Re: I did it! Sleeved on Sept 9th....and I LOVE Dr. Aceves and his team! (Long)

[Guest guest]

My experience was much the same! I am proud of you for doing this all alone!! Thanks for sharing your experience and best wishes to you.Have Blessed Day Loesch

From: twachic1210 <twachic1210@...>Subject: I did it! Sleeved on Sept 9th....and I LOVE Dr. Aceves and his team! (Long) Date: Saturday, September 13, 2008, 12:19 PM

Hello everyone!Well, the title explains it all! I am home and sleeved. I'm so glaaaaaaaaaad to be home! The plain ride was awful and exhausting. I guess I'll give you all a nice long run down of my stay in Mexicali. Some details might be brief because of my lack of memory! LOL. For the record, I did do this journey alone!!!!Monday Sept 8, 2008Okay, I arrived in San Diego on Monday after a 7 hour flight (ugh!) and was greeted by Ernesto. I was so paranoid that I thought that I wouldn't be able to find him or that he wouldn't have a sign with my name. I ended up finding him easily. He's such a sweetheart. He's also very funny. I met another wonderful young woman and her husband in the van. It took us 2 hours to get to the hosoital so we were very acquainted by the end of the ride. She was so nice and funny.Sooooo we finally arrive at the hospital. We met and Yolanda.

(nurse) explained everything to us about our pre op testing. I had to do an EKG, Chest X-ray, UA, and complete bloodwork. While I was waiting to do the rest of my pre op testing, I met another future bandster and her mom. They drove in from AZ! I started to feel alone because I was the only one being sleeved and I had no moral support from anyone I knew. Then, Yolanda took me in a room and gave me some paperwork to read and sign. She thoroughly explained everything that I needed to do pre and post op. I am so grateful to have met her. She's also a sweetheart. By this time, we met with Dr. Aceves. He took all of us in and basically gave us a run down of the procedures and let us voice our concerns. He was extremely charming and nice. He always had a smile on his face. He found out that I spoke spanish and was really suprised. He joked around and said "Why didn't you tell me earlier? You

could have helped me explain these things to them!" I told him he did a fabulous job on his own. After all of that, Ernesto took my new friend and I to the hotel. The other ladies followed us there. I was actually impressed by the hotel. It was extremely clean and the people were actually very warm and friendly. We got settled in, and we all went out for a big "good-bye" dinner. We had to say good bye to the bad food we love and the huge portions that come with them! LOL. We had so much fun. They were talking about why they wanted to be banded and of course, I gave them the reasons that I wanted my sleeve. It was a blast. I was so happy to have met such wonderful people that had so much in common with me as far as struggles with weight and food. We finished our dinner and then walked over to Dairy Queen for a goodbye dessert. Ohhhh, that was soooooo good!***If you are going to explore

the town, it might be good to have someone with you that speaks spanish. I am semi-fluent in spanish and I had to translate just about everything for these women...even the dinner menu. hahahaha, they felt so bad for me. I didn't mind though. ***At about 7:30p, we met Dr. Campos at the hotel lobby. He explained the band's mechanisms to my 2 friends and the sleeve to me. He's too funny and so professional at the same time. He answered all of our questions and concerns. I went to my hotel room thinking all sorts of crazy things such as what would happen if this didn't work. I took the antibiotic pill that Yolanda gave me and I also took the 2mg of Ativan. Thank God for that. I was super nervous. I wanted to go home. I was thinking, "I CAN'T GO THROUGH WITH THIS"!!!! ;)Tuesday Sept 9, 2008 **The Big Day!!** Events are a little hazyErnesto picks us up at 7 am sharp. We go to the hospital.

My friends were going to get banded first and then I was to be sleeved at noon. I tried to play off my anxiety but I couldn't. I was too nervous. I met with the anesthesiologist and just fell in love with him! LOL, not really, but he was great. He told me everything he was going to do step by step and gave me the rationale for everything. He even told me the amount of drugs he was going to use and why he used those drugs. I was totally impressed. After that, I met with the internal medicine doctor (?) and he told me that my bloodwork came back normal except for my platelet level of 54 thousand!!!! OMG! All of the RNs out there should know why I was freaking out. He gave me 2 options, cancel the surgery or they could transfuse platelets in the OR. Dr. Aceves came in and told me that my surgery would still be safe but that it was up to me and that he was concerned about what I wanted. I

don't know why, but I trusted that man so much. I've never felt that way about a doctor. I decided to do the surgey. About 45 minutes before they came and got me, gave me some sort of medicine that would help me relax or something. I really don't remember. After that, I remember being wheeled off to the OR and seeing the bright lights. The OR nurse wrapped my feet in compression bandages while the other nurse started an IV in my left hand. Everyone was joking around with me in Spanish. I kept telling them in spanish that I couldn't relax. I was so nervous. But I was laughing as I was saying it. LOL. The anesthesiologist was explaining everything to me like he promised. I remember that he hooked me up to an IV and it burned a little. After that I felt dizzy and couldn't see straight. I saw the assisant surgeon standing in the corner. He said, "Oh, she speaks spanish"?... like he was super

surprised. They told me not to worrry b/c everything was going to be ok. Then the anesth. put a mask on my face and I went to sleep. I woke up in recovery in sheer pain. I kept telling the nurse that I was hurting and she gave me some medicine. I repeated it to her even though it stopped hurting and I'm pretty sure that it got annoying. LOL. I didn't know how to react. I kept drifting in and out of sleep. I don't even remember how I got back to my room. Like I said, I love my anesthesiologist. LOL!I slept all of Tuesday. I'm remember seeing the doctors coming in and out of the room various times but I didn't care. I was tired and I felt like crap. I remember Dr. Aceves coming in and telling me that everything went well and that they transfused 5 units of platelets. He also said that he fixed a small hernia that I had. I had no idea that I even had a hernia...but oh well! Everytime the doctors came

in, I greeted them with a smile. They were so wonderful and they spoiled me so much! LOL :)Throughout the rest of the days, I had to do the leak tests and walk walk walk! I must admit that I didn't walk enough. I also met Dr. and he was so nice. He took out my drain on Thursday. It didn't hurt!!! I was so happy! All of the Dr's were funny and so down to earth. However, at the same time they maintained total professionalism. I've never seen a general surgeon in a patient's room as much as Dr. Aceves. He rounded on all of his patients at least 3 times out of the day. He was wonderful. The nursing staff was also stellar. They were sweet, accomodating and professional. They always were around when you needed them. I was blown away. I couln't have asked for better care. Lucia (Dr. Aceves's nurse) was wonderful as well. She was so friendly.I left early on Friday morning. I

remember Thursday night that all fo the doctors came in to say goodbye to me at different times. Of course they were respectful and professional. After saying goodbye, they extended their hand for a handshake but I hugged them all. I know that's not very professional of me! LOL. But I was so grateful to have met them. I can't say enough great things about them. I've never felt so cared for as a human being. They didn't treat me like a standard patient like most doctors do. I am so thankful to have them share such a personal experience in my life. I love all of them for helping me change my life for the better.I am post op day 4 now. weighed me in at 254.3 on Monday. As of this morning, I weigh 241.8 lbs. I hope to have great success with this and am ready to start a new journey! :)Thanks for reading!ThinSeeker

[Guest guest]

Thanks for sharing such a detailed story of your time in Mexicali. I

relived my few days there through your story. They really are

wonderful arent they? Welcome to the losing side!

Anita

sleeved Jul 11/08, down 45 lbs.

>

> Hello everyone!

>

> Well, the title explains it all! I am home and sleeved. I'm so

> glaaaaaaaaaad to be home! The plain ride was awful and exhausting. I

> guess I'll give you all a nice long run down of my stay in Mexicali.

> Some details might be brief because of my lack of memory! LOL. For the

> record, I did do this journey alone!!!!

>

> Monday Sept 8, 2008

>

> Okay, I arrived in San Diego on Monday after a 7 hour flight

> (ugh!) and was greeted by Ernesto. I was so paranoid that I thought

> that I wouldn't be able to find him or that he wouldn't have a sign

> with my name. I ended up finding him easily. He's such a sweetheart.

