Why do I post on this site?
Hi Everyone,
Why do I always post a lot on this site? I have such a passion about the success that I had after having weight loss surgery with Dr. Aceves and his staff. My entire life changed. I had the most wonderful support from so many people on this board when I was first starting out and was “just thinking" about what kind of weight loss surgery I wanted. Then once I was sure I was going to do it and that I wanted a sleeve, came my thousands of questions. Now these people were so patient with me and ALL my questions—trust me I had a lot of them. They really helped me educated myself. They were there when I had opposition from my own family and encouraged me this was about me and NOT them. By asking ALL MY questions I felt very comfortable with my choice. I am not saying I wasn’t scared, and had all kinds of feelings and emotions before I went to Mexicali, because I had the very same ones that most of you have had before you had your surgery. It was MY choice to go alone and I did great and knew I was going to be OK going alone and I was—that might not be for everyone, but it was what worked for me.
I learned so much through this process and I wanted to give something back to the “newbies" who were coming along behind me. I have 3 years of experience behind me and some valuable information I think.
I can only talk about “MY" experience and tell people what I know from my own experience and the education I got before, after and during my 14 months it took me to lose 105 pounds.
I am retired, I do have the time to answer people’s question and say what I know. I do this because I want to pay it forward and give back ALL that I got from the people ahead of me.
I want YOU to be successful with your weight loss. I want YOU to have ALL the information from as many people on this board as it takes before you make a choice of what kind of weight loss surgery you are going to have and where you are going to have it.
Suzanne 
Sleeved 10/21/2008
Lost 105 pounds
Why do I always post a lot on this site? I have such a passion about the success that I had after having weight loss surgery with Dr. Aceves and his staff. My entire life changed. I had the most wonderful support from so many people on this board when I was first starting out and was “just thinking" about what kind of weight loss surgery I wanted. Then once I was sure I was going to do it and that I wanted a sleeve, came my thousands of questions. Now these people were so patient with me and ALL my questions—trust me I had a lot of them. They really helped me educated myself. They were there when I had opposition from my own family and encouraged me this was about me and NOT them. By asking ALL MY questions I felt very comfortable with my choice. I am not saying I wasn’t scared, and had all kinds of feelings and emotions before I went to Mexicali, because I had the very same ones that most of you have had before you had your surgery. It was MY choice to go alone and I did great and knew I was going to be OK going alone and I was—that might not be for everyone, but it was what worked for me.
I learned so much through this process and I wanted to give something back to the “newbies" who were coming along behind me. I have 3 years of experience behind me and some valuable information I think.
I can only talk about “MY" experience and tell people what I know from my own experience and the education I got before, after and during my 14 months it took me to lose 105 pounds.
I am retired, I do have the time to answer people’s question and say what I know. I do this because I want to pay it forward and give back ALL that I got from the people ahead of me.
I want YOU to be successful with your weight loss. I want YOU to have ALL the information from as many people on this board as it takes before you make a choice of what kind of weight loss surgery you are going to have and where you are going to have it.
Suzanne
Sleeved 10/21/2008
Lost 105 pounds
Suzanne B
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Suzanne - thanks so much for your insight on all this. I admire your courage to go it alone. My surgery is scheduled for November 7, 2011 and I have mixed emotions, but I know I made the right decision. I've been down this road for almost ten years and have never done anything about it. NOW is the time to make the change and I'm not turning back. I hope to post some information about my journey, because OH has been so helpful. Thanks again!
Debbie
Debbie
Yeah for you! You have a target date---this is wonderful news. As I said, I know that going alone is NOT for everyone. I have always been pretty strong and independent. And I really wasn't alone. I made new friends in the hospital, who were having the same surgery.. We because good friends and were always walking the halls together and checking on each other. We still stay in contact 3 years later.
You are going to have all kinds of feelings and emotions the closer you get to the surgery. That is very normal. When you get scared or just need to talk, send me an Email. I am always here to help you OK. I have all kinds of information I can send you on what to expect in the first few months.
I am so happy and glad that you are moving forward. Life is going to change as you know it.
Hugs,
Suzanne
You are going to have all kinds of feelings and emotions the closer you get to the surgery. That is very normal. When you get scared or just need to talk, send me an Email. I am always here to help you OK. I have all kinds of information I can send you on what to expect in the first few months.
