2 weeks post-op

[Ihave6kids 29]

Hi, I had my surgery on July 16th. I had the gastric sleeve plication. I'm so glad I found this website. I'm sure it's going to help me through some difficult times. I've been overweight practically my whole life. Starting at about age 14. I am now 46. I have wanted to have a weight loss surgery for many years. I considered having a lap band and actually had an appointment to have it done in Mexico. Our insurance was horrible and with it would have been double or more. I read about the complications and wasn't willing to go that road. My aunt was scheduled to have the gastric sleeve and decided to investigate that route. I called a health travel company in Mexico and was able to schedule my surgery for the exact same day that my lapband was originally scheduled. I really wanted it then because of my vacation time from work the next week. I needed that time to recover. From the time I made the appointment to the time I had surgery was 2 and half weeks. WOW!! Fast huh? I hear of people waiting an entire year. I guess that's because of insurance. My experience in Mexico was wonderful. Everything about it. If anyone wants to know anything about it I would be happy to tell you. Please e-mail me.

I had the Gastric sleeve plication. The difference in this surgery is instead of cutting off part of the stomach, the part that would get cut off is rolled and sutured instead. Less invasive.

I lost 8 lbs before surgery only because I was so nervous. I've lost 9 since with a total of 17. Slow compared to some people but I'm happy. In years past if I didn't lose faster I would have been discouraged and probably quit. You can't quit this diet. That's the good thing. I have'nt experienced any serious pain from eating the wrong food, only slight discomfort. (The hard boiled egg didn't sit well.)

I now weigh 217 and want to get down to 150. Wish me well?

I look forward to hearing from some of you.

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

Good luck, Julie! I see you're from Minneapolis - I lived there for 4 years, miss it sometimes. I usually go there every year for the Minnesota State Fair to hang out with my friends and eat deep-fried Snickers bars and Scottish eggs the size of a tennis ball (hehe), but this year, I had to postpone my visit til the fall for obvious reasons - not being able to eat more than 2 tbsp of food, which would take half the fun out of the State Fair, lol.

[Mw9955 2]

Julie! Congrats!!! You sound like you are doing great... Are you back to work? I have the surgery scheduled on tuesday and will only off for 10 days... Do you think that is enuf time? I am going to Dr Corvala... Was that your doctor too?

Take care,

Mari

[Ihave6kids 29]

Hi Mari!! Yes, Dr. Corvala was my Dr. He is fantastic along with the hospital and staff. The hospital is spotless and everyone is wonderful. I arrived at the hospital around 2 in the afternoon and was in surgery by 4. The only drawback and it really wasn't that much of a problem was the lack of Spanish that I knew. If you know some that's great. If you don't, look up some simple medical terms before you go and print them. I always was able to communicate somehow. Using hand motions or they would get another nurse who knew more English. You will be very pleased and impressed. They will tell you walk and walk and walk the halls. Sip slowly after the surgery. There is nothing to fear. Good luck and God bless you in your adventure.:thumbup:

[NotSoLittleMermaid 14]

Welcome Julie! Yes this website is wonderful! I am excited for you and your journey! I am also looking at Plication and most closely at Dr. Corvala and Dr.Watkins. Keep the posts coming and congrats on the weightloss! How long did you stay in the hospital?

[Mw9955 2]

Hi Julie! Thanks so much for your tips! I hope you are doing well : ) One more question - is there a phone in the room that I can use to call my family? Do you know if it is expensive or should I get my calling card?

Oh also, should I bring my laptop - is there wifi? Lol, thanks for helping me out and I wish you a continued great recovery!

Mari

[Ihave6kids 29]

Mari, There is a phone but I think I brought the wrong calling card so it wouldn't work. What I was able to do was give Esmerelda (Surgery coordinator) some money and then I made my calls. When I left the hospital they gave me the remainder of it back. I didn't use the phone that much, only to tell my family surgery went well and to arrange my flight back home. There is wi-fi. I was able to use my itouch. Also, there is very little English speaking tv. So bring dvd's. There is a dvd player in your room. I brought maybe 5 or 6. Is anyone going with you? I would recommend it if possible. There is a bed of sorts in the room. My mom came with and I don't know how I could have gotten along with out her. That first 24 hours she was constantly tending to my needs. Hope this helps.

Julie:lol0:

[tifbaby 0]

Julie6 Congrats on taking that step. How did you feel after surgery? Were you in a lot of pain afterwards?

[Ihave6kids 29]

The day after surgery I felt horrible just because of the anesthesia. I had dry heaves and bad gas pains. The gas pains continued until the next day. On the 3rd day I felt alot better and was getting around alot more and drinking more. At the hospital I was at they said I could go home that day but asked if I could stay another day because I didn't feel quite ready to leave. In the US this would have to be approved by the Dr. but the surgery coordinator ok'd it. I was impressed. That day was so much needed. I have a big, busy household and wasn't ready to go home to that quite yet.

[tifbaby 0]

Thanks so much for the answers. If you could do it all over again, would you have still done the surgery knowing what you now know? Do you feel it was worth it? Did you find it difficult adjusting to your new stomach? Have you notice a change in your attitude, appearance, etc. I know I'm asking a lot of questions. I am just trying to prepare myself for the next step.