Malaika

Well it wasn't in the month of June; however, the difference I paid isn't that much that I would have put the surgery off until July.

Well you can see that I really paid no heed to the new name... you were Tiffykins to me no matter what new name you chose ... LOL Was great talking to you today -- you sounded much better than the last time we talked on the phone!

We grill out alot - especially once the temps start to rise in Las Vegas ...no need to heat up the kitchen if you don't have too and we've figured out a way to "cook" a lot of things on the grill ... and I agree with Rosebud, can't eat a steak that hasn't been grilled ... just not the same. Besides, in Las Vegas, it's never really to cold to grill out ... we even grilled out in the dead of winter in Indianapolis ... provided we could find the grill through the snow!

Welcome - you will love it here -- we are all wonderful, if I do say so myself -- LOL ... lots of great people and tons of information ... if you have a question, as away ... chances are you'll get lots of answers but if not, you'll get at least one I can assure you. Good luck with the whole credit thing - been there, done that ... know what's so great about exes? That they are EXES!!!

I don't think any of the rooms have DVD players -- but I will ask. We watched DVDs on my fiance's computer ... looks like you could plug in a DVD player to the tv if you had a portable one; however, from what I can see, they are not built in. I will double check though and let you know for certain.

That does it -- I'm digging out my ice cream maker as soon as I get home ... that way it will be all ready when I can start mushies ... or would it fall under full liquids? Keep those recipes coming - I'm going to start a recipe book .. who knows, may we can publish it and all get rich? LOL

Jane - is it only dairy products? I have found for quite some time, if I don't have enough protein in my system and I eat something with any sugar in it, it is as though someone has given me a sleeping pill and I can barely keep my eyes opened. I have also discovered when I get that way, if I eat a piece of cheese, it ususally passes... now that is all said BEFORE my sleeve ... I do not know what will happen post-sleeve. Just a thought. I have not been able to eat milk, ice cream ice milk or whipped cream for many years; however, yougurt, cheese, frozen yogurt and items that have dairy that has been cooked/heated (like soup) doesn't affect me. Hope you figure it out. I'd be in trouble if I had to take to bed for two hours while at work ...although at times that would be nice!

Welcome to the forum. WASa ... I always tell people that yes, I have a kitchen, it came with my condo! I got all that cooking/backing out of my system when I was married and raising children ... liked it then. Didn't miss it at all after my divorce and still don't. Luckily, Bob enjoys cooking

I went to the same surgeon as WASa, Dr. Alberto Acesves, so am sure he used the same size "banana" ... however that means nothing to me as far as size; however, he did tell me that my stomach is now about as big around as his little finger, which is pretty small and totally blows me away! He is such a great doctor.

I will give you a call when we get across the border and in the car and on the road -- I didnt' get the mexican plan on my phone -- as no one at Verizon seemed to be able to figure it out. So once we're on the road tomorrow, I'll give you a holler. Keep gettning better and resting -- that will give your body time to heal. Hanging in there -- I will be sure to keep you up to date. I think the fact that you, Ruthi and I were all here together bonds us -- not that we aren't all bonded on this site, just the 3 of us are bonded a bit closer. There is another gal here who had her surgery on Saturday and she is from Henderson, NV. I told her about the VST sight so hoping she will join up and get to know all the wonderful people there are this site and the wealth of information to be had. Nina's mom was just in (can't remember her name) and gave me all my paperwork, films, medications and marching orders. What a sweetheart she is. We've had a great nurse the past two days (not that they haven't all been great) His name is Francisco ... he speaks pretty good english so it is fun to tease with him; however, I'm sure he probably thinks we're a bit wacky at times! LOL Internet still sucks, but it is better than nothing! Will write more later. Take care all !!!

Third test passed!!! Woo hoo ... now slowly sipping on chicken broth ... can't do the apple juice - gives me acid reflux, won't do the tang-like orange drink - tastes really nasty (in my opinion) so the tea and the broth are best - plus warm goes down easier than cold. Waiting for them to come and take out the drainage bag and my iv. Got a shower last night, boy was that nice. Had them load me up last night with anti-reflux, sleeping pill and pain pill -- had a GREAT night - slept all night and even was able to sleep on my side without any pain ... I am a side sleeper so that was very nice. Will be glad to be home in my own bed tomorrow night and be able to sleep next to my honey and see my babies (puppies). Thanks for all of your thoughts, prayers and good wishes - they mean a lot.

