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I've been on an emotional rollercoaster for 1 1/2 weeks now. Everything hits me wrong, I lash out at people then cry because I feel horrible about hurting them. I've always been emotional and this is definitely an emotional experience and it just seems to exacerbate everything. Apparently it's normal, even though it's hell to go through. I would wish you luck, but maybe peace of mind would be a better wish? LOL Renee`

YAY I'm so glad you're through it and recovering well. Try to rest up and sip sip sip! Renee`

Just wanted to do a bit of an intro since she hasn't done it yet. I've known her for many years and I refer to her as "mama Lynn" because she's been a great second mom to me and alot of others. She has had the rouxen-y and not the sleeve, however she has a vast amount of knowledge about anatomy (we had to learn it from a friend of ours that was killed in a rollover car wreck) and how food affects the body. She is always willing to help and to mentor anyone, I mean that sincerely, she is one of the most giving people I've ever met in my life. She has had major major success (like Tiffykins actually!) in a short amount of time. She's been through hell with her health even while being proactive about it and finally told all her Drs to kiss her butt and went and had the surgery. She has cured ALL her conditions that were life threatening. She's someone I look up to, respect and love alot so please, just because she had the RNY, doesn't mean she doesn't have knowledge to share with us! Renee`

Why would you drop your calories so low? If they're not concerned about your calorie intake, I'm not sure why you are. As long as you're following EXACTLY what they want you to do there shouldn't be any problems. Low calorie diets can be dangerous and like you said, make you feel like crap. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!!! Renee`

I am so happy to hear this! Thanks so much for keeping us updated Jen. Are you home and able to rest, or are you still at the hospital and being a victim of late night needle-wielders? Renee`

When the dream becomes a reality it's an amazing feeling! Congratulations on your funding and your new journey! Renee`

I'm finding that while counting down to my surgery date there are things that I absolutely WON'T miss when I get healthy. I also know that when surgery time comes and I'm laying there in pain there will come the "WTF HAVE I DONE TO MYSELF!?!?!?" moment. My mentor (she's already been down this road a year ago and is coming with me to get my surgery) suggested to me something that I'm passing along to you. Make a list! List 12 reasons why this surgery is so important to you and what you want or what you don't want anymore. It may be harder than you think! I'm struggling to be brutally honest with myself even though some of it is painful. Now, when you have that "moment" after your surgery, pull out your list and KNOW and remember why you did this to yourself! My list so far, and feel free to share yours because maybe it will help others! 1. I want to be able to breathe easier 2. I want a lap again 3. I want to be able to do pedicures and not have to take a breather moment cause my chub is in the way! 4. I want to be able to walk and not hurt so much 5. I want to be able to get on an airplane and not have to pay for an extra seat or get a seatbelt extender 6. I want to be able to drive my car comfortably again (here is where I'm a bit stuck, and these are in no particular order, just things I know I want!) Renee`

I'm so happy for you Michelle and hope you continue to do well! Meggie I'm sorry you're going through all this but I think it's a good decision for them to keep you an extra day to make sure all is well. Try to keep happy thoughts and as unlady like as it is, hike a leg if you have to and poot away! Get rid of the gas in the tummy and feel better soon! XOXO Renee`

Me too but the gas pains that come along with it are horrible! However, I can win any argument in my house by threatening to drink a glass of milk.

Good to know, I didn't know that about the D. Thanks! Renee`

I asked: complication rate any lawsuits and if so, what was the outcome how many of THIS PARTICULAR surgery have they performed how many days will you be in the hospital what is their choice in pain management will you be allowed to have a guest stay with you (even if in the U.S. some want someone with them) where do they see you in a year and is it close to your goal as well what hospital do they have privileges at is there a trauma and or I.C. unit Is everything state of the art and up to date? I asked those things because I wanted to know if I died, would they not only have the knowledge to bring me back but the resources and equipment to do it. Someone will chime in with more, but those are off the top of my head. Hope this helps! Renee`