> He's also very funny. I met another wonderful young woman and her

> husband in the van. It took us 2 hours to get to the hosoital so we

> were very acquainted by the end of the ride. She was so nice and funny.

>

> Sooooo we finally arrive at the hospital. We met and

> Yolanda. (nurse) explained everything to us about our pre op

> testing. I had to do an EKG, Chest X-ray, UA, and complete bloodwork.

> While I was waiting to do the rest of my pre op testing, I met another

> future bandster and her mom. They drove in from AZ! I started to feel

> alone because I was the only one being sleeved and I had no moral

> support from anyone I knew. Then, Yolanda took me in a room and gave

> me some paperwork to read and sign. She thoroughly explained

> everything that I needed to do pre and post op. I am so grateful to

> have met her. She's also a sweetheart.

>

> By this time, we met with Dr. Aceves. He took all of us in and

> basically gave us a run down of the procedures and let us voice our

> concerns. He was extremely charming and nice. He always had a smile

> on his face. He found out that I spoke spanish and was really

> suprised. He joked around and said " Why didn't you tell me earlier?

> You could have helped me explain these things to them! " I told him he

> did a fabulous job on his own.

>

> After all of that, Ernesto took my new friend and I to the hotel.

> The other ladies followed us there. I was actually impressed by the

> hotel. It was extremely clean and the people were actually very warm

> and friendly. We got settled in, and we all went out for a big

> " good-bye " dinner. We had to say good bye to the bad food we love and

> the huge portions that come with them! LOL. We had so much fun. They

> were talking about why they wanted to be banded and of course, I gave

> them the reasons that I wanted my sleeve. It was a blast. I was so

> happy to have met such wonderful people that had so much in common with

> me as far as struggles with weight and food. We finished our dinner

> and then walked over to Dairy Queen for a goodbye dessert. Ohhhh, that

> was soooooo good!

>

> ***If you are going to explore the town, it might be good to have

> someone with you that speaks spanish. I am semi-fluent in spanish and

> I had to translate just about everything for these women...even the

> dinner menu. hahahaha, they felt so bad for me. I didn't mind

> though. ***

>

> At about 7:30p, we met Dr. Campos at the hotel lobby. He

> explained the band's mechanisms to my 2 friends and the sleeve to me.

> He's too funny and so professional at the same time. He answered all

> of our questions and concerns. I went to my hotel room thinking all

> sorts of crazy things such as what would happen if this didn't work. I

> took the antibiotic pill that Yolanda gave me and I also took the 2mg

> of Ativan. Thank God for that. I was super nervous. I wanted to go

> home. I was thinking, " I CAN'T GO THROUGH WITH THIS " !!!!

>

>

>

> Tuesday Sept 9, 2008 **The Big Day!!** Events are a little hazy

>

> Ernesto picks us up at 7 am sharp. We go to the hospital. My

> friends were going to get banded first and then I was to be sleeved at

> noon. I tried to play off my anxiety but I couldn't. I was too

> nervous. I met with the anesthesiologist and just fell in love with

> him! LOL, not really, but he was great. He told me everything he was

> going to do step by step and gave me the rationale for everything. He

> even told me the amount of drugs he was going to use and why he used

> those drugs. I was totally impressed.

>

> After that, I met with the internal medicine doctor (?) and

> he told me that my bloodwork came back normal except for my platelet

> level of 54 thousand!!!! OMG! All of the RNs out there should know

> why I was freaking out. He gave me 2 options, cancel the surgery or

> they could transfuse platelets in the OR. Dr. Aceves came in and told

> me that my surgery would still be safe but that it was up to me and

> that he was concerned about what I wanted. I don't know why, but I

> trusted that man so much. I've never felt that way about a doctor. I

> decided to do the surgey.

>

> About 45 minutes before they came and got me, gave me some

> sort of medicine that would help me relax or something. I really don't

> remember. After that, I remember being wheeled off to the OR and

> seeing the bright lights. The OR nurse wrapped my feet in compression

> bandages while the other nurse started an IV in my left hand. Everyone

> was joking around with me in Spanish. I kept telling them in spanish

> that I couldn't relax. I was so nervous. But I was laughing as I was

> saying it. LOL. The anesthesiologist was explaining everything to me

> like he promised. I remember that he hooked me up to an IV and it

> burned a little. After that I felt dizzy and couldn't see straight. I

> saw the assisant surgeon standing in the corner. He said, " Oh, she

> speaks spanish " ?...like he was super surprised. They told me not to

> worrry b/c everything was going to be ok. Then the anesth. put a mask

> on my face and I went to sleep. I woke up in recovery in sheer pain.

> I kept telling the nurse that I was hurting and she gave me some

> medicine. I repeated it to her even though it stopped hurting and I'm

> pretty sure that it got annoying. LOL. I didn't know how to react. I

> kept drifting in and out of sleep. I don't even remember how I got

> back to my room. Like I said, I love my anesthesiologist. LOL!

>

> I slept all of Tuesday. I'm remember seeing the doctors coming in

> and out of the room various times but I didn't care. I was tired and I

> felt like crap. I remember Dr. Aceves coming in and telling me that

> everything went well and that they transfused 5 units of platelets. He

> also said that he fixed a small hernia that I had. I had no idea that

> I even had a hernia...but oh well! Everytime the doctors came in, I

> greeted them with a smile. They were so wonderful and they spoiled me

> so much! LOL

>

>

> Throughout the rest of the days, I had to do the leak tests and

> walk walk walk! I must admit that I didn't walk enough. I also met

> Dr. and he was so nice. He took out my drain on Thursday. It

> didn't hurt!!! I was so happy! All of the Dr's were funny and so down

> to earth. However, at the same time they maintained total

> professionalism. I've never seen a general surgeon in a patient's room

> as much as Dr. Aceves. He rounded on all of his patients at least 3

> times out of the day. He was wonderful.

>

> The nursing staff was also stellar. They were sweet, accomodating

> and professional. They always were around when you needed them. I was

> blown away. I couln't have asked for better care. Lucia (Dr. Aceves's

> nurse) was wonderful as well. She was so friendly.

>

> I left early on Friday morning. I remember Thursday night that

> all fo the doctors came in to say goodbye to me at different times. Of

> course they were respectful and professional. After saying goodbye,

> they extended their hand for a handshake but I hugged them all. I know

> that's not very professional of me! LOL. But I was so grateful to have

> met them. I can't say enough great things about them. I've never felt

> so cared for as a human being. They didn't treat me like a standard

> patient like most doctors do. I am so thankful to have them share such

> a personal experience in my life. I love all of them for helping me

> change my life for the better.

>

> I am post op day 4 now. weighed me in at 254.3 on Monday.

> As of this morning, I weigh 241.8 lbs. I hope to have great success

> with this and am ready to start a new journey!

>

> Thanks for reading!

>

> ThinSeeker

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the wonderful description of your experience. I am

getting sleeves on 10/1. How soon after the surgery were you able to

take a shower? I have some skin problems and am concerned about that.

>

> Hello everyone!

>

> Well, the title explains it all! I am home and sleeved. I'm

so

> glaaaaaaaaaad to be home! The plain ride was awful and

exhausting. I

> guess I'll give you all a nice long run down of my stay in

Mexicali.

> Some details might be brief because of my lack of memory! LOL. For

the

> record, I did do this journey alone!!!!

>

> Monday Sept 8, 2008

>

> Okay, I arrived in San Diego on Monday after a 7 hour flight

> (ugh!) and was greeted by Ernesto. I was so paranoid that I

thought

> that I wouldn't be able to find him or that he wouldn't have a sign

> with my name. I ended up finding him easily. He's such a

sweetheart.

> He's also very funny. I met another wonderful young woman and her

> husband in the van. It took us 2 hours to get to the hosoital so

we

> were very acquainted by the end of the ride. She was so nice and

funny.