I am so happy and glad that you are moving forward. Life is going to change as you know it.
Hugs,
Suzanne
Suzanne B
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Hi Suzanne,
I am scheduled to have VSG with Dr. Aceves on 9/28/11. I'm excited mostly....just a little nervous about the recovery period. Nice of you to help us newbies. I am a lower risk patient than most without any real co-morbidities (sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.) yet...which is one of the reasons I want to do the surgery now. I know those things are in my future if I don't do this. 38 days till I leave for our vacation prior to surgery and 42 days until surgery. I am on the countdown...I just wish the days would pass quickly. I know it will be here soon enough.
I would love any insight you have on the recovery period, specifically the first 2 weeks and how you felt 10-14 days after surgery. I tend to heal quickly and am hoping to go back to work in 2 weeks.
Thanks so much.
Julie
I am scheduled to have VSG with Dr. Aceves on 9/28/11. I'm excited mostly....just a little nervous about the recovery period. Nice of you to help us newbies. I am a lower risk patient than most without any real co-morbidities (sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.) yet...which is one of the reasons I want to do the surgery now. I know those things are in my future if I don't do this. 38 days till I leave for our vacation prior to surgery and 42 days until surgery. I am on the countdown...I just wish the days would pass quickly. I know it will be here soon enough.
I would love any insight you have on the recovery period, specifically the first 2 weeks and how you felt 10-14 days after surgery. I tend to heal quickly and am hoping to go back to work in 2 weeks.
Thanks so much.
Julie
Hi Julie,
First of all congratulations on your choice of doctors. You have picked the VERY best doctor possible. I adore him. He gave me to tool to change my entire life. So I am going to send you these things that I have written before and they may be helpful to you. Just follow what he tells you to do and you will be great. I am also only a E-mail away and you can always E-mail me and aske me any questions. Here is my E-mail [email protected]
What are you able to eat the 1st month? I have said over and over that the 1st 30 days after having weight loss surgery are the very hardest to do. I think there are several things that make it so hard. The first is we were used to chewing a lot of food at one time and then swallowing it.
Now you are on clear liquids. I got bored with them. The 1st 10 days was the worst. Then the creamy stage came along and I loved being able to have creamy soups. Remember now you can add your protein drinks that are creamy to this stage—you will be able to get some good quality protein. When I got to the mushy stage this was a bit of a challenge for me. (My husband and his great sense of humor suggested Gerber baby food.) Believe me I considered it. I made some chicken soup and put it in the blender and it was chunky—it was good and I was getting some protein too from it. I also made a big pot of veggie soup and mashed it up in the bowel when I ate it. If you make a big pot of Veggie soup everyone in the family can eat it.
The last 10 days are when you are learning to take that tiny baby bites and then swallow. I suggest that when you get to the mushy stage that you start to practice taking tiny, small baby bites of food. For most of your life you have been inhaling your food, barely chewing it and almost swallowing it whole with 2 or 3 bites. That will NO longer work for you once you finish the 1st 30 days. That was my biggest problem when I started to eat regular food again. I still sometimes have to set my fork down and chew and chew and chew.
It is a learning lesson. During the 1st month after WLS, your brain is still thinking in the mode of where you used to be before WLS. PLEASE remember that our brain really could convince us before to eat and eat and eat. We ate for all the wrong reasons. We ate when we were bored, upset, hurt, scared, or anxious. I am sure there was many more reason why we ate. NOW you are going to have to learn to listen to your stomach and know that you are full.
Some signs are hiccups or runny nose—pay attention to those signs. The brain plays tricks on us—many of us call this “head hunger." The brain really will try to tell you that you are starving and you should eat more. Those are “head hunger games" and you need to learn the difference between do I NEED to eat or do I just WANT to eat. SO WHAT DO I EAT STARTING THE 2ND MONTH I started with what I will call soft or easy to chew proteins.
1. Soft Boiled eggs or scrambled eggs cooked in a pan with PAM spray.
2. Chicken breast with NO skin—baked, grilled, broiled, steamed, boiled, or roasted. Look for a cookbook that shows you 100 different ways to fix chicken.
3. Fish no skin no bones it is worth getting it this way—Grilled, roasted, steamed, broiled, or in a pan cooked with PAM spray—dip it in a little egg for more protein.
