Mrs.RRn

Just to update this: I was able to save quickly and did not finance anything ... Def the way to go! I'm so relieved not to have a bill for this!

I began researching weight loss surgery quite a few months ago. I was originally considering Lap Band (at the time, I only really knew about Lap Band and gastric bypass). After reading much info, talking to patients and doctors, and watching countless video blogs, I've decided VSG seems right for me- I like that it seems to have great results, relatively few complications, and it won't require an implanted band. Of course I'm a bit nervous about this journey, but I believe the alternative (living fat and unhealthy) is worse than the struggles of weight loss surgery. I'm happy to say I have some great people supporting me- my husband, mother, great friends, and awesome coworkers/friends. Not everyone is fully supportive- in fact there has been a couple friends that I'm shocked don't agree with my decision for wls- shocking because they are over-weight also. Today I finally had enough courage to phone a surgeon's office. I've decided on Dr. Borland in New Iberia, LA. Just making the initial phone call was such a relief. His staff seemed really nice- I answered a few health questions and she answered all of mine. Next step = saving cash. $$$. I'm a self-pay as my insurance pays for no wls. But that's okay. I plan on saving some and financing a little. Dr. Borland charges $9800 plus the preop tests and hotel stay- by far the most reasonable price in my area. Right now, most of my anxiety is about paying for this surgery: will I be able to save quickly? Will I be able to get a loan? Will I miss much work? Will I be able to afford this as soon as I want it?... Hopefully everything works out well in that department!

Yours was much more strict than mine. My instructions were: clear liquids the day prior to surgery.

Looking great! And I agree-- you can't tell you were a wls patient!

I think next time I'll simply say "no thanks, I don't drink with my meals." Hopefully they'll leave it alone after that... And I hate that they think its about $!

Mmm! I want oysters so bad-- I keep telling myself I'm not ready. Lol. I'm sure I'd regret it the second it hits my stomach... Maybe next season.

I was worried that I'd want a biscuit too. But honestly food scares me now. Lol

Oh yes, LOTS OF LEFTOVERS!!!

If you can say NO to Pat O's and a shrimp poboy... You can conquer the world!!

Our waitress gave me a few dirty looks (No drink? Extra plate? No salad?) lol. It was kind of funny. But I think when she saw me eating my little baby bites and chewing so carefully, I think she figured out what was going on.... Or maybe she just settled on me being a nutcase!

My fig tree is full of beautiful, ripe figs, but I haven't touched them yet. Im so used to eating them off the tree at this time of year... Is it ok to eat a fig or two 5 weeks out? I figured it would help with the (TMI WARNING) BMs, but they are pretty sweet. Any suggestions??

I don't have a NUT -- my doctor says anything I can tolerate is fine with him (as long as its healthy choices). I'm just worried about the sugar (dumping). Ick!

Mmm...yes, Ashelaine, RICOTTA BAKE!! I was sleeved June 11th and I am not testing my luck with starches. They are my weakness!!!! But I do want to make some little meatballs in my crockpot. Look, I'm making myself hungry! Lol.

I added a snack to my day when I hit a little stall, and it worked for me too! I'm happy I took that suggestion.

I did!

Tuna steak was my first solid. Yum!

Just a reminder...( I found this to be very truthful over the past few weeks)...

During the 1st week, I'd sit on the sofa with a pillow on me and let my dog lay on the pillow. But she's a pretty calm dog (I think she has narcolepsy! Lol) she was pretty happy with that.

Same here.. Started walking on day 3 or 4. I'm 4 weeks out and I exercise about 1-2 hours a day (cardio and light hand weights and other strength stuff). I'm hoping my doc says its ok to start "Couch to 5 K" at my next appointment.

All the time. I'm amazed by how much I could eat before... But I'm even more amazed with how full I feel after a couple oz of food now. It's really incredible to eat so little and feel so satisfied.

You are so right! No piece of food is worth giving up health! I love your message here!!! Others feel like they can't eat in front of me or talk about certain food or restaurants, but truthfully I DON'T CARE!! I'm disgusted now by the things I've put in my body and the harm I've caused. IT'S NOT WORTH IT!!!

Well, that depends on your goal... If you aspire to weigh less yet be flabby and out of shape, then please don't exercise. Lol, sorry, I thought this was a funny question. We all know muscles weighs more than fat, but I'd rather have 10 more lbs of muscle than 5 of fat. For me the answer is easy, I want to be healthy. This includes cardiovascular and muscle strength training. Congrats on your soon- to- be sleeve!! Good luck!

I can't wait for the day I can do this! I won't even know where to shop bc I only know "big girl stores." Lol