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Even your skinny friends might be jealous or threatened that you won't be their "fat friend" anymore. I think it's definitely harder for them to understand needing WLS, but even overweight people have prejudices and misconceptions about it. Whatever their reasons for objecting, you have to focus on the reasons you have decided this is what's best for you. Hopefully they will come around after they see that you are successful and able to sustain it.

While I agree that the main concern should be on the quality of the surgeon, there is greater risk of blood clots with longer flights simply because you are in a pressurized cabin for longer and people typically don't get up and move around much on airplanes.

I know what you mean about the unsupportive friends, although I only told one and decided not to tell any more until after the surgery because my best friend's reaction was so bad. Have you considered that they are maybe jealous?

Woot!

I'm broke until after the holidays, so I understand. My coordinator is Ronda and she's been really great. Her info: ronda@alighterme.com 877-765-THIN (8446) ext 32 801-754-9881 (direct)

It's good to take your time to make such an important decision--there are lots of factors to weigh. If you do decide to take a longer flight, just be sure to get up and walk the length of the plane every hour or so. I personally want a non-stop flight, especially for after the surgery because I don't want to deal with potentially/probably being sore and making my way through an airport for a connecting flight, even if I do get someone to wheel me in a wheelchair, as suggested. Btw, flying is really safe (and fun, IMO), so don't worry about that part. I am not sure if Dr. Lopez works with Ready 4 a Change and I can understand being attached to a good coordinator, but I ultimately decided on A Lighter Me because of the reviews I read here comparing the 2 (basically that the A Lighter Me drivers are more attentive/accommodating while you're there). I can't remember--when are you thinking about having surgery? Take your time making up your mind--it is a big decision.

You have to fly into PV, but it looks like it's beautiful. I considered getting it done there, but I'm going with TJ because it's closer to home, which means a shorter flight. I am worried about a long flight because blood clots/DVT are a risk when flying long distances even if you haven't had major surgery. You do also know that you can have Dr. Lopez in TJ, right?

I was able to do an extremely low-carb diet successfully about 10 years ago and lost a good deal of weight, but I couldn't sustain it and gained it all back, plus lots more. The other problem that I'm looking forward to alleviating with my sleeve is that it is so hard physically for me to exercise at this weight and exercise is a big deal in sustained weight loss/maintenance also. I'm afraid I can't think of anything as effective as WLS, so do you mind if I ask why it is not an option for your daughter?

You look great and you look happy! Wishing you continued success!

I personally would do the math and figure out how much I would wind up spending on COBRA to be covered throughout the entire process (including follow-ups) and also how much I would spend if I kept COBRA for as long as it can last. Then, I would compare that to how much it would cost to do self-pay either in Mexico (as low as ~$4500) or in the U.S. (the lowest I've seen is ~$11,000) and see which one makes most sense financially. I know a lot of people don't feel comfortable with the Mexico option, but there are lots of people on here who've done it and I will be one of them, come March. You can read lots of reviews and such in the Self-Pay/Mexico forum. There are also a lot of people who have done self-pay in the U.S. and you can read about their experiences also--it just depends on your comfort level and finances. I would also find out if it's possible to get on hubby's insurance (and if they would cover it) and keep my fingers crossed about Medicaid. Best of luck to you!

Being nervous right now is perfectly normal. Try to remember that you have lots of people wishing you well here (as well as any loved ones you may have told)--that's part of what's going to help me when my surgery date finally arrives. I wish you a smooth surgery, a speedy recovery, and much success!

In addition to the great suggestions already given and depending upon where you live, you might either host or see if you can find a clothing swap party. Here are instructions on how to do it, which also explain what it is: http://www.moneycrashers.com/clothing-swap-party-exchange/. There is even a website for online clothing swap: http://www.swapstyle.com/. I know it's frustrating to not quite fit into any of your clothes, but the fact that it's because you're losing so much weight is kind of a happy burden, isn't it? Best of luck!

You look great! Thanks for sharing your pics!

You look great (and from your recent pic, it doesn't even look like you have 70 more pounds to lose)! Wishing you continued success!

I am self-pay also, but I am in grad school, so I have to work around my school schedule. I'm getting it done in March, during Spring Break. I wish I didn't have to wait, but it also gives me plenty of time to research and read about everyone's experiences--good, bad, and in-between. You should definitely make up your own mind about when is the right time for you and not worry about what others think (even your mom, as hard as that is) because you are the one living in your skin and you know your struggles in a way that no one else possibly can. I also think TheGamer's suggestion about changing the subject with your mom (or anyone unsupportive) is a good one.

This is precisely why I'm not telling my mom until afterwards--she's a worrier and she'll stress me out. I'm 37, but I'm still her child. I wish I had some good advice for you. I do have an unsupportive best friend and it's not nearly the same as a disapproving parent, but I am seriously concerned that my decision and her reaction/attitude might end our friendship.

Yes, it's true. Also aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and any other NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) because they can cause ulcers. Someone posted a link in another thread to a book about pre- and post-op care that explains this. Here is the link (see pg. 12): http://www.muhealth.org/documents/bariatric/Bariatric%20Booklet%20VSG.pdf

That is fantastic! Thanks for being one more source of inspiration--it really does mean a lot to us pre-ops to see great successes.

I'm having surgery on March 22 with Dr. Lopez in TJ.

Congrats! Do you mind if I ask how long it's been since your surgery? I'm always really inspired by before and after pics and can't wait until I can share some of my own!

I haven't had my surgery yet, but I have read that the emotional rollercoaster happens a lot as you lose so much fat and release the estrogen stored in your fat cells (I don't know why it doesn't happen to guys as much--maybe testosterone counteracts it? maybe women are just more conditioned to be in tune with our emotions? I'm just speculating, really no clue). How long ago did you have your surgery? I have also read a lot about the 3-week stall and I know to expect other stalls along the way. Keep in mind that even though you might not be losing pounds, you're probably still losing inches. The body takes time to recompose itself. I know it's easier said than done, but try to stay focused on the positive--you've lost 29# already! Try to look at your non-scale victories and know that more loss will come. Wishing you great success!

In addition to those already mentioned: Fit in seats better (e.g. at the theatre, on the bus/airplane, etc) Be able to buy sexy bras (and clothes and shoes) Be able to go into pretty much any store and find clothes that fit Be able to walk more than a few feet uphill without being winded Not be horrified to look at myself in pictures (or try to avoid having them taken at all) Have better odds for good employment opportunities (hiring and salary) Have better sex I may add more as I think about this, but this is a good start.

Thanks very much for this. It looks like it's going to be very informative.

Like everyone else has said, you look great and it's good to have more muscle because muscle burns at least 4 times as many calories as fat does (Dr. Oz, on metabolism). Keep up the good work!

Yeah, as much as it pains me to be patient, I'm going to wait until March, as planned. Probably the biggest problem with getting it done sooner and either missing Tuesday or totally being out of it is that I'm a teaching assistant and Tuesday is the day that I will have to teach 3 classes back-to-back (which can be challenging even on a normal day). I'm trying to look on the bright side: I have been taking the extra time to take advantage of sales on things that I will need pre- and post-op that I can stock up on, such as Gatorade, soup, jello, etc. Slowly preparing helps me to feel like it's not so far away.