going on when someone dares to voice anything about their doctor. It is pitiful that it has to be this way. Just kind of makes me wonder. Pesonally, I don't care who anyone picks for their surgeon as long as they are comfortable with their choice. I just have issues with the attacks that go on here and other sites. People should be entitled to give their opinion. I do have issues with attacks against you. You have been nothing but a god send to many who were seeking reassurance, information, etc. The very same people who are attacking you have attacked so many others. They are accusing others of having mental issues, etc and needing to get a life. MY GOD IF IT ISN'T THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK. Rest assured Tiffy, most people are well aware of what is going on. Hold your head high Tiffy. You aren't the one looking pitiful!!!!

Trish4, In response to one of your posts re: reflux: I was a revision from lapband to sleeve. Long story but the band almost killed me. I had severe reflux before the revision surgery. Would wake up at night with a mouth full of acid, coughing, gagging, etc. Since getting the sleeve, I only have occassional "burning" throughout the day. I have not had any night time reflux. Everyone is different though so I really can't tell you if it will affect you. I live in AZ and haven't really heard of Dr. Blackstone. I did alot of research about the different weight loss surgeries and decided to go with the sleeve when I had the revision. I knew that when I did have the revision that it was gonna be "ugly" for the surgeon due to the issues I had been having. I had insurance that would have paid for me to get the sleeve in the U.S. I chose to go to Dr. Aceves for help and pay cash. I chose him because of his excellent reputation and his experience. He was a little more expensive than some but believe me, it was worth it. I had the best care I've ever had anywhere in the world. I have lived all over the world and worked with thousands of physicians. He is definately in the top 5 that I have ever came across. If you are looking for someone with experience, don't rule out Mexico/Dr. Aceves. I use to think that if it wasn't "American", it wasn't good. Bull Sh.t. There are good and bad everywhere. My "American" surgeons almost killed my ass because they wouldn't listen to me. Dr. Aceves literally saved my butt. It is your health so you need to do what you are comfortable with. If you feel comfortable with Dr. Blackstone, then by all means, go with him/her. Just don't "settle" because of incorrect/false information re: experienced Mexican surgeons. Well, I'm rambling. Sorry for poor grammer, spelling errors, etc. I just got off an ass kicking 14 hr day at work. Good luck in your decision. Keep us informed. Last but not least, don't just "settle".

Oh h..ll no!!! You are not too old girl!!! I am 53. Just had the sleeve done in December. I am off all meds (used to spend about $500 a month on different meds), and living like a teenager I feel so good. No kidding, I have been canoeing on the Colorado, whale watching on a private boat in the Pacific (while spending a wild weekend in San Diego), and various other unmentionalbe activities since surgery. This weekend, I am hiking to the top of one of the local mountains to proove to the "youngsters" that I work with that I can do it. I say, go for it. You can't believe the difference it makes in your activity level by getting rid of all that weight you are lugging around. It is the best thing I've ever done for myself. I plan on living till I'm at least 100. I got alot of living to do yet!!!!!!!! This sleeve is gonna help me get there!!!!!:thumbup1:

I was really glad that I had slip on shoes (crocs) and chap stick. The best thing I took however, was the spray mouth moisturizer that I found in the local pharmacy at home. It was just a sprayer of water that came in a little aerosol can. We couldn't have anything to eat or drink for 24 hours after surgery. The spray was a life saver. It kept the inside of my mouth moiste. I think it really helped with the nausea too, as I didn't really have that "cotton mouth" dryness that makes me sick.

I am so sorry to hear of Lucy passing on. I am a firm believer in doggie heaven. HUGS to you, I know you are hurting.

I returned for my 3 month check up with Dr. Aceves last weekend. Couldn't have asked for a more thorough check. Was much, much cheaper than having it done at home. $150.00 for labs, x rays, and physician visit. If you can't get down there for your checkup, I really encourage you to get your check as directed by Dr. Aceves upon discharge from having the sleeve with your primary care physician. I don't think he would recommend that you do it if he didn't think it was important.

Fab, Just a few questions for you. You state you have been coming on this board for a year. Your join date is Sept 2009. Were you posting under another name? Why did you change your "screen name" if you have been here for a year? Also you state you have been called names and threatened. By whom? I have read most of the posts on this board since I was here from basically the beginning. Never did I see a post where you were called names. The only negative ones I read about you were when you were trying to "flame" people who were not even on here anymore. Now here you are, trying to "flame" anyone connected to Dr. Aceves. Now, as far as accusing Dr. Aceves patient's of picking on you/Dr Almanza. I personally have never said anything negative about Dr. Almanza (except for the posts from secretgarden that were removed by Alex). I could personally care less about who poeple use as their physician. The only thing I have written about is the "bad suture" statements. I'm sure you read my fact based posts on that situation. I have not recently read any negative postings on Dr. Almanza. The one I did read was removed shortly after posting. Now, pretty much there are only a few surgeons doing the VSG. Dr. Almanza and Dr. Aceves being some of the few. Of course, statistically speaking, this would mean that there are more of their patients posting on this site. So, therefore, there are alot of Dr. Aceves patients posting on this site. Are others not allowed to post great things about their surgeon? In short, why are you now again trying to start something? This is a site to support people. I don't really care to hear the chit you are trying to again start. What was the purpose, especially since there hadn't been a posting on this thread since the last of January? Alex, why is this allowed????????????????????????????????????????????