BarnGirlWK

I made the decision, paid my deposit, picked a day. Including my research and decision process, this took 5 days. My surgery date was scheduled for less than a month from my deposit being paid. Poof! Decision: surgery: done! I am still pre-op.

Hi everyone I'm in Calgary. I am pre-op. I'm going through A Lighter Me for Gastric Sleeve surgery on August 24, 2014 in Tijuana. Those of you who have already had the surgery, any pointers for us Albertans? Thanks

Thanks Sandi in FL for the invite to join this group, even though I am having my surgery on August 24. Yes, we will be at the hospital at the same time. I'm at Mi hospital with Dr. Elias Ortiz. My journey is all through A Lighter Me, who arranges the surgery, the transportation to and from the San Diego airport, and the hotel stay. I have been looking at all weight loss options very seriously this year (2014), and only really started to consider the VGS for about a month. And, once I decided, I paid my deposit, picked the earliest surgery date I could, and here I go. This all happened in a space of three weeks. I'm finding that I am unable to order unjury products here in Canada and would really like to be able to try some of the soups/broths. Not to mention the Protein shakes. Too bad. Again, thanks for letting me join in. Sounds like Sandi in FL and Taken_Chances19 and I are all at MI Hospital in Tijiuana. Sandi in FL, your profile does not name your surgeon. Do you know his/her name?

Hi Sandi in FL, Yes, I am also at MI Hospital. And the Marriott Hotel. Our paths will certainly cross there. I look forward to meeting you.

I have not told one person that I am going to have surgery. This is very personal to me and it is very emotional. I'm doing it for me. I know I will see some weight loss from pre-op preparations, and will need to explain why I'm not eating much for lunch or out for drinks. The timing is pretty optimal as the occasions are at a minimum. Those in my life have seen me lose weight, they've seen me gain weight. I think some are totally rooting for me, and others expect me to fail (again). And what they don't know, they cannot judge. I'm optimistic the results will speak for themselves.

I'm in Calgary, Alberta and am scheduled for surgery in Tijiuana on August 24. I have not had much to time to think about it, freak out about it, prepare for it. I'm only 3 weeks into my decision and am starting my 14 day pre-op eating plan. The plan is a Protein shake for Breakfast, a protein shake for lunch, and dinner of protein and salad. One optional protein shake later, if required.

I used to diet in preparation for occasions: weddings, graduations, reunions, summer season. The eating plans would start after my January birthday and I would follow strictly for a set period of time. I always considered this way of eating to be 'temporary', and that meant my efforts, results, successes were also 'temporary'. I am a regular at the gym, 4-5 times a week. I have made friends there and have been supported and accountable to them, and them to me. Including instructors. Though, I am clearly the heaviest one in the group. These people have seen me lose weight, gain weight, continue to come to the gym regardless of my size. Recently, one of these people, who has had weight loss success herself, said to me, "I am concerned that we have not been seeing you lose weight even though you are here all the time. In fact, I think maybe you have gained some?" I know her intent was to help and support, and that is the spirit in which I took her comment. But having it out there, said aloud, is exactly like seeing a photograph of yourself. The reality is harsh. The comment was not the catalyst, though. Just one of several things I have taken notice of recently (in the last year). I have noticed that several exercises are uncomfortable or impossible for me to do because my belly is in the way. My ankles and knees and hips are less forgiving and are often exhausted after exercise (which is regular) and I find that I am in some pain (not the good pain) daily. And at my last annual physical exam with my doctor, I have been asked to regularly monitor my blood pressure. I have not yet been diagnosed or medicated for high blood pressure - but I sure do not want to. So, I decided that I am going to do something about my situation FOR ME. Forever. Not for an occasion, not for a while, not until I get bored with it. I'm 14 days away from the next chapter in my healthy life. Wish me luck.

Hi, I'm in Calgary and going to Tijuana via San Diego for Gastric Sleeve surgery later this month. I'm excited/nervous/hopeful/scared/optimistic