Shape_Shifter

I've been with my PCP for 17 years. He is always ready to give free samples and only charges $35 per visit (we had no insurance). Tried various methods for weight loss surgery. However, when I was having problems with my feet and ended up doing laser surgery I hadn't seen him until afterwards. I could see the disappointment in his face like I had wasted my money and should have seen him first (BTW up until i started wearing heels again it was the best medical decision I made). I am a low BMI. I've made this decision after doing a lot of research and talking with a friend who has been through WLS (not sleeve). I fail at every diet I've ever done. I know once I do this I can't go back. I know the complications. Bottom line, I'm not asking. Not him, not my husband, not the 4 nurses in my family. I will see PCP before going just to update him incase of emergency and get prescriptions filled, etc. before leaving. I do not think he would be supportive. But he has also seen me baloon 60 lbs in 17 years, so maybe he would be supportive. Not taking the chance.

I'm probably posting in the wrong spot but I shot for the "mexico" angle. Many sleevers have said that the broth they got in Mexico was the best. I'm trying to stock up on things I would need for post-surgery since I work 2 jobs and will not have time to shop when I return. Does anybody have a recipe for this magical mexican broth?

I asked a question "what do you want to do when you are healthy." So many people responded with so many great ideas that I've added to mine. I decided I'd like to keep my list in a convenient place. This is an ongoing list. I will add and delete as I see fit. I will add dates completed if and when I do it. Always looking for ideas. 1. Skydiving - AFF 2. Scuba Lessons 3. Pole Dancing Lessons (doesn't mean I'll ever be coordinated) 4. Wear a bikini at my own pool 5. Take "sexy" photos (no, not that sexy) 6. Take family photos 7. Run in Zombie obstacle course -- scheduled October 2012! 8. Wear single digit pants 9. Wear a sundress that doesn't require a bra to hold the fat in 10. Tattoo of hibiscus w/2 lizards (one for each of my kids/blue eyed and brown eyed) 11. Get new drivers license with biggest smile ever seen! 12. Get new bras that don't need to accommodate for side boobs -now using older, smaller bra 13. Mud Volleyball Charity July 2013!

full-coverage briefs -- nope, but "regular" and call them suckers thongs. lol

The one excuse I don't miss. I will never again wear panty hose unless i absolutely have to. But youre so right--panty hose at this weight is an absolutely miserable experience and must have been invented by a scrawny man.

thank you everyone. I was planning on only bringing capris due to August heat but if i get to wear the glorious stockings guess i'll want sweats instead. never would have thought of tampax since my TOM is unpredictable. Will be sure to pack.

I have been in contact with Omar several times since Sunday. After calling him (due to problems with my computer emailing) he immediately emailed me information. He texted to follow-up on a couple of questions I had. However, when I tried to email back my email was rejected. I finally emailed my information to his alternate email address. I would highly suggest calling. He is extremely friendly and helpful. I am always leary about putting my phone number out there due to sales pressure, unwanted calls, etc. I have not had any regret calling them. Good luck.

Don't think I'm interested in 5k. I like to be able to do it and know that its a choice (lol) not too. However, there is a Zombie obstacle course run that I would love to do. However, ever seen those shirts "I don't have to run fast, just faster than you" or something along those lines to survive a Zombie attack. (Yes, big walking dead fan). I do not want to be Otis!

You look great!

Decided not to quite go cold turkey. Usually start with a large McDonalds diet coke in the am and then a couple of sodas throughout the day, ending with sweet tea at home with dinner. Yep. hurts to say it. Anyway, got a medium diet coke this morning and 4 bottles of Water so I could accurately count my water. I'm only down 1 bottle and I'm alrady feeling ill. haven't even got to the future headache yet. don't know why plain water makes me feel so damn ill. going to the store to get flavored add ins. Hoping to make it so I appreciate 1 diet coke a day for now and caffeine free in the evenings for a week or two.

Nothing like grabbng a size that should fit, trying to get it on only to discover that the evil clothing manufacturing devils have once again put a label on it but forgot to proportionaly increase the arms/bust ratio for that size person! So you have a 1x shirt with 12 arms. Evil people. Now you are stuck, overheated and royally pissed! You just wanna go hulk on the damn shirt and leave it in questionable shreds in the changing room.

I can wear a mask. lol

--ankles! the bone should protrude. --being able to shave bikini area without guessing --enjoying a short skirt...one thats not attached to a bathing suit --thighs that don't rub together like a damn cricket and pants that don't wear out there first due to friction. --being able to buy stretch jeans because it makes them comfy--not out of pure necessity otherwise you have to admit you are larger

Thought of one other guilty dream...go to Mardi Gras and end up with ALOT of beads. lmao Doubt they'd be perky enough though lol

now this is getting interesting. i like the idea of having a video of my surgery. don't know that i could watch it but...it would be tempting. especially if it was AFTER it was done. hmmmm i'm getting excited. texted Omar not expecting to hear from him today since its his day off. he texted back, told me my date that i want was free and told me i don't need to rush and get a passport. just need my birth certificate and drivers license. one less thing i need to worry about. now i need to figure out how to begin to get ready. approx. 6 weeks out. 1. need to stop my caffeine addiction. 2. once caffeine is beat i need to beat the diet soda addiction. i don't smoke. not sure what else i should be doing to prepare. any ideas?

not me i want to get out of the shower and let it all hang out, not try to cover it. lol

funny...my daughter will probably watch and then somehow trick me into watching.

if it wasn't going to be done to me i could probably watch. but i'm scared if i watch i won't get it done. maybe after...

I just read your blog and I've officially made up my mind. Kelly & his team. Thank you for taking the stress and not knowing what to expect out of the equation. Your pictures helped alot. Not sure if i missed it but didyou do the barium swallow and get pictures to take home to your doctor? I will speak to Omar next week and put a rush on my passport. Thank you!!!!!!!!

Good luck! keep us posted on your progress. Hopefully I won't be long now. Leaning towards Kelly just on number of surgeries per day alone.

Thank you both. barbdoll--you are right up the road from me. lol i'm in Frederick, md. CJ-did you have to stay in San Diego overnight? I'm hoping to avoid the extra expense. Also, my understanding is the gas pain is from the gas in the cavity, not something that gas-x would help. Am I misunderstanding?

sorry, i should have been clear. on the stomach he does staple & sew. He didn't elaborate on the exterior. I assumed the glue or staples since the incision holes are small. but that is just an assumption Does Kelly glue exterior? I like the idea of not having to see a doctor when i return.

Did anyone have their primary care doctor give them medication to take with them? gas, blood clots, pain meds, etc. I am seeing my primary care doctor next week and would like to have whatever i may need well before hand. I think i tolerate pain well, but then who realy knows. My mother thinks she does too but she literally wails (sp). Maybe i suck it up to much or I wail and don't realize it. never had surgery before so i would rather be prepared than unprepared

Even though I am not going to a local surgeon i attended one of the free seminars. The doctor explained that he used staples AND he over-sewed the staples. Does anyone know if the doctors in Mexico do this as well?

emptynester -- was all the medication needed included and did you have to spend hte night in SAn Diego? Another doctor picks up only once at 9am so you pretty much have to be there the night before. did you have a drain?