>

> Sooooo we finally arrive at the hospital. We met and

> Yolanda. (nurse) explained everything to us about our pre

op

> testing. I had to do an EKG, Chest X-ray, UA, and complete

bloodwork.

> While I was waiting to do the rest of my pre op testing, I met

another

> future bandster and her mom. They drove in from AZ! I started to

feel

> alone because I was the only one being sleeved and I had no moral

> support from anyone I knew. Then, Yolanda took me in a room and

gave

> me some paperwork to read and sign. She thoroughly explained

> everything that I needed to do pre and post op. I am so grateful

to

> have met her. She's also a sweetheart.

>

> By this time, we met with Dr. Aceves. He took all of us in

and

> basically gave us a run down of the procedures and let us voice our

> concerns. He was extremely charming and nice. He always had a

smile

> on his face. He found out that I spoke spanish and was really

> suprised. He joked around and said " Why didn't you tell me

earlier?

> You could have helped me explain these things to them! " I told him

he

> did a fabulous job on his own.

>

> After all of that, Ernesto took my new friend and I to the

hotel.

> The other ladies followed us there. I was actually impressed by

the

> hotel. It was extremely clean and the people were actually very

warm

> and friendly. We got settled in, and we all went out for a big

> " good-bye " dinner. We had to say good bye to the bad food we love

and

> the huge portions that come with them! LOL. We had so much fun.

They

> were talking about why they wanted to be banded and of course, I

gave

> them the reasons that I wanted my sleeve. It was a blast. I was

so

> happy to have met such wonderful people that had so much in common

with

> me as far as struggles with weight and food. We finished our

dinner

> and then walked over to Dairy Queen for a goodbye dessert. Ohhhh,

that

> was soooooo good!

>

> ***If you are going to explore the town, it might be good to have

> someone with you that speaks spanish. I am semi-fluent in spanish

and

> I had to translate just about everything for these women...even the

> dinner menu. hahahaha, they felt so bad for me. I didn't mind

> though. ***

>

> At about 7:30p, we met Dr. Campos at the hotel lobby. He

> explained the band's mechanisms to my 2 friends and the sleeve to

me.

> He's too funny and so professional at the same time. He answered

all

> of our questions and concerns. I went to my hotel room thinking

all

> sorts of crazy things such as what would happen if this didn't

work. I

> took the antibiotic pill that Yolanda gave me and I also took the

2mg

> of Ativan. Thank God for that. I was super nervous. I wanted to

go

> home. I was thinking, " I CAN'T GO THROUGH WITH THIS " !!!!

>

>

>

> Tuesday Sept 9, 2008 **The Big Day!!** Events are a little hazy

>

> Ernesto picks us up at 7 am sharp. We go to the hospital. My

> friends were going to get banded first and then I was to be sleeved

at

> noon. I tried to play off my anxiety but I couldn't. I was too

> nervous. I met with the anesthesiologist and just fell in love

with

> him! LOL, not really, but he was great. He told me everything he

was

> going to do step by step and gave me the rationale for everything.

He

> even told me the amount of drugs he was going to use and why he

used

> those drugs. I was totally impressed.

>

> After that, I met with the internal medicine doctor (?)

and

> he told me that my bloodwork came back normal except for my

platelet

> level of 54 thousand!!!! OMG! All of the RNs out there should

know

> why I was freaking out. He gave me 2 options, cancel the surgery

or

> they could transfuse platelets in the OR. Dr. Aceves came in and

told

> me that my surgery would still be safe but that it was up to me and

> that he was concerned about what I wanted. I don't know why, but I

> trusted that man so much. I've never felt that way about a

doctor. I

> decided to do the surgey.

>

> About 45 minutes before they came and got me, gave me

some

> sort of medicine that would help me relax or something. I really

don't

> remember. After that, I remember being wheeled off to the OR and

> seeing the bright lights. The OR nurse wrapped my feet in

compression

> bandages while the other nurse started an IV in my left hand.

Everyone

> was joking around with me in Spanish. I kept telling them in

spanish

> that I couldn't relax. I was so nervous. But I was laughing as I

was

> saying it. LOL. The anesthesiologist was explaining everything to

me

> like he promised. I remember that he hooked me up to an IV and it

> burned a little. After that I felt dizzy and couldn't see

straight. I

> saw the assisant surgeon standing in the corner. He said, " Oh, she

> speaks spanish " ?...like he was super surprised. They told me not

to

> worrry b/c everything was going to be ok. Then the anesth. put a

mask

> on my face and I went to sleep. I woke up in recovery in sheer

pain.

> I kept telling the nurse that I was hurting and she gave me some

> medicine. I repeated it to her even though it stopped hurting and

I'm

> pretty sure that it got annoying. LOL. I didn't know how to

react. I

> kept drifting in and out of sleep. I don't even remember how I got

> back to my room. Like I said, I love my anesthesiologist. LOL!

>

> I slept all of Tuesday. I'm remember seeing the doctors

coming in

> and out of the room various times but I didn't care. I was tired

and I

> felt like crap. I remember Dr. Aceves coming in and telling me

that

> everything went well and that they transfused 5 units of

platelets. He

> also said that he fixed a small hernia that I had. I had no idea

that

> I even had a hernia...but oh well! Everytime the doctors came in,

I

> greeted them with a smile. They were so wonderful and they spoiled

me

> so much! LOL

>

>

> Throughout the rest of the days, I had to do the leak tests

and

> walk walk walk! I must admit that I didn't walk enough. I also

met

> Dr. and he was so nice. He took out my drain on Thursday.

It

> didn't hurt!!! I was so happy! All of the Dr's were funny and so

down

> to earth. However, at the same time they maintained total

> professionalism. I've never seen a general surgeon in a patient's

room

> as much as Dr. Aceves. He rounded on all of his patients at least

3

> times out of the day. He was wonderful.

>

> The nursing staff was also stellar. They were sweet,

accomodating

> and professional. They always were around when you needed them. I

was

> blown away. I couln't have asked for better care. Lucia (Dr.

Aceves's

> nurse) was wonderful as well. She was so friendly.

>

> I left early on Friday morning. I remember Thursday night

that

> all fo the doctors came in to say goodbye to me at different

times. Of

> course they were respectful and professional. After saying

goodbye,

> they extended their hand for a handshake but I hugged them all. I

know

> that's not very professional of me! LOL. But I was so grateful to

have

> met them. I can't say enough great things about them. I've never

felt

> so cared for as a human being. They didn't treat me like a

standard

> patient like most doctors do. I am so thankful to have them share

such

> a personal experience in my life. I love all of them for helping

me

> change my life for the better.

>

> I am post op day 4 now. weighed me in at 254.3 on

Monday.

> As of this morning, I weigh 241.8 lbs. I hope to have great

success

> with this and am ready to start a new journey!

>

> Thanks for reading!

>

> ThinSeeker

>

[Guest guest]

Laurie, They let you shower the morning after surgery. You just can't aim the shower directly on your incisions. If I remember right, I think they have hand held showers and shower chairs there. That makes it easy to manuevre and get cleaned up. When

From: Laurie R <agapemom1024@...>Subject: Re: I did it! Sleeved on Sept 9th....and I LOVE Dr. Aceves and his team! (Long) Date: Sunday, September 14, 2008, 9:56 AM

Thank you for the wonderful description of your experience. I am getting sleeves on 10/1. How soon after the surgery were you able to take a shower? I have some skin problems and am concerned about that.>> Hello everyone!> > Well, the title explains it all! I am home and sleeved. I'm so > glaaaaaaaaaad to be home! The plain ride was awful and exhausting. I > guess I'll give you all a nice long run down of my stay in Mexicali. > Some details might be brief because of my lack of memory! LOL. For the > record, I did do this journey alone!!!!> > Monday Sept 8, 2008> > Okay, I arrived in San Diego on Monday after a 7 hour flight > (ugh!) and was greeted by

Ernesto. I was so paranoid that I thought > that I wouldn't be able to find him or that he wouldn't have a sign > with my name. I ended up finding him easily. He's such a sweetheart. > He's also very funny. I met another wonderful young woman and her > husband in the van. It took us 2 hours to get to the hosoital so we > were very acquainted by the end of the ride. She was so nice and funny.> > Sooooo we finally arrive at the hospital. We met and > Yolanda. (nurse) explained everything to us about our pre op > testing. I had to do an EKG, Chest X-ray, UA, and complete bloodwork. > While I was waiting to do the rest of my pre op testing, I met another > future bandster and her mom. They drove in from AZ! I started to feel > alone because I was the only one being sleeved and I had no moral > support from anyone I knew.

