shizwiz

All good! My package is $4600. That includes everything except for the airfare to get to San Diego.

For everyone looking at Syntrax nectar for Protein powder- its good!!! I was weary of fruity protein, but they are certainly on to something over there. So far, I have tried the Roadside Lemonade and Fuzzy Navel and my oh myyyy lawwwd....delish. A previous poster suggested using one packet of Crystal Light, one scoop of SN powder and a bottle of Water. So that is the route I have been following: Today I had SN Fuzzy Navel + CL Lemonade....and whoa. It was like...a tropical paradise drink. It wasn't super peachy- which I really liked. Yesterday I had SN Roadside Lemonade + CL Raspberry Lemonade and that was also YUMMY! It was a bit tart, but I kind of set myself up for that one. They didn't seem to stave off hunger quite as long as the GNC total Lean 25's, but man...I am looking forward to trying the next two: Iced Tea and Kiwi Strawberry! After I have tried them all, I think I will save the rest for post-ops when I am less hungerful. Anyone have some good recipes for Syntrax Nectar? I am thinking it might be good to mix it up with some ice in the blender and put that in a Popsicle mold. Shoot, even skim milk instead of water would be a nice, creamy post-op frozen treat.... Endless. Possibilities.

@@mduffield Thank you for the kind words! Let me know how you are doing when you get out, eh?! I think my team will be good. I have heard excellent things about A Lighter Me and everyone, from the drivers to the hotel to the surgeon- so I am getting excited! I just need to woo-saw some more! Happy New Year!

@@Diane Grimm Right?! I feel slightly crazy!!! I mean, before I go on vacation or something, I think about it and get excited about it and plan like crazy....so I guess that if I obsess over Vegas, my creepy obsession with surgery has got to be expected. I think as long as we don't have a secret room with VSG articles taped on every single surface we should be fine, eh?

@@trulyamazingtoo Nice to meet you! I am kind of in the same boat- my insurance did not cover the surgery and I am ready to do this thing. I am going to MX in two weeks via A Lighter Me (Dr. Elias Ortiz). I am also going alone as I do not have anyone who is able to go with me. My family and friends are not too keen on me having the surgery. Oh well I am a little nervous, but pretty excited, too!! You can for sure request to expedite your passport. I did that and got mine in a few weeks. I live super far away from anything, so I am sure if you live in a city or suberb, you should be able to get it pretty quick. Good luck!

That is a good idea, @@BLERDgirl! I am also a list maker, but haven't made one yet...so I bet that will help. I am going to start that now....I am having a hard time concentrating today, so I might as well do something. Ya'll are awesome. Thanks Oh- and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

@@woodartc Anytime! I use a Blender Bottle (the one with the metal ball in it that you shake) and use cold or lukewarm Water to shake it up with (the Syntrax and Crystal Light). Then, when it is done, I add some ice and shake it a few more times. I do have problems a bit with the powder not totally dissolving sometimes. However, when you drink a clump, its not gross at all, so I don't worry about it too much lol.

I had that running through my head for a bit, but I went through and read a ton of studies and mortality data and felt better. I have no idea why, but I guess I feel like if I can't win the lotto, I probably won't have complications or die either. Heh. I also just out of the blue had a co-worker come up to me and give me the details for her fiance, who lives in San Diego. I had told her about the surgery, and she wanted to make sure I had someone to call in case I needed anyone down there. That was sweet and also makes me feel better. Pheew!

@@Jana64 Thank you! I have been taking Melatonin (I LOVE it!) and have also been listening to Youtube calming videos before bed (are we soul sisters?!)! I love ASMR videos and have been listening to WhisperCrystal for the last month to calm down. I think maybe 2 am is when the Melatonin wears off a bit? Or it could be my whiny cat...heheh Thank you for the kind words, it means alot

@@woodartc I haven't tried milk (but I might now!). I used water plus one packet of Crystal Light with mine. I just use whichever packet sounds good to mix with the Syntrax. My favorite combo is Syntrax Fuzzy Navel and Crystal Light Lemonade. Mmmmm!

CONGRATS!!!

@@mermaiddreams Wow! SO kewl to hear another rural AK friend is out there!!!! I am going to Mexico and my surgeon is Dr. Elias Ortiz. Where are you going?

Thanks all! I am not running a temp luckily. I think it is a head cold? One of my nostrils is on strike and when I talk, I sound funny and feel slightly under Water. I have DayQuil, Zycam, Airborne and water on today's menu (not all at once, though!). Happy Day After Christmas!!! THANK YOU for your replies- I was freaking out!

I woke up sick today (nasal congestion & itchy throat)-- and I am one week from starting my pre-op diet and 3 weeks from surgery date (SQUEAL- EXCITING!!!). However, I am kind of freaking out because I don't know if this will delay me at all- I do not want to be delayed! I plan on drinking a ton of Water and taking Vitamins, Zycam, etc to ward it off...hopefully that kills it. Do I need to tell my surgery coordinator that I have a cold- or should I just wait it out?

