mesaucedo

I think it also really depends on how much muscle vs fat that you have. We have a few members here that are in the 150-140 range and are a 2/4 because of how toned they are while for others it may take to be 120 to get there.

I have told my employer I am going to Mexico, so I let them know the note was going to be scanned and emailed. The coordinator's have a copy of the Dr.'s letterhead and fill in the blanks like your name and how much time off. My employer was fine with this.

mybodygallery.com Has tons of pictures of real women who submitted images. You can chose height/weight/sizes and body shape to see images. It is interesting. Also, Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson are 5'6" and 120. But they have a more petite frame.

Awesome! I wish I could look as cute as you when I work out!

I think what Sabrina was referring too was how people are creating different reasons for disappearing for a bit. I have seen people say they are telling people they are getting gallbladder surgery and what not. I am just happy that I found people are supporting me. It would be a bummer to have people try to talk you out of it.

At first I was really hesitant to tell people. I told a friend and she became really judgmental. I waited a bit and told a few of my coworkers and they were really supportive. Since then I have told pretty much everyone. The only thing I am leaving out is where I am getting it done. A lot of people freak out when I say I am getting it done in Mexico. They jump to conclusions and say I will a kidney blah blah blah! So far everyone has been happy for me and seems to genuinely support my decision! We will see if anything changes. I agree that it would be tough to go through this alone.

I would take: Books: Cider House Rules and 1984 Movies: Shawshank Redemption and Casablanca Cd's: Michael Buble's Greatest Hits and Anything by Carly Simon What was your dream job when you were younger and how did you end up at the one you are now?

I have not been sleeved but just had this happen to me. Mine was located towards the bottom half of my left rib cage. It got worse when I took a deep breath and came in sharp bursts. I went to a doc and it was actually an enlarged spleen. I was put on anti-inflammatory medication. It has been a week and they said it looks much better! They said it was from my recent bike accident. So a collision type injury. Hope this helps a bit!

I too have heard this. But it is, sadly, usually the truth. Medical professionals are not saying it to be mean. Being overweight causes lots of strain on our bodies. It can cause back and knee pain, heart pain and palpitations and much more. It can also decrease your immune system strength causing you to get sick more often and for longer. Sometimes they may seem harsh or hasty because of how often they see people that just don't care. We, obviously, are doing something about it and care about our health but many overweight people don't care. My uncle had been told hundreds of times that if he didn't lose weight he was going to have a heart attack and he just kept eating. He died instead of trying to get healthier. Maybe next time you go see a doctor you should start out with "I am getting VSG surgery because I want to get healthier...." I do and it seems to help.

I grew up Mormon. Mormon men are encouraged to keep a neat appearance. Facial hair is one of the factors to looking disheveled. A beard is not a no-no, it just has to be a neat looking beard. I know many Mormon men with beards. If you attend BYU they prefer you to not have a beard.

I believe he is. He has done work at USC, so he has to be I think.

I haven't been sleeved yet, but I have already forced myself to stop buying clothes. It is so hard :ack2: I did buy a purse though.... but that doesn't count! I bought a pair of each 18, 16 and 14 pants from ebay for about 10 bucks, includes shipping. One is even Missme brand. I probably have a good ten pounds to lose before my current jeans (20) fit me like they should.

Donna, I did not mean to offend. I wasn't trying to imply that her death was not important, of course it was sad. But from a medically statistical standpoint not too bad of a morality rate. Furthermore, I am not a religious person so that is why it is not a big deal to me. I can understand why it would be to you. Lastly, I want to apologize to you. I today spoke with Dr. Kelly and too was put off by his attitude. I am sorry if I upset you in anyway.

I spoke with Dr. Kelly today, after hearing about the news and to be honest I was rather put off. I kind of ridiculed Donna the other day about making a judgement on personality and now I take that back! He was more than rude. I have dealt with many egotistical doctors, my father worked at UCSF with some of them, but this was bad. I had inquired about whether the accommodations I had with Trish would still be valid (I was going to arrive a day early) and he flat out said he didn't care. It was just a little mean to me I guess. I have yet to decide what I want to do. :/

Mine is March 23rd! I am super excited!

Hi everyone, I recently decided to switch doctors and talked to Linda about getting a refund for my $500 deposit. Does anyone know how long it takes to get this back? I sent it via online wire through that one website. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I had yet another question for you all! When you cut out sugar and caffeine, for pre-op diet or post-op, did you have any withdrawals? If so, how long did they last? My pre-op diet begins the week before finals and continues through finals. I would really to get rid of sugar and caffeine now so I don't have to deal with any withdrawals during my studying. But if they weren't that bad, they may be manageable. Any info would be great!

I am going with Kelly, and don't have any doubts. I was scheduled with Garcia but changed my mind after looking more into his credentials. I don't really care about bedside manner or how "Christian" my doctor is. I look for a good record, one death is not a big deal, and experience. Some of the best doctors in the world are rude and liars but when they cut someone open they know what to do. Just what I look for in a surgeon....

I am currently working with Trish, my surgery is the 23rd of March, and she seems fine with Dr. Kelly to me. Has said nothing but nice things about him. So I don't know.

I am still pre-op but I have been taking Hair and Nails plus, I noticed my nails were stronger but it gave me an upset stomach so I switched to GNC's beBeautiful Vita-pack. It irritates me much less and I have noticed my skin is getting better. Maybe too early to tell for hair. It is pricey, but I got mine on sale for $19 for a 30 day supply. I am nearing the end of 1 month on it.

Mine is on the 23rd! Maybe I will see you there!

I know how you feel!! My mom is this tiny 5 foot 98 pound woman with huge boobs and hair! I, on the other hand, am 5'6" and about 2 and a half times her weight! She always said stuff like "Your arms are so saggy, why don't you lift weights while you do your hw or watch tv?" "Why don't you just stop eating so much?", "I worked out and got fit, why can't you?" As soon as I mentioned the VSG all I have been hearing is: "You better not get smaller than me!" "I think you should stop at a 12" "You would look weird thin" "Are you sure you want to do this?" I love my mum - but it is like never ending nagging! Geez. :/

I have a Health O Meter glass scale that also does a BMI, body fat percentage and water percentage. I am pretty sure these are not 100% accurate but I like it! I figure at least the BMI is correct!

Oh I did! I have three videos up, they are just talking about my journey so far. I am due to be sleeved in March so I have quite a ways! Check it out, it is mesaucedo1

I spoke with someone who was just there, they said it had been converted to another patient room. I will now be at florence hospital. Thanks! Also, just to let everyone know I did get the refund, it has to be done over the phone now which Linda hadn't told me. I had to call Sandy and find out what was going on! It does seem more secure this way!