Then, Yolanda took me in a room and gave > me some paperwork to read and sign. She thoroughly explained > everything that I needed to do pre and post op. I am so grateful to > have met her. She's also a sweetheart. > > By this time, we met with Dr. Aceves. He took all of us in and > basically gave us a run down of the procedures and let us voice our > concerns. He was extremely charming and nice. He always had a smile > on his face. He found out that I spoke spanish and was really > suprised. He joked around and said "Why didn't you tell me earlier? > You could have helped me explain these things to them!" I told him he > did a fabulous job on his own. > > After all of that, Ernesto took my new friend and I to the hotel. > The other ladies followed us there. I was actually impressed by the > hotel. It was extremely

clean and the people were actually very warm > and friendly. We got settled in, and we all went out for a big > "good-bye" dinner. We had to say good bye to the bad food we love and > the huge portions that come with them! LOL. We had so much fun. They > were talking about why they wanted to be banded and of course, I gave > them the reasons that I wanted my sleeve. It was a blast. I was so > happy to have met such wonderful people that had so much in common with > me as far as struggles with weight and food. We finished our dinner > and then walked over to Dairy Queen for a goodbye dessert. Ohhhh, that > was soooooo good!> > ***If you are going to explore the town, it might be good to have > someone with you that speaks spanish. I am semi-fluent in spanish and > I had to translate just about everything for these women...even

the > dinner menu. hahahaha, they felt so bad for me. I didn't mind > though. ***> > At about 7:30p, we met Dr. Campos at the hotel lobby. He > explained the band's mechanisms to my 2 friends and the sleeve to me. > He's too funny and so professional at the same time. He answered all > of our questions and concerns. I went to my hotel room thinking all > sorts of crazy things such as what would happen if this didn't work. I > took the antibiotic pill that Yolanda gave me and I also took the 2mg > of Ativan. Thank God for that. I was super nervous. I wanted to go > home. I was thinking, "I CAN'T GO THROUGH WITH THIS"!!!! > > > > Tuesday Sept 9, 2008 **The Big Day!!** Events are a little hazy> > Ernesto picks us up at 7 am sharp. We go to the hospital. My > friends were going to get banded first and then

I was to be sleeved at > noon. I tried to play off my anxiety but I couldn't. I was too > nervous. I met with the anesthesiologist and just fell in love with > him! LOL, not really, but he was great. He told me everything he was > going to do step by step and gave me the rationale for everything. He > even told me the amount of drugs he was going to use and why he used > those drugs. I was totally impressed. > > After that, I met with the internal medicine doctor (?) and > he told me that my bloodwork came back normal except for my platelet > level of 54 thousand!!!! OMG! All of the RNs out there should know > why I was freaking out. He gave me 2 options, cancel the surgery or > they could transfuse platelets in the OR. Dr. Aceves came in and told > me that my surgery would still be safe but that it was up to me and

> that he was concerned about what I wanted. I don't know why, but I > trusted that man so much. I've never felt that way about a doctor. I > decided to do the surgey. > > About 45 minutes before they came and got me, gave me some > sort of medicine that would help me relax or something. I really don't > remember. After that, I remember being wheeled off to the OR and > seeing the bright lights. The OR nurse wrapped my feet in compression > bandages while the other nurse started an IV in my left hand. Everyone > was joking around with me in Spanish. I kept telling them in spanish > that I couldn't relax. I was so nervous. But I was laughing as I was > saying it. LOL. The anesthesiologist was explaining everything to me > like he promised. I remember that he hooked me up to an IV and it > burned a little. After that I

felt dizzy and couldn't see straight. I > saw the assisant surgeon standing in the corner. He said, "Oh, she > speaks spanish"?... like he was super surprised. They told me not to > worrry b/c everything was going to be ok. Then the anesth. put a mask > on my face and I went to sleep. I woke up in recovery in sheer pain. > I kept telling the nurse that I was hurting and she gave me some > medicine. I repeated it to her even though it stopped hurting and I'm > pretty sure that it got annoying. LOL. I didn't know how to react. I > kept drifting in and out of sleep. I don't even remember how I got > back to my room. Like I said, I love my anesthesiologist. LOL!> > I slept all of Tuesday. I'm remember seeing the doctors coming in > and out of the room various times but I didn't care. I was tired and I > felt like crap. I remember Dr.

Aceves coming in and telling me that > everything went well and that they transfused 5 units of platelets. He > also said that he fixed a small hernia that I had. I had no idea that > I even had a hernia...but oh well! Everytime the doctors came in, I > greeted them with a smile. They were so wonderful and they spoiled me > so much! LOL > > > Throughout the rest of the days, I had to do the leak tests and > walk walk walk! I must admit that I didn't walk enough. I also met > Dr. and he was so nice. He took out my drain on Thursday. It > didn't hurt!!! I was so happy! All of the Dr's were funny and so down > to earth. However, at the same time they maintained total > professionalism. I've never seen a general surgeon in a patient's room > as much as Dr. Aceves. He rounded on all of his patients at least

3 > times out of the day. He was wonderful. > > The nursing staff was also stellar. They were sweet, accomodating > and professional. They always were around when you needed them. I was > blown away. I couln't have asked for better care. Lucia (Dr. Aceves's > nurse) was wonderful as well. She was so friendly.> > I left early on Friday morning. I remember Thursday night that > all fo the doctors came in to say goodbye to me at different times. Of > course they were respectful and professional. After saying goodbye, > they extended their hand for a handshake but I hugged them all. I know > that's not very professional of me! LOL. But I was so grateful to have > met them. I can't say enough great things about them. I've never felt > so cared for as a human being. They didn't treat me like a standard > patient

like most doctors do. I am so thankful to have them share such > a personal experience in my life. I love all of them for helping me > change my life for the better.> > I am post op day 4 now. weighed me in at 254.3 on Monday. > As of this morning, I weigh 241.8 lbs. I hope to have great success > with this and am ready to start a new journey! > > Thanks for reading!> > ThinSeeker>

[Guest guest]

For all but the platelet infusion, you tell a familiar story. It took alot of guts to go for it, having the issues you had. That's saying alot about your confidence in Dr Aceves team and in his confidence to provide a positive outcome for you.Good Luck with your weight loss. It's gonna be so much easier to lose weight now. Loretta

From: twachic1210 <twachic1210>Subject: [Dr-Aceves-bandster s] I did it! Sleeved on Sept 9th....and I LOVE Dr. Aceves and his team! (Long) @groups. comDate: Saturday, September 13, 2008, 12:19 PM

Hello everyone!Well, the title explains it all! I am home and sleeved. I'm so glaaaaaaaaaad to be home! The plain ride was awful and exhausting. I guess I'll give you all a nice long run down of my stay in Mexicali. Some details might be brief because of my lack of memory! LOL. For the record, I did do this journey alone!!!!Monday Sept 8, 2008Okay, I arrived in San Diego on Monday after a 7 hour flight (ugh!) and was greeted by Ernesto. I was so paranoid that I thought that I wouldn't be able to find him or that he wouldn't have a sign with my name. I ended up finding him easily. He's such a sweetheart. He's also very funny. I met another wonderful young woman and her husband in the van. It took us 2 hours to get to the hosoital so we were very acquainted by the end of the ride. She was so nice and funny.Sooooo we finally arrive at the hospital. We met and Yolanda.

