mesaucedo

Mine is March 23rd! I am super excited!

Hi everyone! I had yet another question for you all! When you cut out sugar and caffeine, for pre-op diet or post-op, did you have any withdrawals? If so, how long did they last? My pre-op diet begins the week before finals and continues through finals. I would really to get rid of sugar and caffeine now so I don't have to deal with any withdrawals during my studying. But if they weren't that bad, they may be manageable. Any info would be great!

I am going with Kelly, and don't have any doubts. I was scheduled with Garcia but changed my mind after looking more into his credentials. I don't really care about bedside manner or how "Christian" my doctor is. I look for a good record, one death is not a big deal, and experience. Some of the best doctors in the world are rude and liars but when they cut someone open they know what to do. Just what I look for in a surgeon....

I am currently working with Trish, my surgery is the 23rd of March, and she seems fine with Dr. Kelly to me. Has said nothing but nice things about him. So I don't know.

I am still pre-op but I have been taking Hair and Nails plus, I noticed my nails were stronger but it gave me an upset stomach so I switched to GNC's beBeautiful Vita-pack. It irritates me much less and I have noticed my skin is getting better. Maybe too early to tell for hair. It is pricey, but I got mine on sale for $19 for a 30 day supply. I am nearing the end of 1 month on it.

Mine is on the 23rd! Maybe I will see you there!

I know how you feel!! My mom is this tiny 5 foot 98 pound woman with huge boobs and hair! I, on the other hand, am 5'6" and about 2 and a half times her weight! She always said stuff like "Your arms are so saggy, why don't you lift weights while you do your hw or watch tv?" "Why don't you just stop eating so much?", "I worked out and got fit, why can't you?" As soon as I mentioned the VSG all I have been hearing is: "You better not get smaller than me!" "I think you should stop at a 12" "You would look weird thin" "Are you sure you want to do this?" I love my mum - but it is like never ending nagging! Geez. :/

I have a Health O Meter glass scale that also does a BMI, body fat percentage and water percentage. I am pretty sure these are not 100% accurate but I like it! I figure at least the BMI is correct!

Oh I did! I have three videos up, they are just talking about my journey so far. I am due to be sleeved in March so I have quite a ways! Check it out, it is mesaucedo1

I spoke with someone who was just there, they said it had been converted to another patient room. I will now be at florence hospital. Thanks! Also, just to let everyone know I did get the refund, it has to be done over the phone now which Linda hadn't told me. I had to call Sandy and find out what was going on! It does seem more secure this way!

Andy, I switched because of the facility. My family has a history of heart problems and I just started experiencing heart palpitations. As you know, Dr. Garcia does not work at a full hospital with cardiac arrest equipped ICU. I decided to go to Kelly because the hospital is a little better prepared for that kind of thing. I do very much like Dr. Garcia though!

I am a strong believer in Vitamin E oil. I am severely accident prone and often fall, cut, trip or harm myself in some other way. I have tried many things to get rid of scars and what I have found that works best is Vitamin E oil right away. As soon as I get my cuts I slather on the oil every day and night and bandage it up. It feels gross and sticky at first, but I have gotten used to it. I cut my face up pretty badly about 3 years ago, right by my eye, I used the oil and reapplied it every three - four hours and you can barely see the scar from the 2 inch gash!

I have used juicing fasts many times, as a quick way to lose a few pounds (I know, bad!) and also as a way to cleanse my body. Juicing is completely different from buying pre-made juices. You do not add sugar or really anything but the fruits and veggies. I have a really nice juicer, that was purchased for my father when he was sick, and it has the option of adding in all the fiber in a pulp form. My juices never exceeded 300 calories because I used mostly vegetables. I also rarely finished a whole drink. I like to add carrots and celery to most juices for a healthier kick. I sometimes add a kale powder and Protein powder if I am going to eat it as a meal. When I juice, it is usually only juicing for a week or so. It makes me feel so energized and gets my digestive system back on track. I would try to find recipes that involved lots of vegetables instead of fruit and try a few!

Hi Mrs. Sweny. I wish I could be of more help, but I haven't done my surgery yet. I am very familiar with all liquid diets though! What exactly are you drinking? Some liquids, like juices, have a ton of sugar and just as many calories as regular food! Count all your calories to make sure you have drastically reduced them. Hang in there! I am sure it is tough but I think it is worth it!

Hi everyone, I recently decided to switch doctors and talked to Linda about getting a refund for my $500 deposit. Does anyone know how long it takes to get this back? I sent it via online wire through that one website. Thanks!

Lacie you look so amazing! I agree that you looked gorgeous before and still even more after! I can't wait to start my journey!

Susan, it is an at home laser hair system. It is this little hand held machine with a laser and you use it right after shaving. It is pretty pricey though, I paid 350 for mine but I think they have gone down since then. It kind of hurts on some spots - but no more than a rubber band snap. I love it though! They have a website at triabeauty.com

You look amazing!! I love that black shirt!

I have seen a lot of people say sugar free gatorade and Powerade as well. Also, all the things you drink count towards your liquid ounces for the day! Good luck!

I have been having food funerals for about two weeks now and have gained a bit of weight Every time I see delicious food I think, "I won't be able to eat this for a very long time" or "I might not be able to tolerate this cake again" and I overindulge. I decided today, that I am going to start slowly substituting some meals for a shake or maybe some Snacks. I drank two shakes today, one for Breakfast and one for lunch, and was surprisingly full! My surgery is on March 23rd and I hope I get that disinterested feeling that you have! Goodluck!

I was thinking about this too. I am getting sleeved during my Spring Break, but have class about a week and a half after. I bike to and from class and work. Would a week and a half be enough time? It is pretty light biking for about 40 mins total a day.

Oh I totally agree with the hair thing! I love the way my curly hair looks in a messy bun but I always think it makes my face look huge!

Oh I know! I too like the idea of looking cute in clothes that don't make me look like Meryl Streep, I am very fond of layers right now! Getting to class looking crisp, not like I biked uphill for 45 mins when in reality it was 10 on flat ground! Feeling confident again!

You just got me so excited to get my surgery!!! I haven't worn my 18s in a year, I can't imagine that feeling of slipping them on!!

This is one of the reasons I decided to do self pay in Mexico. My insurance wanted me to do a 6 month diet plan before even considering approval. The only catch was that if my BMI dropped below 40 I would no longer be eligible for the coverage because I don't have any comorbidities. It was just so ridiculous. Insurance companies suck.