4. Turkey breast with NO skin—baked, grilled, broiled, steamed, boiled, or roasted. You can also cook it in a pan with PAM spray. These proteins can be cooked so many different ways. At first I would cook them pretty simple and use different “rubs" on them for flavor. Fresh squeezed Lemmon or Lime really added a lot of flavor to them.
I eat very little RED meat. I was a lover of red meat in the past, but I no longer eat much of it. I try to keep my carbs down to about 25 or 30 carbs per day.
I use WHOLE GRAIN carbs and not whole wheat. It takes time and effort to plan what you are going to eat. It takes a while to adjust your lifestyle to eating like this. This is NOT A DIET, but a lifestyle change that will last a life time.
I also exercise at least 5 days a week. I ate fresh veggies and usually steamed them or had them raw and a small amount of fresh fruit helped too. You are only going to be able to eat small amounts of protein—maybe 1 oz. per meal and ¼ of a cup of veggies this second month. You will look at your plate and think is this all I am going to get—then you eat and figure out pretty quickly that you are full. I still eat these same foods 2 years and 10 months later, only I now eat a little more of each of them.
I also STILL drink my Premier Protein drink for breakfast every day. It has 30 grams of protein and it just works for me to drink it—that is all I have for breakfast. I have some small snacks during the day too, and they consist of nuts or veggies. Yes, I have a something sweet now and then, but in small amounts and NOT every day. A sliver of cake—not a big piece, or 1 cookie, not 5 or 6. It is more about the taste, and once I have satisfied the taste, I am ok and I don’t feel deprived at ALL.
As time goes on you will become more creative with what you are cooking and will find what tastes good to you. Take some of your old recipes and reinvent them to something that you can eat now with you new and improved stomach.
This may be helpful to you too. It is what to pack and take with you for WLS with Dr. Aceves.
Here is what I took and you might want to have when you pack for the Weight Loss Surgery with Dr. Aceves.
1. Gas-X because you will have gas after the surgery and they don't have Gas-X in Mexico. They (the nurses and doctors) will ask you are you passing gas? It is nice to have this on the plane ride home too after the surgery. I bought a box (of 36 tabs) of Gas-X (thin strips) that you just put the strip in your mouth. It tastes good and it is easy to take--no water required—nothing difficult to swallow either.
2. A comfortable bra & panties--nothing very tight (cotton is nice—what ever you like to wear) to wear home on the plane or if you want to wear these items in the hospital. Everyone was pretty relaxed with what they slept in or wore around the hospital. I didn't bring a robe at all--Just T-shirts and comfortable pants. Maybe a sweatshirt because the air conditioner makes it cool sometimes and then there are times when the air conditioner isn’t working that well. Bring some extra T-shirts in case you spill on yourself. My IV came out and I got blood on one of my T-shirts. I just washed it out in the sink and hung it up in the shower to dry.
3. Drawstring pants or pants with elastic waist—nothing tight around the middle section. I had some Nike walking pants and they were very comfortable—or short, or pants you would wear to relax in. I also had some that I wore to sleep in, walk around the hospital in and wore them home on the plane too (a pair for each day you are going to be away from home). Sweatpants work great too. I was there in Oct and so the air conditioning was going and sometimes it was cool at night when I was sleeping--so I brought some warm socks along too. But in some rooms the air conditioning wasn't working so well in their rooms and they were warmer than some of us were. If it is too warm or too cold tell one of the nurses they will help you with anything you need. They are excellent when you need something—don’t be afraid to ask.
4. A heating pad--I was so glad I had mine (someone had suggested I bring one) because it felt good on my stomach area. When my feet were cold at night I used my heating pad on my feet. Also when I was there with a friend for her surgery in April 2009 I found out at the nurse’s stations they also had heating pads—so if you don’t want to bring your own use theirs.
5. Some kind of slip on shoe for the plane ride home and something to wear in the hospital (I had some flip flops for the hospital and some clogs for the plane ride home. Flip flops didn't take up a lot of room in your suitcase. I also carried on the plane my tote bag carrying some things like, meds, change of underwear—in case my suitcase got lost, a snack so I could eat something after the tests that first day you arrive—because they will tell you not to eat a few hours before you get to Mexicali because of the tests you are going to be having upon arrival at the hospital in Mexicali. Sometimes you have to wait for everyone to have their test before they take you to the hotel and your are soooooooo hungry because you haven’t eaten anything all day long because most of us are flying into San Diego, so bring a snack that you can eat after your tests while waiting to go to the hotel. I brought along some packages of trail mix—bring what you like.
