Sleeved in Mexico - My Story (warning long post)

[SleevedNFree 89]

Hi All,

I'm 3 weeks post-op from my sleeve surgery on March 4th. I wanted to pay-it-forward and share my detailed experience in Mexico. I can only hope that it will help at least one reader gain some additional insight on this experience. Besides, I was helped by so many with their stories. Here's mine... here goes...

(***** warning long post ******)

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Tuesday, March 3rd - Travel Day - It's really here!!!!!

I arrived in San Diego, CA airport; flight was delayed due to weather in Atlanta. Either way, I didn't get in until 7:00pm local. However, the driver, Ricardo, was at the airport and I Iiterally walked out of the airport and into the waiting van. Love the curbside service. His English was very good.

Arriving in Mexico was truly uneventful - only took 35 mins - until we came through the section where there were no real traffic lights and cars came out of every direction imaginable. I'm used to driving in New York and Europe so it didn't phase me, but my ex-police officer cousin was on edge. Imagine that! Got in late so the nurse had to come to my hotel room to take my blood. Didn't quite like that, but it would help with surgery the next day. The Tijuana Marriott was just like being in the states. Nothing at all any different. I travel a lot and felt quite at home.

Wednesday, March 4th - SURGERY DAY - My journey begins....

I met my sleeve buddy for the first time in the hotel lobby. My best-friend cancelled - she was not getting the support from her parents and couldn't mentally pull it off due to job demands. She says she will do it at a later day - hope she does.

We had to go to a separate location to have the EKG done. The office didn't look like a clinic, but some things are just different. EKG was fine even though the nerves reality kicked in and I felt my heart would jump out of my chest and do the EKG for me.They took my weight; elated to learn that I lost 20 pounds on the pre-op diet. Yippie.

We were taken straight to VIDA Hospital - beautiful, absolutely beautiful place. Dr. alejandro lopez was my surgeon. They prepped me for surgery, but couldn't get a vein because I was dehydrated - possibly from the flight. After getting stuck 3 times, I had to stop them and say a prayer. I knew I hadn't come this far to be rescheduled. A more experienced nurse, Fatima, came in and with some work was able to find a vein for the IV. I chatted with the anesthesiologist and was taken back for surgery. I remember singing a tune - "good-bye fat, hello health," and was completely out in seconds. The next memory is waking up in recovery. Man, that is some strong stuff.

I was up and walking within the first hour in the recovery room. My cousin states that I was so out of it that I was bossy and commanding the nurses to do stuff - bring me ice chips, check my temperature, take my blood pressure, etc. While they did it all, they probably had a few choice words for me - drugged, crazy lady from the states would be putting it mildly. LOL My cousin reports that I would not open my eyes while walking. I have no memory of this at all - drugged out of my head. LOL

I ate the ice chips and started dry heaving. It was an awful feeling. I had to pray that this would not be the norm for me. I went to sleep - slept a lot and slept well. I drank the leak test stuff and had no problem keeping it down. Tried ice chips again and it was better. Now I was ready to test my bodily functions - ability to pass urine - Bladder works A+; started belching and passing gas - bowel function B+; need to have a bowel movement before I could make it an A+. Mom is a retired nurse, so it's that part of her talking to me. My sleeve buddy was having a rough time was very nauseated. I had her get up and walk with me more. I think I slept for what felt like hours, but it was really for 40 minutes at a time and then I would walk more. I'm telling you the drugs are amazing.

Thursday, March 5th - Day 1 Post-Op

The next day was much better. I was handling the ice chips really well. The doctors came in and told me I had a hernia that had to be repaired. I didn't even know what a hernia was, let alone needing to have it repaired. I was thinking, I have some other things that needed repairing too, but you didn't fix them - breast lift would be nice.

We were taken to our recovery suites which were like hotel rooms. I slept a lot there and walked a lot without an IV pole, which helped. The drainage pump was still attached, but didn't bother me. I showered with this thing and had no problems. The five (5) incisions were much smaller than I imagined.

