Kristina J.

I love Mio. There are a few flavors I drink regularly but the best IMO are the strawberry watermelon and tangerine orange. They're good for me for 2 reasons, 1, I don't like much flavor in my water... Just enough to change the taste and its easy to use just a little or a lot and 2, I use a big 32oz tumbler so I don't have to worry about those pre-measured packets. I always have one bottle at home and one in my purse!

So excited that your time is finally here!!! Can't wait to hear how well you do!! Keep those big girl panties tight, you'll be just fine!!! One more sleep!!!

We've cut out processed foods this past month... The jump in our grocery bill was a shock! I know we'll get better as we get used to purchasing these healthy foods smarter, but the cheap, easy and horrible foods are definitely the cheap ones!! It's awful.

Oh and I am not going to this surgeon or facility. I ruled it out early in my research. I agree that medical tourism can be a scary thing, but with the right information, you can find the best doctors at wonderful facilities and it can be a great experience. I have been very happy with my decision to have surgery abroad before.

Side note, lovely new Laura!

Some of us are pre-op and possibly still could if not for promises we've made to therapists, family, the last pair of pants that fits.... Thank goodness it's not available until after 9. I have 2 kids under 3. Leave the house after 9pm? That's cute.

I'm sorry jc! This pre-op time is hard. We know there is hope and change coming and we want to badly to start making these changes now. I am working so hard to stick to a diet before my surgery (not my pre-op diet yet), but I have had a few slips too. We're food addicts with room to put all that food right now. We need to deal with both issues!! I am working with my therapist, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't know that a whole box of prepared Kraft Mac and cheese can fit in a Soup bowl!! :-/ A slip up doesn't mean we fail, it means we need to renew our commitment! But I would definitely look into a therapist or support group to help with food addiction. Surgery will help, but it won't solve all our food issues. We CAN do this. Just gotta be honest with ourselves about what's gotten us to this point!

I wish you the best of luck wherever you go, and from the sounds of it, you're all set , just wanted to say for anyone reading this thread for research that Mi hospital and Dr. Garcia is not more expensive. For a night at the Marriott, 2 nights at the hospital and 2 nights post op at the Marriott, surgery, meds and travel to and from San Diego, my cost was $4700 as well. I only had to add an additional $500 because I am a band to sleeve revision. Just wanted people to have the info since it was implied that the hospital was more expensive than the clinic! Best of luck on your surgery!!!

Also, I should add, I was younger, 26 and 28, but I delayed revision surgery and carried both my children with a BMI of 48+ and comorbidies. I wanted to start my family and decided that would come first. My pregnancies were not "easy" but they were healthy.

It sounds like your reality is that you CAN'T do both. If I'm not mistaken. If that is not an option and you really want children, it sounds like you may have to do the fertility treatments while you can and put off the VSG for a few years. It is in no way ideal, but one is limited by time and the other can be successful no matter when you do it. Best of luck!

Really good to know!!! Thank you so much for the follow up Kelly!! It'll be really nice to have that info and get my script switched over ahead of time!

Oh that's awesome! I know that was a huge help for me. That first experience was crazy nerve wracking, but this time around I'm not nervous about the location, just the surgery itself! But I understand your dilemma totally. I would be torn too! You could realistically be looking at another 9-12 months, vs heading out after you get back from Easter, but adding the risk... I would talk it over with hubby. You need to do what is best for your health. Money is definitely important, but your health is too! Thinking of you!!

Oh no!!! I am sooo bummed for you and I know how frustrated you must be right now!!!! I was really hoping the next I would hear from you was your confirmed and approved surgery date! It is so frustrating when we more than meet the strictest requirements and then there are these specific steps that have to be taken a certain way to officially qualify. It's not that I don't understand their necessity, but they can be very frustrating to someone like you who has been through so much already to prepare for this. The only comfort I can offer you is that at least there are hoops to jump through, as frustrating as they may be. I begged for hoops and was simply told no. No matter my BMI or health issues, WLS is never covered by my otherwise great insurance. But I do know that's small comfort when you're just flat out frustrated!! I'm so sorry Mama. But... Your time will come and you will so this. You were mentally prepared before and you will be again soon. You get 3 days for a pity party... Then, you hunker down and start planning for your diet!! Deal?!? Hang in there!!!

Yeah, I like you people but I plan on ignoring the crap outta you I mean that in the most loving way possible! Haha

I think we could cut Amy a break... They just tore out her insides. She hasn't exactly kept her journey private... Hence the thread! lol Give her a few days, I'm sure she'll fill everyone in when she's up to it. We can be a supportive group but we sure can be a pack of wolves if we don't get what we want, when we want it! Rohler, I give you a pass since you leave tomorrow! Lol

The weight loss is probably the number one factor in your gallbladder issues, I totally agree! Mine came out after my weight went up and down from my lap band. Interesting to hear such a difference in recovery time from gallbladder surgery. I returned to work on day 3 and was fully recovered by week 2. Hopefully for the sake of your surgery your recovery is that quick too!

Hopefully the hospital staff is right and it won't be delayed. I had to have emergency gallbladder removal surgery in 2008 and I know it seems dramatic and horrible at the time, but it's a simple surgery and you'll heal so quickly! I was back to work in 2 days! I have a feeling you'll be right on track still and the weight you've lost will help as you heal from this emergency surgery you've had! Fingers crossed for you!!

With a beginning weight of 204 you started with a low BMI which may result in a slower loss because you have less to lose. You've lost 13 pounds in 3 weeks!! That's not insignificant at all!! If you kept up that pace for a year you would literally disappear. Keep it up and stick to the program. You'll do great!

I have a handful of Facebook friends constantly posting about how successful they have been with them, but they are all selling them and trying to get me to sell them as well lol. Just 3 purchases to be a loyal customer!!!! hahaha Have yet to hear a positive experience with them from someone who isn't selling them. But anything is possible!!!