Hi everyone, I am nervous about sharing, as I am such a private person, but here I find myself sharing because I have found it so helpful to read the review and stories of others, and I hope to contribute to help others if I can.
I decided to get the gastric sleeve surgery because I have tried just about everything except bariatric surgery. I would always lose a bit of weight and then slowly gain it back. It just always felt like my body would acclimate and get used to whatever changes that I made that were working. I am well aware this is no easy way out, and I am willing to put in the hard work.
My surgery date is May 17th 2019, and after much deliberation I decided to go with Dr. Garcia. My CW is 213 and I am 5' 1 ft tall. I will do my best to keep you posted! Wish me luck!
Updated on 13 May 2019: Hey, just updating you guys. I realized I had not told you my age or BMI, so I guess I will start with that, I am 28 and my current BMI is 40.2. I am also 5' 1. I am currently on my pre-op diet, and the doctor recommended a 1 week pre-op diet for me consisting of a protein shake for breakfast, another for lunch, and then protein (chicken or white fish) and green veggies for dinner.
I started pre-op doing salads for dinner and would end up having food cravings and still feeling hungry in the evening. Today I decided to change it up and I made a homemade chicken soup, and I must say I am feeling so much more satisfied. I also picked up some sugar free jello to snack on just in case. Between those two things I am feeling much better about pre-op. Two days prior to surgery I am supposed to switch to protein shakes and broth only, and the day before clear liquids only.
Updated on 16 May 2019: My husband and I flew in to San Diego today and were shuttled across the border. The driver was very nice, and everyone at the Marriott hotel in Tijuana has been so kind and hospitable. The hotel is really nice, it feels almost like a vacation.
Updated on 17 May 2019: We were getting ready to check out of the hotel because the driver was going to pick us up and take us to the hospital at 6:45. They were going to do pre-ops and then check me into my hospital room. Dr. Garcia doesn't start doing surgeries until 2:00 pm. Last night my nerves got to me and I did not sleep at all.
Updated on 18 May 2019: I am now 1 day post op. Yesterday was a long day of waiting. My anxiety was acting up badly, and Dr. Paola Velazco came to talk to me and helped calm my nerves. After surgery I was in pain and had nausea for a few hours, but the team adjusted medications and I slowly started to feel better. In the morning I had my leak test, everything went well, and they cleared me to have clear liquids. All of the nurses and doctors were very kind and accommodating.
Updated on 21 May 2019: I am sitting at the San Diego airport waiting for my return flight home. I am doing well and feeling pretty good. The hotel was lovely and everyone was very accommodating.
Updated on 25 May 2019: I am one week post op and feeling pretty well, just very tired. I have been doing well with fluids and just started incorporating my first protein drink. At one week post op, I was down to 207. My incisions are looking good too.
Updated on 31 May 2019: Today is 2 weeks post op. I am feeling pretty good, still working on getting the recommended amount of water in. Yesterday was the first day that I wasn't insanely tired and in bed half the day.
Updated on 27 Jun 2019: At my 5 week weigh in I weighed 193 lbs, bringing my total loss since surgery to 20 lbs. I am really happy with my progress so far.
Updated on 10 Aug 2019: I am currently 12 weeks out and I have lost 32 lbs since surgery, which makes my current weight 181 lbs. I am really excited and happy with my progress.
Updated on 1 Sep 2019: Even though I am experiencing some post-op hair loss, I still feel getting the VSG has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I feel so much better, more confident, healthier, and more comfortable in my own skin psychologically and physically. My current weight is 177 lbs.
