vdub_tx

Nope. And even after surgery I don't intend to volunteer that information.

I don't know because I don't wish to know. It would just be something else for me to obsess about and really it is a teeny tiny difference. Of course I would think a smaller one would be better but larger ones show less complications such as strictures. I figure my surgeon is a professional who had performed countless operations with a tiny complication rate so he knows better than I what he's doing.

Unjury has a very limited selection on Amazon so I buy straits from their website. I also buy Torani sugar free syrups on their own website because there are a lot more flavors than in my grocery store.

Ooh I'm March 5th! We're sleeve buddies! Congratulations on getting your date!

OK so I don't know the answers to a lot of your questions because I am pre-op myself. I am newly familiar with head hunger because I'm in the middle of my pre-op diet and, even when I shouldn't be hungry....I still THINK that I am. It's rough but I'm glad that I'm starting to identify it now rather than after surgery. I'm not thrilled about the whole "no eating/drinking at the same time" either but I hear you get used to it. Loose skin is a crap shoot from what I can tell. Some people get it, some people don't. There isn't much you can do about it. It has a lot to do with genetics, how long you've been overweight, and your age. I figure I'd rather have some loose skin and be able to hide it in clothes than be fat one minute longer. I'm from Texas too (actually your stats are almost mine exactly... I currently weigh 292, I'm 5'7 and I'm self-pay) and I know that I cannot stand being fat in the summers here any longer. I want to be able to wear shorts and go swimming and take my kids to the Water park. All the rest...I can deal with. Good luck on your journey. This board is full of helpful information and friendly support!

WONDERFUL!

I'm right there with you. I'm on day 3 of pre-op, having surgery 3/5. I miss food but it's definitely just mental and wanting what I can't have because I miss stupid stuff that I don't even like. My nephew was eating fish sticks the other day and I was like "yum...fish sticks." WTH is that?? I swear the pre-op is messing with my head. I'm excited though because it means surgery is that much closer.

I use unjury chocolate Splendor as well, mixed with skim milk. Sometimes I add some Torani sugar-free caramel syrup and/or some PB2. I also use Celebrate Vanilla Cake batter with milk and sometimes some raspberry or orange syrup. I like the Unjury strawberry Sorbet with Crystal Light lemonade or the Syntrax nectar roadside lemonade.

How exciting! Congratulations!!

I'm 3/5. 3 days in to my pre-op diet and sooooo ready to get on with surgery. Anticipation is starting to fray my nerves!

I don't have any advice really, other than ask any and all questions you have at your first appointment and all appointments after that. You'll feel more comfortable as you know more. Really I just wanted to say hi and welcome. I've found these boards incredibly helpful and supportive and I hope you do as well!

My surgery is March 5th. I am doing much better today than yesterday and hoping I will continue to adjust to the pre-op diet. Carb withdraw is no joke! I'm very excited for surgery but can feel myself starting to get a little nervous as it gets closer!

Of course you will be back on his website! Honestly, I know three different people who had the band and every one of them encountered a problem. 2 of them are now sleeve patients and the other has gained back all of her weight since she had it removed and is looking into RNY. You are NOT a failure. In the opinion of my surgeon, the band is a flawed device, which is why he doesn't even do band surgeries anymore. The band absolutely does work for some people and that is wonderful but don't beat yourself up because it didn't work for you.

Honestly I think everyone with an exclusion should have the hiatal hernia thing checked out. They are extremely common, especially in people who are overweight. It reduced my cash price to $8100 which allowed me to have the surgery close to home.

Welcome! It's a great group with lots of support and information. Good luck on your journey!

An exclusion for bariatrics means that they don't cover any type of weight loss surgery at all for any reason. My policy has an exclusion as well. But don't lose hope! Many doctors discount their services for self-pay. I would call the surgeon's office and ask them to go over your options. In my case, it was found that I have a hiatal hernia which significantly reduced my out of pocket costs because hernia repair is a separate medical procedure covered by pretty much everyone's insurance. I know that there are lots of people who have financed their surgeries, either via care credit or a bank loan. Don't give up just yet!

Congratulations on your success. That is fantastic!

Good luck! You're going to do great!

I'm in Texas and being sleeved on March 5th. I'm on day 2 of my pre-op diet right now and hoping it gets a little better after a few days because this constant headache is killing me. I'm getting nervous as the date gets closer but am also so very excited to finally get my weight under control! Good luck on your surgery. I wish mine were a little closer...the waiting is driving me nuts!

That is fantastic!! Way to go!!

I started my pre-op diet today too. I was doing ok but now I'm hungry and cranky. It doesn't help that I'm cooking dinner for my family right now and it smells good. Sigh. 13 more days!

I think I like them because they aren't as thick as most of them, and they don't have that awful aftertaste. I got samples of strawberry Mousse, Caribbean something, fuzzy navel, and vanilla bean today. But their chocolate truffle is absolutely delicious as far as I'm concerned! Have you tried that one? YUM! I have not tried the chocolate truffle yet but I think it's in my sample pack. I'm glad that I like them though because it's so much more flavor variety!

I will be freaking pissed if I don't lose weight on this pre-op diet. Seriously.

Oooh I like Syntrax Nectars too. The Roadside Lemonade is yummy. The other day I mixed some crystal light peach-tea with it and that was good as well, for something different. I have samples of the pink grapefruit and cherry on the way.

You look so great! Congratulations!