(nurse) explained everything to us about our pre op testing. I had to do an EKG, Chest X-ray, UA, and complete bloodwork. While I was waiting to do the rest of my pre op testing, I met another future bandster and her mom. They drove in from AZ! I started to feel alone because I was the only one being sleeved and I had no moral support from anyone I knew. Then, Yolanda took me in a room and gave me some paperwork to read and sign. She thoroughly explained everything that I needed to do pre and post op. I am so grateful to have met her. She's also a sweetheart. By this time, we met with Dr. Aceves. He took all of us in and basically gave us a run down of the procedures and let us voice our concerns. He was extremely charming and nice. He always had a smile on his face. He found out that I spoke spanish and was really suprised. He joked around and said "Why didn't you tell me earlier? You

could have helped me explain these things to them!" I told him he did a fabulous job on his own. After all of that, Ernesto took my new friend and I to the hotel. The other ladies followed us there. I was actually impressed by the hotel. It was extremely clean and the people were actually very warm and friendly. We got settled in, and we all went out for a big "good-bye" dinner. We had to say good bye to the bad food we love and the huge portions that come with them! LOL. We had so much fun. They were talking about why they wanted to be banded and of course, I gave them the reasons that I wanted my sleeve. It was a blast. I was so happy to have met such wonderful people that had so much in common with me as far as struggles with weight and food. We finished our dinner and then walked over to Dairy Queen for a goodbye dessert. Ohhhh, that was soooooo good!***If you are going to explore

the town, it might be good to have someone with you that speaks spanish. I am semi-fluent in spanish and I had to translate just about everything for these women...even the dinner menu. hahahaha, they felt so bad for me. I didn't mind though. ***At about 7:30p, we met Dr. Campos at the hotel lobby. He explained the band's mechanisms to my 2 friends and the sleeve to me. He's too funny and so professional at the same time. He answered all of our questions and concerns. I went to my hotel room thinking all sorts of crazy things such as what would happen if this didn't work. I took the antibiotic pill that Yolanda gave me and I also took the 2mg of Ativan. Thank God for that. I was super nervous. I wanted to go home. I was thinking, "I CAN'T GO THROUGH WITH THIS"!!!! ;)Tuesday Sept 9, 2008 **The Big Day!!** Events are a little hazyErnesto picks us up at 7 am sharp. We go to the hospital.

My friends were going to get banded first and then I was to be sleeved at noon. I tried to play off my anxiety but I couldn't. I was too nervous. I met with the anesthesiologist and just fell in love with him! LOL, not really, but he was great. He told me everything he was going to do step by step and gave me the rationale for everything. He even told me the amount of drugs he was going to use and why he used those drugs. I was totally impressed. After that, I met with the internal medicine doctor (?) and he told me that my bloodwork came back normal except for my platelet level of 54 thousand!!!! OMG! All of the RNs out there should know why I was freaking out. He gave me 2 options, cancel the surgery or they could transfuse platelets in the OR. Dr. Aceves came in and told me that my surgery would still be safe but that it was up to me and that he was concerned about what I wanted. I

don't know why, but I trusted that man so much. I've never felt that way about a doctor. I decided to do the surgey. About 45 minutes before they came and got me, gave me some sort of medicine that would help me relax or something. I really don't remember. After that, I remember being wheeled off to the OR and seeing the bright lights. The OR nurse wrapped my feet in compression bandages while the other nurse started an IV in my left hand. Everyone was joking around with me in Spanish. I kept telling them in spanish that I couldn't relax. I was so nervous. But I was laughing as I was saying it. LOL. The anesthesiologist was explaining everything to me like he promised. I remember that he hooked me up to an IV and it burned a little. After that I felt dizzy and couldn't see straight. I saw the assisant surgeon standing in the corner. He said, "Oh, she speaks spanish"?... like he was super

surprised. They told me not to worrry b/c everything was going to be ok. Then the anesth. put a mask on my face and I went to sleep. I woke up in recovery in sheer pain. I kept telling the nurse that I was hurting and she gave me some medicine. I repeated it to her even though it stopped hurting and I'm pretty sure that it got annoying. LOL. I didn't know how to react. I kept drifting in and out of sleep. I don't even remember how I got back to my room. Like I said, I love my anesthesiologist. LOL!I slept all of Tuesday. I'm remember seeing the doctors coming in and out of the room various times but I didn't care. I was tired and I felt like crap. I remember Dr. Aceves coming in and telling me that everything went well and that they transfused 5 units of platelets. He also said that he fixed a small hernia that I had. I had no idea that I even had a hernia...but oh well! Everytime the doctors came

in, I greeted them with a smile. They were so wonderful and they spoiled me so much! LOL :)Throughout the rest of the days, I had to do the leak tests and walk walk walk! I must admit that I didn't walk enough. I also met Dr. and he was so nice. He took out my drain on Thursday. It didn't hurt!!! I was so happy! All of the Dr's were funny and so down to earth. However, at the same time they maintained total professionalism. I've never seen a general surgeon in a patient's room as much as Dr. Aceves. He rounded on all of his patients at least 3 times out of the day. He was wonderful. The nursing staff was also stellar. They were sweet, accomodating and professional. They always were around when you needed them. I was blown away. I couln't have asked for better care. Lucia (Dr. Aceves's nurse) was wonderful as well. She was so friendly.I left early on Friday morning. I

remember Thursday night that all fo the doctors came in to say goodbye to me at different times. Of course they were respectful and professional. After saying goodbye, they extended their hand for a handshake but I hugged them all. I know that's not very professional of me! LOL. But I was so grateful to have met them. I can't say enough great things about them. I've never felt so cared for as a human being. They didn't treat me like a standard patient like most doctors do. I am so thankful to have them share such a personal experience in my life. I love all of them for helping me change my life for the better.I am post op day 4 now. weighed me in at 254.3 on Monday. As of this morning, I weigh 241.8 lbs. I hope to have great success with this and am ready to start a new journey! :)Thanks for reading!ThinSeeker

[Guest guest]

Laurie, I will be sleeved on 10/1 as well. Hope to meet you there.

From: Laurie R <agapemom1024@...>Subject: Re: I did it! Sleeved on Sept 9th....and I LOVE Dr. Aceves and his team! (Long) Date: Sunday, September 14, 2008, 9:56 AM

Thank you for the wonderful description of your experience. I am getting sleeves on 10/1. How soon after the surgery were you able to take a shower? I have some skin problems and am concerned about that.>> Hello everyone!> > Well, the title explains it all! I am home and sleeved. I'm so > glaaaaaaaaaad to be home! The plain ride was awful and exhausting. I > guess I'll give you all a nice long run down of my stay in Mexicali. > Some details might be brief because of my lack of memory! LOL. For the > record, I did do this journey alone!!!!> > Monday Sept 8, 2008> > Okay, I arrived in San Diego on Monday after a 7 hour flight > (ugh!) and was greeted by

Ernesto. I was so paranoid that I thought > that I wouldn't be able to find him or that he wouldn't have a sign > with my name. I ended up finding him easily. He's such a sweetheart. > He's also very funny. I met another wonderful young woman and her > husband in the van. It took us 2 hours to get to the hosoital so we > were very acquainted by the end of the ride. She was so nice and funny.> > Sooooo we finally arrive at the hospital. We met and > Yolanda. (nurse) explained everything to us about our pre op > testing. I had to do an EKG, Chest X-ray, UA, and complete bloodwork. > While I was waiting to do the rest of my pre op testing, I met another > future bandster and her mom. They drove in from AZ! I started to feel > alone because I was the only one being sleeved and I had no moral > support from anyone I knew.