6. Only one (1) small or medium sized suitcase with wheels is really great because you will have to deal with your own suitcase at the airport (coming and going). I also brought along my laptop computer so I could stay in touch with my friends and family—I carried that on the plane too—don’t put it in a suitcase—too much stuff has been stolen out of suitcases.
7. Please be aware if you use your cell phone in Mexicali they will charge you roaming fees to CALL OUT. For me if people called me from the US to Mexicali and they were calling my Cell Phone there were NO ROAMING charges because they called me from the US. Most all cell phones work in Mexicali; I think they said Cricket was the only Carrier that they had problems with. I didn't have anyone come with me for the surgery, and they were so nice as to call someone (in the US) for me after surgery and let them know that I was doing great.
10. Do not take any jewelry with you or wear any. All I took was my watch. Leave ALL other jewelry at home.
11. Be prepared that Ernesto will be late picking you up--find a place to sit down in the baggage area where they said he would pick you up. Make sure you can see people walking in that area and he will come walking down through there with your name on a sign holding it up. He will have you back at the airport on your return trip home in plenty of time to catch your plane ride home.
12. Bring a camera along to take some pictures of yourself in the “before stage" and maybe a group picture of the other people who are going to have the surgery the same day you do. I have kept in contact with them. You will be so glad you have done this. Take lots of pictures. People really do enjoy seeing the pictures if they are considering doing this surgery.
13. Don’t forget the personal things like toothbrush, shampoo, soap that you may want to use in the shower, a razor, cream rinse for you hair—maybe a hair curler and hair dryer if you wan I don’t know if you want to bring make-up—I did, because I wanted to look ok going home on the plane. Yes, we used their water to take a shower—it is ok for showers… they do give you bottled water to drink.
14. I brought along a book I wanted to read along with my Ipod, so I could listen to my own music. You may or may not get a lot of reading done because you might want to take some nice naps too. Getting up and walking around is good for you and it makes you feel a lot better too.
15. Bring along some chap stick for your lips—they dry out and it is good to have something to put on your lips. If anyone else can add anything please jump in here and help me out! I know you are worried about a few small things and I can tell you not to worry because we all have been where you are. Just keep posting to the web site-- anything you want to say or ask. We all understand and have been where you are right now. I wish you GREAT success and it will be a life changing event and in about 2 months you will be saying the same thing too.
Also Linda adds that when they make you drink the vile stuff to make sure your new stomach has no leaks don’t for get to ask for chips of ice. It numbs your taste buds because they are so cold and you can drink their YUCK stuff. She did it and it worked great for her. I didn’t know about it and I wished I would have. I think they do this on the 3 day before you go home.
Suzanne
This is what someone else added to what I put on my list--you never can have too much help or information I wore and underwire.....so I didn't get that message! I also brought a robe...for sure and maybe flip flops or slippers for doing lots of walking after the surgery. They give you those hospital gowns, but the day after the surgery, I was in my own pjs that were button down the front and elastic band capris...something easy to slip in and out of.
Suzanne says-- I put my on PJ’5 on after the surgery when I got up to go to the bathroom. I would definitely take a comfy pillow for on the plane ride too. Just don't over pack! You will need very few things....one outfit for the day you arrive and one for when you leave and just the PJ’s for comfort.
You may need to have something on the plane ride....maybe some tea from Starbucks or get some ho****er and add some chicken broth to the ho****er--(take Chicken broth packets from Top Ramen Noodles works great for the Chicken broth. You most likely won't be hungry at all....but just in case......a clear broth with water works. I realized that most of the stuff that I brought, I didn't even need.....so pack light! You will mostly be walking the halls of the hospital! The best of luck to you! You will do great!
