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My pre-op diet is 2 weeks. The first week is 3 protein shakes per day plus one healthy meal (either 3 ounces of lean protein plus 2 cups of non-starchy vegetables, or a frozen healthy meal under 350 calories with no rice or pasta). The second week is liquid-only, 4 protein shakes per day and broth, plus up to 2 sugar-free Jello or popsicles per day. One of Dr. Weiner's videos said that he only requires a liver-shrink diet for patients with a BMI over 50 and/or a lot of abdominal fat (as opposed to fat carried in the hips and thighs). My program requires the same diet of all patients regardless of BMI or body shape. I can't remember where I saw this, but I read about a surgeon who says the liver-shrink diets are BS and if your surgeon makes you do it, he or she is just a bad surgeon. I am on day 9 (2 days into the liquids only week) and it definitely sucks, but if that's what my surgeon thinks will give him the best circumstances for performing the surgery, even if it's nothing but superstition, I'm willing to do it.

Hi everybody! I am confirmed for gastric sleeve with Dr. Jalil Illan at Hospital BC on July 17, 2020 and plan to report my progress here to you guys to provide moral support for anyone considering such a dramatic and life-changing decision. I am terrified about having surgery outside the US, and worried about complications during or after the surgery, but have read a lot of great things about Dr. Illan. His staff have been really wonderful through my whole pre-op process so far. I had a fever last week out of the blue, but am feeling better today, and tested negative for Covid. I was worried it was a false negative, so I am scheduled to take another test tomorrow to confirm results. I asked Dr. Illan if I should reschedule due to the fever I had, and he responded that we will stay on schedule for now. I didn't have any respiratory or throat issues with my fever, so I think that may have played a hand in the decision to not reschedule yet. I am almost 50, and have battled my weight all my life. I am looking forward to having this tool to support me in life-long weight management. Wish me luck! I plan to check back in periodically to let you guys know how the surgery and recovery went, and what my new life is like. Please feel free to reach out to me here if you have any questions and I will try to respond to you as soon as I can get back to you. Good luck to everyone here on their journey to find better health and happiness!!

I only had an hour flight home. But they will give you compression stockings to wear and will tell you to get up and walk some during the flight. I asked them bc I was nervous about 1 hour- they said I didn't have to walk on that a short of a flight, but that they tell their patients with longer flights to walk. I would recommend that you try to get a bulkhead seat or emergency row - extra leg room which I found helpful. Good luck, I loved my experience there! Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

First congratulations!!! Second, I know the feeling boo! Happened to me as well, had two gorgeous babies ... gained over 100 lbs both pregnancies...had gastric bypass surgery in August of 2016, lost 100lbs by Christmas, Christmas night got pregnant (didn’t find out until January when I went to my surgeon thinking I was dying from nutrition deficiencies bc I was so weak I couldn’t walk to the car from my kitchen without wanting to faint) he sent me for some blood work that same day & the lady taking my blood said “with all the symptoms you just described are you sure you’re not pregnant?” I said no, I’m dying I’m not pregnant! (Oh, I left out the fact I was on birth control 😩) she laughed & said “well how about we give you a test just Incase😊” I said okay, so I took the test...not even 3min later she popped her head in the room & said “well well well guess what?!” I said “no way!” She said “oh yes ma’am way, congratulations you’re having a baby!” She explained to me when you loose such a dramatic amount of weight so quickly your body assumes you’re super healthy and decides “it’s baby time!” I said but the birth control?’ She said, oh hunny when you are super fertile like someone gets after WLS not even birth control can stop what the Lord has already created” needless to say, I only gained about 20lbs, gave birth to my smallest of 3 babies (she was only 6lbs her brother&sister we’re both over 10lbs 😳) she’s the best blessing I have ever laid my eyes on. Pregnancy was a cake walk, I don’t know how but by the grace of God I was able to eat more during my pregnancy for her sake..after having her I dropped all my weight & some...your doctors will take great care of you, your baby will be beautiful & healthy! You’re healthy now, the weight will drop off when you have the baby So just breath, ask the Lord for His peace & help & sit back & enjoy the ride MOM 😉

