pnw218

I have been to Tijuana a few times and again just four weeks ago. FabBy50 is right. You will always be chaperoned and driven from place to place. I wouldn't wander out at night by yourself but I wouldn't do that in my own town in the US : ) Ok. I would but I am also armed and dangerous, and can take my german shepard with me. lol Some people had never been to Mexico and couldn't wait to go shopping downtown. I wouldn't even worry about that in the daytime or in a group in the early evening. The only shopping I wanted to do was for a few take home meds from a pharmacy. They have great prices and many don't require an rx : ) Seriously, I doubt you will have any issues there at all. The recovery house sits up on a hill overlooking downtown and it has a gated entrance. It is a beautiful view day or night. I can think of much scarier places to travel like Cartegena Columbia and Algeria. Been there done that and definitely would not wander around alone in those places!!

You look beautiful ... and hubby is pretty cute himself! Congrats! We recently renewed our vows for our 17th anniversary on a beach in Florida. We only had one other couple with us and it was wonderful - and probably more meaningful than the first wedding we had! : ) You both look very happy and I am sure he is so proud of you!

Sorry you have had a couple of bad days. I know the first two days were challenging but I felt better and better every day. Did you have a long flight? How many days after surgery was it? I would love to only weigh in once a week and see a bigger weight loss. I don't think there is anyway I could wait a month tho! You are stronger than me : ) I really like the little victories along the way. And I am just a bit impatient. lol Hope you feel better soon! Get lots of sleep!

I know tomorrow I will be looking for the Ben-Gay or Icy-Hot, but for now, I'm damn proud of myself!! Friday is my next workout day, so wish me luck and stay tuned!! Another alternative to the Icy-Hot is Bio-Freeze. it is a cold rather than a hot treatment. Works great for my back, shoulders and neck. I got the roll on from my chiropractor's office. I bought that size because it was easier to apply and small enough that I could take it on a plane. I do have my priorities! : ) Congrats on the working out! I need to start soon. I am starting to see some areas where the skin is hanging as the weight comes off. I also was an athlete a long long time ago. Went to state in track in high school and literally was playing volleyball in my mid 20's when I was pregnant with my first two kids. Now I can barely coach the elementary team! LOL

If I knew how to do a Excel spreadsheet .... LOL. I can do basics but have never taken the time to learn how to assign values, etc. There are probably lots of websites to choose from but the one I have been using is www.sparkpeople.com. Mainly because it is an app on my droid phone so it makes it easy to update from my phone or laptop. It does really help to see what you are eating and the amounts of calories, Proteins, ect in the foods. I am certainly thinking much more about what I am eating. Prior to surgery, I had only counted carbs - it was the only type of diet that "almost" worked for me : )

My stomach reacts differently when I try a new food - it gurgles like crazy. It only aches if I eat too fast or too much. If I put 2 oz of something on my plate, I feel like I need to finish it, and really, I need to stop when I start getting that full feeling. One or two more bites is enough to make me miserable. I did also get a sick tummy after taking some pain meds for my back during the first week after surgery. I think my stomach just wasn't ready for meds. I am now able to take a lower dose if needed.

I have been eating fish and imitation crab for over a week, maybe closer to 2 weeks and it has been settling just fine. The first time I try anything new it gurgles like crazy in my stomach and I eat slower, but I haven't gotten sick ... yet! : )

I did not have to do a special diet before my surgery. I ate normally - or rather everything in sight. I did eat lighter the day before surgery but just because I was traveling and that was how it worked out. My BMI was a little over 33. Like was mentioned before, call and ask the dr's office. Like most surgeries, you need to have your stomach empty at the time of surgery, but that usually just means not eating after midnight the night before. For some, it sounds like there are medical reasons (fatty liver for one) that makes a specific diet necessary ahead of time.

