MissyBlake

Cutting to the chase.........Down 64 lbs!!! I have never thrown up, not once since surgery. I am a slow eater and I know when that "one bite" is going to be the one that sends me into burbing, belching and being miserable for the next half hour. So I avoid that feeling at all costs. The hardest thing for me is actually eating all meals and snacks every day. I tootle along with my day and then my stomach starts feeling yucky and it dawns on me I need to eat. One may say this is a good thing and IT IS NOT. What I have experienced the hard way is that I don't lose weight if I don't eat. Sounds crazy right? I think it has something to do with metabolism. Also, it is VERY VERY important to get in at least the minimum amount of protein a day as well as water. Just make up your mind to have a bottle of water in your hand or within reach at all times and sip sip sip during the day. I am happy with my weight loss considering the only exercise I am able to accomplish due to health issues is swimming. I do water aerobics three times a week consistently. I can eat anything but dinner rolls. They seem to sit like rocks as well as a few bites and you feel like you ate a pillow. Again, that is why I emphasize this surgery is a tool. I could easily eat chocolate every few hours but that is not going to help me lose weight. Choose your protein and veggies and you too will soon be on your way to a new person. Take care everyone. Good luck.

I am 4 months post op and in that time I have had it twice. Mostly after not choosing "wisely" and having way too much starch. I too can eat just about anything except fresh yeast rolls or for that matter any type of roll. I love my sleeve but as stated before........it is a TOOL. In one way being able to eat anything is not such a good thing because one could have the tendency to fall back into bad habits. Most all of the time I choose wisely and then eat my protein (meat) mainly with my veggies and eat starch sparingly.

Don't get discouraged. I have had many "stalls". I know it sounds crazy but you need to make sure you are following your diet. Make sure you are getting enough protein and water. Hang in. Don't weigh every. Also try to get in a bit of exercise. I am unable to "walk" so I swim three days a week. ANything to get the metabolism going. Good luck!

Thank you LoriBecky for replying to my post. I did order another protein powder from another site and did waste my money as I did not like it and it was too foamy. But what if I had liked it? You would have lost a customer. Your response was it will be ready to ship this week. Here it is Thursday evening and no availability STILL. I understand the need for putting out the best product possible and appreciate your transparency but that transparency needs to be put on your website and not just a response to my disgruntled blog. This is terribly frustrating......I am totally out of protein powder and depend upon it as at least one meal replacement a day. Sad sad sad...................

Am I the only one seemingly to be suckered into waiting and waiting for the release of this new product? Many weeks ago I thought we were down to days and logged on again to purchase to find we were days out again. On Thursday, I took a picture of the "days until release" it stated 2 days 19 hrs 18 min and 52 seconds. Now it is Sunday(at least a full 2 days later) and guess what? We are now another 1 day so many hrs etc etc until release. What is up with this does anyone know? I really like the protein powder that I bought through here and wanted to wait and support the OCC but I am tired of waiting and being put off. If anyone knows what is going on I sure would appreciate some solid information otherwise I am shopping local.

After we were picked up at the airport I got to stay in the van while my husband took our luggage through the building with the other occupants of the van and their luggage. The customs officers checked me out that I was not feeling well as well as having a cane. We sat at the curb in the van and I could see them literally just walk from one end to the other and it didn't take but a few minutes. However leaving Mexico was different. There are two different border crossings. I can not remember off hand the name of the one we went through. It seemed we went a bit further south. At it we were separated and there was a wall or divider between us and the hook up point was approximately one block away. Hope this answers your question.