First of all congratulations on your choice of doctors. You have picked the VERY best doctor possible. I adore him. He gave me to tool to change my entire life. So I am going to send you these things that I have written before and they may be helpful to you. Just follow what he tells you to do and you will be great. I am also only a E-mail away and you can always E-mail me and aske me any questions. Here is my E-mail [email protected]
What are you able to eat the 1st month? I have said over and over that the 1st 30 days after having weight loss surgery are the very hardest to do. I think there are several things that make it so hard. The first is we were used to chewing a lot of food at one time and then swallowing it.
Now you are on clear liquids. I got bored with them. The 1st 10 days was the worst. Then the creamy stage came along and I loved being able to have creamy soups. Remember now you can add your protein drinks that are creamy to this stage—you will be able to get some good quality protein. When I got to the mushy stage this was a bit of a challenge for me. (My husband and his great sense of humor suggested Gerber baby food.) Believe me I considered it. I made some chicken soup and put it in the blender and it was chunky—it was good and I was getting some protein too from it. I also made a big pot of veggie soup and mashed it up in the bowel when I ate it. If you make a big pot of Veggie soup everyone in the family can eat it.
The last 10 days are when you are learning to take that tiny baby bites and then swallow. I suggest that when you get to the mushy stage that you start to practice taking tiny, small baby bites of food. For most of your life you have been inhaling your food, barely chewing it and almost swallowing it whole with 2 or 3 bites. That will NO longer work for you once you finish the 1st 30 days. That was my biggest problem when I started to eat regular food again. I still sometimes have to set my fork down and chew and chew and chew.
It is a learning lesson. During the 1st month after WLS, your brain is still thinking in the mode of where you used to be before WLS. PLEASE remember that our brain really could convince us before to eat and eat and eat. We ate for all the wrong reasons. We ate when we were bored, upset, hurt, scared, or anxious. I am sure there was many more reason why we ate. NOW you are going to have to learn to listen to your stomach and know that you are full.
Some signs are hiccups or runny nose—pay attention to those signs. The brain plays tricks on us—many of us call this “head hunger." The brain really will try to tell you that you are starving and you should eat more. Those are “head hunger games" and you need to learn the difference between do I NEED to eat or do I just WANT to eat. SO WHAT DO I EAT STARTING THE 2ND MONTH I started with what I will call soft or easy to chew proteins.
1. Soft Boiled eggs or scrambled eggs cooked in a pan with PAM spray.
2. Chicken breast with NO skin—baked, grilled, broiled, steamed, boiled, or roasted. Look for a cookbook that shows you 100 different ways to fix chicken.
3. Fish no skin no bones it is worth getting it this way—Grilled, roasted, steamed, broiled, or in a pan cooked with PAM spray—dip it in a little egg for more protein.
4. Turkey breast with NO skin—baked, grilled, broiled, steamed, boiled, or roasted. You can also cook it in a pan with PAM spray. These proteins can be cooked so many different ways. At first I would cook them pretty simple and use different “rubs" on them for flavor. Fresh squeezed Lemmon or Lime really added a lot of flavor to them.
I eat very little RED meat. I was a lover of red meat in the past, but I no longer eat much of it. I try to keep my carbs down to about 25 or 30 carbs per day.
I use WHOLE GRAIN carbs and not whole wheat. It takes time and effort to plan what you are going to eat. It takes a while to adjust your lifestyle to eating like this. This is NOT A DIET, but a lifestyle change that will last a life time.
I also exercise at least 5 days a week. I ate fresh veggies and usually steamed them or had them raw and a small amount of fresh fruit helped too. You are only going to be able to eat small amounts of protein—maybe 1 oz. per meal and ¼ of a cup of veggies this second month. You will look at your plate and think is this all I am going to get—then you eat and figure out pretty quickly that you are full. I still eat these same foods 2 years and 10 months later, only I now eat a little more of each of them.
I also STILL drink my Premier Protein drink for breakfast every day. It has 30 grams of protein and it just works for me to drink it—that is all I have for breakfast. I have some small snacks during the day too, and they consist of nuts or veggies. Yes, I have a something sweet now and then, but in small amounts and NOT every day. A sliver of cake—not a big piece, or 1 cookie, not 5 or 6. It is more about the taste, and once I have satisfied the taste, I am ok and I don’t feel deprived at ALL.
As time goes on you will become more creative with what you are cooking and will find what tastes good to you. Take some of your old recipes and reinvent them to something that you can eat now with you new and improved stomach.
