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I can't belive that this week will be a month.. I feel great with a little over 50lbs off.  Weight loss has slowed and I havent started the "exercise program" yet.  I eat mostly what I feel like but I can only get a few bites in and then I feel discusted at the site of the previously nibbled on food.  (and it must be boxed immediatly or trown out, to aviod the nausea). My fav's so far are : refried beans with sour cream, grits with butter, boudin, and corn chowder.  I know most of these things are not on the approved list but because my energy level was soooo low i just eat what I can get in.  Once Chicken starts going down better I can use that instead of some of the bad things.  I still have sudden urges to go the bathroom at random times, but its getting alot better. I ate ice cream the other night and experience a "dumping syndrome" almost immediatly afterwards, so it looks like bye-bye ice cream.  I'm just really excited about how I feel and how my clothes are fitting.  I would like more energy and my next goal is to really try to get in the protein per day and see if that helps.  I've still been taking the multi-vitamin but thats the only regular medication? i take.  No problem gettting in fluids.  No pain.

Hey everybody,

Im 2 weeks and a day out and I feel great.  Still having some issues with energy levels, but I honestly havent been geeting anywhere near the amount of protein they suggest in everyday.  I am starting today with some protein drinks, I have found I like the Atkins drinks the best (Carmel Latte and Milk Chocolate are my favs), so hopefully my energy levels pick up.  I am taking the flinstones chewables everyday and occasionally a Prevacid from my doc.  I have no issues getting in fluids except plain water is hard to stomach.  I find the more i drink the more diarhea I have so im not sure thats a great thing.  I started on soft foods last night with some stewed tomatoes and rice.  Couldn't eat much of them but they were deliscious.  I was eating grits and mashed potatoes before but in very small quantities.  I am planning a meal tonight with the family consisting of cranberry chutney and cornbread stuffing with sausage, although i'll probably eat around the meat for now.  I haven't had any vomiting or overly stuffed feeling and i'm really trying to avoid that.  But on the other hand I would like to be able to eat something at a restaurant besides soup broth or mashed potatoes.  I am starting to notice my pants won't stay up without a belt and I can now wear the size 36-38 shorts I had in the closet from years ago (although they may be out of fashion).  Everyone's real supportive and I can't wait to drop some more.  Until then take care!

Well it sure has been a interesting fewdays since I left for Mexico for the VSG with Dr. Rodriguez.  I traveled to Mexico on Thursday October 7th, and arrived at the El Paso airport around 11:30 am right on time.  I turned on my cell phone and had a few missed calls from Hector, my driver to the hospital.  I returened the call and found that he would be waiting just outside the security area for us after we deplaned.  We scooped up our luggage from baggage claim and headed off for Juarez.  Our drive took just over 20 mins or so to reach th hosiptal, we had no questions asked of us when entering Mexico, although some of the other patients that we meet had been stopped briefly when coming through.  Once I arrived at the hospital Star Medica in Juarez, we were quickly met by the staff pshychiatrist.  We did about 5 signatures on some paperwork and I was off to Chest Xray.  After that we were given our room and about 5 minutes later I was given a gown to change into.  Within just a few minutes I had a IV started and was about to be hooked up to the EKG machine which seemed to be a bit antiquated but it worked , I guess?  I was told to wait for about an hour and the surgeon would be there to do the work.  About 30-45 min later after nervous waiting I was wheeled down to surgery and scooted onto the table.  I had already been given some relaxation medicine that had kicked in, and soon began to fill groggy.  The next thing I remember I was in recovery with some discomfort and nausea.  I asked for some medication and was somewhat upset becuause no one seemed to understand what I needed. (its wasnt rocket science).  I was in recovery for about 30 minutes and then lead back to the room.  I relaxedas much as possible and was given some pain and nausea medicine the helped.  About 2 hours after surgery I sat up and then immeditaley laid back down for dizzyness.  Then about an hour later I was able to make it up around the room and to use the bathroom.  That night was rough but not unbareable.  About 8 am all the nausea had passsed and i was just sore from the incisions.  I was walking about every hour and a half and the gas passed.  I was given some ice chips around 5pm and got about a fe ounces down but was really not in the mood to eat anything.  Then the clear liquids tray arrived around 8pm and i ate some jello and broth and tried to get the whole cup of apple juice down and almost did aver the course of an hour or two.  That night was fine little pain slept well and only disturbed a few time for vitals (BP and Temp check).  About 11am I went for the Barium swallow, which was discusting but again bareable.  Everything was okay with the barium and soon they were in my room to remove my IV and drain tube.  I dressed andwithin a hour was on the road back to El Paso to relax in a hotel for the two nights before traveling back home.  Overall nice experience but the language barrier should be noted as well as the early release from the hospital.  I will update soon after a week of the clear liquids, although Im finding it hard to want anything as Im not hungery at all.

Well after a month or two of muling it over I have decided on October 7th, 2010.  I am going with Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez because I've known two people including my aunt that had surgery with him and both have had great experiences.  Although when my aunt had her WLS it was located across the border from Del Rio Texas and now he only has Tijuana and Juarez locations available.  My aunt will be traveling with me down to El Paso and across the border for the 3 day stay.  I'm getting very excited and nervous at the same time. I must start my pre-op diet on the 23rd of Sept.. which is just a week away.  I want to start a weekly blog about the experience to help others and to track my own achievements so look for more blogs and pictures coming regularly.