OKCPirate

@@Pejela Absolutely fantastic http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/346873-once-a-wish-now-done-what-makes-you-proud/

@ -"gas will pass" Really John? Is that the best you got? Bring some gas-ex strips. Those and walking get the gas out quickly. So don't fart around, go get them before you forget.

Don't get acrobatic, but as soon as you feel like it (preferably at home). One of the things I learned from this site was all the fat loss will dump all sorts of hormones into your system and make you feel randier than usual. So enjoy.

@@CRNA - Can you translate this? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/26215245/?i=1&from=vertical%20sleeve%20gastrectomy I think it says: People who had the surgery had an increase in non-fatty tissue, so in short, there was not a loss of muscle. Am I close?

I didn't get the insurance, but I did look into it. Most of the policies only cover facilities in their network. This is surgery, so their are risks. The risk can be mitigated by researching your surgeon. If you are interested in the insurance, here are some links: This company looks promising to me: http://www.globalprotectivesolutions.com/insurance-plans/individual-and-companion/ This is the broker that sells it: http://customassurance.com/international-medical-and-travel-insurance Here is another one: https://www2.sevencorners.com/insurance-for-travelers/ And another one: http://www.compassbenefits.com/medical_tourism_insurance.html

@@p1Sz - I agree that people are complicated and weight loss is a difficult subject with new discoveries being made all the time. Those are facts. All said and done, WLS was an absolute game changer for me for the good. And that my friends is a personal opinion based on personal experience. Not confusing facts with opinion and experience is an important skill, however I did the math and figured out half the population is below average, so I have learned you do need discernment to figure out where the lines blur.

Change, for good or ill always tests a relationship. Lose a job, or get a promotion; gain weight or lose weight...any of these can change the dynamics of the relationship. Ultimately he will prefer you healthier, and you will enjoy it too. Make this an adventure and most "MEN" rise to the challenge. That does not mean all males are MEN. I don't know your guy, but you have a great deal on your plate getting ready for this, so make sure he is all in and enjoy the ride together. I am glad you are looking at the relationship dynamics on the front end. Good preparation. Look up the posts on this site dealing with sex. I think that will motivate him. I sincerely wish you a pleasant journey.

Don't sweat stalls when you add in weight training. Invest in some calipers and keep measuring your body fat percentages. I have only lost a couple of pound since really kicking into high gear on exercise, but body fat keeps going down, so I am OK with it.

About a half a scoop works well in coffee and eggs and yogurt

I have GERD, occasionally my esophagus needs to be stretched, but by taking daily omeprazole I am not having any problems post-sleeve.

Just accomplished one of my major goals. When I began looking at having surgery, one of the things that was on my "bucket list" was to climb a mountain in Colorado. I made a pact with one of my buddies we would do it in 2015. At 305, that was a wish. Post surgery it was possible,and it was hard, and I'm still hurting (did you know you burn nearly 6000 calories when you climb and hike for 9 hours?). We could not make the summit because of the wind, but we got close. So, please share what was once a dream or wish, but now is possible and happening in your life...may it bless and inspire others.

@VSGAnn2014 - did the white Water rafting many years ago in CO. Do it. Its great.

That one made my go to list, highly recommended.

About six months out my NUT wanted me to start getting a few more carbs, so I use flat out lite wraps. 8g Protein, and they taste good. Few vegies, lots of meat (4 oz). I hate bread.

No hair loss, have to wax my back, hair is growing back on my lower legs that I think went away when I was really fat and circulation was lost. But the guys in my family all have kept their hair right until the end, so I am genetically blessed there...however we drop dead of heart attacks early. (they also smoked and drank and were very overweight, so breaking some of the tradition).

I was working on my laptop in the hospital the next day, mainly because I was bored out of my skull. Depends on what you do. The docs in Mexico don't really believe in narcotics, so there was little fog and my procedure was done in less than 30 minutes.

@@LoreLu - Thanks for the feedback on that. It's not going to change my decision; I just like to be prepared for the worst so the best is a wonderful surprise. Very wise. I went through the worst on the front end. I had to quit drinking - my favorite vice. Quit coffee - my favorite "necessity." And I really did some work with my therapist and book The Emotional First + Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery to look at my food issues. Still scared to death last 72 hours because part of my research was peoples worst case scenarios. Also did estate planning and emergency power's of attorney because I'm single and needed to make sure all that necessary stuff was done. And then there was the body prep...I worked out like a mad man the last six weeks to get in the best shape I could going into operating room. My appendix burst when I was in bad shape and I knew that would make recovery tougher. Is that why it was a piece of cake and I was walking to the mall two days after surgery? Heck I drove down to my son's fraternity at OU and went to a football game four days after the procedure. Maybe, and part of it is just good fortune. But I think you will increase your chances of being successful if you do four things: Plan, Prepare, Act and Evaluate. Good luck.

Glad you liked it, I saw it on the black Friday sale last year and it has made so much sense to me and cheaper than going to shoe repair place to get my old belts shortened. BTW, you can keep the buckles and get new belts.

If you are begining your weight loss journey, look into getting one of these belts: http://thefrugalfashion.com/2014/05/29/best-mens-leather-ratchet-belt-reviews/. I have enjoyed cutting eight inches off mine during my journey, hope you have even greater success. And all my old pre-sleeve belts are doing other things.

Had the "worlds best burger" and Mel's in OKC, three bites, 1 fry, I'm done. My daughter enjoyed the rest for lunch and dinner . My buddy polished his off. Mel wasn't too happy that I quit that early, but I told him wasn't feeling like my old self today That's not a lie is it?

Love it in yogurt, esp. vanilla, but also berry flavors with a scandalous 1/4 scoop of genpro protein powder.

What I love about this site, nice mix of encouragement and support with tough love and challenge. VSGAnn2014 and Babs get in the mix with proudgrammy, all the bases are covered.

I tried it at 300, and it stank...gut in the way, couldn't breath in some poses...but started doing hot yoga at 230...and is challenging and fun...now. It's embarrassing at first, but stand in the back and watch everyone else. Look around and get some groupon deals until you find a teacher and school you like. There are many styles, so find the one that works for you. It's amazing what it does to your body after 5 weeks, at least twice a week. The body builds up new muscles, your sense of balance improves, you become aware of yourself in motion. There are other "intangibles" that are better saved for the adult forums but hint, hint, wink, wink your significant other will be happy.

Keep the clippings