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That's fantastic! Congratulations. You GO GIRL!!!!:hurray:

I thought BOLO'd meant "bowled over", but he told me it was "Be on the Lookout" So, once you're sleeved I'll be BOLO'd for that sleek GTO roarin' down the road -- it's gonna be the winner in the PASQUINI 500........ OREO'd? E

I, too, am having my surgery on Tuesday. I must admit that I'm a little anxious, but that's because I've had some really MAJOR surgeries in the past -- the last one in 2009 which lasted 11 hours. So, for me, I keep thinking less than 2 hours should be a "cake walk". Nonetheless, any surgery that employs the use of general anesthesia and results in the removal of all (or most of) any organ is still a "major" surgery. At this point, I think the only thing we can do is trust. Trust our surgeons to be skilled in the procedure and just as hopeful of a successful outcome as we are. For me, I have realized and internalized that everyone dies -- it's not negotiable. So, if it's my time to go, it won't matter if I'm on the operating table, sleeping in my bed or walking out my front door. I can't control it so I have to let go of it. I'm choosing to believe and hope for the best, trust my life to God and my surgeon, and look forward to getting really healthy and fit for good. I'm anxious to be on the other side of the surgery, but the only thing I can absolutely control is my reaction to the information. I've done the research (thank you VST) and understand the pros and cons along with the risks. Living life is a risk. I am ready to step out of the "life on hold" mode and really live life to the fullest extent I possibly can. I'm looking forward to next summer when I can finally say -- for the first time in over 50 YEARS - it's summer and I'm NOT fat! Lookout life, HERE I COME! My very best wishes to you for a successful surgery, miraculous recovery and complete restoration to perfect health. That's what I'm claiming and believing for me too.

Diva Baby! Congratulations on the victory! Proof positive that when you work the tool it works! Happy Dance!:Dancing_biggrin:

Renee, you REALLY need to read Crosswind's post "I left my stomach in Mexicali". It's normal to be wondering if you've lost your mind making this decision. Drastic times call for drastic measures. You've tried everything else, right? And you're tired of being a failure at something so many other humans seem to do effortlessly (lose or maintain their weight), right? Welcome to the club! Life isn't fair!! Some chicks get fantabulous bods and are "bootylicious". Other chicks (like me) get fat reading a grocery list and are relegated to nicknames like "eartha-quake". So, after determining that I've thrown a boat load of money at fighting this "problem" over the years that I could have paid for the surgery 10 times over, I've FINALLY said "stick a fork in me, I'm DONE!" So, while I don't know how things will ultimately turn out (my surgery is April 26th) I do know how it's gone for me in the past -- unrelenting struggles resulting in unrelenting weight gain and self loathing. I'm way too old and way too tired to keep fighting the insanity scenario. I'm going for it and I'm NOT looking back. Empress

Pasquini: Once you're sleeved you'll be "livin' the dream"!! Loved the dream sequence picture in my mind. I think theme songs are a way to keep us motivated. Mine is "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen! So if you're from OK does BOLO'd mean anything to ya? (Have a friend from OK who says BOLO'd a bit....) Empress

Linda: My thoughts and prayers are with you for a successful surgery, miraculous recovery and a complete restoration to perfect health. Godspeed girl!

Pasquini: Now I've got little GTO stuck in my head! Come on sing it with me! Gonna save all my money (turnin' it on, blowin' it out) and buy a GTO (turnin' it on, blowin' it out) Get a helmet and a roll bar (turnin' it on, blowin' it out) and I'll be ready to go (turnin' it on, blowin' it out) Take it out to Pomona (turnin' it on, blowin' it out) and let 'em know (turnin' it on, blowin' it out), yeah, yeah That I'm the coolest thing around Little buddy, gonna shut you down When I turn it on, wind it up, blow it out GTO. The Empress (showing her age)

CW: For a moment there I thought you had snuck into my crazy mixed up neurotrap (brain) and read my to do list! I absolutely love your wit and your writing (which makes me laugh all the way down to the last lucid lane in my goofy thought synapsis turnpike -- sort of like a mental macarena for me). I'm so looking forward to being on the flip side of the stomach obliteration dance. For me, however, I doubt will ever approach "human" as I consider myself more abbie something --- oh yeah -- abbie normal! So glad to hear you're doing well. I so look forward to regular installments of The World According to Crosswind! They always make my day. E

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. A fantastic job, congratulations!:clap2:

Becca So great to see the progress you've made. Hopefully in a very short time, all the junk with the band will be a distant memory. You rock girl!