Protein has been a challenge for sure. I like the Atkins Lo-Carb shakes. They are 11oz and have 15 grams of protein and 4grams (1 gram net) carbs. I usually sip on one of these immediately when I wake up until I finish it about 2 hours later. I also like the Nutrilite Meal Replacement Shakes from Amway/Quixtar. They are also 11oz and have 15g of protein. Their carbs are higher tho at 15g, 12 net. I just bought a box of the Premier chocolate Protein shake at costco. They don't taste as good - have a strange aftertaste, but after I watered it down with a couple of ice cubes it was doable. They have 30g of protein and only 5/3 carbs so I really wanted to try them. I have tried a couple of protein powders. The one I liked the most is also a Nutrilite product. One scoop has 45 calories, 1 carb and 10 protein. I usually mix in a scoop with my warm farina Cereal at 10am. good luck finding something you like!

Amanda - you look 20 years younger!! Very amazing!! Congrats and good luck with your new goal!

Hi Mili, I was initially going to have the lapband also, mainly because it was reversible and I was so sure that after I lost my weight, I could have it removed. I stumbled across the sleeve option while reading about the lapband, and decided it was a much better choice. I also met a gal locally who had the surgery - and she has gone from a size 22 to a 6 in a year. Totally amazing. As far as complications go - there is always a risk when you are sedated. If you have never experienced that before, it can be scary. I often will wake up teary but that goes away quickly. People have this surgery everyday and if the complications were high, you would hear about it. What made me the most comfortable was knowing that many had gone before me, traveling to Mexico, having the surgery and flying home a few days later. I figured it just couldn't be that bad and risks were low. Also with the lapband, I was concerned about having an object in my abdomen and wondered if the port could be seen. The thought of fills also didn't thrill me. Even tho I have had several surgeries and donate blood, I still do not like needles! Keep doing your research and ask lots of questions so you can be comfortable with your decision. As I slowly tell more people about it, most are supportive (to my face, lol) and only a few grill me. Most of them tho have no idea what it is like to be heavy, only think "bypass" not understanding the difference with the sleeve and think having surgery in Mexico is crazy! Ok. Maybe it is just a little, but it worked!! Good Luck!!

Hi Tina, I have had a breast lift and I think the post-op is very similar. Everyone is different but after both, I had very little pain. I had vsg surgery on a Thursday, quit taking pain meds on Sunday and went back to work part time on Monday. Immediately after the vsg surgery, the primary pain I had was in my lungs - likely from being tubed and inflated. That decreased tremendously after a day or two, and by the time I flew home on Sunday, I was fine. I did not have any incision pain. I previously had lap surgery when my gall bladder was removed in 2004. That was not painful either - other than they had to vacuum out my abdomen when they spilt bile from the gall bladder, and that went away in a couple of days. I also had a tummy tuck in 2007 and that surgery was very painful when using those muscles to sit or stand. I did not have that type of pain with the vsg at all. Even with the tummy tuck, I was off the rx pain meds within about 4 days and only took them at night to sleep. I agree with Saulzy - drinking was a bit of a challenge sometimes! I am able to take decent drinks now. I used popcicles during some of the times when I just could not make the thirst go away. My worst experience after vsg surgery was the first night. I woke up around midnight or so, and was nauseous and needed to pee. I decided to use the bathroom first and then ask the nurse for meds when I got back into bed. WRONG! I ended up with dry heaves in the bathroom. It was miserable. Fortunately the nausea doesn't last very long either : ) Good luck! You will be so happy that you did this!!

I just picked up my CPAP machine today. It is a Remstar Auto. My primary dr said that because I would be losing weight so fast, having an auto adjustable pressure would be better than a set one - which would need to be adjusted often. I opted to start with the nasal pillow type "mask" which isn't a mask at all but just a nose piece that fits into your nostrils. I took a nap with it today and it seemed to work fine. During my overnight trial, I used both the small nose covering mask and the larger mask that covers your nose and mouth. Apparently if you are a mouth breather, you will need the full mask. I slept fine during my trial, or thought I did. The tech started me on the small mask and then changed me to the larger mask with one hour left. He said that I was arousing more than he would like. I have snorkeled a decent amount, so that could be why the mask didn't make me panic. I actually like the little nose oxygen lines they use when you are in the hospital or having surgery : ) I am hoping the nose pillows work. I had a bruised nose and swollen left eye that lasted for three days after wearing the masks all night. I am also hopeful that the sleep apnea will go away after I lose the weight. However, my doctor said she has many skinny people on the machines too : ( There were only 2 out of the 5 today in the CPAP class that had preset pressure levels. Everyone else was on an auto pressure machine. Your setting of 18 is higher than the other 2 had. I think one was 7 and the other was 12. Sounds like alot of pressure to me!! I can see how you would feel like you were being blasted. I hope you find something that works for you. I have been so tired for so long, that I am really looking forward to getting better sleep.