Then, Yolanda took me in a room and gave > me some paperwork to read and sign. She thoroughly explained > everything that I needed to do pre and post op. I am so grateful to > have met her. She's also a sweetheart. > > By this time, we met with Dr. Aceves. He took all of us in and > basically gave us a run down of the procedures and let us voice our > concerns. He was extremely charming and nice. He always had a smile > on his face. He found out that I spoke spanish and was really > suprised. He joked around and said "Why didn't you tell me earlier? > You could have helped me explain these things to them!" I told him he > did a fabulous job on his own. > > After all of that, Ernesto took my new friend and I to the hotel. > The other ladies followed us there. I was actually impressed by the > hotel. It was extremely

clean and the people were actually very warm > and friendly. We got settled in, and we all went out for a big > "good-bye" dinner. We had to say good bye to the bad food we love and > the huge portions that come with them! LOL. We had so much fun. They > were talking about why they wanted to be banded and of course, I gave > them the reasons that I wanted my sleeve. It was a blast. I was so > happy to have met such wonderful people that had so much in common with > me as far as struggles with weight and food. We finished our dinner > and then walked over to Dairy Queen for a goodbye dessert. Ohhhh, that > was soooooo good!> > ***If you are going to explore the town, it might be good to have > someone with you that speaks spanish. I am semi-fluent in spanish and > I had to translate just about everything for these women...even

the > dinner menu. hahahaha, they felt so bad for me. I didn't mind > though. ***> > At about 7:30p, we met Dr. Campos at the hotel lobby. He > explained the band's mechanisms to my 2 friends and the sleeve to me. > He's too funny and so professional at the same time. He answered all > of our questions and concerns. I went to my hotel room thinking all > sorts of crazy things such as what would happen if this didn't work. I > took the antibiotic pill that Yolanda gave me and I also took the 2mg > of Ativan. Thank God for that. I was super nervous. I wanted to go > home. I was thinking, "I CAN'T GO THROUGH WITH THIS"!!!! > > > > Tuesday Sept 9, 2008 **The Big Day!!** Events are a little hazy> > Ernesto picks us up at 7 am sharp. We go to the hospital. My > friends were going to get banded first and then

I was to be sleeved at > noon. I tried to play off my anxiety but I couldn't. I was too > nervous. I met with the anesthesiologist and just fell in love with > him! LOL, not really, but he was great. He told me everything he was > going to do step by step and gave me the rationale for everything. He > even told me the amount of drugs he was going to use and why he used > those drugs. I was totally impressed. > > After that, I met with the internal medicine doctor (?) and > he told me that my bloodwork came back normal except for my platelet > level of 54 thousand!!!! OMG! All of the RNs out there should know > why I was freaking out. He gave me 2 options, cancel the surgery or > they could transfuse platelets in the OR. Dr. Aceves came in and told > me that my surgery would still be safe but that it was up to me and

> that he was concerned about what I wanted. I don't know why, but I > trusted that man so much. I've never felt that way about a doctor. I > decided to do the surgey. > > About 45 minutes before they came and got me, gave me some > sort of medicine that would help me relax or something. I really don't > remember. After that, I remember being wheeled off to the OR and > seeing the bright lights. The OR nurse wrapped my feet in compression > bandages while the other nurse started an IV in my left hand. Everyone > was joking around with me in Spanish. I kept telling them in spanish > that I couldn't relax. I was so nervous. But I was laughing as I was > saying it. LOL. The anesthesiologist was explaining everything to me > like he promised. I remember that he hooked me up to an IV and it > burned a little. After that I

felt dizzy and couldn't see straight. I > saw the assisant surgeon standing in the corner. He said, "Oh, she > speaks spanish"?... like he was super surprised. They told me not to > worrry b/c everything was going to be ok. Then the anesth. put a mask > on my face and I went to sleep. I woke up in recovery in sheer pain. > I kept telling the nurse that I was hurting and she gave me some > medicine. I repeated it to her even though it stopped hurting and I'm > pretty sure that it got annoying. LOL. I didn't know how to react. I > kept drifting in and out of sleep. I don't even remember how I got > back to my room. Like I said, I love my anesthesiologist. LOL!> > I slept all of Tuesday. I'm remember seeing the doctors coming in > and out of the room various times but I didn't care. I was tired and I > felt like crap. I remember Dr.

Aceves coming in and telling me that > everything went well and that they transfused 5 units of platelets. He > also said that he fixed a small hernia that I had. I had no idea that > I even had a hernia...but oh well! Everytime the doctors came in, I > greeted them with a smile. They were so wonderful and they spoiled me > so much! LOL > > > Throughout the rest of the days, I had to do the leak tests and > walk walk walk! I must admit that I didn't walk enough. I also met > Dr. and he was so nice. He took out my drain on Thursday. It > didn't hurt!!! I was so happy! All of the Dr's were funny and so down > to earth. However, at the same time they maintained total > professionalism. I've never seen a general surgeon in a patient's room > as much as Dr. Aceves. He rounded on all of his patients at least

3 > times out of the day. He was wonderful. > > The nursing staff was also stellar. They were sweet, accomodating > and professional. They always were around when you needed them. I was > blown away. I couln't have asked for better care. Lucia (Dr. Aceves's > nurse) was wonderful as well. She was so friendly.> > I left early on Friday morning. I remember Thursday night that > all fo the doctors came in to say goodbye to me at different times. Of > course they were respectful and professional. After saying goodbye, > they extended their hand for a handshake but I hugged them all. I know > that's not very professional of me! LOL. But I was so grateful to have > met them. I can't say enough great things about them. I've never felt > so cared for as a human being. They didn't treat me like a standard > patient

like most doctors do. I am so thankful to have them share such > a personal experience in my life. I love all of them for helping me > change my life for the better.> > I am post op day 4 now. weighed me in at 254.3 on Monday. > As of this morning, I weigh 241.8 lbs. I hope to have great success > with this and am ready to start a new journey! > > Thanks for reading!> > ThinSeeker>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am scheduled to be sleeved on

Nov. 22 and I have a long time to get nervous. Your experience was very

informational for me. Please keep me up to date on how you are feeling.

How did you know what to have at home to drink?

> >

> > Hello everyone!

> >

> > Well, the title explains it all! I am home and sleeved. I'm

> so

> > glaaaaaaaaaad to be home! The plain ride was awful and

> exhausting. I

> > guess I'll give you all a nice long run down of my stay in

> Mexicali.

> > Some details might be brief because of my lack of memory! LOL. For

> the

> > record, I did do this journey alone!!!!

> >

> > Monday Sept 8, 2008

> >

> > Okay, I arrived in San Diego on Monday after a 7 hour flight

> > (ugh!) and was greeted by Ernesto. I was so paranoid that I

> thought

> > that I wouldn't be able to find him or that he wouldn't have a sign

> > with my name. I ended up finding him easily. He's such a

> sweetheart.

> > He's also very funny. I met another wonderful young woman and her

> > husband in the van. It took us 2 hours to get to the hosoital so

> we

> > were very acquainted by the end of the ride. She was so nice and

> funny.

> >

> > Sooooo we finally arrive at the hospital. We met and

> > Yolanda. (nurse) explained everything to us about our pre

> op

> > testing. I had to do an EKG, Chest X-ray, UA, and complete

> bloodwork.

> > While I was waiting to do the rest of my pre op testing, I met

> another

> > future bandster and her mom. They drove in from AZ! I started to

> feel

> > alone because I was the only one being sleeved and I had no moral

> > support from anyone I knew. Then, Yolanda took me in a room and

> gave

> > me some paperwork to read and sign. She thoroughly explained

> > everything that I needed to do pre and post op. I am so grateful

> to

> > have met her. She's also a sweetheart.

> >

> > By this time, we met with Dr. Aceves. He took all of us in

> and

> > basically gave us a run down of the procedures and let us voice our

> > concerns. He was extremely charming and nice. He always had a

> smile

> > on his face. He found out that I spoke spanish and was really

> > suprised. He joked around and said " Why didn't you tell me

> earlier?

> > You could have helped me explain these things to them! " I told him

> he

> > did a fabulous job on his own.

> >

> > After all of that, Ernesto took my new friend and I to the

> hotel.

> > The other ladies followed us there. I was actually impressed by

> the

> > hotel. It was extremely clean and the people were actually very

> warm

> > and friendly. We got settled in, and we all went out for a big

> > " good-bye " dinner. We had to say good bye to the bad food we love

> and

> > the huge portions that come with them! LOL. We had so much fun.

