@RealScoobyDoo

Njones, Kids can sometimes say the most sweet and perfect things! For me, it's been so sad when one of the boys asked why I never go outside and play with them. They are still young (1,2,5,7) and only know that mama's going to get her tummy fixed. For me, I realized today that this will be the first time when I've had 5 days of not having to change diapers in 8 years! Woo-hoo! Deborah Sent from my iPhone using VST

Congrats mini_me! I'm scheduled the 29th and our stats are about the same. Hope you are getting to feel a little better. Deborah Sent from my iPhone using VST

I'm cutting out caffeine 10 days before surgery so I can take Motrin the first 3 days of withdrawal (have to be off motrin 7 days before surgery). After that I'll use those Starbucks instant decaf coffee thingies to flavor my shakes. I think my coffee days will sadly be gone. But it's really the cream and sugar I'm addicted to. Hats off to you hardcore coffee lovers who take it black. Deborah

Okay, so you know when you know something isn't right in your relationship but you can't quite figure out what it is? Well, I finally heard this today, "I can't help but wondering if you are going to Mexico so you can lose a bunch of weight because you want to go find someone else." And there have been a few moments of, "yeah, are you sure you're going to Mexico for surgery?" Like I'm going to put little scratches and steristrips on my belly to cover up for my going off to Mexico to have some secret tryst. Sigh. We talk all the time about unsupportive partners and why that is, but am I alone here?

Ms.Okie Dokie.... 15 lbs seems like a lot to lose in 4 weeks since you've already lost so much. Have you asked what will happen if your surgery date comes and you haven't lost enough? You mentioned Medifast-type diet. I think that's great, and if you get hungry help yourself to a couple more shakes. What is it, like 90 calories? Better to "pig out" on extra Protein shakes than the other crap. Deborah ...who is really not the best to give advice as she is having food funerals every day until starting the preop diet March 23.

Thank you so much for posting this. You look so great! Do you mind posting your stats? Deborah

Hi Zaviergirl... I'm a stay at home mom of four boys -1,2,5,7. I havent told anyone here about my surgery so I won't have anyone helping with the kids, bringing over meals, etc. And I'm not sure how I'm going to do it, but I'm having the surgery anyway. I figure everything will work itself out later, but at least I'll be done. I'm getting the surgery so that someday soon I'll be able to run after them at the park. Right now all I can mange is a half walk, trot, and they deserve so much more than that. I'm also going to Mexico by myself. You have come to the right place for support. These folks here will listen, give advice, accept you for the decisions you make. Doing the right thing for yourself will be the best thing you've ever done for your baby. Deborah

Wow...do many getting done. Best wishes to all of you!

I need to have 2 surgeries..,the VSG and a cervical spinal fusion. My neuro guy thought it would be best to have the VSG first but to wait until I was well-healed. He didn't seem concerned at all about it, as long as I was taking in adequate protein. Deborah

Note to self...buy Water somewhere. Also, yes I know it's Mexico, but do they take US dollars? Rohlers....by the time you read this you'll be done, you lucky duck. Best of wished to you. Deborah

I'm also getting done March 29 with dr Garcia. As far as the HCG diet goes, I think we need to do whatever it takes to stay in track with the recommended amount of protein, fats, carbs, water. I'm going to be primarily doing Medifast with some added injury unflavored to boost the protein. And my meal will be healthy...puréed, but healthy! Deborah

It's delicious. I started a Bulgarian strain that was more tart and it came out really runny. Then I started adding powdered milk to it and it thickened up. I haven't made Greek yogurt yet but plan to. You just drain it in an old teeshirt or cheese cloth and let it hang for about an hour to thicken it. Nothing fancy, but it saves a lot of money.

Bariatric Center of Kansas City is offering a special for self pay gastric sleeve of 12k. I'm going to Mexico, though. $4700 for Dr. Garcia on march 29. Deborah

PPI is a proton pump inhibitor like Nexium, Prilosec and Previcid. They are long acting gastric acid inhibitors....antacids.

I also make my own yogurt with the same kind of yogurt maker with the little glass jars. It's not enough for the whole family, but I think it will be perfect after I'm sleeved. For every 4 cups of milk I add 1 cup of dry milk and it seems to set up better. The best dried milk I've found is Bobs Red Mill...doesn't taste yucky to me like carnation. You need a good thermometer, and I use a digital one...think I got it from Walmart for not too much.

Sorry...that was supposed to read, " You have a waist!"

Thanks for posting these. You have a waist? Do you mind sharing your preop and current weights? Deborah Scheduled march 29 Dr Garcia

That is so cool!!!! Looks like the sausage I fed to my family last night. Have to say, that's the wildest thing I've seen in a long, long time!

Not sleeved yet. Neighbor's daughter came around. Long story short, one box of thin mints and the box of Samoas are gone. Sigh. March 29th cant come fast enough.

Heya, caspilnelli.... Just breathe. Go on YouTube and look at before and after photos, and read all the positive stories here. I'm scared too, and I think we would all admit we are. Deborah

SK girl...congratulations! Hope you heal fast

Congrats kaleen! Glad to hear you are doing well and especially that it was easier than your gall bladder removal.

Leo, Don't be discouraged. Pound, schmound...you're just trying to prep for surgery...the weight will come off afterwards, don't worry. Deborah

Yay, Amy! I like the idea of writing to your kids. I'm going to write notes for each of them to read when they get up. I have I drive 1 1/2 hours to the airport for a 6am flight, so, yawn, I feel ya. Let us know how it went...best wishes to you! Deborah Scheduled March 29 With dr Garcia

Tessies... Thank you do much for posted such a detailed report. BTW, it's really common even in the US in an elective surgery to have you walk into the OR, but you were probably still kinda loopy and it felt weird. Can you please tell me how long it was before surgery that you stopped drinking Water since you didn't get done until 7:30pm? Also, what did they give you for post op pain? Glad to hear you are doing well! Deborah