My Sleeve experience in Mexico :)

[FABby40 38]

Abetterme, WOW! 40 pounds in 4 weeks? That's amazing!!!! I am so happy things are going well for you! My favorite part is you having to set a timer to remember to eat something! Boy, isn't that an opposite way of dealing with food for us fatties! . Walking 3-5 miles a day is awesome too--it's got to be a whole lot more motivating to do that every day now, KNOWING that you are not going to defeat your efforts with too many calories for the day. Keep up the good work, and keep us posted! Love to hear the updates....even if they aren't always rainbows and sunshine! .

[Courtney 12]

Abetterme, thanks for the detailed post! It gives me a great idea of what to expect when I travel to Cancun for my sleeve in just over two weeks. One thing I was wondering about was whether you traveled with a companion - if so, you may be able to help. My mom will be coming with me, and while I will obviously not be eating in the hospital, she will need to! Did you notice any type of cafeteria in the hospital? She's extremely hesitant at the idea of having to venture out on her own, so I'd like to be able to let her know what to expect. Again, thank you so much, and congrats on your amazing loss so far!

[abetterme4.2 268]

Abetterme' date=' thanks for the detailed post! It gives me a great idea of what to expect when I travel to Cancun for my sleeve in just over two weeks. One thing I was wondering about was whether you traveled with a companion - if so, you may be able to help. My mom will be coming with me, and while I will obviously not be eating in the hospital, she will need to! Did you notice any type of cafeteria in the hospital? She's extremely hesitant at the idea of having to venture out on her own, so I'd like to be able to let her know what to expect. Again, thank you so much, and congrats on your amazing loss so far! [/quote']

Yes ma'am I did. There wasn't a cafeteria in the hospital, but there are small restaurants all around and convenience stores. All the restaurants are very reasonably priced. It is in a traditional part of Cancun so English may be limited, but the "chef" came out and had a conversation with my husband and acommodated his every whim (he spoke English to my husband and wanted to practice.) very safe neighborhood and surroundings. The nurses were a great resource for their favorite places to eat.

The restaurants were all within 1 block, and not down some "back alley." Lol

Hope this helps.

[Courtney 12]

Definitely helps...thanks again!

[abetterme4.2 268]

update:

i am now 8 1/2 weeks post op and still going strong.

I continue to lose weight, steadily and each week. I am now up to approximately 700-750 calories per day, pushing for 800. I am able eat more of a variety now. My sleeve loves shrimp.

I do walk 5-7 miles - 4-5 times per week. I go hiking usually once per week, depending on work schedule and kids' activities.

My doctor released me to lift weights and I can now start cycling again. Really excited about this. Dr said if it hurts..STOP. uncomfortable is ok, but not pain.

I do feel like I am eating ALL OF THE TIME, just to get in the calories. I am able to drink Water without the whole sip, sip, thing. It's a small price to pay, but it was absolutely annoying to me.

I do tend to burp. Lol. I've never been one to do it, so it's funny to my kids and husband.

I get the hiccups when I am full.

[pantala 125]

Thanks so much for the update! I love it that you feel like you're eating all the time but it's only 750 cal/day. :tongue2:

I'm afraid I will find the sip sip way of drinking annoying as well. I'm used to drinking lots of Water so I tend to swig it. I'll have to be careful......

[jmendezrn 8]

Omg. Throwing up blood sounds really scary. Has anyone else had that happen.

[abetterme4.2 268]

Omg. Throwing up blood sounds really scary. Has anyone else had that happen.

Yes. I believe if not EVERYONE, most of us do. The science behind it: the surgeon seals the stomach, staples/sutures. He can clean out the cavity (outside portion) of where part of your stomach was. He can't clean the inside of the stomach because its sealed.

It is more like a "blob" that comes up. Not a continual retching. (Sp?)

Hope this helps.

[jmendezrn 8]

Yes. I believe if not EVERYONE' date=' most of us do. The science behind it: the surgeon seals the stomach, staples/sutures. He can clean out the cavity (outside portion) of where part of your stomach was. He can't clean the inside of the stomach because its sealed.

It is more like a "blob" that comes up. Not a continual retching. (Sp?)

Hope this helps.[/quote']

Thanks. That does help. Kinda grosses me out a bit but, hey, it is what it is.

[Courtney 12]

Knock on wood, I am six days out of surgery and was lucky not to experience the nausea or throwing up blood. I think it is because the nurses kept the anti-nausea meds coming since I tend to have bad reactions to anesthesia/pain meds. The only near-vomit episode I had came when I was attempting to drink the blue dye, which tasted just like a cup full of blue ink. So wretched.

[abetterme4.2 268]

Knock on wood' date=' I am six days out of surgery and was lucky not to experience the nausea or throwing up blood. I think it is because the nurses kept the anti-nausea meds coming since I tend to have bad reactions to anesthesia/pain meds. The only near-vomit episode I had came when I was attempting to drink the blue dye, which tasted just like a cup full of blue ink. So wretched.[/quote']

Congratulations on being sleeved!!

