DebSmiles

I ditto everything above! People always know all the negatives and horror stories about this surgery. I am 2 weeks post-op and already thankful. I also had surgery in Mexico because of the huge cost savings and my insurance had limited coverage for bariatric surgery. I didn't tell many people, but the ones I did tell was for information purposes only. I had made my decision and paid my deposit before I even told my boyfriend. Yes, even he tried to dissuade me, but I know what's best for me. I had done plenty of research and had my reasons firmly established in my head. Let me tell you, I have no regrets! I'm losing weight and already feel better than I have in years. My back pain, that I have suffered with for 15 years is already almost gone! Do your research and convince yourself first, then it won't matter what others have to say

I'm only 2 weeks post-op but liquids are fine now. Initially, I could only take small sips, but I did that all day. Always had a cup in my hand. It can be hard, but practice makes perfect. After a week or so, I was able to take more than 1 sip at a time. Now I can sip a nice amount 2 or 3 times in a row. I think you just need to start slow and continue working up until you have the ability to drink normally. I'm not there yet, but it is getting easier. I have a chewable multi-Vitamin, liquid B-12, the rest are gummy chewables. I'm thinking about using the vitamin Patches soon too. At first the Vitamins made me feel full, but now I've learned to space things out to get it all in.

@@TiredOfMyself OMG! Thank you so much for sharing! These look awesome and I can't wait to try them

@@daisy63 Don't worry yet, you are doing great! The objective is to work our way up to 64 ounces. I am 9 days post op but still struggle a little. Just keep sipping

It gets better. I had the same problem, but today (Day 7), I was able to drink 3 ounces (slowly) within 30 minutes. Good luck!

Congratulations @@Coachthex32! You look great! I hope you have continued success on this journey

Congratulations @@Raymia!! I had surgery Friday and feel great! I wish you much success on your journey

I was banded in 2006 but never maintained a weight loss. My band was defective with a hole in it. Unfortunately, I changed jobs and the new insurance would not cover the revision to a new band. So I've had this band in with a little restriction, but no fill. I've lost maybe 10 that stayed off and lost the same 40 pounds over and over via WW, exercise etc. I'm getting the sleeve on Friday, so I can't speak about success yet. I'm hoping this will do it, but I'm just happy to get this band out of my body

Great work!

@@Alex Brecher I love Amazon, so that will be great, if the products are eligible for Prime shipping I hate Walmart, but if they are in the stores, I'll go there to purchase the products only.

OMG! I'm on day 5 of 14 day pre-op. Today I am literally ready to eat a picture of a burger Yesterday was not so bad, but I slept all day. I will keep pushing, but it is hard

Revision from band to bypass January 13th!!

@@FDclerical How are you doing? Hope you are progressing and healing well

@@cdeisroth Congratulations! You look awesome

Congratulations on your new beginning! I'm sure the best is yet to come

Congratulations on your loss!

Congrats! You look great!

@@Ginsin007 I'm having surgery Jan 13, 2017 in Mexico with Dr. Illan! I also am self-pay. With my insurance the out of pocket cost for me was $13,000. Which doctor did you decide to go with in Mexico?

I haven't told many people yet, just my boyfriend and best friend. My surgery is in January and I don't plan to broadcast it. I'm taking vacation time from work, so no explanation needed there. My plan so far is to answer any questions, but I'm not advertising it. The females in my family are all slim, trim divas. Me and my daughter drew the short sticks. With that said, they will probably figure it out, but unless they ask, I don't plan on sharing. I love my family, but before my grandmother died, my weight was a constant joke. Comments like "when you gonna stop eating, how you gonna get a man, etc" have always tortured me. Someone is always suggesting a new diet...that I would try...cabbage Soup, atkins, WW, nutrisystem, Quick Weight Loss Centers, low calories, fasting, eating every other day, etc. My mom felt she was just trying to motivate me. I rarely go to family functions because of shame. Unfortunately, my daughter is the same way. Didn't mean to go into all that, but I will not be sharing too much. My BF is concerned about my health, but he also makes comments about friends of his that had surgery and didn't want to have anything else to do with him, since he is overweight too. I think there are so many variables when it comes to the relationships in our lives that it requires each one of us to evaluate what will work best.

Network! Find a professional organization or attend seminars. At times, the local unemployment office will sponsor seminars for business professionals on various topics. Add this to your arsenal. I work in HR and many positions are filled by referrals, so get to know people and don't be afraid to say, I'm in the market Find out where professionals in your field hang out and start hanging out. It's not always what you know, but who you know. Finally, be patient. As stated, the economy is not great and is worse for some professions. Not sure of your field, but do consider all the recommendations including expanding your search area. Good luck!

@Gordita81 Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! I pray all goes well I am scheduled in January, even though the boyfriend is not happy about it. He is trying to be supportive but it's hard for him. I think he will hate the change of me not eating all the crazy stuff we eat together. He is overweight too, but feels he can lose weight whenever he wants. I believe this is the best decision for me. Keep us updated on your progress!

@@cdeisroth Congratulations on your weight loss! You've done a fantastic job

I have a date in January 2017, but I'm a self-pay so it is basically giving me time to save money. The time is definitely not passing fast enough, but I'm trying to use this time to educate myself and work on my emotional eating issues. If I lose this weight, I don't want to ever get back to this place in my body again.