*susan*

Downinsocal, we should talk. The kids are all grown. This woman, and the two daughters have put me through sheer hell for ten years now, so much that we moved several hours away just to avoid them. Sounds like we may be in similar situations. It all came to a major head in March with a heartbreaking discovery that almost resulted in the end of my marriage. Fortunately, we have battled back and saved our marriage, but I still consider myself to be in recovery mode.

Hi Tiffany, and welcome to VST. Pain and sacrifice? I am curious as to why you say that. Most everyone I have talked to, including myself have commented on how surprised they were at how minimal the pain was. As for sacrifice, I haven't made any sacrifices. This has been the best thing ever to happen to me. Please share more of your experience with us.

Hey there, I officially welcomed you in your other thread, but thought I would pop in here and say "hello" as well.

Congratulations, Norma. Originally my 77 year old mother was going to go with me, because my husband had just started a new job and had no vacation time. He was really worried about us traveling to Mexico as well, so ended up taking the time off without pay. He was pleasantly surprised when we got there, as Mexicali really is one of the safer areas. Plus, if you do like we did and stay at the hotel for dinner and don't go out wandering around much, you will be fine. In the end, I am glad my hubby went though, I needed him with me.

Tiff, that is awful that you are having such an ordeal. I hope you get all healed up and feeling better quickly. *hugs*

Hi Maldito, welcome to the forums! I am from Jacksonville as well, and I think I have a pretty good idea of the "clinic" you are referring to. I found this article, which states a few reasons why the sleeve may be safer: What is the VERTICAL SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY (gastric sleeve) procedure?

Yay, I am so happy for you! You will be amazed at the difference and how much your quality of life will improve.

Hey Bob, when I got the band and the sleeve, I was required to do an all liquid diet beforehand. Both times, for the first three days I was miserable with hunger, headache, etc., just like you described. And both times, after those first three days I think my body adjusted and I actually started feeling much better. I hope the same happens for you and tomorrow is a better day.

I heated my water for 1 1/2 minutes in the microwave, the same as I always do for regular hot chocolate.

I had originally only planned on taking a week off. Unfortunately, I had problems with severe dehydration, developed an ulcer, etc. and ended up being off most of April. So much for all my built up vacation time! Anyways, had I not had those additional issues, in terms of pain, etc., I don't think it would have been a problem to go back after one week, two at the absolute most.

Glad to hear you came through everything okay and are doing well!

Oh no, Amanda! I hope you are able to get a good nights rest tonight.

MacMadame, I tried the protein hot chocolate and it didn't work out so well for me. When added to the water, it turned into a giant clump of goo! I ordered the same stuff you told me, but not sure what I did wrong.

Sure, I will freeze everything, pack it up in dry ice and send it on over!

Let's not continue to egg things on please. You all are free to attack the idea, but not the person. Be respectful of one another and the different view points and do not resort to name calling.

Everyone, please respect one another and everyone's opinions. It is possible to post without being disrespectful. Thank you.

al10qmx98, welcome to our forums. It is understandable to be nervous before any type of surgery. Dr. Aceves and his team are amazing and you will feel very comfortable from the minute you meet them.

Hi Lisa, we are glad you found us! You will find a ton of great information, support and advice here. Let us know how things go.

Welcome, we are glad you joined us. Congratulations on your decision to make a healthy change in your life. We look forward to getting to know you better.

Karen, good luck! Let us know how it goes.

Hi Neesh, and welcome back! I had all of my testing done in just a matter of a couple of days, but then again, I was self pay.

I am glad you went in and got an unfill. Being overfilled to the point that you were can not only cause problems with your band, such as slippage, but can also cause significant health problems.

Hi Sydney, and welcome to LBT. Actually, if you are going through insurance, yes, it is normal. Most of them also require a supervised diet during that waiting period. I am not sure of the reasoning behind that, as I was self pay. I think part of it may be to show your commitment to losing weight. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable in this area will respond to you.

First off, welcome to LBT! You have joined a wonderful community for advice and support on the lapband. Oh my goodness, you poor thing! You have been through so much. I know many people who have had various health problems prior to getting the band and once they started losing weight, a lot of those problems were alleviated. I am not sure about ones who had the same health issues as you do. Hopefully someone will see this and respond. Best of luck to you. I truly hope the band helps you with your health problems.

Hi and welcome to LBT. I don't think people understand just how difficult it is being obese and trying to diet unless they have actually been in our shoes. As long as you are willing to understand the band is a tool and are able to make the commitment to do the work that goes along with it, you should be just fine. Good luck on your surgery and let us know how you are feeling as soon as you are up to it.