kmwheel

Great schedule, thanks for sharing. I'm really worried about this part, though, it seems like a full-time job. I'm worried about when I go back to work.

My pre-op diet is to eat healthy, three meals a day, cut down sugar and caffeine. Liquids only 3 days prior to surgery.

Amazing and inspirational. Enjoy your family and your new energy!!

I went through the entire same thing, months of hard work (including the written test) and got denied. After wallowing in it for over a year, I started researching self-pay in Mexico. The approval process was painless and I'm heading out 9/14 for surgery on 9/15. I know not everyone can do it, but I'm so glad I kept researching and trying. Please don't give up! There are many avenues to success.

Good luck, can't wait to hear how it goes!

Thank you so much for sharing all of the details of your story...it's so nice to get an idea of what it's going to be like!

You look so cool...I love the shirt. I can't wait to be able to wear stuff like that without feeling like a sausage. Don't think of it as bragging, think of it as inspiration to those of us who are waiting. I LOVE to see pictures!

Wow, I just realized how much money I will save on yarn! I mostly knit or crochet for my daughter because it's too expensive to buy the yarn for things for me.

Amazing...you look super happy, too!

I want to get a family portrait with my husband and 3 kids. I've always said it was because we didn't have the money, but in truth, I have been so embarrassed by how I look that I didn't want to ruin our pictures.

So glad your husband is supportive of you in this endeavor. My husband and I had a very similar talk. He felt bad because I have helped him in so many ways and he feels helpless to help me with my issues. Having that support behind you...it's priceless. You tell who you want to tell and in your own time. The great thing about this board is that you get to read a lot of different experiences. My surgery date is 9/15, so we'll be pretty close together!

I am really sorry about your experience. Will you update us if there is any response? I'm due to be sleeved by Dr. Kelly in September, but this is not very encouraging. When you get a chance, could you PM me with the details. I hope that you are doing well with your sleeve.

So cool...love seeing the ribs, too. I wonder what mine look like. How exciting! It's like unwrapping a gift. Many congrats on the weight loss and getting fit and healthy with your family!

Great idea...I can't wait to get to that point.

That is an awesome story. I am the same way with my hubby...we have been married almost 17 years.

I have only told my husband and one friend. I went through the process before (and was very open about it), got denied, and really had a tough time after that. This time I'd like to keep it to myself until I'm through with the process and on my way. Another reason I'm not telling anyone is because I'm going to Mexico to have it done, so I don't want to deal with all of the feedback and opinions regarding that. I agree with the other posters that you have to decide who you feel comfortable telling. I'm sure when I get back, I'll want to talk to people about it because they'll obviously notice.

You are lucky with no gas! I'm still pre-op, so I have no idea about getting up and down, but when I had abdominal surgery before I just had to sort of "roll" myself off the bed to the standing position. Good luck, maybe it will get easier soon!

Wow, you look awesome...and sassy!! I feel that miserable, too. Really looking forward to my 9/15 surgery date. Thanks for the inspiration to keep going.

Amazing transformation!

I was recently at an amusement park where they have a seat outside each ride so larger riders can make sure they fit without wasting time in line. My son wanted me to go on a roller-coaster with him, so I thought I had better check before we wasted our time in line. As I was walking up to a seat, a couple pushed in front of me with what appeared to be 8 children and they all proceeded to get into and play on the seat (as if it was the ride...lol) while we waited...and waited. I was a little miffed to say the least, but I didn't say anything (well, a little under my breath to my son...and some angry glares). But then I realized that I wasn't really angry with them. I was grateful that the park had that opportunity to check it out beforehand, and I also told myself...this is potentially the last time you're ever going to have to do this...and that made me feel so much better. I can't wait to not worry about these little things anymore.

Yes, it is easier for me, although I do appreciate the advice and I know all about the MTF route as opposed to Tricare. I live in Illinois and there are no MTF's that I know of within driving distance that either do VSG or would allow me to drive for treatment. I was treated very rudely when I did call one MTF that was within 4 hours because I heard they were doing VSG. I was told they wouldn't treat me because I was too far away and that they had stopped doing VSG anyway. I am to the point where I know I qualify (39 BMI and hypertension), I've been through all of the testing (spent $800 of my own money because Tricare wouldn't pay), and then my surgeon's office submitted my weight AFTER I lost the weight they wanted when I told them that I wouldn't qualify with that weight (for a lap-band I didn't want anyway). I can fly to San Diego, get picked up and driven to Tijuana, get the surgery and be home in 5 days...no appointments, no support groups, no calling rude people at MTFs. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to know that some MTFs are doing the VSG, but it doesn't help people who don't live close enough and it kind of sucks that it's not an across-the-board decision. I'm pretty excited about my decision because I know this is going to happen. I have my date, I have cash in hand, and I'm ready to go!

I am the 15th in TJ with Dr. Kelly...getting so excited.

So cool that you were able to just go home and that you are close by for follow-ups. I am not looking forward to the plane trip home after surgery. Please keep us updated!

Surgery date of 9/15 in Tijuana with Dr. Ramos-Kelly. Excited, nervous, scared...but I have to get through a big east coast camping trip with my family before I even get to think about my surgery trip.