Malaika

WOW - How scary -- lucky you lived close and were able to get to Mexicali w/o any problems ... I get so little protein in that when I can eat, I eat protein. Thanks for the head's up though - appreciate it -- and even more glad that you're okay!

Thanks for asking Shanda - I'm still having issues with the spasming - however, I'm learning to start the morning out with something warm and then just nibble or sip throughout the rest of the day -- also it takes me a good hour to eat. I'm doing a bit better with getting my Protein in; however, I'm no where near 60-70 grams. I'm going to get some ensure - Rosey says it's not overly sweet - in fact, very bland - so I will give it a shot for protein. It's very frustrating; however, it appears I'll have to deal with it for awhile, so will do the best that I can. Lucky you getting a 4-week vacation!!!

Daisy - From a male's perspective - Bearded says: First he wants to know if your BF is a FWB or are you in a committed relationship? That being said ... if he received a photo from someone and was really interested, he would shoot an email back within a day. If it was someone he was possibly interested in, it would take him 2 or 3 days to get back. But DO NOT send another email -- it makes you appear desperate - WHICH YOU ARE NOT. So his advice would be NOT TO EMAIL HIM AGAIN and move on unless you hear from him. I agree with Bearded - give him a few days to contact you and if you don't hear from him, move on - if you contact him, you appear desperate and almost begging -- you're neither - The dating game sucks doesn't it?

If PTO time hadn't been an issue for me, I probably would have taken 2 full weeks off instead of having surgery on Friday and returning the following Friday. I think it would have given my body more time to adjust to having had surgery and the change in eating styles, etc. That said, I also have a desk job that doesn't require any long hours or OT unless I so choose (or we're in trial). I think if you can take 4 weeks off paid, then go for it, given the type of job you do. Congrats Shanda on getting your surgery date.

I won't tell you to suck it up either - the liquids do get boring -hang in there though, better times are coming. As for your vitatmins, I was told by Dr. Aceves to not take them until I was on soft foods -- so I have not started taking them yet. I have to break some of my pills in half and take them with yogurt in order to get them down. I want to start taking my vitamins; however, I'm going to wait another week or so and see how the swelling/spasming thing is going with me. I may try the ensure, too, that Rosey suggests.

Can't you take something for it Daisy - like ambian or something? I experienced insomnia for a little while after I got home from surgery - it sucks, you're right there. Can't imagine having it all the time.

I did -- here you go ... [ame=http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Beck+Diet+Solution]Amazon.com: Beck Diet Solution: Books[/ame]

Most places will have both the US price and the pesos price on the receipt - in the cafeteria - the screen is split and you can see both prices. Be aware, change is given in pesos, not US dollars - so try to bring small bills - $1 or $5 so you end up with less pesos when you head home. If you want to know how to figure US dollars - take the pesos (e.g. $488.00) and divide by the current exchange rate - (at the time we were there - $13.50; although it changes daily) and that will give you the US dollars.

Welcome to the site - I felt like someone was "watching" me -- LOL ... I had my sleeve surgery on June 12th and my fiance (beardeditalian) had his on July 11th. It will be a nice journey for you and your DH to take together - we feel as though it has drawn us closer to one another.

I didn't care for the caramel all that much, but the mocha latte was really good (before surgery that is)

What book is it you're talking about Daisy? Sounds interesting.

I loved the atkins shakes before surgery - now they are just too too sweet. I bought two muscle milks last night - strawberries & cream and chocolate malt. Bearded said they both tasted like crap. The strawberry one was definitely to sweet for me. I thought I could dilute the chocolate malt with milk and it would be okay - but it was still too sweet -- I managed to get in about 3-4 swigs.

Well as long as they're dark chocolate you should be okay - dark chocolate is good for you - haven't you heard?

Too funny -- and the quantities are huge -- I ordered a cheese enchilada -- I got 4 of them, plus refried beans, rice and a green salad. I ate 1/2 of one, got the rest to go and gave it to Shannon's mom who was waiting in her room while she was in surgery - I think the total cost was $3.40 US. Crazy!

I agree with Ruthi too. Plus you are the Patient - you are PAYING here to take care of you and give you medical attention -- she took an oath to do that - and the oath didn't say she'd do it only if she agreed with your choices. And I sure as heck wouldn't go in there with my head hung low - I'd go in with it held high and look her right in the eye when you tell her what you did and where -- and ask her if she has a problem upholding her oath and providing you with continued medical care. If she says yes, then you ask her for a reveral to a doctor who isn't so biased against overweight people. I talked to my PCP before I had the surgery and he was all for it - interested in learning more about it - I have an appt. with him in August (thought it was this week darn it). And he didn't judge me for going to Mexico to have it performed -- could be that because he's orginally from India.

Because they think it's the magic answer to their issues. I haven't had fried chicken in ions either

You're gonna love Dr. Aceves and his staff. If I can think of anything else, I'll let you know. I'll respond to you PM tonight when I'm at home and have access to my emails.

The hospital is air conditioned; however, if you're not cool enough, they will provide you with a fan - you don't have to bring your own. My last meal was at the Lucerna as well. I had salmon. When I went with my DF for his surgery last week, I ate in the cafeteria - the food is great (what little I could eat) and very reasonably priced and large portions. They have to go boxes too. The ladies in the cafeteria as REALLY REALLY nice - as is everyone in the hospital.

Oh I am sure - everyone goes through that stage - before and after surgery ... who is doing your surgery? Do you have to stay in the US since insurance is paying or will they pay out of the country? As Daisy said, Dr. Aceves is FANTASTIC!

YES!!!! He had to be up at 5:30 this morning and so we went to bed at 10:00 -- he said he slept really well and must have, or he wouldn't have been able to get out of bed at 5:30 when the alarm went off. Hopefully the nights of not being able to sleep are over with. I went through a period, too, where I couldn't sleep - wondering if it has something to do with the anesthesia. Thanks for asking, Susan, he'll be happy to see that others are concerned.

I HOPE someone set her straight that this was only a TOOL and that she still had a lot of WORK before her ... it takes all kinds ... and she'll be one of the ones that complains that the sleeve doesn't work for her.

I will have it in the US if the price is reasonable, and I do know of a good PS here in Las Vegas. If I can't afford it here, will go to Mexicali and have it done by the PS there. However, that is a long way off for me I think.

Facebook is there for you to post your thoughts -- if others don't like your thoughts - that is their problem and maybe they shouldn't be reading things if they are going to get so upset about the least little thing. Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and opinions--it doesn't mean others have to agree; however, it doesn't mean they should get their panties in a wad if they don't like what they read either!

Glad you're doing so well Photogirl. I know all of Dr Aceves' patients get their chest x-ray, xray of the last leak test; EKG results, bloodtest results and an operative report. I would definitely ask your surgeon for these items.

I'm there now