PS It was't a "hill" but a gradual incline but with bad knees and a hip it might as well been a mountain. lol

I have traveled a lot on my own including out of the US and have done fine. To answer your questions the nutritionist I speak of are those at the center. They are available to you anytime as well as Dr. So. Dr. So will even give you his home phone number. So I would not worry about a nutritionist once you get home. I have not felt the need for one here as I get a fairly fast response from them. I did make sure that I checked in with my primary care physician to get him on board with my routine and what was going on with me. Personally I think you can do the "customs walk". Customs is not scarey. They will ask you why you were there and I said surgery. They then asked if I had meds and I said yes and they asked muscle relaxers and I said no and they sent me on my way. I kept the meds in my purse along with the signed prescription the OCC gives you just in case I needed it to show customs. Like I mentioned I have extremely bad knees and a bad hip which requires me to walk with a cane and if at home a walker. Handling my suitcase would have been a chore. Plus not getting any exercise I was quite winded with the walk as I am not used to doing anything but generally car to destination and vice versa. I would pack light. You don't need a bunch of items. Hotel has a hair dryer and toiletries. You are not going anywhere except airport-clinic-hotel-clinic-airport. Have a case with wheels. If you have any disabilities then when you book your airfare ask for gait assistance. Once I checked in they had someone immediately show with a wheelchair and wheeled me to and helped me through security and wheeled me to my gait. Also when I transferred there was a chair waiting for me at the plane door and took me to my next gait. That helped me A LOT!! As far as the hotel they treat you like royalty. Everyone is aware you are from the clinic and they seem to go out of their way to accomodate. WHen you call for room service they are there immediately. I have read a lot of others that actually feel well enough and strong enough to browse the beautiful gardens there. As with all door men, bell hops etc I always made sure to tip them at least 2 US dollars each time for their help. You will do fine. Any more questions feel free to ask. Debra

Have you contacted anyone at the OCC and if so, their response?

Thank you Jen. My name is Debra. The only regret that I have is that I did not do it sooner. I am hoping this gets to you as I have struggled all day with the website in responding. If you would like you can reach me at my email outside of this at dmbrott@yahoo.com. I will be 7 weeks since surgery this coming Tuesday and I have lost 41 lbs since I started the journey. I have been at a standstill for the past few days. It is a life change as well as a tool. I have to be constantly aware of needing protein versus junk. I am now on "real" food and find I can eat just about anything but have to be selective. I am cutting this short hoping it will go through to you. Best wishes

I am a food masochist right along with you! Besides commercials that show at least one food related product what seems like every 15 seconds I actually have tivo'd The Chew. lol

I too have been cold since I had the surgery almost a month ago. I also am normally "hot blooded" and find this to be a tolerable side effect I am hoping that will get better. At times my goose bumps will have goosebumps. lol

I am a newbie so don't have a lot of history yet but I am working on it. Feel free to follow my blog.

Hello New World Tomorrow it will be 3 weeks since I had my weight loss surgery and start on a new life. Had a bit of a rough patch for a few days after my last post which was about 5 or 6 days post op. I got weak, shaky and felt near passing out a few times but working with my nutritionist and Dr. So we got on top of that problem and within a few days felt better. I needed more protein!! Let's cut to the chase......what you really want to know is how much weight have I lost. I won't hold you hostage anymore.....since surgery I have lost 18 lbs. Since I started this journey I have lost 31. I couldn't be more pleased. And folks.....I walk with a cane and get very little exercise so think what you can do with walking and using this surgery as a tool. One of the things the nutritionist helped me with is putting my protein powder in sugar free pudding. I was making an 8 oz protein shake and it was taking me FOREVER to get it down with the reduced size of my stomach. It left very little time for anything else. They also tell you to plan your meals which you really need to do in order to make sure you drink enough in between any meals. With being disabled I surf the net A LOT!! I read just about anything I can find on bariatric weight loss, symptoms, foods etc. At first I was thinking that the post op regime was made up by the OCC. Let me tell you folks it is pretty much standard across the board so there is a reason for doing what they tell us with the clear liquids, thicker liquids etc. Remember, although you have a few holes in your from the instruments what we had is still considered major surgery so take care of yourself and follow the program. There are times that I now feel like I am having cramps. Guess what? Your stomach is hungry so feed it something. But I can honestly say I don't "feel" like I am hungry, at least not mentally. My stomach tells me so but I should have not let it tell me it was hungry hence what I am telling you about making a schedule. Your nutritionist will go over this with you. Well I am done with the soap box. So far I have healed nicely and feel progressing along right on schedule. I would be happy to answer any questions privately at dmbrott@yahoo.com. Take care....until next time.........MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR. I I