This may be helpful to you too. It is what to pack and take with you for WLS with Dr. Aceves.
Here is what I took and you might want to have when you pack for the Weight Loss Surgery with Dr. Aceves.
1. Gas-X because you will have gas after the surgery and they don't have Gas-X in Mexico. They (the nurses and doctors) will ask you are you passing gas? It is nice to have this on the plane ride home too after the surgery. I bought a box (of 36 tabs) of Gas-X (thin strips) that you just put the strip in your mouth. It tastes good and it is easy to take--no water required—nothing difficult to swallow either.
2. A comfortable bra & panties--nothing very tight (cotton is nice—what ever you like to wear) to wear home on the plane or if you want to wear these items in the hospital. Everyone was pretty relaxed with what they slept in or wore around the hospital. I didn't bring a robe at all--Just T-shirts and comfortable pants. Maybe a sweatshirt because the air conditioner makes it cool sometimes and then there are times when the air conditioner isn’t working that well. Bring some extra T-shirts in case you spill on yourself. My IV came out and I got blood on one of my T-shirts. I just washed it out in the sink and hung it up in the shower to dry.
3. Drawstring pants or pants with elastic waist—nothing tight around the middle section. I had some Nike walking pants and they were very comfortable—or short, or pants you would wear to relax in. I also had some that I wore to sleep in, walk around the hospital in and wore them home on the plane too (a pair for each day you are going to be away from home). Sweatpants work great too. I was there in Oct and so the air conditioning was going and sometimes it was cool at night when I was sleeping--so I brought some warm socks along too. But in some rooms the air conditioning wasn't working so well in their rooms and they were warmer than some of us were. If it is too warm or too cold tell one of the nurses they will help you with anything you need. They are excellent when you need something—don’t be afraid to ask.
4. A heating pad--I was so glad I had mine (someone had suggested I bring one) because it felt good on my stomach area. When my feet were cold at night I used my heating pad on my feet. Also when I was there with a friend for her surgery in April 2009 I found out at the nurse’s stations they also had heating pads—so if you don’t want to bring your own use theirs.
5. Some kind of slip on shoe for the plane ride home and something to wear in the hospital (I had some flip flops for the hospital and some clogs for the plane ride home. Flip flops didn't take up a lot of room in your suitcase. I also carried on the plane my tote bag carrying some things like, meds, change of underwear—in case my suitcase got lost, a snack so I could eat something after the tests that first day you arrive—because they will tell you not to eat a few hours before you get to Mexicali because of the tests you are going to be having upon arrival at the hospital in Mexicali. Sometimes you have to wait for everyone to have their test before they take you to the hotel and your are soooooooo hungry because you haven’t eaten anything all day long because most of us are flying into San Diego, so bring a snack that you can eat after your tests while waiting to go to the hotel. I brought along some packages of trail mix—bring what you like.
6. Only one (1) small or medium sized suitcase with wheels is really great because you will have to deal with your own suitcase at the airport (coming and going). I also brought along my laptop computer so I could stay in touch with my friends and family—I carried that on the plane too—don’t put it in a suitcase—too much stuff has been stolen out of suitcases.
7. Please be aware if you use your cell phone in Mexicali they will charge you roaming fees to CALL OUT. For me if people called me from the US to Mexicali and they were calling my Cell Phone there were NO ROAMING charges because they called me from the US. Most all cell phones work in Mexicali; I think they said Cricket was the only Carrier that they had problems with. I didn't have anyone come with me for the surgery, and they were so nice as to call someone (in the US) for me after surgery and let them know that I was doing great.
- I brought my own favorite small pillow with me (almost sofa size). It was nice to have it while I was in the hospital and on the plane ride home.
10. Do not take any jewelry with you or wear any. All I took was my watch. Leave ALL other jewelry at home.
11. Be prepared that Ernesto will be late picking you up--find a place to sit down in the baggage area where they said he would pick you up. Make sure you can see people walking in that area and he will come walking down through there with your name on a sign holding it up. He will have you back at the airport on your return trip home in plenty of time to catch your plane ride home.
12. Bring a camera along to take some pictures of yourself in the “before stage" and maybe a group picture of the other people who are going to have the surgery the same day you do. I have kept in contact with them. You will be so glad you have done this. Take lots of pictures. People really do enjoy seeing the pictures if they are considering doing this surgery.
