Malaika

Jolanda - Welcome to our VST family. We are so happy you found us and joined us. Thank you for sharing your story. I am so glad that you are doing well following your surgeries. Wow - 4 lbs of clotted blood - that doesn't sound good! Keep us posted on your progress and if you have any questions whatsoever, don't hesitate to ask!

Shontel - welcome to VST - and WOW what a time you had - how scary that must have been -- glad to hear you are home and on the mend!

Welcome to our family and congrats on your surgery date - and deciding upon the VSG. We'll look forward to following your progress and you'll make your goal!

Tracy that is so COOL! Congrats on your win and on your post-op goals -- you'll be in the ring before you know it -- We'll be watching for you on the AKC Show on Animal Planet!

Deb -- congrats on getting your date -- it's just around the corner and 2010 will be a GREAT year!

Hey Lan, you're never alone - we're all here for you!

Netherfield - well I guess that is one (positive) way to look at the hair loss -- as I wash my hands and watch all that hair go down the drain - I'll recite that mantra! I'm taking biotin and Evening Primrose Oil. I'm like you, figure it can't hurt! Hope I don't go bald before I get to goal!:w00t:

Tiffy - It's been so much fun to be on this ride with you -- and I don't even LIKE rollercoasters ... but with you, it's been a great ride and I'm happy we've gone through it all together. Even though we've never met in person (YET) I feel we've got a special bond! You are an amazing woman - keep up the good work!

mutti - those are awesome NSVs Stoongal and Cajun - congrats on no more BP medication too!

I do the same as Tiffy - drink up until my first bite and then wait 30-45 minutes after I finish eating.

Hope - sorry to hear you're feeling poorly - I am sure the shot and the medicine will have you back to par by Monday - hang in there and drink LOTS of water!

I don't really enjoy plain water anymore -- I enjoy sucking on ice cubes and letting the cold water trickle down my throat. When I drink water I add some flavoring to it. And I can't drink cold water - it still causes me spasms. I used to absolutely LOVE iced tea but hardly drink it at all anymore either. I guess my tastes for sweet things isn't the only thing that changed with surgery.

Lisa - welcome to VST and as I said to Susie - you will be successful with the sleeve. Keep us posted on your progress.

I agree with Daisy - if what you are doing is working for you - and obviously it is - 30 lbs in 6 weeks is awesome - then I would keep doing what you're doing and the next time the doctor asks, tell him you're following a healthy eating plan and leave it at that.

I did notice it -- wondered if she was going to get "thinner" after the surgery ... and stole is such an ugly word, how about "borrowed" :thumbup:

bluecats - congrats on your will power and good luck with your upcoming surgery - you are in my prayers.

Isn't it funny how certain things can make one happy? Tracy you crack me up - but I so know what you mean.

Youknowit- I'll PM you with my PCP information. It's hard to find good, competent doctors here in Las Vegas - and working in med mal for the past 7 years, has really tainted me, so when I find a good doctor, I hang on to him/her and share that information with anyone who needs a good doctor. Hope this helps!

Youknowit- I sent you a PM with regard to my "knowledge" of Dr. Umbach. Will also send you a PM with my PCP information.

Tracy - you're too funny - but a wise move -- and you could do your shopping in Mexicali after your pre-op tests - they've got a huge mall not far from the resort. Be sure to use lots of lotion on those hands to keep them from getting chapped, and you'll get good sleep the night before surgery and while you're in the hospital. I'd drink LOTS of Water and double up on your Vitamins -- I'd actually take airborne as it has lots of healthy things in there and was developed by a school teacher - and you know how many germs are in a school. I believe it helps to keep you from getting sick.

Enjoy your vacation and don't stress out about the food - eat what you want (within reason) - make healthy choices where possible and start your pre-op diet when you get home. I only had to do 1 week pre-op diet and my liver was in great shape according to Dr. Aceves. Quit stressing - it isn't healthy and counteracts the purpose of going on vacation!

Shanda - that is so awesome! I am almost 6 months out and have lost 54 - so 50 in 2 months - unbelievably amazing! I can't wait to see your pics and you are going to be so totally awesome in your wedding gown -- I bet you'll have to have it altered significantly! Keep up the good work girl!

I remember my ex took my oldest son to see that movie - think he was about 14-15 and when they got home, I asked how was the movie ... his (my son) response: there was a lady that had three boobs! (that was all he commented about on that movie!)

Kelly -- that's awesome - where did you decide to have your surgery done and by who? We're going to have to get together again with the other VSGers here in Las Vegas - we missed you at the last one!

Way to go AJW - you'll have a great time and a great attitude- and you'll make your goal too!