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Surgeon TestimonialGuillermo Alvarez M.D.We came to Memphis from Norfolk, had 4minutes to catch our connecting to SAN. Flight was fine, we then went with Rosy to Eagle Pass--I slept mostly in the car. We went to Modernos (home of the original nachos) and had my last meal. Ididn't like it so much, but it was a nice restuarant and it all was very authentic. My DH loved it. I said goodbye to diet coke then and there.
Later, at the hotel, I got a bit emotional and scared. This is such a life changing event, and if you're reading this, you get it. Took a bath, shaved my legs, went and had a wonderful sleep in a wonderful bed.
Woke up refreshed and ready. Rosy picked us up (sleeve sister Karen also) and went to DR. A's office. The town isn't what we're used to in terms of cleanliness and infastructure, but as long as you know that going in, you'll be okay.
Dr. Alvarez is very warm and bright. I immediately felt at ease when I met him. We went for Xrays, and blood work...now, the hospital is very old. It surprised my sleeve sister. I had seen pictures, so I wasn't as surprised. BUt my husband was taken aback by it. Our room is small, but very nice, it smells funny--so bring a tiny candle or a stick up. I've been in here for about 2 hours, and the smell is going away, so -its fine.
I'm just waiting for surgery...
I know I'll do great.
I'll update as soon as i can.
One day out of surgery. It was tough waking up. The pain hit me hard. It hits people very differently, hit me quite hard. The pain meds didn't make much of a difference, but later that night dr. A brought me some good pain meds and something to help me sleep. That was just what I needed. I wished for more of that.
I've been walking a lot, which helps...and feeling a little better. My legs are weak, and I feel weak all over, so we'll see how my first week goes.
As far as Dr. A and his staff, they are great!!!!!!!!!! Latest Surgery Support Comments
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Oh wow, you are
probably out of
surgery and
recovering right now
and getting much
needed rest. I am
so happy for you and
wish I were there
too. I know you
had so many mixed
emotions, but that's
very natural. I
hope we hear from
you tomorrow or soon
letting us know you
are doing
fantastic!!
Kelly
Click here for the surgery support page
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Hi. Well, I'm hoping to go through with surgery. I have Aetna, but my husband's company does not cover WLS at all, written exlusion...so after about 2 years of trying...no such luck.
I'm considering ...Mexico..I'm very nervous about, well, many things....family reaction, quality of expertise in case of complications, and mostly...after care.
I'm considered, I guess, a lightweight...which of course, is humorous to me.
I have 2 great kids, age 3 and 5. My husband is weary of surgery....and VERY weary of surgery in MX!
I'm a teacher and would LOVE to have this surgery during the summer-more time to heal. I'm a little torn b/w having the DS or RNY...
Protein and Vitamins on May 24, 2008 7:12 am
Thses are the proteins and vitamins (and a few meds to help with heartburn) that seem to be the most popular post op. *liquid tylenol *prilosec *Nexium *Zantac *biotin (hair, nails) *Multi vitamin- gummies *liquid B12 (gnc) *B-Complex *Iron *Calcium *Tropical Oasis Calcium Citrate (post op for sure) **Anti nausea medicine Whey protein Protein Bullets *Extreme Pure Pro (liquid fruit, thin protein mix) *Unjury protein mix (unflavored to mix w/ Crystal Light or Chicken Broth) | Click here to leave a comment.
Preparation! on May 4, 2008 9:34 am
Need To Know
Things to Bring to the Hospital:
(besides the obvious things like clothes, toothbrush, etc.)
Pillow (the hospital ones are very flat!)
