We made it to Mexico! Surgery this am!

[Guest guest]

I have met and her mom Betty and Andy- he came alone. Luckily it is a

wonderful group of people! Very friendly.

I had to have a barium swallow and that ruined my whole afternoon. I sent my

mom out to eat with everyone else and I just stayed in the room getting sick.

What didn't make it through the band was sliming and came up and what did make

it through the band tore my stomach up and also came up. Good times...but all

that ends today! YAY!

Federico was our driver and he was so great. He had so many interesting things

to show/ tell us. We had a good time just asking questions.

So surgery in a couple hours. Dont know the order yet but there are only 3 of

us and the other 2 are being sleeved. I think after meeting me and seeing how

sick I am they are glad they chose the sleeve and not the lapband!

[Guest guest]

Suzanne- I just had the band out no revision. I should be able to drink water

in about 1 hour. So excited for that!

One tip to people coming...I dont think you should come alone. Bring someone to

help care for you. There is one guy here that came alone and I had my mom adopt

him b/c it is hard. I would hate to think if there was no one here to help.

The nursing staff has been so awseome. Dr. Campos has been in here so much to

check on me- apparently some lung thing going on and I am receiving breathing

treatments. I really love everyone here. They are so sweet and helpful.

And for my labwork yesterday and my iv today not ONE problem and I am

dehydrated.

>

> Hey Nicki,

>

> In about a month you will know how we all feel and love having the sleeve.

> I am thrilled that you have met some wonderful people. Get their E-mails

> and stay in touch with them. Everyone needs support. Take some pictures

> of you as a group too before you leave. Those pictures are priceless.

> Remember the 1st 30 days are the worst, but you will be feeling so much

better

> that you will fly right through them.

>

> Hugs,

> Suzanne

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Nicki,

This is wonderful news. I am so glad you are feeling this UP! You sound so great. I hope you enjoy that bottle of water.

I might disagree with you on bringing someone along with you. I am a pretty independent person so I really didn't feel I needed someone to come along with--for me it would have felt like I needed to entertain them. I can speak up quite well and get the care I feel I need or want--but that is just me.

On the other hand, if you aren't like this, then it is a great idea to have someone come along with you. How very sweet of you to share your Mom, I am sure he feels so lucky having your Mom there to take care of him. I think it really depends on the person if they want or need someone to be there for them. I went along for a good friend of mine in April 2009, and I think for her it was just what she needed. I also had a great time going back and being a guest and not the patient. I went from room to room talking to the people who had surgery and showed them some before and after pictures. Maybe it has something to do with being older and just speaking up for yourself.

Have a safe trip home and keep us posted.

Hugs,

Suzanne

[Guest guest]

You're so cute! Congrats on getting everything done and taking care of the other

patients. Good for your Mom covering him in a protective blanket. Love that. The

breathing exercises are for your lungs; everyone is required to do the same

exercise.

> >

> > Hey Nicki,

> >

> > In about a month you will know how we all feel and love having the sleeve.

> > I am thrilled that you have met some wonderful people. Get their E-mails

> > and stay in touch with them. Everyone needs support. Take some pictures

> > of you as a group too before you leave. Those pictures are priceless.

> > Remember the 1st 30 days are the worst, but you will be feeling so much

better

> > that you will fly right through them.

> >

> > Hugs,

> > Suzanne

> >

>