wannalise

My oh my, So...I had originally scheduled my surgery for this June with a surgeon here in UT. A great surgeon, but his cost was just as great, well as I have read, posted, and chatted with all of you I have had a change. I am scheduled to have surgery one month from today with Dr. Aceves! This is all really happening. I can't believe it. Anna

Tiff, Thank you so much! You are my hero. I am so excited and the information was invaluable! Thank you, Anna

Thanks ya'll. I am in a bit of a panic. I know at one point I read some excellent packng advice for Dr. Aceves and if anyone knows where that is. Also, what stuff would you guys recommmend having when you get home? I'm arranging having a full week off, do I need to have my Mama come take care of me? What would ya'll do?

If you guys haven't already check out the blog at theworldaccordingtoeggface.com she has been a successful rny patient and has a variety of recipes for protein shakes at all phases in the post op world, as well as some links to some special deals for some of the proteins out there.

Tiff, I have loved ones who are in 12 step recovery programs and one of the most important steps to the individuals who are successful is that after they become sober, their life is spent in serving others who struggle with the same issues. I have watched you on these boards for a few months now and know without a doubt one of the keys to your success and something that gives the rest of us hope, is your unselfish, constant service to the rest of us who are struggling, striving and hoping to someday to be able to have the perspective you do physically and mentally. Congrats lady!!!

I have chronic back problems that are related to my weight. This last week I have developed severe sciatic pain. I've seen my dr and she gave me muscle relaxers and they have a helped a very small amount. I can't walk upright and I'm in so much pain. Have any of you experienced this and can give me some ideas what I can do? I am on the verge of tears, but have to keep working. Thanks, Anna

Thanks all! My surgery isn't until June and I don't know if this will be the thing that changes it, but I am hopeful. My family has always had issues with backpain even those members without weight problems. I am very frustrated, I've been to see my phusician and once again given a round of muscle relaxers and I'm trying to function and work. Thanks for letting me vent. I found myself on the verge of tears earlier, hoping that I could just walk and feel normal today. Anna

So exciting Lee! Its like a new birth. So excited to keep hearing about your journey. Best wishes on a speedy healthy and happy recovery!

Thanks for all of your honesty Pumpkin. I'm yet to be sleeved, but its good to hear about the difficult parts as well. I hope you start feeling well soon, but be cautious, your family can step up for a little while and let you heal, the long term results will be so worth it. Congratulations!

I am preop still and its good to hear these reports from those of you who have had surgery. I don't know if it would help you at all but the eggface blog has several Protein shake options that aren't as sweet, and different ways that she's modified them. Stay strong. This discomfort will certainly be worth it. And I'm sure it pails to the years of discomfort we've all felt from being winded climbing up stairs, etc. Best of luck to you! Anna

I haven't had the surgery yet, but when we consulted with my surgeon he said that it is really a lot of genetics. Depending on how much elastin and collagen your skin has. And the length of time you've been overweight affects the process as well.

I'm so sorry. I am not experienced at all, just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hey all. I actually have a surgery date here in the states, have done all the psych and preop, however it is still a terrifying thing to me that I must put down 3500 and then make payments for years until I pay off my 14000 loan. I chose to go to this center because they are a center of excellence and have a great follow up program and I know that post surgery I will need all the help I can get, I have a very unhealthy relationship with food and I know that surgery alone will not change this. So, I guess I am looking to hear about your tips, experiences, and what it actually cost you to have surgery in Mexico. I had it all lined up at one point and the reactions I got from family and friends were similar to if I had suggested doing the surgery myself. Anywho! Thanks for reading all my rambles. Anna

Does anyone know anything about the experience with Dr. Almanza specifically?

There are a few unflavored Protein powders that supposedly you can bury in crystal light. They are 80 calories and 20 grams of protein. I'm not where you are yet, but this was one of the recommendations of my dietician. unjury Unflavored whey Protein: Medical Quality Unflavored Protein powder Mix Good luck, hearing your stories really helps me know how to make my own situation go as smoothly as possible

I am also self pay and when I was looking at surgeons I found that several of them offer catastophic insurance that is typically an additional $500 and covers all you post op complications. Its definitely worth looking into.

Good for you, and remember you earned every bit of it!

Help! My surgery isn't until June 16th, I have to finance it myself and I need until then to have all of my money. I am also happy to wait until then because I can prove to myself that I am capable of making some changes. Namely stop drinking soda, become accustomed to taking supplements, eating Breakfast everyday, not snacking...on and on.... So please someone, give me your tips on how you motivate yourselves and how you stay motivated. Thank you! Anna

I am still presurgery, but I have questions for those of you who have had surgery. I am wanting to have my home and kitchen equipped for post surgery. What dishes scales etc do ya'll suggest. What do you wish people had told you to do that you had to figure out on your own? Any and all tips would be appreciated. Thank you, Anna

Congratulations! That is so thrilling. How is your energy level? How is it adjusting to the life changes?

I'm new to this site, so I don't know if this is where I am to go about it, but I scheduled my surgery two days ago. I am financing it myself so I'm not scheduled until June 16th. I had decided that at least for the time being and at first after my surgery, I wasn't going to openly share that this is what I had done. But, on New Year's Eve my best friend told a room full of people and I don't know what makes people feel entitled, but people I don't even know well were offering their advice, acting like I had done NO research, and being calloused enough to suggest that maybe I just haven't tried hard enough on my own. So....to those of you who have had surgery, how do you share this info with people. What are the typical reactions? Do people treat your journey as if you "cheated." Do people get how hard this is?