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You sound like a pretty tuff cookie, cookie! LOL :-) Sounds like you're doing great. Keep up the good work. Keep posting your progress. Thanks.

The hardest part was having to deal with my Mom passing away a week after my surgery. It created alot of stress and more and caused a bit of trouble with me progressin gfrom liquids and very sof mushies.

Beyond that, I think the point where it hit that I had to admit I needed this, it was hard. I had tried sooo long. To admit I can't do it was kind of a dicotomy to the fact that I knew I could...with the surgery.

Sorry to hear about your Mom. Hope all works out better for you soon.

I don't quite understand taking all the prescribed supplements (for the rest of your life!), when eating anything seems difficult at best. I've been researching all the chewable/liquid vitamins/supplements. Seems more and more companies are making them. Go Gummie-Bears!

After having my initial (pre-surgery) meeting with my weight loss surgeon (on May 17), I decided to put myself on a diet to see how things go. At the meeting I weighed in at 302-lbs. Since that time (7+ days), I've lost 13-lbs.! The main thing I've done is cut-the-carbs.

I imagine the 2-3 week pre-op diet is a real winner, and I've read lots about it.

Hi Alexis & welcome to VST. Like you, my PCP recommended weight loss surgery, even though I'm retired (65-yrs. old). I have other health issues such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, Type-ll Diabetes, etc., so weight loss surgery seems to be the right way to go.

I have attended a couple of seminars (attend as many as you can). The more information you can learn about, the better. Check YouTube too as many people post videos of the experiences.

Good luck on your journey. You have to do what's right for YOU!

Hi Cliff. Good luck on your journey. Like you, I decided after my PCP prescribed Glipizide for my Type-ll Diabetes, enough already. I was taking only Metformin. Besides those medications, I'm taking blood pressure pills, cholesterol pills, etc. I've had a couple of friends pass away due to diabetes, and they were relatively young.

So, weight loss surgery came to mind. My PCP (Primary Care Physician) said it might be a good tool for me and prepared an excellent referral letter. She said that she has seen numerous cases of diabetes either being cured or nearly eliminated in patients who have undergone WLS (Weight Loss Surgery). I think that pretty much sold me. Dr. McMahon (surgeon) even attested to the fact that weight loss surgery helps control diabetes.

I'm scheduled for an endoscopy on June 7 & a few more blood tests (ABG?) then I guess it's just a matter of waiting for Medicare to approve everything. The doctor didn't see any problems with approval.

Please keep us up-to-date on your progress.

Good luck Sam & my prayers are with you. Please keep bus posted.

What a "crappy" subject! LOL. I jest of course. I've always had a difficult time going #2. I've tried prunes, but then my blood sugars go up (I have Type-ll Diabetes), I can't find Mirilax where I live. I'll have give Milk of Magnesia a try. My constitution is such that I should re-name it Constipation. And, I haven't even had my weight loss surgery yet.

To all you future "skinny" people, congratulations. I'm still stuck a few steps behind ya'll. Endoscopy on June 7 & should be a "GO" from there. Good luck to all of you & you'll be in my prayers.

Congratulations Becky444 on your decision.You are doing what's best for you. Please keep us posted as to your progress.

I Can't believe it the day has arrived..I will be leaving my house in about 30 min. I'm feeling nervous..I ask myself am I doing the right thing..oh God please ease my mind!!

I hope all goes well!

You'll be in my prayers. Keep us posted as to your progress.

Good luck & I'll say a prayer for you. Please keep us posted as to your progress. Thanks.

Where did you get your Bracelet from? Please share so we can order one. Thanks.

I got one just for my own peace of mind. I had forgotten to ask my surgeon about it, but just decided to get one anyway. Then when I was discharged, the Bariatric Coordinator was going over everything, he mentioned how we can't have blind feeding tubes inserted & I mentioned how I got a medic alert Bracelet & he said it was a good idea.

The place I got mine was limited in the number of spaces you could have so mine says:

Gastric Sleeve VSG

No Blind NG Tubes

No NSAIDs

Someone here had mentioned before that in an accident situation the NSAIDs thing wouldn't matter because if they gave you anything it would be through an IV, which wouldn't irritate the stomach, but I put it on mine anyway.