13. Don’t forget the personal things like toothbrush, shampoo, soap that you may want to use in the shower, a razor, cream rinse for you hair—maybe a hair curler and hair dryer if you wan I don’t know if you want to bring make-up—I did, because I wanted to look ok going home on the plane. Yes, we used their water to take a shower—it is ok for showers… they do give you bottled water to drink.
14. I brought along a book I wanted to read along with my Ipod, so I could listen to my own music. You may or may not get a lot of reading done because you might want to take some nice naps too. Getting up and walking around is good for you and it makes you feel a lot better too.
15. Bring along some chap stick for your lips—they dry out and it is good to have something to put on your lips. If anyone else can add anything please jump in here and help me out! I know you are worried about a few small things and I can tell you not to worry because we all have been where you are. Just keep posting to the web site-- anything you want to say or ask. We all understand and have been where you are right now. I wish you GREAT success and it will be a life changing event and in about 2 months you will be saying the same thing too.
Also Linda adds that when they make you drink the vile stuff to make sure your new stomach has no leaks don’t for get to ask for chips of ice. It numbs your taste buds because they are so cold and you can drink their YUCK stuff. She did it and it worked great for her. I didn’t know about it and I wished I would have. I think they do this on the 3 day before you go home.
Suzanne
This is what someone else added to what I put on my list--you never can have too much help or information I wore and underwire.....so I didn't get that message! I also brought a robe...for sure and maybe flip flops or slippers for doing lots of walking after the surgery. They give you those hospital gowns, but the day after the surgery, I was in my own pjs that were button down the front and elastic band capris...something easy to slip in and out of.
Suzanne says-- I put my on PJ’5 on after the surgery when I got up to go to the bathroom. I would definitely take a comfy pillow for on the plane ride too. Just don't over pack! You will need very few things....one outfit for the day you arrive and one for when you leave and just the PJ’s for comfort.
You may need to have something on the plane ride....maybe some tea from Starbucks or get some ho****er and add some chicken broth to the ho****er--(take Chicken broth packets from Top Ramen Noodles works great for the Chicken broth. You most likely won't be hungry at all....but just in case......a clear broth with water works. I realized that most of the stuff that I brought, I didn't even need.....so pack light! You will mostly be walking the halls of the hospital! The best of luck to you! You will do great!
Suzanne B
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Suzanne,
Thanks for all this info. This is great. I will print it out and put it with the other papers I have printed out from Dr. Aceves office. I was hoping to pack only a carry on for luggage. So will definitely keep it light....and carry a large purse :) Hoping that will work. I love that you say to keep it simple. My hubby is going with me. So grateful to have his full support on this procedure. He has seen me struggle to get weight off, be successful, and then gain the weight again.
Just love that we have this site to communicate with one another and get the support that we need from folks who have been there.
Thanks for all this info. This is great. I will print it out and put it with the other papers I have printed out from Dr. Aceves office. I was hoping to pack only a carry on for luggage. So will definitely keep it light....and carry a large purse :) Hoping that will work. I love that you say to keep it simple. My hubby is going with me. So grateful to have his full support on this procedure. He has seen me struggle to get weight off, be successful, and then gain the weight again.
Just love that we have this site to communicate with one another and get the support that we need from folks who have been there.
Hi Julie,
This is a great site. Dr. Aceves has a site on Yahoo too, and that board is really great--it is a chance to find out if other are going to be there before you go so that you can get to know them a little. If you want the Web Site address I would be happy to send it to you.
Tell your husband that the Café in the Hospital has excellent food. I took a Friend to Dr. Aceves and ate there. The food is really good and the price is very low. He can sleep in your room on these nice leather sofa's. They have TV also in all the rooms--and yes for the most part they have English channels. They will give him sheets and a blanket and pillow. They will also give him towels for a shower. If they don't give him towels just tell him to go to the nurses station and they will give them. Sometime they just forget to do that, but they are happy to given them to him.
If he eats at the Café, tell him to ask for the menu in English OK. Also it is a lot easier to pay with you debit or credit card. If you are going to use a debit or credit card call the banks that you are going to use their cards and tell them that you are in Mexico and the dates, that way they will not block your charges.