Hello everyone. I have returned. I am 4th day postop. I had plication surgery on Tuesday and returned home on Thanksgiving Day. Let me tell you about my experience. Overall it was great. My husband and I flew in the day before surgery. I was picked up at the airport and was taken to the Center. It was quite a long day for me as I was unable to sleep the night before and we had to get up at 3 am in order to make our flight. At the center I had to wait my turn to see the nutritionist, cardiologist and have my lab work. We were then taken to the Marriott and OMG is it nice. Everything marble and glass. The Marriott is responsible for taking you back and forth to the clinic and the drivers are friendly and are quite open and appreciative of the fact we are bringing dollars to their economy. One driver even gave me a little tour of the area on my way back to the hotel one day. And as expected everyone helps with your bags. I would suggest packing light because you do tote your luggage around with you some. For instance the day we arrived and were taken straight to the clinic as well as surgery day I took my case with me even though I returned for an extra night at the hotel. Surgery day......was taken from the hotel to the Center and unbeknowst to me I was first on the schedule. An IV was started and we visited with Dr. Martinez for at least 20 minutes prior to having the surgery. Very nice man. Speaks excellent English. He literally walked me through the surgery doors. The Anesthesiologist prepared me for surgery and one minute we were talking soccer and the next I knew I was in recovery. Dr. Martinez brought my husband to my side to see that I was okay and eventually I was moved to my room. I was up and moving around going to the bathroom in no time. I know you all want to know about the pain. I was in very little pain but then again they make sure you have medication before you ask for it but I really didn't feel but abdominal discomfort. After surgery Dr. Ortiz came in and spoke with us and he seemed like family. I think we talked about everything and anything but then again I was post op and some of it I can't remember. We had a physician on staff the night of surgery that would check in on us as well as our nurse. Both were very nice. The next morning we had barium swallows performed to see how our pouches looked and was receiving and processing liquids. We were told to get dressed and we were being disharged. If I would have anything at all negative to say about the facility is the fact there is no expectation of you showering the morning of your discharge. And to be fair, I did not ask but the shower in the restroom had a few things stored in it so there was the assumption on my part it was not to be used. Other than that......everything was great. I guess I am big on the shower thing as I know that some of the patients were leaving the Center and flying home that day. I can't imagine. First of all I was weak and shaky and was lacking sleep due to anxiousness and scheduling. Anyway was discharged back to the hotel were my husband and I were slugs all day, ordered room service and slept. And as mentioned by others, the Marriott provides broth, water and popsicles for you and are happy to do so. Thanksgiving morning. Up early, driver from the Center took us to the airport. My only other negative comment could not be controlled by the Center. Our driver had to let us off with our luggage at the border. We had to walk a short way through customs but then had to meet him a good block plus with our luggage, walking slighty uphill. (Another reason to pack light) I am disabled with a cane and with just having surgery I felt pretty weak and shaky by the time we met back up with the van. Now to how I am feeling. Some stomach cramps. Every sip of water I can feel it with a bit of cramping. I am assuming this is due to post op swelling and the fact that my stomach has been "messed with". Yesterday was a rough day for me. I was reading my facebook and seeing pictures of Thanksgiving dinners and I could literally taste the stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauces, etc etc and had a little pity party for myself as I was still trying to manage sip sip sipping my liquids. I couldn't "cheat" even if I wanted to. I am not hungry though when my husband ate his dinner the smell of chicken really triggered that food memory and I "thought" I was hungry. Today is better. I am able to consume my protein shake without as much cramping which in my mind means I am healing. My abdomen is still sore and I will have a twinge or two in one post op area. And along the line of TMI I had a small BM today. I know others were worried about that but I figured not much has been going in so how can I expect there to be much going out? Just keep moving around and let nature take it's course with gas release etc. Okay, this is more of a book than I intended. I will be happy to answer any questions I have not addressed. Will update in a few days. Everyone take care.