Make sure you're eating enough. It sounds silly but those that keep eating through a stall have better luck because like Rootman said, the body then will let go of it's "stash" easier. Up the Protein and Water and you'll start moving in no time. Renee`

I'm fighting to get my life back and while fitting into an old pair of jeans would be amazingly awesome and will happen as a by product, that's not my goal. I have different priorities and it's taken me a little bit to realize it. Some have surgery to look better, some to feel better, some to live longer and some for all those reasons and more. I don't care what the scale says because that's not my goal. You will never hear me complain about being in a stall because I want to FEEL better and live longer, that's my priority. Evidence in what literature Emily? I would say that literature would be a fast track to frustrating and depressing the hell out of me, but that's just for myself. If you're a daily weigh-er, rock on! I am behind everyone 100%, I was just wondering who does it and does it lead to frustration that's really not necessarily healthy for their emotional well being. Renee`

Sneak hell, I'm bringing a stash! ROFL You just wait, woman! When you're next door begging for ice chips, I'm coming to your rescue with a baggie of ice cubes and telling you to lick it like a salt lick! LOL xoxo Renee` DayDreamer you just totally made my day! I'll be crossing my fingers for this to be my luck. I'll wake up and there will be a coffee sitting on the tray in front of me. WOOT!

I asked myself that same question and I answered "will I be alive when I'm 65 or 70 without it?" You have to weigh the pros and the cons for yourself. Also, a good surgeon will also weigh the pros and the cons before even performing the surgery: Do the benefits of this surgery outweigh the cons? If not, a reputable surgeon won't perform the surgery at all and will suggest other options. Renee`

please be very careful with laxatives because the body can become addicted to them and in the end (HA! sorry lol) make the issue worse. Apparently miralax is the one of choice. Iron is also constipating but if you need it, you need it...no way around that one.

I'm not going in until May 25th so I'm not at that point yet but I probably will get there. I *hope* I get to the numb stage, I'm more flighty normally and so I'll end up having panic attacks instead of a calmness. Renee`

It all comes down to who you feel comfortable with because you are quite literally putting your life in their hands. Who is the best surgeon? YOURS! Everyone thinks their choice is the absolute best and that's exactly why they made the choice they did, if that makes sense. In reality you can compare stats and complications and who has done the most and who has the best credentials but it all comes down to who makes you feel the most comfortable. Like I said, for me it was hands down Dr. Aceves in the end. Hope this helps you Renee`

Thank you so much for this reply! I'm going to have to remember it because my bp has always run low (even now that I'm heavy it's only "normal") and like you, it'll drop with the weight loss. TYVM! Renee`

so glad that you two are doing well and have had no setbacks! Each day forward and another step toward a healthy life! Renee`

I had a bit of help in this way because they knew all about it from Lynn (I call her MamaLynn and my kids call her Grandma, we're close as family) and so my kids got to see her results not only with her weightloss but also this was a woman that has had cancer, a stroke a heart attack etc. and they saw her numbers improve drastically and her almost immediately become full of energy and healthier. My kids are all for it but my youngest is adamant that I won't be going to Mexico without him. He's 18 and very very over protective of mom. Maybe explain to them and reiterate it to yourself just how healthy you will be if and when you decide to go forward with it. Renee`

I feel bad for you. There is no way I could do a test like that and I know this because I tried at Mayo clinic and had to stop it as well. I've always wondered why they didn't just do it with meds to begin with instead of putting me through the humiliation of failing. I really hope this doesn't impact your surgery! I don't think it will, they're just testing your heart right? They probably found no problems and you'll be ready to go in no time! Renee`

I have nothing of value to add, but I will say she'll definitely be in my thoughts and thank you so much for keeping us updated. Stay strong, this is a big bump in the road for you both. XOXO Renee`

**note to self - find stick to beat Laney.... LOL yeah you got me, luckily I got your email first, I knew exactly what you were off to "eat". Renee`

You can have a gallstone even without a gallbladder. It's rare but it happens! LOL