And yes, the blue dye was awful! I hated the stuff and gagged several times.

[SuperblyInsane 15]

update:

i am now 8 1/2 weeks post op and still going strong.

I continue to lose weight, steadily and each week. I am now up to approximately 700-750 calories per day, pushing for 800. I am able eat more of a variety now. My sleeve loves shrimp.

I do walk 5-7 miles - 4-5 times per week. I go hiking usually once per week, depending on work schedule and kids' activities.

My doctor released me to lift weights and I can now start cycling again. Really excited about this. Dr said if it hurts..STOP. uncomfortable is ok, but not pain.

I do feel like I am eating ALL OF THE TIME, just to get in the calories. I am able to drink Water without the whole sip, sip, thing. It's a small price to pay, but it was absolutely annoying to me.

I do tend to burp. Lol. I've never been one to do it, so it's funny to my kids and husband.

I get the hiccups when I am full.

I am so glad you are continuing to post for us pending sleevers! What doctor released you to life weights? Just wondering if you mean the surgeon from Cancun or a local doctor that is doing follow-up treatment? I have chosen my doctor in Cancun as well and am counting the days until I can have a story like yours!! 2 other questions - did your doctor use compression stockings? Did they give any blood-thinning therapy? I have tried to find as much info from my doctor, but there isn't a whole lot about his post-op out there.

[abetterme4.2 268]

I am so glad you are continuing to post for us pending sleevers! What doctor released you to life weights? Just wondering if you mean the surgeon from Cancun or a local doctor that is doing follow-up treatment? I have chosen my doctor in Cancun as well and am counting the days until I can have a story like yours!! 2 other questions - did your doctor use compression stockings? Did they give any blood-thinning therapy? I have tried to find as much info from my doctor' date=' but there isn't a whole lot about his post-op out there.[/quote']

Both doctors released me. I contacted the dr in Cancun and he preferred 8 weeks. My PCP stated 6 weeks. Since I had a family hiking trip planned, it was no big deal to wait the extra couple of weeks.

Compression stockings: no, he did not. A nurse wrapped my legs in ACE-type bandages from soles of feet to thigh (crotch). I had a short flight (2 hours) and he indicated as long as I walk around in the cabin, I would be ok. I did bring a pair just in case of turbulence and I could not move around.

No, I had no blood-thinning therapy. I was on Iron and took it all the way up to, and including the day of, surgery.

My coordinator was a HUGE source of information. If she didn't have an answer, my dr responded to the same email I sent her.

If you have already chose your surgeon, don't hesitate to ask. Even if you're "shopping" doctors, definitely ask. I was never once made to feel like I was being a nuisance to either of them. Patient and always answered ANY question I had.

Hope this helps, feel free to let me know if I can assist with any other questions.

Enjoy the journey!

[abetterme4.2 268]

Today is 10 weeks post-op!

Everything's still going well. Hopped on the scale and -4 lbs this week. (-54 total)

Started getting a little more creative since I have been cleared for most. Adding a new food item daily to see how my sleeve tolerates, and so far everything has been great. chicken breast is still tough, but if i use some BBQ Sauce (1 tbsp) or the like, it goes down easier. Canned chicken breast seems to be better for me.

The pictures are to help visually. (My first post kept saying "error" so I've edited the post) ??

[angelbabys 6]

I am going to give a very detailed experience. It was the one thing I would search for and want to read when I began my search for my options of going to Mexico for my surgery. I am not going to give details of my surgeon' date=' as we have all researched (or will) our Dr.'s and make the decision best for ourselves. I have only seen a couple of posts concerning who he is on these forums, and they were VERY vague and people having questions, no information. I am NOT a paid employee, nor do I work for free.

My surgery was on Friday, January 11.

I chose my surgery to be in Cancun. I opted to not to go to a border town, because I wanted scenery and beaches and a mini-vacation. I researched which physicians performed surgery in Cancun. There are several that practice in Puerta Vallarta, Monterrey, and Cancun. Easy enough.

I arrived Thursday, January 10 and was greeted at the airport with no waiting. Took me to my hotel. When I arrived, the hotel staff was extremely courteous and offered me a free upgrade to a villa. YAY!! (I have pics and should really post them at some time if you guys want to see them.)

Met in lobby on Friday at 8:30 a.m. There was someone else going, they were late and we did not leave until 9:30 because she over-slept.

Straight to the hospital. I arrive and greeted by a wonderful staff. I speak enough spanish to understand and to be understood. The best part? When in doubt...they have flash cards they bring to you to translate for themselves. My doctor comes to greet me (perfect english) and the labs/EKG and other stuff begins. Took about an hour, at the most. I had a room to myself. The floor was empty except for one other WLS patient. The hospital was great! My room had a shower, I sofa thatfolded out into a bed, working Wi-fi, and a tv with a blu-ray player.