I am so thankful that I didn't have to do a pre-surgery diet! I was too busy eating and saying goodbye (or see ya later) to all of my favorite foods. I have read that it is better to satisfy a craving with a small bite or two, rather than letting it build up to a level where you have to eat "the whole enchilada". I found Sara Lee Cheesecake bites in the freezer section. If I am craving something sweet, I have one or two of those and am totally fine. They are less than 1"x1". Good luck with your surgery later this week! This new way of life is amazingly easy!

It is just like politics or religion, some people have very direct opinions based on whatever they believe to be correct, whether they are or not. I don't know what posts you were referring to because I haven't been on for a few days, but if you did your research and are comfortable with your choice, go for it. I was very comfortable with my experience in Mexico. I had 8 prior surgeries so was confident with traveling alone and understanding how I would likely respond after surgery. Good Luck!! I am 4 weeks out and so very happy that I did it! There are some adjustments to make but overall it is very easy!

I was lucky to be able to go back to work after four days. I also have a daughter still living at home so am involved with her sports. Often when you feel poorly, just taking a shower and putting on real clothes (vs staying in pjs or sweats all day) will make you feel better. It does for me. The mental for me has been huge. I miss food alot; it really was a big part of my life. I already take anti-depressants so that may have eased it for me somewhat. I take one 300mg wellbutrin in the am and a 10 mg celexa at night. I was only taking the celexa until a few months ago and the wellbutrin made a huge difference. I also didn't feel good until I moved to soft mushy foods. The liquid thing just didn't do it for me. I am feeling well now so long as I eat enough Protein each day. I was also recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and should be using a cpap machine in about a week which should help how I feel. Did you feel poorly before surgery or is this all new? Many overweight people have sleep apnea. I had no idea I had it, just knew I would wake up tired and need a nap during the day. Might be worth checking into for you. Hope you feel better soon!

You are not alone. I did that last week. We had a party at our house and we had leftover cheesecake and choc cream pie. I had a small piece 3 or 4 nights in a row, instead of my usual SF Jello or glass of milk before bed. I am over it now tho. Sometimes I think we have to get those things out of our system. It is hard to go cold turkey and be perfect. So long as it isn't something that is going to do actual damage to your stomach, I think you have to have that treat once in awhile for your sanity. And - now you don't feel good after eating it so you likely won't do it again for some time. I am still not hitting 8 glasses of Water a day. It just takes me too long every day to eat and drink what I do get down. I am feeling fine and saw my doctor today for a routine physical. She is very proud of me for my weight loss. She even printed my weight chart! LOL I didn't drink that much before surgery tho either, so maybe my body is fine with less. Hang in there and don't beat yourself up. Tomorrow is a new day. Let it go and start over : )

I take one 20mg omeprazole (generic prilosec) every day. I take it at night before bed. My rx does allow me to take 2 per day if needed. If my stomach hurts due to stress or something I have eaten, I will take the 2nd one, usually early or mid afternoon. I was taking it prior to surgery for a few years for pre-ulcer redness and sensitivity. Spices and I do not get along. It is sold over the counter and I think it says two can be taken a day. I haven't read a box lately tho as mine is by prescription.