It was a bit difficult and had a brief standstill but I reached my preop requested weight loss goal. I have three days before surgery so hopefully I can lose a few more. I am getting anxious/excited. Will update everyone on my return.

I wasn't going to post this but then again honesty is the best policy and I know that I am like a sponge when it comes to little tidbits of information and experiences of others out there going through the same thing. So here it goes. So far I really haven't had much problem doing my prediet to the PreOP diet until today. I started the PreOp Diet on Monday which is three shakes a day. Although it is Thursday as far as I am concerned the "HUMP" is today. I woke up starving. It has been that way all day. I don't know if it is in my mind or I am actually hungry. I have had a headache the biggest part of the day. I have tried to power through it by increasing my liquids and hopefully tomorrow is a new day. So if you are struggling out there I am with you. Hang in there...........we can do it. I

Good morning everyone. Two weeks from today and I will be having my life changing surgery. I have lost 13 lbs since I started this journey and would like to lose another 5 before surgery. I have come to the realization that not only is this predieting requirement for safety but also to help you regulate yourself after the surgery. At first I thought the prospect of shakes and a lean cusine meal daunting and that I could not do it but have found that it was a bit easier than I thought. I have downloaded recipes from the internet for the shakes for variety which has helped and the lean cuisine meals are quite tasty. This is day 2 of my preop diet of three shakes a day. So far so good. I am starting to get that nervous excitement just thinking of the future. Have a great day everyone.

Hi Kari Now that you are about a month post op how are you doing? Was your experience good?

Hello out there. Any November surgeries out there? I am having mine the 26th. Would love to connect with someone for pre and post support.

For those of you that have a BMI of 50 or above I am sure you have been asked to diet somewhat BEFORE the preop diet which consists of two shakes a day and a lean cuisine meal (which by the way are not bad at all). Two weeks out I will do the 3 shakes a day diet which truthfully I am not looking forward to as I just have to have something to chew on so maybe I can leave a few ice cubes whole. lol First of all if you read my earlier first blog you know I have bad knees and get very little to no exercise. My biggest obstacle to date was giving up my Coca Cola and what I affectionately refer to McDonald's sweet tea as (crack tea). I swear they are addictive. I have been successful with only taking a sip or two of my husband's drink over the past 10 days. Another obstacle is cooking regular meals for him while I do my alternatives. Gets a bit time consuming but I have been doing it and he has been supportive. I have said all that to say this: I AM DOWN 8 LBS. I am a month out from surgery and need to lose a bit more but have confidence I can do this. I have running commentary with myself every day that I can do this and if you are reading this YOU CAN TOO!!! Until next time..........

I am no different than the thousands of other overweight people in the world. All my life I have battled obesity. I remember being a young teen and my Mom taking me to an osteopathic physician who provided me weekly shots and pills that was essentially ineffective. I was at a managable weight until I got pregnant with my first child and gained 60 lbs and really didn't lose it and then three years later got pregnant again. When I turned 40 I decided I was tired of being overweight. So I stopped snacking between meals, cut my Coca Cola consumption to one a day (my afternoon snack) and I ate what everyone else ate but way smaller portions. I did not eat after 7 pm and I walked religiously every night snow, sleet, rain or shine. I was the mailman. lol I lost weight, kept it off and felt the best of my life although I was still not at goal weight. Due to years of abuse to my knees and body they gave out. Because you see I did not let an overweight body keep me from doing what I wanted to do. I played softball, snow skied, hiked and played soccer. Eventually though I was unable to walk much anymore and bad habits came back into play and now I am at the weight I am, miserable, unable to have knee replacement due to my BMI and sitting watching the world go by. I am 56 years old leading the life of an 80 year old. I seldom leave my home except for Doctors appts and I have my groceries delivered. Two years ago I got remarried and unfortunately my husband now does things by himself because I can no longer accompany him. So......I made the decision that enough is enough. I am too young to be like this. I have plans. So TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE. I am scheduled for gastric plication in November. I am counting down the days. I can do this preop and post op diet because there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I am hoping to inspire others by blogging. As I start my preop diet I will keep you all informed and promise to make it not as lengthy.