Anesthesiologist comes in and she was great. I answered a few questions she had and she answered mine.

I changed into a gown and walked into the operating room and got on the table at 11:25 a.m. I remember singing "Proud Mary" and realized the anesthesiologist put something in my i.v.

Woke up in the recovery room, and I really needed to pee. lol the nurse asked me, in her way, if I felt ok to go. "si, si, si."

After that, I was in and out every for a couple of hours. Anesthesia wearing off. Then I was 'OFF!' I began with the laps. I had read about all kinds of major gas pain on here and to walk, walk, walk and that is what I did. Every hour (I timed by the TV shows: when it ended, I walked. repeat)

At one point I heaved a little and saliva/clear stuff came up. I was afraid because of my new tummy. The nurse came in later and I told her about and she came back and put something in my i.v. and I did NOT experience it again while in the hospital. The nurses knew of my one episode of 'nausea' and kept the anti-nausea meds in the i.v. I was checked on hourly, my drain was checked and/or emptied.

Was I not in pain because of the pain meds? I don't think so...I declined pain meds in my i.v. because I was not hurting. I have not taken NOT one bit of anything for pain since the surgery, nor since I left the hospital. Everyone's recovery is different. Walking helps.

Saturday: this is something I had NEVER read about on these forums, my mouth began to Water and knew I was about to heave something. It came up, but I will say it freaked the poo-poo out of me. It was dark. like something from a horror movie. And it came up 3 times total. LOL. I could taste the 'metallic' taste to it and knew it was blood. I WILL SAY THIS: as soon as I got that up, i swear I felt like I could run a marathon. I literally felt that much better. The nurse made her rounds and came in, I showed her and she assured me it was completely normal. My Doctor came by later that day and told me the same thing. I was given ice chips several times throughout the day and was allowed to take the best feeling shower I have ever had. walked, walked, walked. watched NCIS, Criminal Minds, Law & Order, etc.

Sunday: The inevitable blue dye is brought to me. OMG. It is horrible. Think of liquid Nyquil, the green one, and about 12 oz of it. Dr comes and gets me and we go to look. I get downstairs and I took a drink of some other clear liquid and watch it go down in to my new little bitty tummy. It's BEAUTIFUL!! lol. No leaks appeared. back to the room and he looks at the drain, no leaks or blue dye in there, either. YAY! He tells me he is going to pull it out and "It doesn't hurt. It just feels funny." Is it going to make me laugh? "No, but it just feels like it." He pulls it out and honestly, it did not hurt. just a quick 'zip' and its out. No stitches, he states. It is natures way of laughing at Dr's because it is going to heal and look the best out of all the little one's you have. I laugh. I "can then shower dress and get ready to go, the driver will be here at 11:30 to get you. We will call the hotel and pay for an extra day because check-in time is not until 4 pm." Great! and he tells me to walk and keep walking. We leave, get to the hotel, and we get upgraded again because they couldn't get a room ready quick enough. Leave my things and went walking on the beach for 1 1/2 hours, then went to the mall for 2 hours.

Monday: I am on soft/pureed foods and really can't hold much at all. I buy guacamole, but please put nothing in it. So basically, a smushed up avocado. Can I tell you guys.. I was scared to death. My tummy loved it. the entire baby spoonful I ate. I ate it for lunch and dinner. So, about a tbsp for the entire day. and only got in about 20 oz. of gatorade for the day. i ate a nibble of a piece of watermelon (it's on my approved list - and it came right back up. scared the poo out of me because i kept thinking i sprung a leak) It's just too much sugar for the new guy.

Tuesday: Leaving today. Pack, leave my stuff at the hotel desk, and went shopping. Drank 20 oz. of gatorade, 2 baby spoonfuls of yogurt and get on the plane with my bottle of Water.< /p>

Wednesday-Friday: Every day has got better and better. I don't eat much. 1/2 a boiled egg and 1/2 tbsp of light mayo blended, water, and a couple of Protein drinks, a couple of bites of yogurt, 1/4 c of blended Beans. nothing chunky, just smooth. I am not hungry and I set a timer on my phone to remind me. Right now, by the time it takes me to drink 12-16 ozs. of water, it's usually time for some kind of Protein. I have got more protein today than any other day. So, when everyone says it gets better and better, it really does!!

I have no pain, I have only heaved the once with the watermelon, and I am walking around and doing okay. (don't want to jinx myself!) I love my new sleeved tummy!!

I have lost 18 lbs total. 6 for the 7 day preop and 13.2 since surgery on Friday, 7 days ago. I am sure it will start to slow down very soon.

Good luck on your journeys and I wish every single one of you nothing but success! Thanks to every one who posts here telling their experiences - I knew what to expect, because of those. [/quote']

Great story, thank you for sharing, it helps with the nervousness.