*Rosana*

I'm Latin of Cuban heritage, light skin but can tan very dark in the summer. My skin scars too. What has always worked for me is silicone badges; it works! Do some research online, its very popular with plastic surgery patients. Tell me what you think. And don't forget the coco butter that helps too. Take care.

Don't worry about me, if I get too hungry i'll start licking envelopes! Do keep me informed on how your diet goes.

Thanks for the support it was either phentermine or meth with this Damn pre- op diet! Thanks for the advise too, good idea regarding the 48 hours detox.

I'm cheating! I decide to take phentermine an appetite suppressor. Its a prescription drug which I saved when I was dieting which REALLY WORKS for me. I've lost 20 lbs in one month, problem is you gain it back in a year or so. Is that bad I'm doing this?

If you don't mind may I ask your details? Mine are: weight 287, height 5'-9" and BMI is 41. The reason I ask is because my pre op diet 1 protein shake (a day)and all clear liquids like brothers, sugar-free jello, popsicles, juices and that's wrap for two weeks. I thinks it's because I'm going to MexiCali for surgery and this really shrinks my liver. Also, helps a lot with complications and I hear my doctors tries to avoid a fifth incision but rather just do it with four (if the liver has shrunk).

God bless my friend! So happy for you and excited. I wish you the best. BTW the weather is great, hot. Have you done your nut classes? Have they given you your pre-op diet plan yet?

Dear God I missed a lot! For a second there I wanted to break a beer bottle on the corner of my kitchen counter and just start shanking people! Lmao! I can't stop laughing at some of these posting. Ha ha ha ha ha. I LOVE THIS THREAD!!!

Warning this is a "coach style" pep talk! I need you to get in there and suck-it-up! You didn't come this far to turn around! Now give that sleeve HELL! (slap on the butt). God bless you and you will be great.

You've always been beautiful; you look great. Continued success and best wishes.

All I have to say is CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

I'm definitely buying and wearing one, I work in a building material/lumber yard so I know my binder will come in handy for support and a bit of compression. I then researched full bodyshapers, I even bought one with 3/4 sleeves and pants which are Capri length. I think it will help as I lose weight, keep me in place and not just flabby and hanging out all over. Couldn't hurt, right?

Thank you for the reply. I've been looking at some binder on Amazon.com I will bring a binder the day of my surgery, I do not know if my doctor or nurse staff provided one for me. Again thank you.

Question ladies... I know you can stop wearing your binder whenever but, when do you start wearing it? Right after surgery or, a few days later?

The doctor's firm should specify and in my case a cashiers check from my bank. This is not a problem just speak to your coordinator or doctor's firm they will assist you. Best wishes and good luck.

My husband calls me his pitbull too! Yup, I'm his alpha. lmbo.

Absolutely need a passport; those good old days are over.

Gia, Great topic. I have experienced the same feelings from my wonderful husband too. However I liked what Will said... My husband is just afraid I think of being left behind in a sense and they are afraid of the unknown. I do know we will be just fine and I reassure him all the time. I tell my husband I'll always be his lil 'fat girl lol lol lol

Good for you Chasity, happy for you. I wish you the best. Keep me informed; hope you pick your date soon.

Hello Everyone, Need some help, opinions, and advise here. I decided to do my surgery in Mexico, why? Because I did not want to wait, (bottom-line). I do have insurance, good insurance BSBC however it is a PPO which means I would have to pay 20% out of pocket for every bill I would accrue through-out this VSG process: doctor visits monthly and weekly, nutritionist, surgery blah blahblah. In the long run I believe I still would of paid more out of pocket doing the surgery in the states. Oh, and I live in North Dakota where doctors here are VSG what's that. I truly feel more comfortable having surgery in Mexico where I know my doctor specializes in VSG and only VSG. Here is what I am having trouble with... Do I consult with my primary care doctor I'm going to Mexico to have the VSG done? I know I have too. What do state doctors say when their patient tells them this? Will my primary doctor still run blood work on me after the fact? What happens next? What have been some of your experience with your doctors? Thank you my VSG friends? Let me know. Rosana

Teri, I forgot to wish you best wishes and God bless you. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Here is the link http://www.muhealth.org/documents/bariatric/bariatric%20booklet%20vsg.pdf Missouri Bariatrics Services is one of the leading if not the best in anything to do with braiatrics WLS. Hope this helps you as it di for me.

Thank you so much for your great advise. Please do send me that link for the "VSG/WLS Bible" I would greatly appreciate it. I have done lots of home work since I am self-pay I have to take full responsibility to educate mysel. I did find from the University of Missouri Health System, The Missouri Bariatric Services,"Guidelines Before & After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy" I found this booklet extremely informative and helpful. Thank you again for the great advise and sharing your experience with me; please send me that link.

Thank you ladies! That's what I needed to hear. My PCP is on vacation till 7/29 but I will be making an appointment and dropping the bomb on her. I hope she is understanding & respect my decision and helps me with my follow-up needs; I would really love her support while on this journey, if not I have no problem switching PCP however, there are not a lot doctors here in Northern North Dakota to choose from. Thank you for all the good information ladies; I really appreciate all of your input. Keep the good info coming.