KatInFL

Me too! I have somewhere around 400 books in my Kindle library. I read really fast so the convenience has been amazing. I used to pack 2-3 books for a long weekend away but now, all I need is my Kindle! I almost always have 3-4 books waiting to be read. It's one of the most amazing gifts I've ever gotten...I cried when I opened it. <grin> ~Kat

Yes, please, keep us posted, Jamie! I hope you are able to get some rest. Update us if you feel up to it! My thoughts are with you. ~Kat

Yay! Congrats!! And thanks for sharing your experience. ~Kat

Now, I'll be there the same time as you! ~Kat

Good luck!! Keep us posted, if you feel up to it! ~Kat

I love, love, love mine. And I have the VST app on it, too, although I don't usually use it for that purpose. Typing on it seems to be a pain to me, so I'd rather sit at the computer. I'll be updating on it when I get to Mexico, though! ~Kat

So cool to see! Thanks for sharing. Now I'm wondering if I can get a picture of mine...lol. ~Kat

got me. Actually, it was less procrastination and more hoping I'd get an awesome deal on plane tickets. Anyhow, when I looked at plane tickets today they had doubled in price. Ack!! I called my surgeon's office right away and we decided it was best to just push surgery out for a week. I also found out that I'll be having surgery at florence Hospital rather than Mi Doctor. I haven't read too much yet, so not sure if that's a good thing or just a neutral thing. So...I'll be headed out on 3/28 with surgery on 3/29 with Dr. Illan. It actually works out better this way, as my best friend will be able to come stay with my son while I'm gone. ~Kat

Amy!! (((hugs))) I've been down and out with a nasty virus and a move but was thinking of you on Friday. I'm so, so glad that your travel went smoothly and, more importantly, your surgery went well! I hope your drain has been removed by now and you're feeling more comfortable. In any case, just wanted to let you know you were on my mind. ~Kat

<waving> Hi! I'm in Florida, too, farther north in Jacksonville. I'm not seeing Dr. Kelly, but rather Dr. Illan instead. I'll be there the week before you, but may see you in passing as I leave on 3/26. My surgery got moved from Mi Doctor to Hospital florence, which is the same hospital Dr. Kelly uses, I believe. I'm sure Lora will be a great resource for you in finding buddies who may not frequent this board. There are some patients of my doctor who have started a private Facebook group. If there isn't something similar for Dr. Kelly, it could be a good tool for you to create to get to know other patients using him. ~Kat

lol...yes, be glad you aren't constipated. That's definitely worse! But I can see where it would be frustrating to not be at your lightest possible weight when you weigh yourself. Maybe your body is just adjusting and will resume it's normal schedule after some time? ~Kat

Congrts on scheduling!! I think that's a huge hurdle, getting to that part. And you're right...the waiting is excruciating after you make a decision and schedule. I'm feeling it now! (scheduled for 3/22) ~Kat

I had two drains in my back when I had a spinal fusion a couple of years ago. They didn't hurt, per se, but were just sort of odd feeling. It didn't hurt when the Dr removed them, either...just a pulling sensation from a place you aren't used to feeling it. ~kat

Don't even get me started on my sparkling water. I might have a ceremony to say goodbye. I can't even wrap my brain around that yet. <sob> ~Kat

You and SweetTee are in my thoughts!! ~Kat

Crossing everything for you! Hopefully, you are just coming out of surgery and still sleeping. Update when you can....and congrats on being through with the waiting! ~Kat

Thanks for sharing your story! I've read previously that some people were surprised by slight differences in medical equipment...not that it was old or not working, but less cutting edge than things in the US. If I recall correctly, maybe a thermometer was one? Not critical items but you get used to seeing brand new, cutting edge technology that isn't necessarily used every where else. I'm glad you shared that and the rest of your experience. Fluency in English was one of the items on my spreadsheet when I was trying to decide on a surgeon. I'm so sorry to hear about the issue with a blood clot! How scary! It's fantastic that you did know what to look for and were able to get immediate attention. Fantastic news on your weight loss....best of luck in your continued success! ~Kat

I don't hate coffee, but living in Florida where it's often 80+ degrees in the morning for 8 months out of the year, it always seemed ridiculous to be drinking something hot. I might switch to unsweetened tea. I'm currently a big water drinker, after working last year to get my Diet Coke habit down from about 3 liters a day to about 20 oz. I don't like plain water, though, and usually am drinking water with True Lemon or a lime or something in it. I'm not too worried about the diuretic effect, though, of any caffeine I might get. ~Kat

I'm sure I'll miss carbs...bread, pastries, etc. I'm an admitted carb addict. I am thinking it will be kind of like being an ex-smoker. I don't miss smoking, not even a little bit. I don't like the smell and I always hated the taste. Sometimes, when I'm really, really stressed out, I think for a split second that a cigarette would be nice...but it passes pretty quickly. ~Kat

I think I'm going to miss my morning Diet Coke more than anything else. I don't drink coffee, so Diet Coke has been my morning source of caffeine for years. I know the carbonation is a no-no post-op so I will weaning myself over the next 3 weeks or so, until I start my pre-op diet. What do you think you'll miss the most, post-op? ~Kat

Good luck!! ~Kat

Yay!! I'm so excited for you. I'll be watching for updates. ~Kat

I'd be shocked if most people don't waiver, at least at ONE point, in this process. Whether it's about the Dr or going to Mexico or who to take with them (if anyone) or if this is the right choice...I think most of us waiver. It's a huge choice and for *me, that questioning is healthy. It's what is keeping me in check about whether or not I'm looking at this as a "fix" or a tool to create a total life change. You'll get there, with a Dr and making the decisions that are right for you. Just hang in there! ~Kat

Wow!!! You look amazing!!!! I love seeing the pictures that document change just one month out. It makes me so motivated to do work hard to in the hopes of getting great results, too. ~Kat

I'm so sorry you're struggling. It is a huge decision! If it makes you feel a little bit better, I changed my mind mid-stream and am ending up with a different doctor than I originally thought I'd choose. Now, I'm totally confident with my decision and just am excited for the time to arrive! Are you a list maker? I made a spreadsheet when I was initially attempting to choose and it helped me a lot. ~Kat