I'm so sorry to hear what you've gone through. I'm glad you're home. As for pooping a lot; sometimes yes, sometimes no. Let me say, I keep the plunger next to the bowl bc too often I fill it up and need to plunge. Other times it's less. It's interesting as you're not eating much, yet going a lot. I eat much more than you. I do go about 5x/day but that's how it's been for me since the DS. Do you take iron? That can make my poop much darker. Does your poop ever float? Have you spoken to your team? Seems as if you might need a dose of Flagyl to straighten things out. I needed it about 6 mos. postop bc I was having dreadful diarrhea. I know a good many DSers who use it at least yearly to keep things flowing well.

How are you doing Sweetsmith78 ? Been thinking about you, hope you're doing better :) I'm getting to leave July 3rd for surgery on the 4th at Hospital BC with Dr Illian and with your story it's making me nervous :(

I went with Hospital BC in Tijuana Mexico, they are affiliated with BariatricPal and the only U.S, owned Hospital there. I had belt lipectomy with butterfly lift, medial thigh lift and breast augmentation. Everything was included, transportation to and from the airport, 7 night hospital stay, meals 24, hour care, pre op testing, Faja (x2) compression stockings, etc. $14,350 this also included my companion. I paid $366.40 for two people to fly round trip via Delta airlines. I did have one unexpected expense around $700 but that was all. My surgery was very long. I’m in the process of recovery since I had it June 15th. My surgeon is awesome 👏 I highly recommend them. They have 24 hour valet, nurse and doctor. Even when a nurse could not speak much English I felt they communicated well, and when they needed it the valet translates. I felt safe and knew my Dr. did a good surgery and the staff took care of me despite it being a challenging time due to COVID-19. https://hospitalbc.com

I just discovered Dr. Duc Vuong's youtube channel and now i'm OBSESSED! It felt really affirming having someone point out that most doctors have you shoot for the "average" weight loss, 60-65% of EBW e.g. how my nutritionist suggested my goal should be 170lbs- like wtf? Dr. V pushes his patients to get to around 20 BMI and I'm here for THAT! I think I've watched 6 or 8 of his videos since discovering him yesterday. So good! And no BS! Plus I kinda love that he swears too, feels more genuine. Here's one of his vids, check him out!

I agree about that MIKEYY84, the only out of country on my list of “maybes” would be Canada as I’m only a couple hours from Vancouver, BC. However the boarder has been closed since COVID so probably not likely to happen.

I meant to ask. I still can. I think on my own scale my weight before I left was 102.2 and yes there’s the Faja, drain, stockings to account for. I’m so exhausted from just small things I can’t think. I had a lot of swelling in my knees and feet in particular that thankfully has finally gotten better. Some issues with a stress point incision. I have one drain on my right hip. I don’t have the pictures, my surgeon does. But he is going to share them as part of the BariatricPal Hospital BC. I will find out when and where they share the photos. They edit them to maintain privacy. Most people don’t give permission but I chose to do so to support the Hospital which was founded by the same person that created these forums and the BariatricPal store. I find it interesting that some surgeons put patients in a binder immediately after surgery, or even Faja. I was wrapped in gauze, surgical tape etc. two days after surgery the outer bandaging was removed and everything checked and I got showered before the Faja was put on. (My brain is fuzzy on details) the thigh lift is the hardest so far to manage but I desperately needed it. I see some people’s before pictures and I think .... are you serious that’s normal compared to what mine was. the drain doesn’t bother me I know how to manage it. I’ve basically been doing the nursing doctoring whatever myself which I’ve done in my many surgeries in the past. (The difference though is my Myalgic Encephalomyelitis has grown worse over time. Life takes its toll as do all the other medical conditions.) Any questions and I will answer if I can. Not much else for me to do. Between Covid-19 and the heat/high humidity in Florida I have to avoid ... and my M.E. I’m fully homebound. I’m trying to remember to walk around but can’t do it outside. I want to even do laundry myself. Even if I could the machines are outside down a catwalk in a shared laundry room.