I am a world of information and post a lot for the newbies and anyone who needs help or advice. Please be aware that the closer you get to your surgery date the more emotions and feeling you will be having. You will be excited, happy, scared, not sure you are doing the right thing, want it to be "right now". and then be 2nd guessing yourself. These are ALL very normal feelings to have. I am sure I had ALL of them.
Hugs,
Suzanne
This is a great site. Dr. Aceves has a site on Yahoo too, and that board is really great--it is a chance to find out if other are going to be there before you go so that you can get to know them a little. If you want the Web Site address I would be happy to send it to you.
Tell your husband that the Café in the Hospital has excellent food. I took a Friend to Dr. Aceves and ate there. The food is really good and the price is very low. He can sleep in your room on these nice leather sofa's. They have TV also in all the rooms--and yes for the most part they have English channels. They will give him sheets and a blanket and pillow. They will also give him towels for a shower. If they don't give him towels just tell him to go to the nurses station and they will give them. Sometime they just forget to do that, but they are happy to given them to him.
If he eats at the Café, tell him to ask for the menu in English OK. Also it is a lot easier to pay with you debit or credit card. If you are going to use a debit or credit card call the banks that you are going to use their cards and tell them that you are in Mexico and the dates, that way they will not block your charges.
I am a world of information and post a lot for the newbies and anyone who needs help or advice. Please be aware that the closer you get to your surgery date the more emotions and feeling you will be having. You will be excited, happy, scared, not sure you are doing the right thing, want it to be "right now". and then be 2nd guessing yourself. These are ALL very normal feelings to have. I am sure I had ALL of them.
Hugs,
Suzanne
Suzanne B
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Thanks so much for the information. I feel really secure about my decision. I'm sure I will have some fears, but I don't think I will second guess this decision. I do want it to be right now....I have 42 days till surgery. Seems like an eternity.
I see you are in Eugene, Or. I am in Coos Bay, so we are not too far from each other. I have a friend going with me. We will have surgery the same day. We both live locally so we tease that we will be "sleeve sisters"...but I think that we will be a really good support network for ach other. Both our spouses are going. Definitely will call the bank/credit cards and give them the heads up on our travel plans.
My husband took 4 years of spanish in high school, and although he doesn't use it much now, he still understands a lot. Will be nice to have him there to help with the spanish. As a Nurse Midwife, I know a little spanish....enough to get through an office visit, but I call my spanish level "toddler spanish". know a few short phrases and ask only yes and no questions.
Would love to have the yahoo page for Dr. Aceves. Haven't even heard of it till now. You can email me at [email protected] Thanks so much for your willingness to share.
Oh, will the docs help you pick a goal weight. I am 5'4" and according to the weight charts should be between 117-143 or something like that....quite a wide range. I lost weight once before and got down to 145 at my lowest but hovered at 150-155 for two years then gained it back. The most recent loss was down to 165 and stayed there for two years and gained most of it back. Currently at 215...highest weight 232....Thinking I want to be a size 6....not really care what the scale says. Just want to feel comfortable in a size six.
I see you are in Eugene, Or. I am in Coos Bay, so we are not too far from each other. I have a friend going with me. We will have surgery the same day. We both live locally so we tease that we will be "sleeve sisters"...but I think that we will be a really good support network for ach other. Both our spouses are going. Definitely will call the bank/credit cards and give them the heads up on our travel plans.
My husband took 4 years of spanish in high school, and although he doesn't use it much now, he still understands a lot. Will be nice to have him there to help with the spanish. As a Nurse Midwife, I know a little spanish....enough to get through an office visit, but I call my spanish level "toddler spanish". know a few short phrases and ask only yes and no questions.
Would love to have the yahoo page for Dr. Aceves. Haven't even heard of it till now. You can email me at [email protected] Thanks so much for your willingness to share.
Oh, will the docs help you pick a goal weight. I am 5'4" and according to the weight charts should be between 117-143 or something like that....quite a wide range. I lost weight once before and got down to 145 at my lowest but hovered at 150-155 for two years then gained it back. The most recent loss was down to 165 and stayed there for two years and gained most of it back. Currently at 215...highest weight 232....Thinking I want to be a size 6....not really care what the scale says. Just want to feel comfortable in a size six.
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