chowchows

You go girl! I'm glad to hear that you're liking where you're at and it sounds like the wls has been a fabulous success and you have exactly the right attitude!

I always thought we weren't supposed to drink with meals, in order to keep from stretching our stomach back out. I'm sure that is a concern, but I saw a great post on the VSTboard that explained it very well. Thought I would repost here, as I am sure there are others who wondered about it the same way I did. Liquids with food demonstration video

Mednar, What you said does make sense. I think I am a month or two ahead of you in terms of post surgery time, so I know that you had seen some of my not so positive posts about the time you had surgery...you summed it up when you said "I think part of my frustration is that I also feel like this should be happening faster and that it should somehow be easier. The reality that this is a longer term goal and doesn't work exactly like I want it to is also settling in with me now. I'm not entirely happy that it's not happening on my terms". I think that explained a lot how I felt in some of my previous posts. Right now I have to say that this is more my doing that anything...I have gotten away from watching my carbs as much, and I have a horrible sweet tooth. If not for that, I think I would be doing fine. Otherwise I am keeping my Protein and Water up, getting in more exercise than I was even a month ago, and my restriction is definitely there. I am just craving sweet things so much that I am blowing the calorie intake out of the water. Again, I am still SLOWLY losing, but I know I could be doing much better. Any advice on satisfying the sweet tooth monster? Thanks for all your other advice, it does ring true. Thanks, CC

Sounds like you're doing awesome!

Try searching for 'plication florida" on Google and call the doctors that you get results for. I would think that would be the best way to get the information you need.

During August I have felt like I could eat a lot more than I could the past few months. I actually felt really hungry today, something I haven't felt since the surgery. I have also let cravings get the best of me though, so I know that is a big part of the situation, but I haven't really lost any in a while. Maybe we will wake up to a sudden losing spree soon. I know that I have to be more diligent.

That's awesome...a lot of willpower, but awesome!

Sorry for the double post.

Wow, over how long of a time period? I've been doing well, but August looks dismal for me so far, lol!

I think there are a couple in Florida that do it too. One is in Jacksonville.

I'm so sorry to hear that...I was hoping that you were still having a great experience with him. I know on previous posts you said he did a really good job on the surgery, but there is no excuse for him to treat you that way. I get better (not much, but a tiny bit better) response from the staff and doctor in Cancun...he's actually emailed me himself 4 times, although sometimes I wonder about some of the stuff he tells me. I figured that the US doctors would have their act together. Again, I'm sorry that they haven't treated you better!

I think FattoPhat used him, and I think she was extremely happy with him. Hopefully she will be on here in the next couple of days and can fill you in.

Yeah, my doc has some pretty far out explanations. Having said that, he told me when they would stop, and he was exactly right, so who knows, lol!

I always lose in that pattern. I will drop steadily for several days, maybe even a week. Then the scale will bounce up and down as much as 5 lbs. This continues on for as long as 2 weeks (longest period, but usually about 5 days), then I start losing again. Took me awhile to figure this out, and was very frustrated with it the first couple of months. Now I just expect it.

My doc told me the pains were my stomach muscles fighting against the new stitches, trying to break them lose.

Would the reason for insurance covering the TT be because of excess skin rubbing? I have heard that if you can get your doctor to document irritation and rubbing (in whatever region your problem area is) that sometimes insurance will pay for cosmetic surgery.

Great info, thanks for sharing and posting!

I have been on a stall this last week, but finally broke 30 lbs lost...in just under 3 months. Ok, I am really curious...can you tell us how much the arm surgery is going to cost? That's the one I think I need...my arms are my big problem spot.

Rock on! You are doing really well!

I had mine in Cancun and felt perfectly safe. Others on this board went to Tijuana. I was a little nervous to go there, but now I probably wouldn't think twice after seeing all the others who have gone there.

That's awesome! Do you mind me asking how much you lost in the presurgery diet?

I think I have read that they will perform plication up through age 70 in Mexico. I would say your overall health and ability to bounce back from the operation would be more important that a number on a piece of paper. Good luck!

Most of the time any "cosmetic" surgery is not allowable. However, if it is medically necessary you can. Based on general accounting theory surrounding these types of surgeries though, I would say that most people would qualify (BMI, Co-morbidities, etc make it a medically necessary surgery under the IRS definition). The transportation to and from is also deductible (of course this is all only deductible if you use Schedule A and itemize on form 1040). Just note that your medical expenses will have to be more than 7.5% of Adjusted Gross Income before you can take any of them off on itemization. HTH!

I had a tiny bruise about the size of a quarter near my biggest incision. I have seen a few pics/vids with some bruising, but that is a lot. Please let us know what the doc says. I'm sure everything is ok...maybe you just bruise easier than most? Take care!

I'm sorry you have a torn muscle, but so glad to hear that you don't need another surgery! Get well soon!