Did you ever figure out what caused it? I just noticed mine has a ring around it today too and all the way inside. Though the color is a definite dark pink, not a light pink, and goes all the way into the belly button. I’ve lost 70 lbs now, but I’m nervous as to what it could be? It doesn’t itch or hurt, and I’m not sure how long it’s been like this bc I have to kind of lift my skin to see the inside of my bellybutton but I noticed it when I got out of the shower today. I hope it’s not an infection!!

I want to check in on a few posts. The massage therapist might be here any moment. But I met with my surgeon Dr.Ampudia and he did say that although 3-6 months is usually the amount of time for swelling to go down it can be as much as a year. I’m having a tough time personally with the leakage from the left leg incision, which is normal but tiring to monitor and keep dry, and messy. I’ll have to work on energy management as best I can. The self care is going to likely eat up every ounce I have (or don’t) but if you see my before and after especially my thighs you’d likely feel the same and pay the same price. Not even the monetary price, the physical price. Of course I know it’s hard to understand the energy costs since most people can rest when they are tired and then they are ok. (I hope that doesn’t sound bad? I’m terrible with words) what was I saying? he took the Faja off in his office, the paper tape and Gauzes checked the incisions and replaced everything except on my thighs because he wants to monitor them. Just particular circumstances which I can explain in private message if anyone wants to know he is extra cautious. But so far everything looks good it’s two to three weeks down the line and keep vigilant. he actually recommended kinetic tape vs paper tape to get tensions off the incisions. I am going to look into that before I start the silicone tape. im researching lumphatic massage equipment which is confusing massage gun or manual? I know I can’t afford a massage therapist at home and I’m researching special oils I saw geranium oil. But also on amazon ginger and Ylang Ylang massage oil for lymphatic massage. I guess you can also use pure ginger oil. Lymphatic Massage oil https://www.amazon.com/M3-Naturals-Therapeutic-Essential-Relaxation/dp/B07SG5H8KF/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3JTVTM3ANCCQG&dchild=1&keywords=lymphatic+drainage+ginger+oil&qid=1592518861&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sprefix=Lymphatic+%2Caps%2C-1&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNkNPQVlSTThBUUYxJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzc1Njk2MkIwWkxFVEtWUFBMWSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDE4NjgwM1JaTElFUzRaRk9DWCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= I’m going to need to be very careful living in hot sunny humid Florida. But since tbh I’m homebound much of the time I will avoid the sun. I just miss the birds so much, as to how to deal with things while I’m on the mend and hating giving up what little control of my life. Sigh. Anyway I had some incision from surgery I didn’t pay attention when we moved to Florida but I think it did fade some or maybe I’m not really that overly concerned over a few scars since I’ve already got some. I’m not big on tan, my feet have the shape of my thong sandal imprinted permanent 🤣 my mom she got dark tan from swimming so much. I don’t think she understands the need to be careful. I have a hard time with sun protection creams and allergies. They need a scar tape for sun protection ... @ChubRub lucky I never was young and hot. @GreenTealael so glad to hear that 💕💜 sorry I’m doing one post, my brain is exhausted. I live with my mom in a Boca but am so opposite to everyone that lives there. I live on $803 month disability l think some 90 year olds have more rich active lifestyles 🤣 for some reason my chronic illness and disability aged my body beyond its actual age ... ok I’m done ✅ utterly wiped. Ttys. Tomorrow is my last full day here then the torture of probably leaving somewhere like 2-3am Sunday to get to San Diego airport, into Atlanta Georgia for a layover then palm beach airport. And lost three hours time along the way ... 💤 and I can never sleep on a plane. And will I be leaky ... sigh ... but I still would recommend highly Hospital BC here in Tijuana to anyone seeking sleeve, bypass or plastics ...