Well you'd better let me know next time you're in Las Vegas ... that's my stompin' grounds and would love to meet you face-to-face ... I even have a guest room :-)

Tiffy - SO GLAD to see your post. I knew your story; however, didn't believe it my place to post in your behalf so I am glad you finally feel up to posting, which means you've got to be feeling so much better than when I talked to you and you were still in ICU. Hopefully the worst is over, the 22nd will be here before you know it and you'll be on your road to a full recovery with wonderful results. I think you tend to heal better when you're at home in your own surroundings and your own bed. I know I'm ready to sleep in my own bed tomorrow night! Keep in touch and know that you've been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

That's fantastic!! Congratulations. Way to go Colin!

Good luck on your decision -- there are alot of knowledgeable people on this site who can help you with any questions you may have -- they are very informed .. don't hesitate to ask; someone will respond.

Well, last night was a rough night. I didn't sleep more than a few hours at a time due to the pain from the leak bag (am sure there is a fancier name for it). That is the only pain I am having. This morning when I got to drink water, I drank two of the litte "shot" cups - making about 4 swallows out of each one. There was quite a bit of pain when I swalled, a bit of cramping between my shoulder blades and then I'd burb and all would be fine. I took a walk down to Ruth's room and we went walking around and back to her room. We were sitting there talking and I got incredibly nauseaus and broke out in a cold sweat. Ruth, bless her heart, having been a nurse took immediate control and before I knew it, I was in a chair, my feet were up, a cold washcloth on my face and anti-nauseau medicine being dispensed. About that time Dr. Aceves showed up and had Lucy take my BP which was quite high so I was given a pill to help with that - after awhile I was feeling fine and since then, all has been well. I passed the leak test with the blue drink (which I thought tasted like water downed prune juice) ... and after that I progressed to hot tea and juice. Plus had my IV removed with just a shunt. I've napped off and on and walked off and on -- even ventured outside with Bob to enjoy the sunshine. The only pain I have had today is from the bag and when I drank the water. I can't wait for the drainage bag to come out --hoping the pain will go away when that happens.

SOUNDS VERY YUMMY. I'd love to have something cold on my throat right now

So I was in Target last night (you'll find I spend too much time there) and was looking at all the various protein drinks, bars, etc. I find the Atkins bars and shakes very good ... especially that marshmallow mud pie ... OMG ... anyway, I regress ... over by the pharmacy, where they have the slimfast and atkins, etc., they had a 4-pack of Pure Protein Shakes ... They are 11 fl. oz; have 110 calories, 1 g total fat, 5 g carbs, 2 g fier, 1 g sugar and 21 g Protein. I purchased the Cookies 'n Creme flavor. Tonight, I was missing my fruit smoothies (haven't figured out a way to have them on the pre-op diet) so I opened a can, put it in the blender, added some ice and blended away ... voila ... it made it very frothy and it tastes very good. They are a bit pricier than the Atkins - at Target $5.99 for Atkins - $6.99 for these (qty. 4) -- they may be less expensive at Wal-Mart if Wal-Mart carries them. I know the Atkins is only like $4.86. Second discovery ... was in GNC awhile back -- before deciding to have WLS ... and the gal suggested some supplements to add to water ... I picked up 2 of them ... the pink lemonade was good; the orange mango, not so much ... anyway, they are 50 calories; total fat 0.5 g; carbs 3 g; protein 10 g. You can use the entire package in 12 oz of water for a light flavor (I found it strong enough in 24 oz. of water). Cost at GNC was $1.79. Not a great deal; however, nice to keep on hand for emergencies.

No, they didn't seem too ... I think the sugar alcohol is like a "1"

I love quiche too and this sounds extremely yummy -- I will be trying it once I am back on solild foods. Thanks for sharing ... keep 'em coming.

WASa count me in -- I too think it would be fun ... both NSV and scale victories too

Thank you ... I will keep you posted on everything!:thumbup:

Hey girl - was probably a good thing that the pretesting for Ruthi and I took so long and we weren't able to look you up ... sounds like you wouldn't have been up to company ... so you will have to look us up tomorrow after we're out of recovery. My surgery is first, as Ruthi's will take at least twice as long .... so come find me when you can. Sorry you're feeling so bad today ... hopefully the worst has passed!

I will be after tomorrow morning ... this is my first (and last) WLS. Pre-op testing was today; surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Pretesting complete and now we're at the hotel. Just had a nice dinner and are back in our rooms for a bit of a siesta and then may go out a little later just to walk and be out in the fresh air. Then back to the room to sleep and be downstairs at 7 am to wait for Ernesto ... tomorrow is THE day! Did you know that Ernesto had the sleeve 9 weeks ago and has lost 44 lbs. already? Will try to post tomorrow if I'm feeling up to it.