I read someone else's comment where they said they put the name & number of their surgeon. I didn't do that, but do have his card in my wallet.

I think the most important thing is the name of the surgery & the feeding tube thing.

Thanks for the info. Who would've thought? But, makes sense. I've worked in the security/law enforcement fields all my career & would not have thought about NOT having a stomach makes a difference to emergency personnel & the treatments offered.

I actually bought mine from hsn. It's the proform proshox elite 2. I paid $1000 for it, but that was well over a year ago. Itself was my first experience with the hsn, and I love it I did 4 payments of $250 delivery was free. Anyhow I love my treadmill and when I was looking at hsn they did have very similar ones as far as the brand in your price range. I use my treadmill as well as my husband and son, it's still going strong. So on my treadmill it is just as good as the ones in the health clubs, maybe better because mine is ifit compatible, and it has speakers that you can hook your iPod/mp3 to. The incline is insane I wanna say it goes upto 12. My son runs like upto 7mph and it's sturdy as heck. Also mine has an extra long belt (I have long legs) and it was able to support 300-350 pounds.

I've seen several treadmills on HSN and was wondering which one was really good. Thank you for telling me about your buying experience with HSN as I'm seriously considering buying one from them. I've already checked out a couple Craigslist ads and either the seller wants to much money (cash up front), or the units are worn and not worth the asking prices. A couple have really been beat-up & the seller is asking way too much $$$. The thing is, everyone wants cash first.

At least with HSN I can find one that fits my budget. It's much easier making a $139.99 payment vs a $600-800 payment.

Stop thinking negatives & go with the positives. Your body, mind & soul need you. Positive=better vibes. You've come this far down your chosen path & know in your heart that all will be well.

You are in my prayers. Please keep us posted. Thanks.

Rebecca, to be nervous is a natural reaction. Your parents are great for taking you shopping to get your mind off the surgery. They sound like a great support team.

Think positive in knowing you're doing what's right for YOU! You'll be in my prayers. Good luck & please keep us up to date with your progress. And what you're doing is just that: progress.

Congratulations on your date. Think positive & you'll be in my prayers. I like your accomplishments check-off list. Please keep us updated.

Good luck and God speed to you.

Thanks all for the suggestions. I completely forgot about Craigslist. Christie, I don't imagine you live close to me (Seattle), but thanks for the offer.

Anyone have any input or recommendations for a treadmill? Looking to spend between $500.00 & $800.00. Any comments about the treadmills advertised/sold on HSN? At least they have payment plans, but don't know if what they sell is good. Thanks.

I guess my question with having surgery done in Mexico, what happens if something does go wrong? Will your medical insurance pay for fixing WSL not performed in the USA? And what about other complications or health issues that arise from the surgery? I can see an insurance company telling you that since you paid out-of-pocket for a medical procedure they didn't support, now you must pay for your own repairs

the BSN lean dessert Banana Cream pudding is good. Orange Chike is really good too. You can get all the BSN flavors at vitacost.com. Free shipping if you order over $49.

If you like your shakes thick like I do, I add a couple tablespoons of

sf instant pudding to my shakes when I want them thicker.

Vitamin Shoppe sells Jay Robb. His is a small container for around $30 so I think it's expensive. BSN is like 14.99

The good deal at Vitamin Shoppe is Pro Pudding by body Tech. It's 145 calories 4 carbs and 25 grams of Protein. only choc and vanilla but it's good pudding!

When visiting my doctor, one of the dieticians said I could mix sugar-free Jello (powdered gelatin) with plain yogurt (she recommended Greek-style). Adds a real nice taste to the yogurt.

I know what you mean about the airplane seats! Pretty soon we'll all be sitting on stools. LOL. I too travel a lot between Seattle & Hawaii and my comfort is just not there. I don't understand how the airline industry measures seat width for some semblance of passenger comfort. They must think everyone weighs 100-lbs., is 5-foot tall, and have no legs.

I go back for an endoscopy & a few more blood tests on June 7th. The next step is to wait for Medicare approval then set a surgery date.

Good luck on your journey.