I was good - able to hold apple juice, Gatorade, Water with no problems. I had no sensation of hunger or thirst but drank because this is what I was supposed to do. And then I started hearing this growling noise. The doctor stated it was my "ghost stomach." Freaked me out for a minute. I ain't scared of no ghosts but definitely didn't want my body thinking I still had the old part of my stomach either. This lasted for a day and then went away. Whew. I couldn't take that. The rest of my time was truly uneventful. I was doing well with the liquids, taking showers, didn't feel any pain, even after the surgery. My issue was keeping the IV line open which failed when my vein completely collapsed. They ended up giving me meds through 2 shots in my butt. Hurt like the dickens but I was done with IVs. Hallelujah!!!

Friday, March 6th - Back to the hotel, my last night in Mexico

We had one stop by make before the hotel and that was the clinic for the 3rd and final Leak test - the first was during the surgery. The liquid was not as bad as I'd heard - perhaps that was because I probably liked anything at that point. The leak test was successful. It was really cool seeing the liquid flow all the way through my system. I actually saw my new tummy too. How cool - my new sleeve, my little angel that will help me reclaim my health through weight loss.

Fast-forward to week 3

I have had no problems with my sleeve. I tried a Gas-X one day and nearly threw up on the spot. My stomach hates that stuff. I decided to walk so the remaining gas away. I was amazed that I still had some gas lingering. I'm grateful I have not had the major pain it can bring, but walking, talking small sips, small bites, and chewing your food to a complete liquid substance is the key. Honestly after a few bites and long chewing times, you lose your appetite for much more - 4 bites is usually it for me. Amazing. I remember just a few weeks ago and I would devour everything on my plate - huge servings at that. Now 4 bites - really? Amazing indeed.

Since my pre-op weight loss and surgery on March 4th, I am down 34 pounds. I saw my PCP at 2-weeks post-op and she cut my blood pressure meds in half and stated she will most likely remove me altogether in May. Wonderful thing as I've been on blood pressure meds for 12 years. I've lost tons of inches - everywhere. I took my measurements in January and now showing a whopping 7 inches from my abs, 4 from my chest, and 4 from each thigh and 6 from my hips. Now that's amazing to me. I'll take every pound and every inch. I'll say to others, take your measurements; it's the truer test. :-)

HW: 300lbs

SW: 288lbs

CW: 254lbs

Overall weight loss - 46 lbs.

That's it. Hope this is helpful.

[sharonintx 1,275]

Thanks for sharing that. I enjoyed reading it

[Amy Batchelor 11]

I enjoyed reading your post, I was really worried about drinking the stuff for the leak test, but you have made me feel better. Thanks. What Protein Shakes did you drink? I have Advocare it has 12 grams of sugar though so not sure about it. I am going to check into Unjury and Zeal. Keep us posted and praying for your health and a slimmer you.

[kyleegirl01 33]

Thank you for all the detail! My husband has given me a thumbs up for surgery in TJ and I'm saving the funds now. I can't wait!

Really, the detail in your post was truly helpful.

[SleevedNFree 89]

Many thanks to you all for taking the time to read such a long post. I'm glad you found it helpful as that was the sole intent.

@@amy - I used a couple of different Protein shakes and drinks. I started out with the Premier Protein shake - 30g during pre-op diet, but realized it was making me constipated. Couldn't afford that. I then tried Isopure Protein Water post-op (GNC) with 40g of protein. I just couldn't stomach the smell/taste of it, but suffered through it to get the protein in. Now I'm trying to figure out another Protein Drink, but switched back to Premier Protein for now to make sure I get in. So far, no Constipation issues. I think they are all too sweet for me, so I'm considering a powder one. The key is to find a protein with less than 3grams of sugar and these had it, but they were still too sweet for me.

@kyleegirle01 - so happy for you in your decision to do this. You will do great. I'm so glad that I did it. It is absolutely amazing how quickly the body recovers and how the weight just melts off. Wishing you all the best!

[Skinnyninny 8]

Thank you for sharing your story. It has put my mind completely at rest. I know if others can do this so can I. I start my adventure on May 1st.