So, im 39, 5'8" was 310 at my heavyest 18 months ago, I have lost 40lbs since my heaviest, but have been stuck here for 10 months. I am looking forward to this journey, toward, health, comfortable airplane rides, amusment parks, sitting on the floor without a wall to lean on, a sexy self, well ok really who knows, i have never been little and i could get then and then be ugly, i mean hey, there are alot of skinny people that are not so umm, well, not ugly. Anyway, Thought i'd say hi and introduce myself. Pasquini Pasquini Welcome! I too was a lurker before taking the plunge. I have to say that this is THE most supportive, caring and awesome group I have ever encountered. I feel like I was drowning and this group threw me a life raft! I'm a self pay too, decided to ditch the insurance shite and believe it's not even close to how worth it I am. In car terms (since you're a guy and can relate, right?) Surgery $$= used Ford fusion and I'm worth at least a new Mercedes SL 550 Night Edition! Empress

Meggie: I'm right there with you! And to think that a short time ago I thought Facebook was addictive -- VST beats FB by a universe... More enlightening, encouraging and entertaining for me too. (My VST addiction is my take on Einstein's e=mc2)

While I'm not yet sleeved (April 26th yay!) I can comment on the hysterectomy. Had to have one before my 35th BD and was completely bummed. My mom knew I was upset because I really hadn't decided that I was finished having children but with the hysterectomy looming it was decided for me. She took me aside and said something that made me laugh and helped me immensely -- she said "Honey, look at it this way, the doctor is going to take out the crib and leave the playpen." I'm 56 now so it's been a while and I joke that I was happy to have the hysterectomy because it took the hysterical out of me . To be completely honest, I haven't missed the TOM crap ever. Had I known how great this was, I would have had it done right after my second child was born. Walking is ok, but you can't overdo it at all. Follow your OB/GYN's instructions to a T. Good luck to you!

Woot Woot -- you go girl! Looking AB FAB!!!

Dr. Guske in Hoffman Estates, IL.

My date is also the 26th. Where are you having surgery? Who is your doctor?

Once I put my mind to something, I mean really put my mind to it, I'm beyond tenacious. Can you say BULL DOG?? Seeing the obstacle course before me (compliments of the evil insurance fairies), I've bitten, chewed up and am about to swallow the bullet. Yep, swung by Fort Knox and abracadabra'd the gold bars then handed them off to the Doc and will do the same with the hospital later this week. My journey has now gone from building my go-kart to a funny car extravaganza. Ladies and Gentlemen, my engine is revved, ripped and ready to roll. Can't believe how quickly those obstacles were removed once the leprechaun showed up with the pot o' gold. Good thing I am so very, very worth it. Did I mention that I'm worth it? You bet I am. All the preop hoop-dee-doo is scheduled and it looks like I may be that slinky sleevette by mid-May...... I am so blown away by how quickly this came about -- in the span of 4 hours -- unbelieveable, but so incredibly surreal. I'm sure as I get closer, my fraidycat-mind twin will start beating on me with the "Do you KNOW what you're doing?" "There's no turning back!" "What if..." But, for now I'm ready with my responses: "YES!!!", "I know", and "FMT, shut the h*ll up, I got this one..." YAY ME. Never thought I'd be doing mental gymnastics over "Hey doc, would you please cut up and throw away part one of my EXTREMELY vital parts (a vital vital part) and then charge me an arm and leg for the priviledge." Crazy? you betcha! Happy? over the moon!

I have my surgery date!!!:woot: April 26, 2011 is the day I begin my trek to the new and improved ME. I'm so elated and amazed and can hardly wait. I start the 15 day preop liquid diet phase on Monday. I'm not looking forward to that, but I can do anything for 2 weeks, right? But for RIGHT NOW I'm doing my very best HAPPY DANCE! :Dancing_wub:

So far, so good. Not bad ---- yet.... day 1 is almost over Just can't wait for the 26th!!! I'm so ready to be sleeved

I haven't been sleeved yet, but have had 9 major surgeries over the last 30 years so I understand the pre-surgery jitters. Take a deep breath and relax. (I know, easier said than done.) You have done your research, followed the program outlined by your surgeon, right? So now you need to let go of the feeling you have to keep control over this since all you can control are your actions and responses. You have selected a professional and you must trust your decision. The surgeon wants the best possible outcome for you as much as you do. Not sure what, if any, religious beliefs you hold, but for me, I knew I was in God's hands, and I prayed for the surgeon, anesthesiologists and every person involved in my care. The last surgery I had was 11 hours long and I came through with flying colors. So, trust your decision, and your surgeon -- it's the only way to get through this. Best wishes for a successful surgery, miraculous recovery and complete restoration to perfect health.