xenophile

Thanks for sharing that, LoserMama. I'm having the opposite experience--mom is supportive (mostly because she's been at 300+ lbs. for a long time and is really starting to suffer from the health problems and joint pain) but a couple of friends are very vocally opposed. One in particular has taken it as her mission to talk me out of it. She says I'm beautiful the way I am, it's too dangerous, I'm just doing it out of vanity, etc. etc. etc. We're close friends, and I love her dearly, but she just doesn't get it. Partially, I think, because she's a life-long petite size 2 from a family of petite women. I've tried to explain to her the physical and emotional pain I feel, not to mention the anger at being mocked and excluded from things all my life. But it's just not registering. Luckily I also have a couple of friends who, if concerned about my safety down in TJ, have been very supportive. They've been interested enough to ask about the procedure, my pre- and post-op diet, and the psychological journey that led me to make the decision. So it's a mixed bag, I guess, but I'm glad that I have some allies. And I'm glad I haven't told too many people--just 5 total, 6 including my therapist. At the end of the day, it's nobody else's business what I do with my body. Maybe I would feel differently if I had a long-term partner and/or kids...

I hadn't thought of that--thanks for the tip, Deigh! This means I get to treat myself to lots of yummy herbal teas...Teavana.com, here I come!!

Congrats to everyone who's had/is having surgery this month. It's great to hear everyone's updates. I'll be starting my preop diet on Wednesday for 12/28 surgery...I'm hungry just thinking about it! Doesn't help that I'm just finishing finals at school, and everybody and their mother wants to get together to Celebrate with food!! Plus the holidays. sigh. take Big Girl Pill. rinse and repeat.

Best of luck to you! It'd be great if you'd post your progress--I'm just a week or so behind you! I've been having a Protein drink or two most days over the past month. I've found that it makes me less hungry than the all-carbs-all-the-time that I'm used to. Hopefully you'll find that as well.

Hi all! I'm pretty new to the forum--just been reading for a while. My surgery is going to be on 12/28 with Dr. Kelly in TJ. I'm super excited. I had a big bout of nerves a week ago, but I'm feeling better. Now I just want to get it over with! Pre-op diet starts on 12/13; right now I'm stocking up on Clear liquids. I'm not big on artificially flavored drinks, so finding stuff I won't turn my nose up at has been a challenge. But that's just details. Best wishes to everyone!!

Hi everyone! I'm a newbie (though I've been lurking for a while). I live in PG Co, but I work and go to school in DC. I'm planning to get sleeved in October--fingers crossed for all the pieces coming together. I'd love to get together with other pre- and post-op sleevers in the DC area. Maybe Teaism on a Saturday or Sunday? (I live for their Lavender-Lemon-Mint tea...) Or the Meridian Hill Park drum circle on a Sunday afternoon? Other ideas?

Hi all! I'm a newbie, so please forgive me if this has been addressed before (though I searched and couldn't find anything on point)... I was just about set to schedule a VSG with Dr. Acevez--I had been waffling between him and Dr. Alvarez. However, I just found out about Dr. Kelly through these discussions. As others have said, he seems to have a good track record, but his prices seem too good to be true ($4500 here and $5000 here) compared to the Dr. A's ($8750 w/ Acevez, $8900 with Alvarez, per emails from their respective patient coordinators, both cash price). Soooooo....what gives? The capitalist in me thinks there's gotta be some relevant reason (quality of care, experience of surgeon, hidden costs, etc.) that the prices are so different. Anyone have any thoughts? Also, is anyone out there planning surgery in October? I have my eye on 10/6 or 10/7. Thanks a bunch!!