> They

> > were talking about why they wanted to be banded and of course, I

> gave

> > them the reasons that I wanted my sleeve. It was a blast. I was

> so

> > happy to have met such wonderful people that had so much in common

> with

> > me as far as struggles with weight and food. We finished our

> dinner

> > and then walked over to Dairy Queen for a goodbye dessert. Ohhhh,

> that

> > was soooooo good!

> >

> > ***If you are going to explore the town, it might be good to have

> > someone with you that speaks spanish. I am semi-fluent in spanish

> and

> > I had to translate just about everything for these women...even the

> > dinner menu. hahahaha, they felt so bad for me. I didn't mind

> > though. ***

> >

> > At about 7:30p, we met Dr. Campos at the hotel lobby. He

> > explained the band's mechanisms to my 2 friends and the sleeve to

> me.

> > He's too funny and so professional at the same time. He answered

> all

> > of our questions and concerns. I went to my hotel room thinking

> all

> > sorts of crazy things such as what would happen if this didn't

> work. I

> > took the antibiotic pill that Yolanda gave me and I also took the

> 2mg

> > of Ativan. Thank God for that. I was super nervous. I wanted to

> go

> > home. I was thinking, " I CAN'T GO THROUGH WITH THIS " !!!!

> >

> >

> >

> > Tuesday Sept 9, 2008 **The Big Day!!** Events are a little hazy

> >

> > Ernesto picks us up at 7 am sharp. We go to the hospital. My

> > friends were going to get banded first and then I was to be sleeved

> at

> > noon. I tried to play off my anxiety but I couldn't. I was too

> > nervous. I met with the anesthesiologist and just fell in love

> with

> > him! LOL, not really, but he was great. He told me everything he

> was

> > going to do step by step and gave me the rationale for everything.

> He

> > even told me the amount of drugs he was going to use and why he

> used

> > those drugs. I was totally impressed.

> >

> > After that, I met with the internal medicine doctor (?)

> and

> > he told me that my bloodwork came back normal except for my

> platelet

> > level of 54 thousand!!!! OMG! All of the RNs out there should

> know

> > why I was freaking out. He gave me 2 options, cancel the surgery

> or

> > they could transfuse platelets in the OR. Dr. Aceves came in and

> told

> > me that my surgery would still be safe but that it was up to me and

> > that he was concerned about what I wanted. I don't know why, but I

> > trusted that man so much. I've never felt that way about a

> doctor. I

> > decided to do the surgey.

> >

> > About 45 minutes before they came and got me, gave me

> some

> > sort of medicine that would help me relax or something. I really

> don't

> > remember. After that, I remember being wheeled off to the OR and

> > seeing the bright lights. The OR nurse wrapped my feet in

> compression

> > bandages while the other nurse started an IV in my left hand.

> Everyone

> > was joking around with me in Spanish. I kept telling them in

> spanish

> > that I couldn't relax. I was so nervous. But I was laughing as I

> was

> > saying it. LOL. The anesthesiologist was explaining everything to

> me

> > like he promised. I remember that he hooked me up to an IV and it

> > burned a little. After that I felt dizzy and couldn't see

> straight. I

> > saw the assisant surgeon standing in the corner. He said, " Oh, she

> > speaks spanish " ?...like he was super surprised. They told me not

> to

> > worrry b/c everything was going to be ok. Then the anesth. put a

> mask

> > on my face and I went to sleep. I woke up in recovery in sheer

> pain.

> > I kept telling the nurse that I was hurting and she gave me some

> > medicine. I repeated it to her even though it stopped hurting and

> I'm

> > pretty sure that it got annoying. LOL. I didn't know how to

> react. I

> > kept drifting in and out of sleep. I don't even remember how I got

> > back to my room. Like I said, I love my anesthesiologist. LOL!

> >

> > I slept all of Tuesday. I'm remember seeing the doctors

> coming in

> > and out of the room various times but I didn't care. I was tired

> and I

> > felt like crap. I remember Dr. Aceves coming in and telling me

> that

> > everything went well and that they transfused 5 units of

> platelets. He

> > also said that he fixed a small hernia that I had. I had no idea

> that

> > I even had a hernia...but oh well! Everytime the doctors came in,

> I

> > greeted them with a smile. They were so wonderful and they spoiled

> me

> > so much! LOL

> >

> >

> > Throughout the rest of the days, I had to do the leak tests

> and

> > walk walk walk! I must admit that I didn't walk enough. I also

> met

> > Dr. and he was so nice. He took out my drain on Thursday.

> It

> > didn't hurt!!! I was so happy! All of the Dr's were funny and so

> down

> > to earth. However, at the same time they maintained total

> > professionalism. I've never seen a general surgeon in a patient's

> room

> > as much as Dr. Aceves. He rounded on all of his patients at least

> 3

> > times out of the day. He was wonderful.

> >

> > The nursing staff was also stellar. They were sweet,

> accomodating

> > and professional. They always were around when you needed them. I

> was

> > blown away. I couln't have asked for better care. Lucia (Dr.

> Aceves's

> > nurse) was wonderful as well. She was so friendly.

> >

> > I left early on Friday morning. I remember Thursday night

> that

> > all fo the doctors came in to say goodbye to me at different

> times. Of

> > course they were respectful and professional. After saying

> goodbye,

> > they extended their hand for a handshake but I hugged them all. I

> know

> > that's not very professional of me! LOL. But I was so grateful to

> have

> > met them. I can't say enough great things about them. I've never

> felt

> > so cared for as a human being. They didn't treat me like a

> standard

> > patient like most doctors do. I am so thankful to have them share

> such

> > a personal experience in my life. I love all of them for helping

> me

> > change my life for the better.

> >

> > I am post op day 4 now. weighed me in at 254.3 on

> Monday.

> > As of this morning, I weigh 241.8 lbs. I hope to have great

> success

> > with this and am ready to start a new journey!

> >

> > Thanks for reading!

> >

> > ThinSeeker

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane,

I'm glad you got something out of my journey. My goal was to

give people somewhat of an idea of what it will be like. I promise

that you'll love it there. Things are going good so far. I am post

op day 7. Before surgery I weighed 254. Today I cashed in at

237.6!! My double chin is starting to get smaller! LOL.

About knowing what to drink...I really don't know. I go to a

lot of resource websites like Obesityhelp.com and lapbandtalk.com and

read over what they use. I'll be honest though, it's so hard to get

the protein in. I hate protien powder. I bought the syntrax matrix

powders and unjury and I just don't like them. They make me nauseous

after drinking them. I also don't care for the Isopure juices. They

have such a gross aftertaste. I am sticking to water and trying to

stomach down these protien drinks. I am mixing them with water for

more of a thin consistency. I also try to eat some sugar free jello

and sugar free popsicles. I have been living off of the miso soup

from Japenese restaurants. LOL. I also drink a lot of chicken

broth. I'm starting to get bored though. I need to switch it up.

If you have any more questions or concerns, please don't

hesitate to contact me!

TwaChic

>

>

> Thank you for sharing your experience. I am scheduled to be

sleeved on

> Nov. 22 and I have a long time to get nervous. Your experience was

very

> informational for me. Please keep me up to date on how you are

feeling.

> How did you know what to have at home to drink?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Protein powder sounds terrible. Can we drink any protein drink? After

clear liquids can we drink slimfast low carb?

On the plane ride home , what can I expect. i have a long ride to VA.

Surgeries I hav had in the past, it helped to have something tight on my

belly (hysterectomy), what about with this?

keep me posted on your progress, I need to read about it.

thanks, diane

> >

> >

> > Thank you for sharing your experience. I am scheduled to be

> sleeved on

> > Nov. 22 and I have a long time to get nervous. Your experience was

> very

> > informational for me. Please keep me up to date on how you are

> feeling.

> > How did you know what to have at home to drink?

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane,

Things are peachy over here. Most if not all of the discomfort

is gone. I also am down to 235.8!!! I'm hoping to hit the 20lb

weight loss point by the end of the week. It's so exciting!