You need to increase your calories a little bit and add some carbs. Stalls also happen bc of it enough calories or carbs. I’ve avoided most of the major stalls by constantly varying these two things. I’ll swing high and low in cals and carbs in any given week. From 800-1200 cals and from 50-120gms of carbs. The trick is to keep your body guessing.

I think we mentally need to let go of the hardest moments. Which is probably why my memory of majorly of my life tends to be like Swiss cheese, more holes than cheese. I had hysterectomy and did have the hunched walk awhile but you forget details. For the life of me I couldn’t remember if I used a walker. Also it was an smaller open incision at the front and a lot of internal stitches. I need to learn to navigate the use of Faja. That will be the hardest part with my daily energy limits, I usually figure it out. Sort of. hardest was having foot and tendon surgeries and being non weight bearing for months. For each side. hop a long 😂 it can be hard not to push when you want your independence. For me it will be simple things. Thank you @ms.sss for the advice. I made mistakes too and sometimes it’s not our fault or in our control. I hope I can manage the bm issue. Especially wearing Faja I don’t want to soil it, they should make them with a removable flap or bigger opening ... for that sort of thing. I probably am still a little out of it. And probably will be until I am home. Then again I’m ever normal 🤣 I made the mistake thinking I could open the Faja from the legs down, wishful thinking. The leg portion pulls UP. They should have had a way to open from the legs down for bathroom issues. yes my surgeon Dr.Ampudia is very proud of his work. He is an excellent surgeon. And also took excellent care knowing my health challenges during the entire processing. I don’t know what I would have done had I not found BariatricPal and through this site the Hospital BC. I will admit part of me doesn’t feel deserving of it. And I haven’t totally wrapped my head around the changes or the comments from staff how good it looks. I don’t have a lifestyle that I flaunt myself. But this was for me personally. I can’t remember what I’ve said or not. But I only have one drain in place. I guess time will tell if I get to have it out before I go home. I should be used to tiring quickly but I think it’s something you can never truly adapt to even a lifetime of. BBS. And thank you.

1. Yes, but it’s really not a big deal unless you have trouble swallowing pills. 2. Yes, for a bit 3. Dumping for me is 💩 if I’ve eaten something with too much sugar. Rarely happens though bc I don’t really like the taste of sweets anymore 4. I don’t count my chews, it’s second nature now. But at the beginning I did 5. I can, but I don’t 6. Maybe 6 weeks 7. Approx 30 lbs 8. Is not about “being allowed” you are an adult and can eat whatever you want. There’s certain foods/textures I don’t like anymore, certain foods I can’t tolerate and certain foods I choose not to eat

I couldn’t manage much Tuesday. Today was exhausting. I think I feel slightly more human. And now that I can take my own medication and am maneuvering myself a little better, hopefully that helps me sleep tonight. I need some sleep. I think the jet lag got to me. The time difference. I had three procedures together, it’s quite a lot. But the only way I could do this. Keep an eye on Hospital BC. Part of me is nervous. You won’t see my face of course. But I think my before and after pictures will bee there. When I’m home I will have to post on a new post. Thank you @ChubRub though, it meant a lot knowing you and @ms.sss asked about me. https://hospitalbc.com

Thanks for the advice, guys. I ended up having my second cardiology appointment today (it was scheduled for an hour after my original surgery was scheduled.. the irony) but the doctor was sympathetic and super awesome. He was knowledgeable about my condition and cleared me for surgery. He saw where my heart was functionally okay to withstand surgery. He was really excited about my case and gave me some good information and wants to follow up with me. I think it was good that I got all this info because it gives me more faith in doctors where I live and I think I have a solid cardiologist now.. which is awesome bc I guess I'll be needing heart surgery in the next 10 years or so. Honestly, I've thought about going to mexico, but I don't have anyone who would travel with me so that is kind of out. I would travel by myself but you can't do that. I do love traveling and wouldn't care to try the medical tourism because I feel like the insurance nonsense is so horrible. I've seen some amazing transformations (not bariatrics) from Japan and they take great pride in their work and you don't have to go for follow up after follow up like you do in the states. I'm on the hook for $900 for pre-op testing.. which sucks because I thought my insurance would cover that.. but in the end, it's all for my health.

