Re: Re: Sleeve July 2

[Guest guest]

I know this is a lot to read but maybe it will help you to feel comfortable in your new journy of life. I had surgery June 7, and am 2 1/2 wks down and 20 lbs. I will not tell you the post eating will be easy, at first it is hard because your mind thinks you should be eating. Then it takes everything you can do to make sure you get your proteins and soups down each day. I hope this helps you, I wrote this to Dr. Aceves office and staff.

I was very nervous about doing the surgery, I have been researching the Gastro Bypass for at least fifteen years. Not sure what I wanted to do, went to meetings and went to talk to the doctor who would do the surgery, but just never felt that was the way for me. Then the Lap Band became the new wave of what was the best to be done. So I went and checked it out and thought ok, I can do this. But, for some reason just never could make myself go through with it. Then a few months ago, my doctor told me about the Gastro Sleeve. So I started doing my research and there was something about it, that sounded like what I wanted. There is no extra care like the I felt the Lap Band would be with fills, constant check ups to make sure your band did not move, it wasn't as dangerous as I felt the Bypass was, so I decided to go that direction. Of course since I was "Only Overweight" and healthy

my insurance would not pay for this type of surgery so I needed to search elsewhere. Several had told me about different places in Mexico but it wasn't really where I wanted to be. So I researched Gastro Sleeve and found Dr. Aceves website, went on and read everything there was to know about him, and about the hospital as well and the Sleeve procedure and read a lot of the blogs that were on the website about Dr. Aceves and his past patients. They were all with great praise and no regrets. I found myself very comfortable about everything I read so I made a decision and made a date with Nina in August. She was very helpful with questions, and concerns I had. She wrote by email or we talked on the phone and this was the beginning of my comfort level. A week later, I thought what am I waiting for? My girlfriend who was going to go with me, I knew she was not ready for this type of

life change. She had done no research just going off what I had told her, so the chances of her going through with it in August was very slim. She was not ready to give up sweets or food in general or change her eating habits.I rebooked for June 7th, 2010, only two weeks away. I told very few people, my four children who all gave me the same story that I wasn't that over weight and going to Mexico was not a good ideal. Well being 280 pounds and only 5 '6 was pretty over weight in my eyes. But, as little children or my grown children they did not see me as I or the world seen me. My husband for the first time was supportive of this, he knew how much research I had done and how the desire of my heart was to do something more than, every new fade diet that came around. So off we went to Mexicali for a new adventure in life. We arrived and the next day the driver was held up at the airport so he was

not going to be able to pick us up to take us for my pre op tests until around 5 instead of the 1 o'clock scheduled time. Now, keep in mind you do not get to have a morsel of food before pre op. We did not know this at the time, so my husband and I are sitting in the lobby waiting for the driver, the next thing I knew a car drove up and out jumped this friendly little lady and introduced herself to us as Yolanda. She said the driver was going to be late and it was just going to be too long of a wait for someone who had not eaten all day. Now, I ask what doctor's office or hospital staff would have personally drove their car and picked you up? No, one. She took me right in started the blood work, and all tests that were needed. It was a painless experience, no waiting just here, there and boom we were done. She took us back to the hotel and said go eat anything you want just nothing past ten o'clock

that evening. So impressed with her and her friendliness and her professionalism. But, that's not all. She also told us that Dr. Aceves would be by at 8:00 PM to talk with us and go over everything about the surgery. Again, blown away. What doctor would take time out of his busy life to come to the hotel and meet with his patient to make sure they understood the procedure and make sure if there were any questions or concerns they were answered and to ensure his patients comfort. Wow, what an awesome thing as well as a doctor who truly cares about his patients. My husband and I were speechless. The next morning at seven o'clock the driver arrived and took the other patient and us to the hospital. The staff was warm, friendly and in no time I was ready to go in. Lucy, with her warm smile was there to greet me and take me to the "Room" to start my new journey. Dr.

Compos and the rest of the staff met me when I came out of recovery with gentle smiles and ask is there anything they could do for me? Their english was impeccable, and with the nursing staff and the doctors surrounding me, my husband and I knew we were in good hands. Now, again bafflement came over us. Not only was the staff there in seconds if I pushed the button because I needed something, but Dr. Aceves came to check on me at least three to four times a day even late in the evening. Who does that? I had a major surgery here in the states and I only saw the one doctor right before I went to sleep in the surgery room and not again until I went to his office a two weeks later. I was in the hospital for four days, and never saw his face, he sent someone else I had never seen before that worked for the hospital. But, here was a doctor who cared about the progress and comfort of his patients. It

wasn't just about the bottom dollar. I am now seven days out, ten pounds lighter and still feel this was the best thing I have ever done. I recommend Dr. Aceves, his staff and the hospital staff to anyone. I have done nothing but brag about my experience there to all and everyone who will listen. I had one person say, I took the easy way out and should have dieted more. Let me say this...It is not the easy way out, it is a life commitment that you don't get to change your mind and go off the diet tomorrow and back on the next day. I can't say I am breezing through with only clear liquids, but I can say it was all worth it to me. I hear the first thirty days are the worse, and so I am taking the ten days at a time steps. Clear liquid for the first ten days, creamy for the next ten and puree for the next ten. Because I know for me, if I do not look at it as one year from

now I will be at goal weight, but look at it as only ten more days and I can add this in my diet. Thank you, Dr. Aceves, for all that you did for me and my new life adventure at fifty one. I will forever be grateful, and keep you posted of my progress. Pam Farrington

From: Walter <walt_johns@...> Sent: Thu, June 24, 2010 12:58:33 PMSubject: Re: Sleeve July 2

I'm scheduled for June 28th... I admit I have the same feelings.. >> Hi everyone. I've posted before but now that I am getting close would love some last minute:> 1. Encouragement, I'm scared. > 2. Thoughts on things to bring/not bring> 3. If you had only 1 piece of wisdom/advice, what would it be?> > Thanks guys!> Xoxo> > > Sent from my iPhone>