2b4me . . . I would agree with most of what you wrote. People are very passionate about the decisions they make and I think part of it is to prove that their choice is/was the right choice. I had a lady trying to convince me to change pharmacies the other day - said that hers was so much better and nicer than the one I was going to. Ok. Her opinion. Whatever : ) So long at the drugs are the same, mine is more convenient for me. I know very little Spanish and got along just fine with Dr. Almanza's staff. Several speak very good English, some spoke enough to get by and there is always sign language : ) My only difficulty came during the middle of the night at the recovery house. I had a hard time explaining that I was having an anxiety attack. There really wasn't anything she could give me anyways; I had already taken meds. I just had to lay down and relax. It passed and I was fine. Bkind and I were sharing a room and it was very comforting to have her there to help talk me down. One thing I did was to print common medical phrases, body parts, etc off the internet in Spanish. I figured if I got desperate I could point to it on the paper. However, I travel alot and often find myself in foreign countries where I don't speak the language. It is not intimidating to me. I am used to carrying a phrase book or printed materials with me to communicate. If I had lived closer to Texas, I likely would have selected a clinic across that border. San Diego was easier for me and I chose the clinic based alot on the communication of the coordinator I used. If I had gotten there and the place was a disaster, I would have declined the surgery and came home. The price came into effect for me at the end, after I had narrowed my choices down to two or three locations. I am not willing to pay extra for a name brand tho either. If my kids want a tshirt for $35 just because it has a brand across the front (and the shirt costs $10 everywhere else), they can pay the difference themselves. Definitely take in the info you receive from everyone and then make the decision yourself. You are the one who has to live with it.

I was soooo excited the last few days before surgery! Ok. Except when I was saying goodbye to favorite foods : ) I really miss my diet coke or diet rootbeer in the afternoons. That was my thing to get thru the rest of the workday. I did try leaving a diet coke out so it was mostly flat. I had a couple of sips but it really didn't taste the same. I have found peach tea (warm or cold) to be the most soothing and comforting, especially if my tummy is a little upset. I really didnt care for peach before the surgery. Kinda odd. Are you traveling for surgery or staying local? The first couple of days after surgery night be a little uncomfortable or tiring, but you will be so happy afterwards!

Jen ~ Fortunately, I only had about 3-4 weeks between deciding on the surgery and the actual surgery. During that time, I went on a prior scheduled cruise and instead of gorging myself, actually practiced eating less to see how I would handle it. It was actually nice not to have a stomach ache after every meal. However, when I got home, I had all of my favorite foods day in and day out. About 5 days before surgery, we went to our favorite Mexican restuarant for happy hour . . . and I actually cried. I did that a couple of times in the last few days. I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn't saying goodbye to these foods - just see ya later and in much smaller quantities : ) Melly ~ popsicles are frozen juice on a stick. They were a lifesaver for me when I was so incredibly thirsty after surgery the first couple of weeks and I couldn't drink enough to satisfy it. You could make your own by pouring juice into ice cube trays or other shaped molds. Crystal light is like a koolaid (flavored) powder mix except geared more for adults and sugar free : )

It would be nice if the weight loss continued at the rate of the first week : ) but reality is that it won't. I am trying not to weigh myself everyday just so that I can see a bigger loss instead of half a pound a day. However, I keep reminding myself that even if it does get a little slow, I am still doing so much better than I ever did on my own. I forgot to measure before surgery so will be doing it on Thursday at my 4 week mark. However, I am seeing a big change in my pants and that feels wonderful! Hang in there! You are doing great!

My apprehension about the flight was the travel time, even tho mine was fairly short, and blood clots. I have had an issue with swelling of the ankles and feet alot in the past couple of years, so usually get an aisle seat so I can walk periodically. If not, I try to stretch my legs and feet as much as possible. Again - I just went with the odds. Seems many people have had the surgery and then flown a few days later . . . so I just tried to stay positive and not worry too much! Another reason while I walked thru the airport and stood most of time before the flight. I wanted to keep my sitting to a minimum:wink0:.

WOW!!!! That is really awesome!!!! It is amazing how those label affect us. Congrats on your weight loss - you are one third to your goal!!