AStephenson

Feeling better and having more energy is a big motivator for me. I'm just tired of being tired, tired of dragging around all this extra weight, and seeing myself in my mother's shoes in 20 years, disabled at 60 with heart disease. I've been having doubts about this surgery too, actually trying for my surgery date after the first of the year, so it's hard for me to look onto the "other" side, after surgery. I'm going on faith and hope right now, I try to focus on the positive by looking at cute, smaller clothes, imagining how I will feel and look as a thin person, increasing my self esteem and confidence, feeling sexier, ect..we can't know everything about the outcome, and to worry and fuss about every "bad" possibility diminishes our health even more. We are just as apt to be one of the good outcomes! Stay positive!!

Some protein powders are unflavored...the only one I've found so far is by "unjury"....you could possibly mix that in your soups/purees? I hope so, as I am planning on trying that after my surgery. Best of luck to you!

Great idea! Let me know how it tastes, what you used, ect!

That is great! How was your experience?

I worry about my breasts shrinking away to nothing, like deflated ballons (ACK!!)...and loose skin "flapping"! LOL Oh well, my hubby assures me he will love and be attracted to me at any size

Hey AmandaRae, how are things going for you? I am super excited right now, just found out I can use my flexible spending account money for my surgery!! This means I can have my surgery right after the first of the year. I know you won't be heading over until March I was looking forward to having an Ohio sleeve buddy, maybe I can convince my daughter to tag along. Let's keep in touch?? Maybe we could meet up sometime and share our experiences.

Have to allow a little more time for savings, plus my card won't be reloaded until end of December, so hoping to have surgery early to mid January...Happy New Year to me! I am working with Alma thru Ready4achange/Dr. Lopez. Trying not to think too much about it yet..I'm just relieved I have the money worked out and that it's going to be actual REALITY rather than just DREAMING! I go between a state of being relieved and at peace and just quietly beaming inside to super excited and buzzing around like a crazy woman! Oh, and then there are the nagging doubt moments, where I wonder if I'm crazy for even considering it...what an emotional roller coaster!!

Don't discount your local library..there are several books out on what to eat after weight loss surgery..if you wanted to own them, I love getting books off Amazon! Also agree with Buckeye_girl40!!

I use 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 2 tsp. sugar free butterscotch instant pudding mix and I tblsp. of no sugar added natural peanut butter. Shake it up in my shaker cup, pour into an irish coffee glass and top with lite whipped cream. Pretty tasty, but I think more than one a day and it might be too "sweet"...

Dang! You rock! Keep up the great work

Found out yesterday I could use my FSA account for weight loss surgery in Mexico. I have to have a letter of medical necessity and surgery records, not for the FSA account persons themselves, but for my records if there is ever any question from the IRS. The fees have to be in US dollars, and the monies have to go through a US based bank, which my coordinator told me it does. I was also told I could "test" the card to see if it would work before hand too...try to run a small charge through with the help of my coordinator. Although it wont provide all of the surgery fee, it's half, meaning I will be able to have my surgery a lot earlier!!

Has anyone used their flexible spending account to fund surgery with Dr. Lopez??

I just checked this out...it's a dead end, they do not offer financing anymore

I've been trying to read her original post dated June 11 about the surgery but haven't been able to find it?

Thanks for the replies!

Hi there...I've been researching vertical sleeve since beginning of Aug and here's what I've learned so far........

I should say... I talked with my PCP earlier this month about follow up. He agreed to, but only after saying he was neither a supporter of WLS or an opponent. He asked me what I was going to do with all the loose skin...I told him I'd just "tuck it in"

I have this as well..never thought of trying that route..do you know if there is a limit to the amount you can have or if I could use it for surgery done in Mexico?

I had to ask!! I was hoping it wasn't on the stomach itself! LOL Didn't see how THAT was gonna work..

I was shooting for March of next year thinking with my savings and possibly tax return I could have at least half of Dr. A's fee and by then be in a better position credit wise to apply for a loan for the remainder. I've since had enough doubts that I can make that a reality that I've started looking at lower priced surgeries, farther from home (which means a longer plane ride). That's still a few months away though...and I've emailed Susan a lot prior to going off tangent with cheaper surgeons, and you're right, she's been great! I've sent a few emails to another coordinator about Dr. Alejandro Lopez, but haven't been able to find very many reviews about him...who knows, as fickle as I am, I could change my mind again on who I go with. The only thing I wont change my mind on is the decision to DO IT!

Cute story...I can feel my ribs (if I press a little, LOL), but am looking forward to actually seeing my collar bones and not feel like I'm walking around like a linebacker or some beefcake who works out too much! Congrats on your success!

Dr. Alvarez has some FB pages..be sure and join up, I've been chatting it up with a lot of folks on there, reading about their experiences. I had hoped to be an "official Dr. Alvarez" sleeved member...don't think I can raise the funds in the time I have allowed myself

Oh you lucky duck! I started out with Alvarez, but have since changed my mind, mostly due to my impatience with waiting to save up the cash...if I had the extra dough, I'd already have my appt made and ready to fly over to see him! Best of luck, I know you'll do well!

Has anyone else had some trouble finding reviews for Dr. Lopez? I've looked here, on Obesityhelp, and Mexico bariatric....not many at all like some of the other doctors. Does anyone know why? Is he relatively new?

I know exactly what you mean!