I posted this stuff in the forums, but decided a blog would be a better place for it....

11/10/2013 So I just booked my surgery with Obesity Control Center in TJ. I started researching WLS last spring and finally settled on VSG with Dr. Ariel Ortiz and Dr. Arturo Martinez. I would encourage anyone in the "research stage" to contact Obesity Control Center with any questions about the procedure and/or their facility. Carolyn has been very helpful and quickly responded to my dozens of emails. Never once did I receive an unsolicited phone call or email. They are extremely no-pressure when it comes to your decision to book your surgery with them (or not).

Anyways, within hours of scheduling, I received several emails with all the info I need from a helpful preop checklist, Heath and patient survey paperwork, pre-op diet info, travel and transportation details and suggestions, and nutritionist contact information. I also received an email from their cardiopulmonary specialist, Dr. Jimenez. He provided instructions for the purchase and use of an incentive spirometer that they want you to use pre and post op to help strengthen the muscles used for breathing. (It costs about $10 - $15). He also included his contact info if I have any questions.

I will keep you all posted as things progress closer to surgery date (December 20). I just ordered vitamins, the spirometer, and a variety of protein supplements from Amazon.

11/24/13 So I received my incentive spirometer, protein powders and vitamins last week. It's getting more real! I even did a little prepping by making my own protein Popsicles for post-op. (Mix liquid flavor drops-like Mio- with water and unflavored protein powder. Pour into Popsicle molds-I used silicone sleeve molds so I don't have to deal with a stick- and freeze. ) That way I'll be getting at least a little protein even while sucking a pop )

I've made posts on other threads about not wanting to tell my parents about the surgery. Well I told my older sister two months ago and she convinced me to tell my parents. Once I made it "official" by actually buying my plane tickets, I called them. They took it much better than I expected. After the initial shock, they were quite supportive. My mom totally understands where I'm coming from and even the Mexico thing wasn't too outrageous. She's suffered through completely inept US doctors for her various ailments, and trusts my research and decision that Dr. Ortiz and OCC is a good choice. Dad even offered to drive their motor home to San Diego so I could spend some time recovering post op in the sunshine. Unfortunately I can't leave my dogs and cats and horses for that long so it's back to the cold, snowy Idaho mountains for me

12/4/13 Started my preop diet today.... Yeehaw! I'm really excited to get this journey started. Already discovered my first new protein shake flavor. I got a bunch of Syntax Matrix Vanilla protein powder but knew the vanilla taste would get old soon enough so I added a squirt of orange tangarine Mio and WAHLAH - liquid dreamsicle!