I’ve not updated but just got around to checking my tablet and emails. I’m here for eight days. But I trust if the doctor didn’t think I was ready he would postpone. He is going to follow up via video to monitor my incisions. But he he a stickler for perfection and I trust him with my life. I live closer to Miami but costs were a challenge. I chose the Hospital BC in Mexico. From surgery in Miami? Seems strange to me. I had my issues due to my medical circumstances. But the doctor has been nothing short of excellent. I know it’s naviating something i have never done. But Hospital BC has a certificate of excellence, is the only American own hospital in Tijuana Mexico. The nurses and staff have worked hard. As has the doctor. Dr.Ampulia went above and beyond to ensure things went well. Despite my physical challenges. my surgery was Monday after 3pm he wanted to ensure I was ready and well for the procedures.mit was a very long surgery. I only remember getting into my room after midnight. I was a bit sick from anesthesia but I’m very susceptible to that. The next day I didn’t follow the normal process. So I was bedbound until this morning. Which my doctor knew my issues and what a struggle this was for me to come this far.and and to be this trusting. I gave permission to share my before and after photos. Which I never thought I’d do. But it felt important. They do bariatric surgery as well as plastics for bariatric patients. I had a exhausting day but the staff work so hard. I got on my feet which is hard doing the hunch walk. Got showered and into Faja. I get a daily lymphatic massage post op until I leave. As for navigating certain things while wearing Faja if anyone has tips please feel free to share 🤣 sorry if it’s TMI but how do you poop with this on? Iive got a body suit type garment short legs, bottom up to under bust with shoulder straps. I felt bad for the lady struggling to get it on me. It’s got a kind of cutout but it doesn’t seem sanitary and isn’t open enough, maybe needs readjustment? I didn’t think of everything ... you can’t really. You just know that you pick a place you trust. I do worry about traveling home but they say I’ll adjust as time goes on. i do wonder what the time frame is. From people that have had it for standing more upright, I’m a little worried navigating the airport and trip home. But still have until Sunday but it’s a very early morning flight. and yes I’m alive. Just need to keep changing positions and try to get up to walk when I can.

Hi all. I had my surgery on the 9th. I’ve been doing pretty good, no nausea and no issues with getting in my liquids. I only spent one night in the hospital which was nice since my hubby couldn’t spend the night due to current restrictions. Like others posted, I miss food. Especially salads. I went back to work yesterday since I was feeling so good but it ended up wearing me out. Can’t wait to be cleared for other food options bc I’m sick of broth and jello. I don’t love protein shakes so I add the protein to my water and broth. Down over 11 lbs from surgery day weight so I’m happy with those results so far.

Hi i had my surgery on 5/5/20 and im a little over a month post op my surgery went well went home the next day bc my surgery was later in the day. Do not be discouraged if u do not see results right away. I was kind of down at first i just stuck to the diet. My pre surgery weight was 234 before my 6 month consult before surgery approval i was 250 when i go approved for surgery i was 234 i had lost all that weight from learning portion sizes and switching foods for healthy ones. So starting at 234 i went on my 2 week liquid diet and my going in weight at surgery was 213.5 pounds for the sleeve on average your suppose to loose 13 pounds a month for the first 6 months and 3 pounds a month for another 6 month until your body plateaus which will be your stopping weight. I am now 200.0 even i had lost the entire 13.5 pounds in a month so it is accurate if you do the right thing. The surgery is a tool u have to do the work also. I haven't weighed in again yet bc i am nervous i haven't been under 200 pounds since middle school this is a blessing for me my blood sugars are better and my joint pain is less from my autoimmune arthritis disease. All of you can do it.. Im here bc i have no support system so we all can be each other support systems anything yawl would like to know or recipes i will be glad to answer. God bless all of you on your journeys and cant weight to hear about everybody's 1 year anniversary and results pics. Im going to start taking some all [emoji2]. Sent from my LM-X410PM using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m At Hospital BC now, I filled a lot of paperwork, showered, got in a hospital gown, a preliminary checkup and EKG as well as lunch. The staff here is very friendly and caring, I know they have a discussion area for Hospital BC which is a BariatricPal Hospital. I haven’t posted there yet. I see the surgeon later. More tests before surgery tomorrow. I’m exhausted and hoping all goes as planned. I wanted to check in on other posts but probably can’t do much.

