2BThinAlways

My surgery is $4500 plus airfare and a hotel night before the surgery. I feel fortunate to have found a doctor who is both affordable (for me) and experienced so that I could just go ahead and get it done

I decided around the third week in January and scheduled for March 27 ... but I think I could have likely booked something in mid-February. I booked later because of my own scheduling needs.

I'm not saying this to lecture, but just in case there is a chance that you are unaware: eating any sorts of solid foods this early after surgery can cause your stomach to leak, which can become a life-threatening complication. I'm not judging you; every single one of us struggles or we wouldn't be here. I hope that you find the way to keep your eating safe for you and your sleeve. Hugs!

Anger's a really strong trigger for me too You did well!

It's definitely a shock to the system! Hang in there

I used to ride horses but I haven't for maybe 25 years ... it's definitely on my to-do list when I get smaller

Capt, I'm so excited for you Sounds like you are right on track! Have you got a bunch of post-op clear Protein Drinks as well? Fingers crossed for you that your cold clears up entirely before surgery. I got a flu shot on Friday because I've been paranoid about getting sick before or after surgery ... Please keep us posted!!

Similar dream last night, only this time it was a spoonful of mashed potatoes immediately after surgery (as if!) ... I guess my subconscious mind is really working on all my anticipation and anxiety

That's so cool!

Exactly my reason as well.

I'm doing it alone too, but I'm already lucky enough to know of someone else from here who is also going on the same day

I've booked my surgery for March 27 and it's been a few weeks since I booked so I guess my subconscious has had some time to work with this ... and last night I had the craziest dreams. In my first dream, I had just been sleeved, woke up, and was making my way home. And on my way home I was snacking on almonds. Suddenly (still in my dream), I realized what I was doing and was horrified! I was going to ruin my sleeve, get a leak, and all sorts of disastrous things because here I was absentmindedly munching on almonds hours after my surgery! When I woke up for a few moments, I was SO relieved that it was just a dream. I wonder, did anyone else get these sorts of anxiety dreams about "what if I eat the wrong things"? On the bright side, after I fell asleep again, I kept dreaming about life post-sleeve and dreamed about being in a thinner, lighter body with a vividness I have never had in my waking imagination

Great advice, thank you so much!!

Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing your experience! Did you spend the night in San Diego the third night after your surgery? I'm tempted to do that too. I'm also going to be flying back to Canada after the surgery. Was there a lot of walking at the airport in San Diego? I'm a bit nervous because I occasionally tend to have low blood pressure and faintness and I'm going to be traveling alone... Loved reading your account and I'm so excited for you!

I'm fully expecting to feel exactly the same anger you do. We have been treated as "less than" so consistently and for so long. I'm glad we're talking about it. Thank you for writing this post!

Helen, congratulations! Your photos are amazing ... I absolutely could not recognize you in your before picture! Inspiring!

Neat list If you are sleeved, be careful about celery (google "bezoar" ... not something you'd want to happen). I also think that pomegranate seeds might not be a good idea too (but they are so delicious).

March 27 here!

So did I! I'm so excited for her

Congrats, you look great and so happy!

Good luck, circa! Looking forward to hearing everything!

Great to see you here, Capt Derel! I think circa's sleeving is today, if I'm not mistaken -- good luck, circa!

Happy birthday, good luck!!

I've set the group so that only approved members can read or post on the forum, by the way. I chose Dr. Almanza because he seems to have many successful, happy patients and because, paying for this surgery out of my own pocket, the clinic is what I can afford. But it seems that whenever Dr. Almanza is mentioned, people want to jump in with criticisms of the clinic because it's small and not a real hospital. I want a safe place where those who are ACTUALLY his patients can discuss the pros and cons of their experiences honestly and opening without a lot of extra noise and controversy

I created this group to be a private place where those of us who have chosen Dr. Almanza can support one another and share tips and experiences. I am scheduled for my VSG on March 27 and I'm happy to finally be doing this for myself :smile1: Welcome!