But anyway, on to your questions! Well, as far as protien

goes, for the first 5 days you can only have clear protein powder,

clear unjury and isopure zero carb. After that, you can have the

other protein powders. I'm not sure about slim fast...that's the

only protein drink I looooove. I haven't tried the atkins drinks but

I'll give them a shot. If I were you, I'd go ahead and order samples

of the protien powders to see which one you'll like. Don't wait

until the last minute like I did...because I realized that I hate

them all! LOL I'll have to ask Gaby about the slim fast thing

though. I think that it fits under the full liquid phase though and

that doesn't happen until post op day 11.

So you're in Va huh? I'm right below you in NC. I flew with

Delta. I was being a cheap-o and got the ticket with the lowest

price. My flight had one connecting stop. It was a total of 7 1/2

hours. The flight there wasn't so bad. A hint of obvious advice

that I didn't see before...choose an isle seat!!!! I chose a window

seat so I can look at the scenery but it wasn't worth it. It takes

you FOREVER to get off of the plane if you are stuck in the window

seat. People in the isle seats were off of that plane in a breeze.

Book your flight early so you can choose a seat close to the front of

the plane. That prevents having to wait so long. This is key advice

for when you are coming home because you might have gas discomfort.

I would say to walk around while on the plane and try to pass all of

the gas secretly. I think people use heating pads to put on their

bellies but I didn't use one. Burp most of it out if you can. I'll

also go ahead and warn you that when you do your 3rd leak test, they

give you this clear barium like substance to do it. It tastes gross

and it gives you diarrhea!!!! So pack some immodium in your

bag...you'll need it! LOL...and lots of Gas-x!

The only thing that worries me is getting in my protein. I feel

full all the time and I don't have the urge to drink nasty nauseating

protein drinks. I try to stomach down the isopure but the aftertaste

just makes me cringe. I can't do that anymore. But everyone is

different and you might like some of the stuff that I don't. My

father lived off of protien powder and made us drink some and I just

hate the taste.

Overall I feel good. All of my incisions have healed except for

one and even that one is starting to come along. So I hope to

continue to have great success! I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Let me know if you have any questions!

TwaChic

TwaChic

[Guest guest]

OMG, I live right across the VA border. I am excited you live so close.

Can we email or do we need to continue on this message board?

Where do I order protein powder?

Did your husband go with you? I'm worried about mine having to be still

for several days.

If we can only have clear liquids, how do we take the medicine we are

already taking? I am taking high blood pressure, anti-d., potass., etc.

What kind of clothes did you take with you for the hosp. and for the

ride home. I am very nervous about trip home.

Diane

>

> Hi Diane,

>

> Things are peachy over here. Most if not all of the discomfort

> is gone. I also am down to 235.8!!! I'm hoping to hit the 20lb

> weight loss point by the end of the week. It's so exciting!

> But anyway, on to your questions! Well, as far as protien

> goes, for the first 5 days you can only have clear protein powder,

> clear unjury and isopure zero carb. After that, you can have the

> other protein powders. I'm not sure about slim fast...that's the

> only protein drink I looooove. I haven't tried the atkins drinks but

> I'll give them a shot. If I were you, I'd go ahead and order samples

> of the protien powders to see which one you'll like. Don't wait

> until the last minute like I did...because I realized that I hate

> them all! LOL I'll have to ask Gaby about the slim fast thing

> though. I think that it fits under the full liquid phase though and

> that doesn't happen until post op day 11.

> So you're in Va huh? I'm right below you in NC. I flew with

> Delta. I was being a cheap-o and got the ticket with the lowest

> price. My flight had one connecting stop. It was a total of 7 1/2

> hours. The flight there wasn't so bad. A hint of obvious advice

> that I didn't see before...choose an isle seat!!!! I chose a window

> seat so I can look at the scenery but it wasn't worth it. It takes

> you FOREVER to get off of the plane if you are stuck in the window

> seat. People in the isle seats were off of that plane in a breeze.

> Book your flight early so you can choose a seat close to the front of

> the plane. That prevents having to wait so long. This is key advice

> for when you are coming home because you might have gas discomfort.

> I would say to walk around while on the plane and try to pass all of

> the gas secretly. I think people use heating pads to put on their

> bellies but I didn't use one. Burp most of it out if you can. I'll

> also go ahead and warn you that when you do your 3rd leak test, they

> give you this clear barium like substance to do it. It tastes gross

> and it gives you diarrhea!!!! So pack some immodium in your

> bag...you'll need it! LOL...and lots of Gas-x!

> The only thing that worries me is getting in my protein. I feel

> full all the time and I don't have the urge to drink nasty nauseating

> protein drinks. I try to stomach down the isopure but the aftertaste

> just makes me cringe. I can't do that anymore. But everyone is

> different and you might like some of the stuff that I don't. My

> father lived off of protien powder and made us drink some and I just

> hate the taste.

> Overall I feel good. All of my incisions have healed except for

> one and even that one is starting to come along. So I hope to

> continue to have great success! I'll be sure to keep you posted.

> Let me know if you have any questions!

>

> TwaChic

> TwaChic

>

[Guest guest]

-I just reread your previous reply, and I will go to those websites.

thanks.

-- In , " twachic1210 "

<twachic1210@...> wrote:

>

> Hi Diane,

>

> Things are peachy over here. Most if not all of the

discomfort

> is gone. I also am down to 235.8!!! I'm hoping to hit the 20lb

> weight loss point by the end of the week. It's so exciting!

> But anyway, on to your questions! Well, as far as protien

> goes, for the first 5 days you can only have clear protein powder,

> clear unjury and isopure zero carb. After that, you can have the

> other protein powders. I'm not sure about slim fast...that's the

> only protein drink I looooove. I haven't tried the atkins drinks

but

> I'll give them a shot. If I were you, I'd go ahead and order

samples

> of the protien powders to see which one you'll like. Don't wait

> until the last minute like I did...because I realized that I hate

> them all! LOL I'll have to ask Gaby about the slim fast thing

> though. I think that it fits under the full liquid phase though

and

> that doesn't happen until post op day 11.

> So you're in Va huh? I'm right below you in NC. I flew with

> Delta. I was being a cheap-o and got the ticket with the lowest

> price. My flight had one connecting stop. It was a total of 7 1/2

> hours. The flight there wasn't so bad. A hint of obvious advice

> that I didn't see before...choose an isle seat!!!! I chose a

window

> seat so I can look at the scenery but it wasn't worth it. It

takes

> you FOREVER to get off of the plane if you are stuck in the window

> seat. People in the isle seats were off of that plane in a

breeze.

> Book your flight early so you can choose a seat close to the front

of

> the plane. That prevents having to wait so long. This is key

advice

> for when you are coming home because you might have gas

discomfort.

> I would say to walk around while on the plane and try to pass all

of

> the gas secretly. I think people use heating pads to put on their

> bellies but I didn't use one. Burp most of it out if you can.

I'll

> also go ahead and warn you that when you do your 3rd leak test,

they

> give you this clear barium like substance to do it. It tastes

gross

> and it gives you diarrhea!!!! So pack some immodium in your

> bag...you'll need it! LOL...and lots of Gas-x!

> The only thing that worries me is getting in my protein. I

feel

> full all the time and I don't have the urge to drink nasty

nauseating

> protein drinks. I try to stomach down the isopure but the

aftertaste

> just makes me cringe. I can't do that anymore. But everyone is

> different and you might like some of the stuff that I don't. My

> father lived off of protien powder and made us drink some and I

just

> hate the taste.

> Overall I feel good. All of my incisions have healed except

for

> one and even that one is starting to come along. So I hope to

> continue to have great success! I'll be sure to keep you posted.

> Let me know if you have any questions!

>

> TwaChic

> TwaChic

>

[Guest guest]

Oops, sorry I didn't get back to ya sooner. My email is

twachic1210@...! Email me if you have any more questions or

concerns and I'll be more than happy to answer you. We definitely have

to keep in touch throughout our journeys! I just connected with one of

the girls from Mexicali today and it is so good to have that support.

Hope to hear from ya soon!

TwaChic