@@Aranks Thanks! I am going to try to just drink a ton of water and see where I am next week. Pheew. THANK YOU!

Woot wooot! I am so happy for you and am glad you are feelin' good! Thank you for posting updates, it is good to hear from you and nice to read how your recovery is going. Merry Christmas!

I grew up in Auburn, WA and now I live in Bethel, AK-- the boonies!

I would try calling Virginia Mason or UW Medical Center. Also, if you call Medicaid or Medicare, they might be able to help you look up participating providers as well There was a thread on Obesity Help as well with providers for WA Medicaid/Care: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/WA/3462803/MEDICAID-AND-MEDICARE-SURGEONS-LIST/ Good luck! I used to live in WA, and I MISS it there Happy Holidays!

CONGRATS!!!! Whoa, that is amazing! Happy dance! :)

@@supportive hubby No offense taken I can't really speak to your situation, though. There has been only one or two times where my boyfriend was in the mood when I wasn't where i just flat out refused. Most of the time, when I wasn't in the mood, I would say 'to hell with it' and go for it.....and I wasn't disappointed. Sometimes, I didn't even get pleasure entirely, but making my man happy made me feel good. However, I think both of our drives are low due to our weight. In other words, while I am overweight, so is he...and that does not help sexy time! It sounds like you are feeling a little resentful that your wife isn't in the mood as much as you are (or ever), and that is completely understandable. I mean, we are only human, right?! I would suggest seeking professional insight and guidance; or at the very least a deep and lengthy conversation with your wife to get to the bottom of the issue. I can only give my personal insight As for me,I have spoken with my boyfriend about my issues with sex, and the lack of it (as I used to be very, VERY active) and have come to an understanding. I am a very open person. He knows how I feel, and I know how he feels...and it is known what each other wants. We will get there one day, too I'm rootin for ya!

@@supportive hubby I am sorry to hear that I just finished the thread that Miss Mac posted and it was VERY helpful and gave me some excellent insights. I sincerely hope you talk with your wife and see what is going on and work on rebuilding that healthy sex life! Maybe you can let her catch you reading 50 Shades of Grey around the house and peak her curiosity! Shoot, I would be jaw dropped if my S.O. did that!

If my insurance would cover the surgery, I would be going that route as opposed to going to Mexico. It is not because I am worried about going to Mexico at all, but having your surgery in the States allows for more continuity of care (ie follow up with your doctors and being monitored closely after discharge). In addition, if you have complications, your insurance would pay for those. While Mexico sleevers can go to the ER if we have complications and will be treated (the Federal Law, EMTALA states anyone going to an ER must be treated), we would likely have to pay for that out of our pockets. An ER visit is very costly and I am praying I do not have to visit one! Also, in my opinion, the counseling and diet is really important. Even though I am going to Mexico, I am paying for counseling out of my own pocket to make sure I have a clinical support person to help me with my issues with food and overeating. I use Betterhelp.com and talk with my counselor online whenever I want. I also considered surgery for about 4-5 months prior to putting down my deposit. For me, cutting out part of my stomach was a huge decision that I talked about with my family, my counselor and my friends. LOL none of them were in favor of the surgery, but talking with them still helped I would suggest thinking about this carefully and maybe making a list of the pros and cons of just paying out of pocket VS going through the insurance. Also add up the costs. I am paying 4600 for my package, I used miles + cash for my air ticket (which would have cost $800 but I only spent $200) and have bought about $400 in supplies...like Protein shakes, neosporin, bandages for home, post op Vitamins, etc. So, in the end, I am looking at about $5200 already. But, Whichever path you choose, I wish you good luck! Cheers!

That is a tough one. I am in that position now because I am not OK with my weight or body... and I also am experiencing the same low drive as your wife. It is HARD to feel sexy when all you can see is a body that you yourself aren't happy with. My boyfriend (bless his heart) tells me about 20 times a day how beautiful I am. He rubs lotion on my back for me. He sits out my coffee cup in the morning and puts a K-cup in the machine. He finds little ways to keep us touching or at least keep that feeling of 'I love you' going all the time. And because of all that, as SOON as I am feel remotely comfortable in my own skin, its on like Donkey Kong!

Ohhhh NSV= Non scale Victory. I had totally been wondering what that meant!! I had been brainstorming for a few months: -'Nuther Small Victory -New Stellar Victory -No Small Victory -New Sleeve Victory -Not Safe for Vooork (with russian accent) It all makes so much sense, now. Thanks!!!!

@@VSGAnn2014 I am sitting at my desk almost crying because I am laughing so hard! I had a co-worker come in and check to see if I was OK Totally writing down this list and trying a few when I get to that point! 10 points to Gryffindor!