NadaMas

I believe that Dr Aceves typically does the traditional w/ 5 incisions. One thing to note - I followed the pre op diet (w/ a couple of slip ups) and my liver had shrunk enough that he didn't need to retract it, so I only have 4 incisions. So, he adapts to what he finds with each patient. Also, the scars are small & mine healed easily. I wish you the best of luck! You'll be in great hands with Dr Aceves & his entire team!

I want to encourage you to do your best w/ the pre-surgery diet. I adopted a high Protein, low-carb diet a few months prior to the surgery in addition to the official 2 week idiet mmediately prior. I did have a couple of "food funerals", but tried to behave the majority of the time. This paid off for me during surgery - my liver had shrunk enough that Dr. Aceves didn't even need to retract my liver out of the way. So I have 4 tiny incisions instead of the usual 5. So please - keep up the good work - You'll be glad that you did!!

The driver met me at the baggage claim area of Terminal One. Its a relatively small baggage claim area so you don't have to worry about being on one end, and him missing you on the other end. Good luck to you! They take great care of you there!

Hi Everyone, I'm having my sleeve w/ Dr. Aceves on 3/19 & I'm curious about your cell phone experiences while there. I've read about some who had great reception w/ no international charges, while others went ahead & got an international plan for their stay there. Please share your experience... For what it is worth, I'm particularly interested in the experiences of Verizon users (so I'm being selfish, can you blame me?)...

I'm so glad to hear that!! Congrats!! Welcome to the rest ( & best) of your life!

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties at work. However, I get the feeling that you are one determined lady & will arrive at a solution one way or another. As far as your PCP is concerned, look at this as an opportunity to work w/ a more informed (and likely more qualified) PCP; so you're going to be better off continuing down this path - a healthier you!! (both from the surgery & from a better PCP). On another note, I'm also scheduled w/ Dr. Aceves in March, so I share your excitement about this journey! Take care of yourself!!

Has anyone tried these? They are a healthier version of chips - made from either black Beans or a pinto beans/flax seed combo. I found them online & (after I finished laughing about the name) tried a couple of varieties -black bean Chipolte BBQ & black bean original. I'm pre-surgery & tostitos are a weakness of mine - I thought that these might be a reasonable substitute for an occassional treat. And I was so surprised at how good they are! They may not work for everyone, but they work for me. I use them w/ nachos, dips, snacking, etc. Here's some of the nutitional highlights: Corn Free Low Glycemic Gluten Free High Fiber (Relatively) Good Protein They say that a serving size is 10 chips & for that the breakdown is as follows: 140 calories (60 calories from fat) total fat - 7 g. total carbs - 15 g. Fiber 5 g. Protein 4 g. Its not an ideal choice & obviously one that I won't eat for a while once I'm sleeved, but I was happy to find something to help get the tostitos monkey off my back. I apologize if this sounds like a commercial, but I was happy & wanted to share.

Thanks for the reassurance. I appreciate you sharing your experience!

Yes, mine is scheduled for March 19 w/ Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. I'm very excited, but a bit apprehensive as well. I'll be traveling alone & as you know, this surgery is a big step. Here's to a great 2012!

Thanks for the tip about the heating pad - I'll add it to my list. I'm glad to hear that they are such pros about handling pain levels for their patients. You've added to my piece of mind (I'm going alone & a bit apprehensive). Thanks again - I hope that you continue to do well & have a very uneventual recovery (except for those lbs. peeling away, of course!).

Hi Everyone, I asked this question in another forum & wanted to pose the question here as well: I have my surgery scheduled w/ Dr. Aceves in Mexicali and he & his team often use epidurals w/ the surgery. My question is for those who had an epidural or for those who did not - Did you notice any general differences between the 2 cases in regards to the level of pain experienced after surgery? I understand that you can only relate your own experience, but thought that you might have noticed how other patients seemed to be handling things - getting up, moving around & walking and general discomfort level if they did not have an epidural with their surgery. I'm not a good candidate for an epidural due to previous back surgery which left me w/ considerable scar tissue over that section of my spine. I had a c-section & the anesthesiologist insisted on giving me an epidural & lets just say that it was not a good experience. I understand that my issues are due to my specific situation & epidurals are generally a wonderful means of controlling pain. Anything that you want to share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi DanityChai, I don't want to hijack SmilingGal's positive thread, so I'll start another one about experiences w/ epidurals. One thing that I want to emphasize is that they work wonderfully for the vast majority of those who have them - My experience is because of my specific back problems. And to answer your question - it is my understanding that yes, they do give you the epidural after you are under (if you get one).

I'm glad to hear that you are doing so well! If its not too nosy, did you have an epidural during your surgery? I'm scheduled w/ Dr. Aceves on March 19 & am soooo excited to be changing the course of my life. I've had back surgery and have a lot of scar tissue over my spine in the area where they usually give an epidural, so I'm doubtful that they'll be able to give me one. I'm curious about post operative pain levels for those w/ no epidural. Thanks & I'm sure that you'll continue to do well on your journey!

Hi Caiti, Greetings from another Columbus gal! I'm so glad to hear that you are doing so well. I think that you are off to a great start! I hope that mine goes like yours. Keep up the great work!!