The last time I was called tiny was when I had my hysterectomy before I regained weight. I never considered myself tiny. Short yes. My face has always been round. I’m not sure how well the Hair style suits me but I like it this way. I took one picture of myself to compare to the only photo I have prior to my gastric bypass surgery which was at the zoo. The most unflattering bent over feeding a flamingo taken by the zoo. It was my birthday and it was nice to be around the birds but I was miserable. I haven’t Had the guts to share them. I don’t consider myself very nice looking. I don’t think about it much. I don’t know how much fun time we can have with many Covid restrictions in place. We will do our best. Tomorrow morning we head off to the airport for a very long day of travel. We have over a 3.5 hour layover in Georgia ... we get to California 7pm which accounts for 3 hour time difference, our bodies will be in 10pm mode ... we get to the airport, cross into Mexico and spend the night in the hotel. Then I think go to Hospital BC the next day. Where I’ll be for the full length of my stay ... Safe travels tomorrow, @Darktowerdream...and will be sending you good vibes Monday! ❤️ Thank you @ms.sss I really need it 🧡

Sooo, I've been on a journey to get bariatric surgery for almost a year now. Like most of you, my surgery was postponed because of COVID. However, after getting within 5 days of my surgery and starting my liquid diet, I've gotten word that it needs to be postponed again. Little back story: I was born with a deformed valve in my heart and it was repaired at 4 weeks old. I had check ups until I was 18 and was told to seek help if I ever had symptoms of heart issues (shortness of breath, ankle swelling and consistent heart palpitations) I've not had any issues in the last 13 years, so I never needed to see a cardiologist. My doctor, after being told this hx wanted me to get cleared by a cardiologist before surgery. I had an EKG and Echo this past week and after seeing my echo, the cardiologist said that they wanted to postpone the surgery to get me 100% cleared. After the EKG, the cardiologist cleared me, but wanted the echo for an updated.. however, my right side of my heart isn't pumping blood as strong as it should (because of the issues I was born with -- this was expected and I was told I would need heart surgery in my late 30s- early 40s -- i'm only 31) and the blood pressure in my lungs isn't 100%.. so after jumping through hoops and waiting an additional 6 weeks bc of covid, i now have to wait for who knows as much.. it's so discouraging and I called the bariatric center and the PA couldn't even tell me if the surgery would be postponed because he didn't have the echo info in front of him. And according to my friend who is a doc, my issue isn't something that can be fixed over X amount of months.. but by surgery, but I don't have major symptoms so heart surgery isn't on the table. It's just so disheartening to have to wait all over again when I've worked so hard w/my work and family, and myself to get myself to a place where I am prepared and ready.. but again have to wait. any sort of words of encouragement would be helpful, or anyone else who has gone through something similar would be great. just reaching out for support.

is your PCP all bariatrics? or do they do other surgeries? i'd almost encourage you to look into a diff program bc thats a lot of requirements.. the other program i looked into also said no BC d/t the clotting chance.. but id say if ur IUD doesnt contain hormones, then theres no clotting increase.. its the hormones my doc wanted down.

my doc wanted me off of BC for 2 moths prior to surgery bc i guess the hormones increase chances of blood clots (along w/my weight).. they gave me 1 pregnancy test and later when they would ask if there was any chance id be +hcg i laughed and laughed and laughed..