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43lbs down

I have a lot to update you guys on. I have been in and out of the hospital (3 times this month ), but I am much better. Will have to update soon but thought I'd share a more recent photo. This was at 32 pounds lost.

Honesty is the best policy

If I am going to share my experience with you I have to be completely honest. Meaning I am going to divulge the positives and negatives of my experience. I hate food now! I have been surviving on water, hot tea, crystal light, and a protein shake every now and then. The thought of consuming broth makes me gag so I have not have broth since pre op. I am supposed to be able to enjoy purée foods but everything that I try gets stuck in my esophagus. I've tried refried beans, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and yogurt my sleeve will not let me enjoy any of them. As a matter of fact the most simple one being the Greek yogurt wow did at getting stuck for about 10 minutes before I had the sudden urge to vomit and it ended up all over the place including in my hair no fun.
For the past two days I have felt as though I had this lump in my throat all day it is a constant uncomfortable feeling. They recommended taking Maalox when that happens but that did not help if anything it made me want to vomit so it just made me feel a lot worse.
I have also learned that my sleeve does not enjoy any type of sugar. I can tolerate Splenda but sugar is a no no it will run straight through my body and send me into the restroom. Trust me it is not a good feeling to be on and off of the toilet when you have not been consuming any food.
Even though I am having a really rough time I must say that I still do not regret my sleeve. I still feel as though I made the right decision for me. It's like anything that's worth having is not going to come easily but things can only get better from here.
When I started this journey I had a BMI of 39 my current BMI is 35.2. I have noticed that my energy level is still pretty low. I guess that is to be expected since I have not been eating. Anyone that is convinced that this is the easy way out should really really evaluate or reconsider. You have to be mentally prepared to go through this process because it's not going to be easy. Thankfully I'm not hungry since they removed most of the stomach that produces hunger hormones. It's just the idea of knowing you should be eating and consuming calories but not being able to.
I just wanted to post a really quick update I know I said I would post some pictures but I don't have the wifi I need in order to upload them from my laptop. I should be posting them within the next couple of days though . Thank you for taking your time out to to read my review. Bless you all and good luck on your personal journeys.

Officially on the losers bench!

So my surgery was performed at Mi Doctor Hospital on 9/17. I didn't have any complications other than a tricky IV which led to dehydration, but I was still well enough to be discharged. I left the hospital on 9/19. I must say that I was very impressed with my stay in Tijuana. I felt like royalty even while in the hospital. I never felt alone or afraid throughout the entire ordeal because the doctors and nurses were very attentive and aware of my needs. When they found out it was my birthday on 9/18 they made me a balloon out of a glove and decorated it. Sure it wasn't much but that was very thoughtful and it's the thought that counts.
Hotel Marriott Tijuana was immaculate. They recently had some remodeling done and the place is beautiful. The elevator even has a built in security feature where it won't operate without a room key card. What's even more impressive is the fact that the key card will only allow you to stop on your actual floor.
They also take you to revolution ave to do a little sightseeing and shopping. This is when you must be able to bargain. Never settle foe a price that you're not comfortable with they will negotiate.
Vacation is over for me I had surgery on Thursday and returned to work on Sunday. The Dr. Recommended 6 wks but hey I have bills to pay and I feel well enough to work (All cases are different though).
So far I'm down 8lbs from my surgery weight and about 20 lbs overall. Sometimes I have a little buyers remorse but that's just because I have to watch other people eat while I struggle just to get liquids in. But I must say that I know I made the right decision. I'll upload pictures in a few days.

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Ismael Cabrera
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