Heating Pad
Chapstick
Slippers or flip flops (to walk the halls)
Laptop/Book/Magazines
i-Pod (music)
Re-wetting Eye drops (after surgery - for those with contacts)
Food to have at home:
Phase 1 (Days 1-7) Thin Clear Liquids
Flavored Water (Crystal Light, Propel Water, Gatorade, Vitamin Water)
Chicken and/or Beef Broth or Boullion cubes
Skim Milk
SF Jello
SF Popsicles
Mild De-Caf Tea (green tea - no cinnamon)
Low Sugar Apple and Cranberry juice (Gerber Baby Juice)
Fruit Ices/Slushies/Shaved Ice (no chucks of fruit)
Phase 2 (weeks 2 & 3 / days 8-21) Full Liquids
Milk (1% or 2%)
Soy Beverages
Fruit Juice (no pulp)
SF Jello
Creamed Soup (no chunks) * avoid tomato soup for a few more weeks
Drinkable Yogurt (no fruit chunks)
Smoothies
Protein Drinks
Micellar Milk
Sugar Free Popsicles
Sugar Free Fudgesicles
Egg Custard
Sugar Free hot cocoa
Applesauce
Phase 3 (week 4) Soft Food - One Week only
Eggs (soft boiled or scrambled)
Tofu
Yogurt (no chunks or seeds)
Pudding
Peanut Butter (on a spoon)
Small Curd Cottage Cheese
Protein Drinks (add unflavored protein to other foods)
Filet Fish (Sole, Flounder, Tilapia, Orange Rophy)
Phase 4 (weeks 5+) Regular Food - DO NOT START UNTIL YOU 1 MONTH POST-OP!
(work your way up to these - try the softer one first)
Cream of Wheat
Oatmeal
Yogurt with berries
Hard Boiled Eggs
Cooked Vegetables
Soft Fruits (bananas, berries, canned peaches, pears)
Cheese (sliced thin)
Deli Meat (sliced thin)
Canned Fish (Tuna, Salmon)
Ground Meat (Turkey, Beef, Chicken, Lamb)
Fish Steak (Tuna, Salmon, Halibut, Swordfish)
Shelfish (Scallops, Lobster, Shrimp)
Chicken Breast
Beef Steak
Turkey
Pork
Lamb
Remember: You need to work your way up to thicker and heavier foods. If you are not sure if you can have something at a certain stage just look at the other items that are listed and ask yourself "Is it the same consistency and texture?"
Never eat more than 4 oz at one time.
Do not drink and eat at the same time. (wait 30 minutes)
Avoid eating 3 hours before you go to bed (heartburn)
Here is a link that talks about Protein and why it is so IMPORTANT post-op:
http://www.bariatricchoice.com/protein-needs-for-bariatric-gastric-bypass-surgery-patients.aspxBe the first to leave a comment.
Getting Ready on May 3, 2008 6:39 am
Okay, Finally we're buying a plane ticket to Mexico. We visited my pcp who said he would still treat me if we go out of the country for surgery. But he wanted me to exhaust every option here first. We already have.
All is good though, my husband needed to hear from the dr that there ARE in fact good surgeons all over the world.
I'm very confident in dr. A's abilities, now, so is my husband.
I'm starting to think about what I need to bring and what protein shakes, products, I need to have in the house. I've noticed that I'm eating a lot more junk than usual--last supper syndrome.
2 comments | Click here to leave a comment.
April 26, 2008 on April 26, 2008 1:34 pm
Well, I've decided on the VSG procedure. I think its the best choice for me. I love the DS, but the malabsorption does worry me. It looks like a fantastic surgery, though.
I'm not covered by insurance and was just "approved" by Dr. A's office in Mexico. My husband is still very concerned and not sold on going to another country, so he's asked his CFO for a "favor" and hope that they WILL cover me for insurance. I don't want this to work out really b/c then I'll have to jump through all the hoops and go through the emotional ups and downs. Urg. I've had enough of that.
We told his parents about the surgery, they're concerned, but want whatever we want. They DO NOT,however, know about MX. Don't know how we're going to cross that bridge.
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Archive
My Story
My story is like everyone else's...I tend to be a volume eater..so am considering the VSG or DS. I've been overweight for a long time and am ready for this to end, for me, my kids, my life! Getting the support of my family is another story. THis will be a battle, but I have to do it.
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