June 2 2009: My first entry.

My best friend and I are having VSG surgery in Mexico on June 17th in Mexicali with Dr. Aceves. We fly from two Texas cities and meet up in San Diego on June 16. We'll have tests that day and get ready for surgery the following day. We stay in a nice hotel the night of the 16th and three nights at the hospital and depart for home June 20th. Our husbands are traveling with us so this should provide quite a support group! (They think the end result will be that they married two "hot chicks" so dear Lord, let the fantasy become reality!):001_rolleyes:

I know everyone talks about "the last supper" the night before surgery, but I have to get past thinking my life is over with this "last meal". I want my experience to be successful. I have cleaned out the pantry of all "last supper" type foods and restocked with "first supper" foods for the rest of my life. I am embracing "protien" and smaller portions and can't wait for the day I can go to a restaurant and order with control instead of wild abandonment!:thumbup:

I can't wait to give away my old baggy clothes and stand in the front row instead of hiding on the back row when people take pictures. I want to buy a belt; a flashy belt people will notice and wear it with confidence.

Did I mention I am a Type II Diabetic? This is the real reason I am going for this surgery. I am sick of Diabetes...shots, pills, A1C tests, doctors, more tests...and the expense is horrendous. We spend $13,000 a year (out of pocket) for Diabetes upkeep; money we don't have. If there is a remote chance I can reverse this Diabetes then I'm going for it. (The new flashy belt doesn't hurt either!)

I know the surgery and the sleeve is not a panacea but a mentor; something designed to help my success. It's up to me from Day 1 to work with it and not look for ways to deceive it. This will be hard because I have a thousand excuses why I haven't followed a healthy lifestyle over the years. I must be truthful with myself and face the hard facts that I got this way on my own volition, one excuse at a time. It's time to break that cycle once and for all. Failure is not an option.

A NOTE ABOUT THE DOCTOR WE CHOSE:

Due to sites like this, and the unbelievable attentative nature of Dr. Aceves' staff, my friend and I both have few worries. You all have been through it and made it to the other side, and we feel sure we know what to expect, with many thanks to your input.

If you are considering this surgery and haven't chosen a surgeon yet, you should consider Dr. Aceves. Even though we are pre op, his staff has painstakingly answered EVERY single question with prompt caring responses. If all docs ran their business this way, there would be less apprehension involved in making this kind of life changing decision. It's also a testament to the way he performs surgery by managing the smallest details with compassion and knowledge.

I will keep you posted on our progressions like others before us. I never thought I would look forward to surgery! :thumbup1: