Procedure scheduled, Excited, Nervous, and all the above

[leramos]

Hello everyone!

This site has proven to be a great resource while researching. I have been researching for months and have scheduled my gastric sleeve procedure for December 1 2016 with Dr. Marcello Hernandez. It is all I think about these last weeks, I have started a low carb high protein diet in prep for my pre op diet I have already lost 13 lbs and can't believe it, I just keep weighing myself to be sure. I am excited nervous about this journey. I am mostly stressed and nervous about going to Tijuana alone. If anyone has any words of encouragement or you went alone please share your experience and any dos donts.

[WANAGL]

WELCOME!

It's normal to feel anxious/nervous/scared/excited all at the same time. This is a life changing decision...for the better.

This is hands down the best decision I ever made for me and my health. My ONLY regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

I can't speak to going to Mexico alone, I had my surgery in St Augustine, FL and my husband was with me. Many members have. I'm sure you'll hear from some of them soon.

Best of luck as you embark on your journey!

[Aydensmomma]

If you haven't already measure yourself now and again the day before surgery. Bust, waist, hips, thighs etc
I wish I did before surgery, but I did after and when I hit my stall it helped to see I was loosing inches.
Good luck to you!!
I didn't go to Mexico but I have heard great things from people who have.
I would make sure I pack anything I may need. I've heard people bringing gas-x strips, that wasn't allowed for me but walking did the trick. The more you move the better. Bring anything that might may your trip back more comfortable.

[KariVSG]

December 1st isnt that far away i said the sme thing about my surgery when it was a month away I didnt think it would ever get here

[KariVSG]

December 1st isnt that far away i said the sme thing about my surgery when it was a month away I didnt think it would ever get here

[KariVSG]

I love your weight loss numbers. I hope mine go like yours

If you haven't already measure yourself now and again the day before surgery. Bust, waist, hips, thighs etc
I wish I did before surgery, but I did after and when I hit my stall it helped to see I was loosing inches.
Good luck to you!!
I didn't go to Mexico but I have heard great things from people who have.
I would make sure I pack anything I may need. I've heard people bringing gas-x strips, that wasn't allowed for me but walking did the trick. The more you move the better. Bring anything that might may your trip back more comfortable.

[senorita lolita]

Hello My Dear. I read your post with interest and I come with great encouragement about Tijuiana, Mexico. I went by myself. Alone. With God. That's All I needed. I had my surgery through "Ready For A Change", they picked me up in San Diego from the Airport they were so kind, put me up in the Marriott in Tijuiana, Mexico it was beautiful. I went a day early to get myself together, pray and look around and figure out what I was doing. The Next morning Monday. I was picked up along with several other people at the hotel who was having surgery it is an amazing experience. From there I went to the Hospital that Dr. ??? I can't remember his name was That Monday Morning I was the second person of 3 to go in. Within 30 minutes to 1 hour I was up and walking around. They made us walk. It was the most amazing experience, they worked on me day and night around the clock, to assure a safe and good experience. I lost 20 lbs the first week, I was so excited and felt light and wonderful immediately after surgery. Also I was told to get the mexican paiin pills, get those either before or after you get ready to go back home nothing like them because you will be in pain after surgery. I lost 60 lbs in 1 year unfortunately I did not do it correctly and I did not know to live off the protein shakes for at least 6 months. I started eating bread and carbs because that was the onlyb food I could get down and a friend who had the surgery said that's what she ate but she never ate healthy in the first place. So don't or watch carbs and really get a clear understanding of how and what to eat. Lots of people ate meals before surgery. watch and dont have sugar before surgery. Today I am 2.5 years out April 2017 will be 3 years I feel amazing. I think had I known not to eat carbs I would have been awesome, it took me another whole year to recover and I tell you...this has been amazing to drop the sizes and feel good. Again I just started feel really good because I changed my eating habits. Protein shakes are vital, it takes time to find what works for you, your taste buds will change after you have surgery. I no longer drink soda's, pasta, bread avoid as much as I can, sweets avoid, at first I just tried every thing to see what I could eat but it is definitely a mindset change. I am on a serious, serious health kick for the rest of my life. I went from a size 22 to 16. I am still at a 16. I weighted 288 to 220. Now I am 242. But I still feel good I have not worked out consistantly in 2 years, but i started walking more, and how to drop to a 10 to 8 because I feel much better. I juice, juice, juice, lots of fruits and veggies did not know that would instantly heal my body. So start Youtubing clean diets, clean eating, great protein powders for me are "Plant Based" powders from Costco or Sams Club. Read youtube with lots of peoples experiences having surgery, you can really learn. I did that every day. That really helped me a lot. So go to You Tube and hear experiences, it has helped to heal me. You Will Be Great. Take God With You and All Will Be Fine.

[poodlecamper]

Wow one hour for surgery and you were up walking? Due to adhesions my surgery took 3 hours! And my doctor has all patients stay one night.

[Gingersnapp]

I went alone and kind of enjoyed the time to myself! LOL. There were 6 in my group (same day surg) 3 women came alone, 2 brought their husbands and one young man whose parents were with him. None of us were really alone as we had each other, plus the staff of the hospital and hotel. I was always well taken care of and felt comfortable. Good luck with your journey.

[curvychic]

you're rocking, 21 pounds!!!

[Lisa73me]

Congrats on your decision and welcome! My surgery is in January with your same doctor and I just do a lot of research. From everything I have read, what everyone has told me, and a coworker that went to the same place we are going, everything is going to be just fine. Here are some suggestions for you, I think they helped me. I like Clausie on youtube and I'm making sure I get my mind right. Here's a list of books another forum member shared with me. Good luck on your journey!
"The emotional first aid kit" by Cynthia Alexander
"Eat it up" by Connie Stapleton
"Get out of your head and into your life" by Steven Hayes (this is not bariatric specific, but a good read for general mental health issues....which is what obesity is)
"Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer
Here are a couple links I found helpful also...
http://www.obesitycoverage.com/the-b...ve-diet-guide/
https://www.realself.com/forum/top-t...leeve-surgery1

[leramos]

Thanks everyone! Your words of encouragement and reassurance are much appreciated!