Melixxa

I'm another one with Lupus...So glad to hear that some of you are feeling better since the surgery. For those who aren't, I'm sending you best wishes for glowing good health and soon! I'm set to have my surgery on July 2. I'm lucky because I have no major organ involvement with my Lupus. My only symptoms are sore joints and muscles (not even usually bad enough to take pain killers), a malar rash, lots of hair loss, and pretty hard-core fatigue. The fatigue is the worst. I sleep about 10 hours a day, plus naps, and can't keep up with a full-time job. I'm an elementary teacher, but I only work half time. Holding up my coffee cup is tiring! My parents are worried that the surgery will complicate the Lupus stuff. But I keep thinking that if nothing else, walking around 100 pounds lighter has got to help with the tiredness....I mean, if I was carrying around 100 pounds of potatoes and someone lifted them off me, I would be a whole new woman, right? By then I would be a bald woman, of course... But if that's the deal, I'll take it!

I just subscribed (and watched some wrestling!)

It would be so cool if someone chimed in who was a really slow loser but still made it to their goal. But in any case, you are doing fantastic! And with all the commitment and hard work you've put in so far, I have no doubt you're going to get to exactly where you want to be!

When I first came to this forum, I was so grateful to find all the posts about Mexican surgeries. I read them hungrily! The idea of going all the way from Canada to Mexico, where I had no knowledge of the health care system, seemed risky. But hearing over and over again that many other Americans and Canadians had done it, and highly recommend the experience, was really helpful to me.

What to tell others who are struggling is a worry of mine too, ebonisekim. I have a lot to think about.

Thanks for starting this! My surgery is July 2nd and here are my ten things: 1. Wear all my old favourite clothes in little sizes. I have held on to them for ten years! 2. Have a long, leisurely soak in my RV-sized bath tub! 3. Go on a trail ride. I just couldn't do this to a horse right now! 4. Ride my bike on this special trail we have near my home....it's about three hours on an old rail bed, down-hill through a forest all the way but I don't have the stamina right now. 5. Buy roller skates and use them up and down my back alley! 6. Visit my family in England. The flight and walking around for all the sight-seeing overwhelms me right now--never mind having my family seeing me 100 pounds heavier than my last visit. 7. Have coffee and a good visit with a few ex-boyfriends who remain friends and stay in touch, and don't understand why I avoid them. 8. Order a pile of adorable dresses and cardigans from Modcloth and Anthropologie. 9. Wear my beautiful rings and bracelets again. 10. Buy lots of super-cool antique and vintage clothes, which don't seem to come in plus sizes! I think I have many more, but that's a good start!

Good point, Shelle!

Blissed out on your behalf!

I know I definitely need to cut down on my contributions of rats asses!

I should be shocked by this, but sadly, I'm not. I have a friend who would never be able to accept the idea of the surgery. She views all medical problems as spiritual ones--even cancer!-- so because I really care about her, I'll just do my level best to keep it private from her.

I don't plan to tell people either--only my mom and one of my dearest friends. There are so many misconceptions about the surgery...ie. it's a lazy choice, an easy way out. I'm a school teacher in a small community and it would be big news for the gossip mills, believe me. I don't ever remember hearing about anyone in my community having the surgery, that's for sure. But as to keeping it private, I predict I will have enough on my plate without having to deal with the expectations and judgements of acquaintances and co-workers.

The pounds are fantastic, but I'm mostly really glad to hear that you are feeling great! Well done on making an incredible change in your life!

Great question! My surgery is July 2, but I live in Canada where we dream all year of summers on the lake!

I have Lupus. I'm set to have the surgery in Mexico on July 2nd. It's really good to hear that you are doing so well, jlobyxmas! And please be sure to keep us posted, 02Bskinny! You're so close to your big day and I'm sending my best wishes that you sail right through this. :wub: I'm lucky insofar as I don't have too much pain, but I do have a raging malar rash, and lots and lots of fatigue. I'm planning to stay extra days at the hotel just in case I'm too weak to travel, have a flare or get an infection. But ultimately, I really believe losing a hundred pounds can't help but make me feel a lot better, so I'm super-excited!

I'm also a middle aged fat lady...this could get confusing!

I'm scheduled for surgery with Dr. Garcia at florence hospital on July 2nd. I'm travelling on my own, and would love to keep in touch! I am staying at the Marriot and because I have Lupus and don't fight infections super-well, I'll be staying for seven days after my surgery.

Just thinking of you and hoping you are feeling good.

My date is July 2nd in Tijuana. I am also planning to start early. I think it's because for the first time in a few years, I have just the tiniest sliver of hope that my efforts might lead to success. It makes me want to jump right in! (A dark thought still lurks in my mind that for some never-to-be-discovered reason, I will be the freaky example of a 237-pound woman who couldn't lose weight even after weight loss surgery) I also hope to keep my surgery fairly private, and having my community see me start a regular old shake diet one more time is good for my cover!

Best wishes for a smooth surgery and speedy recovery!

NtvTxn, I think this must be key. Would you mind expanding on these points? I dream of having your success, and your advice would mean a lot!

OK! Mind made up! I have Lupus, and Dr. Garcia is the only doctor who requested extra blood work and a kidney function test before the surgery, and that sealed the deal for me. Now, I just have to convince my family doctor to be there for me when I get home. He's a super hard-core athlete (heli-skiing, cycling up volcanoes, etc. ) and won't understand. I'm dreading telling him on Wednesday...but my mind is made up!

Me too! Best wishes to you! :wub:

**** note to self: pack sleep mask!

Thanks from me too! And thanks getlownurse for posting the question as I was wondering the same thing! And also, I love your wheels!