Shells_Almost_There

I've had 3 pretty easy surgeries in the past, and I'm very needle-phobic! I've made it clear to the hospital nurse who called me and with my surgeon's PA that I'm scared of: Surgery, needles, blood, hospitals, anesthesia, barfing, and too much pain. Oh and I don't want to die. Having these fears is normal for me, since I've had them each time I've faced a surgery, but this will be the most invasive surgery I've ever had. I also hate vaccines, I almost passed out when I got my ears pierced as a kid, and I will sometimes freak out when I get blood drawn. All this is to say, I understand what you're thinking and feeling right now...but for me, the surgery is worth it. Even the pain afterwards and the recovery that could be tough...all worth it for the prize at the end. I'm one week away from surgery and I'm trying to stay calm. I believe in the surgeon, the staff and the hospital, and I've done everything I can to prepare myself. The rest will work itself out! Good luck to you, no matter what!

Former Diet Pepsi addict here! My plan (because I had time - I started weaning about 3 months ago) was to switch from my beloved Diet Pepsi to sodas without caffeine. So first was Diet Mug. It has a sweeter taste but still had the bubbles I liked. Then, I switched to clears only -- basically Diet Sprite or Diet 7up only and tried for just one can per day. Finally, I went cold turkey the day before my first appointment at my weight loss clinic's office (by then I was down to 1 to 2 per day). I'm still pre-op and every once in a while I will have a Diet Sprite, but next week will be the last time I can do that. Haven't had one this week, didn't have one last week. The craving has died, but my love for the bubbles isn't quite dead yet. I should also say that I compensated by switching to unsweetened iced tea (McDonalds $1.00!) and Gatorade G2. I also drink a lot of Water during the work day now to keep my tummy full. These things keep me going and I don't miss the soda any longer. I tried a sip of Diet Pepsi about 5 weeks ago and it tasted absolutely horrible. So sad. I don't know if any of this is helpful, but I had a 7-can a day habit and I loved my soda too. Good luck to you!

I have a 1-day liquid diet the day before surgery - not clears, either. So, I'm doing my own version of a pre-op diet in hopes to lose a bit more weight for my liver.

I had to pay $500 for my program fee, which covered the nutritionist, the sports therapy consultation, and all the appointments before the surgery. Then, they gave me an invoice "due 2 weeks before surgery" for $1400 which is my percentage of the surgeon fees that insurance won't be covering. Later on the day I was scheduled for my surgery, they called for their money! What I'm worried about are the extra costs --- the CPAP process/machine has an extra $250 deductible that I will need to come up with, the psych eval guy apparently was "out of network" (which his office didn't bother to mention or I would have gone elsewhere), so I am being charged an extra $250 deductible (!) and then the anesthesia and hospital costs are a mystery, but I'll owe either 10 or 15% of those costs. I'm estimating at least $2,000 out of pocket for those. Overall, this is an expensive process, even with insurance coverage, but I believe all the out of pocket medical expenses can be an itemized deduction on my taxes. I've never had to claim that type of deduction before, but I hope I can for 2013! Plus, all this being said, I think the surgery is worth it

Wow, congratulations and Happy Birthday!!!! What a journey. Good luck on your next steps. You are an inspiration!

Hang in there! This type of reality check can be very painful, and can be a reminder of the long road ahead. Good luck!

I was counseled by the psych guy to not tell anyone. He has had WLS as well, and said that it's better to not make it hugely public (unless a person really wants to - personal choice of course), because of the scrutiny people then subject you to. I agree with him, and decided to tell only a few close friends and my mother. No one else in my family knows, although I will end up telling my step dad. So, right now, a total of 7 people know...soon to be 8. I am not ashamed, but I don't like being under scrutiny like that! A bunch of people at my work have had surgery and everyone knows -- that's just not for me at this time in my life. (By the way, I'm realistic - eventually word will probably get out but for now, here's my line: "Thanks for noticing I'm losing weight. I'm working with my doctor and a nutritionist, following a high-protein, low-carb diet.") - which is all true Good luck to you!

Wow, awesome job! Keep up that great work, it's an inspiration!

Oh, I love Penningtons and Additionelle! I shop online now, and go there whenever I am in Quebec, but I'm also excited to not "have to" shop there. And they are so expensive! I love the bonding over clothes - I used to shop a lot with my aunt, who is one of my best friends, and I haven't been able to shop with her in years. Looking forward to doing that again soon.

You are definitely not alone in this struggle. Last night I had a couple of drinks - used up that last chilled bottle of champagne (no more carbonation for me!). Oddly, the drinks weren't that good (I pretty much stopped drinking a month ago so this was a true last blast). I just wanted to have a "mimosa funeral" since Monday I'm starting my own version of a 2 week pre-op diet and alcohol can be a real no no after surgery. Hang in there!

ROTFL! Love this!

It seems like you've done a great job and maybe there is a gentle way to have him back the heck off...and if that doesn't work, Lipstick Lady has offered an alternative! LOL good luck!

Congrats! I recently read a blog post in which the person recommended that sleevers eat a small portion of raisins each day to keep things moving. She said one of those little kid-size boxes of Sun Maid raisins was perfect for her.

Congrats-- You should be so proud! 199 is my "soft goal" weight - I haven't seen that weight on the scale since 1995, so I will be VERY excited when I hit it. Great job to you!

This is one of the best insights ever! Everyone should read this. thanks for sharing!

S/F popsicles are my go-to dessert now. I also bought the fudgesicles, 100 calories ones until I can find the S/F ones. S/F pudding isn't bad either. More people will chime in, but these things are getting me through my major sugar cravings and make me feel like I'm still getting a treat.

Sorry to hear this - I read today on a successful sleever's blog that she would eat one of those little red boxes of Sunmaid raisins each day to "keep things regular." No idea if that will help, but thought I would mention it.

Oh and this is definitely NOT whining!

You didn't mention if you are actually taking your vitamins, but I read yesterday that this same scenario happened to another post-op person and it turned out that their potassium was low. Definitely worth checking when you see your PCP. Good luck, hope you feel better soon.

Great info, happy to hear of such a positive experience. I have a friend who's considering Mexico - TJ specifically. Would you mind sharing your costs? I'm going to email her the information here, because she hasn't chosen a clinic or doc yet. Thanks!

Wow! Keep up that awesome work. Very inspiring!

Was it United Grocers? I think I saw a post about that.

Passports, even if driving across the border. The rules changed a few years ago, it used to be just birth certificate and driver's license.

I think it's completely normal! I did the same thing and I think I'm better prepared for it. I lurked on this site for months before I even went to the doc's office for the first time. It helped me know what the ups and downs of this process can be. I also began dietary changes over a few months so that by the time I went to the office for my initial appointments I was off my diet soda habit and had essentially kicked my sugar addiction (I still cheat a little)... Keep up the enthusiasm! And yes, the light at the end of the tunnel for me was seeing the amazing results of the surgery by reading the tickers of the great people here. I can't wait til mine shows a little UMPH with significant weight gone and an improved BMI!

Do you know if your insurance requires a percentage of weight loss before they'll authorize the surgery? If yes, be careful of the timing - it can be a Catch 22 if you lose weight before your initial appointments.