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You'll be in my prayers. Keep us posted as to your progress.

Good luck & I'll say a prayer for you. Please keep us posted as to your progress. Thanks.

Where did you get your bracelet from? Please share so we can order one. Thanks.

Thanks for the info. Who would've thought? But, makes sense. I've worked in the security/law enforcement fields all my career & would not have thought about NOT having a stomach makes a difference to emergency personnel & the treatments offered.

I've seen several treadmills on HSN and was wondering which one was really good. Thank you for telling me about your buying experience with HSN as I'm seriously considering buying one from them. I've already checked out a couple Craigslist ads and either the seller wants to much money (cash up front), or the units are worn and not worth the asking prices. A couple have really been beat-up & the seller is asking way too much $$$. The thing is, everyone wants cash first. At least with HSN I can find one that fits my budget. It's much easier making a $139.99 payment vs a $600-800 payment.

@likasulema, I think it's OK to drink that bottle of BBQ sauce as long as it has no sugar, no calories, no fat. Now make a bottle of BBQ sauce like that and you'd be rich

Stop thinking negatives & go with the positives. Your body, mind & soul need you. Positive=better vibes. You've come this far down your chosen path & know in your heart that all will be well. You are in my prayers. Please keep us posted. Thanks.

Rebecca, to be nervous is a natural reaction. Your parents are great for taking you shopping to get your mind off the surgery. They sound like a great support team. Think positive in knowing you're doing what's right for YOU! You'll be in my prayers. Good luck & please keep us up to date with your progress. And what you're doing is just that: progress.

Congratulations on your date. Think positive & you'll be in my prayers. I like your accomplishments check-off list. Please keep us updated.

Good luck and God speed to you.

Thanks all for the suggestions. I completely forgot about Craigslist. Christie, I don't imagine you live close to me (Seattle), but thanks for the offer.

Anyone have any input or recommendations for a treadmill? Looking to spend between $500.00 & $800.00. Any comments about the treadmills advertised/sold on HSN? At least they have payment plans, but don't know if what they sell is good. Thanks.

I guess my question with having surgery done in Mexico, what happens if something does go wrong? Will your medical insurance pay for fixing WSL not performed in the USA? And what about other complications or health issues that arise from the surgery? I can see an insurance company telling you that since you paid out-of-pocket for a medical procedure they didn't support, now you must pay for your own repairs

I know what you mean about the airplane seats! Pretty soon we'll all be sitting on stools. LOL. I too travel a lot between Seattle & Hawaii and my comfort is just not there. I don't understand how the airline industry measures seat width for some semblance of passenger comfort. They must think everyone weighs 100-lbs., is 5-foot tall, and have no legs. I go back for an endoscopy & a few more blood tests on June 7th. The next step is to wait for Medicare approval then set a surgery date. Good luck on your journey.

"But, even with all these problems, I am lucky. I have a great job, a very very supportive boyfriend and a great life! Sorry this is post is jumbled, I just needed to get all this out! Feels good to get it out and be able to deal with it!" @naterbug you have a lot going for you; good job, boyfriend (support), attitude. Stay positive & remember to take one baby-step at a time. Prayers coming your way from Seattle, WA.

IMHO it shouldn't be a matter of speed-to-the-operation-table, but a slow steady process. Everything, or as much as possible, needs to be considered. Weight loss surgery is a big thing in one's life. I think of how many years it took to add/gain all those pounds. Just take things slow & follow a plan. Baby-steps, if you will. I share the anxiousness everyone has.

Good going & good for you

I'm so poor, I can't even pay attention! Thanks for the feedback. I too believe the sleeve to be the best form of weight-loss surgery, but unless I win a lottery, the cards dealt me are RNY or Lap-Band. I was leaning towards the band, but after viewing all the horror stories on YouTube, I have a different perspective.

Thanks @Pookeyism so much for your feedback & suggestions. Going into this, I was really (only) looking at VSG, but without financial support from Medicare, I cannot afford any weight loss surgery out-of-pocket (retired). I didn't think about what happens if the Lap-Band fails and have to have it removed. Good point!

Hi all. Just to update my progress, I spent the better part of 5-hours at Swedish Hospital yesterday (Seattle, WA) going through various introductions to team member, procedures, an EKG, psychiatric evaluation, photos & body measurements, nutritionists & meeting with the doctor (Dr. McMahon). I was impressed with the level of sincerity & knowledge of everyone present. My first question to the doctor was about Medicare supporting/paying for vertical sleeve surgery and he told me that Medicare does not support it. I even asked if I could participate in a study group (if one was available) and again he said the hospital had no such group & Medicare would not support it. He went on to say that it may be a long time coming before Medicare does pay for VSG, but as of today, they won't. So, my choices for WLS are whittled down to two options: Lap-Band & Roux-en-Y. After looking over all my medical records, he recommended the RNY procedure for me. I said I had my heart set on VSG surgery, but that I would consider the Lap-Band (Plan: , mostly because it appeared to be the simplest & less invasive. He stated that the RNY procedure is the "Gold Standard" of weight loss surgery & would be the best for me due to my Type-II diabetes & other health problems (sleep apnea, high blood pressure, etc.). Then I met with one of the head nurses & she quite emphatic about the fact that unless my blood sugar levels were not at 150 or lower for a 2-week period (documented) prior to WLS, the doctor would not operate. My blood test prior to going to the hospital was 176, so needless to say, I'm bummed! Still have to go back for additional lab tests and an endoscopy to be performed by Dr. McMahon (June 7).

I'll mention your Dad in my prayers tonight. He's a few steps ahead of me in that I'll be visiting my doctor tomorrow morning for the first time.

Welcome aboard Eager12. Will be saying prayers for you on your surgery day. Stay positive. Everything will get better & better :-)

Sending special thoughts your way. God bless & watch over you.

I like your attitude:"On a good note you've lost 24 lbs." Keep up the positives. You're in my prayers.