citygal

I'm in a frantic rush at work to get things done before I leave for San Diego tomorrow. Since the universe has a sense of humor my last 48 hours has been a series of quirky things.. 1. one entire side of my walk in closet fell to the floor resulting in ALL My clothes and shoes landing in a pile....I've had to sleep on my couch for hte past two nights becuase my bed is literally covered in clothes, bags, accessories (did I mention I am a clothes horse?) Maybe this is God's way to tell me I need to spring clean 2. I started my period 10 days early (stress will do that) 3. I couldn't find my passport and had to tear through the house looking for it....I always keep it in the same place....oye! It's finally found 4. Oh yeah...earthquake in mexicali, rocked my "world" So I'm taking a deep breath...and getting on a jet plane tomorrow. Please keep this crazy red head in your prayers and good intentions.

I had a very challenging conversation today with 2 of my friends who are convinced I am going to be so miserable after my surgery that I can't fly home alone. Up to this point all I've had is support and positive energy. Although I KNOW my friends love me I literally felt like a rock em sock em doll when I was done talking to them. I told them how I was feeling attacked and they slowed up their quesitons but they are convinced my flying home alone from Mexicali is dangerous and that I could have serious medical issues becuase nobody is with me... Having a companion won't elminate any risk I have...I belive it means I could have someone advocate for me if there was a problem...but I really feel this is a journey I need to do for me and alone. So...today I have PMS, took an emotional sock to the stomach and am feeling worn out.

I'm still a "go" for travel Thursday and surgery Friday....wish I could sneak you in with me as well!! Will keep you posted. grace

Kathy- I think you are remarkable....considering you must be on pins and needles you've been really "calm and cool" thorugh all of this. Keep us posted on how you are doing and if you get pushed back anymore it's possible you and I will cross paths down there.

I know my friends are freaked out, but if the power and all is restored, I am still planning on going this week. I understand your feeling stressed out...my freinds (although well intended) are writing me every 5 minutes. I certainly would make sure you connect with Nina before heading down there....keep me posted on what you decide to do....this is crazy! I'm really wondering how the folks that were in the hospital are doing?

Just checking in on the folks who are in Mexicali or flying down today or tomorrow for thier sugeries. I am scheudled to fly out Thursday and NOW my friends are freaking out. They are worried about aftershocks during my procedure. I heard some of the hospitals can postponed procedures for today and were on generators. Come hell or high Water....may have now be come hell or earthquake! I hope everyone there is safe and recuperating....please keep us posted

I got a note from Nina...since I am traveling there on Thursday. She says the staff and hospital are fine. They may have to look at another hospital for sugeries for tomorrow but doesn't think right now they will be rescheudling anything later in the week. I am glad everyone is ok. She said some things fell off the walls but nothing more....

When I had my band, I asked my local chinese place to sell me "non wonton/wonton soup" they just sold me the broth which is 1000% more delish than plain broth. They just came up with a price to charge me....might be worth asking...

What a lovely dilemma....clothes too big!! Although you have ton of suggestions and support but if you don't mind I have one for suggestion for donation: Groups like dress for success and Career Closet help women re-entering the work force and they are usually desperate for plus sized clothes. Just another option for you. Ps...I have to admit I wish I had a little bit of spring cleaning fever!! My condo could use a good turn with the broom....perhaps I'll be inspired!

You are a grown woman who can "keep company" with anyone you choose. They aren't asking so it's obviously not an issue for them right now. If and when...then you can decide what you want to do. I've been single/dating a long time. Even at 300 pounds I've had everything from boyfriends....to casual dates... Live it up honey...you deserve it.

Hi Kota- I am scheudled for the band to sleeve revision with Dr. Aceves on Friday. If you send me a private messeage with your email I will happily forward you the info I was sent when I signed up. The pricing for a band to sleeve revision is more expensive than just a sleeve...which totally makes sense since it is more complicated. I love my voice for 6 weeks with the band (acid reflux induced laryngitis) and when I loved to Philly I could not find a Dr who would fill my band since they didn't do the surgery. I did have a dr in NYC that I could work with...but had lots of problems with overfills. THe only way I lost weight with my band towards the end was to be so restricted I would get dehydrated. Good luck to you!

Yeah!!! I'm scheudled for Friday so happily reading your updates. Hope you both had a speedy recovery and I just made a note to back some "trashy" magazines!! All the best...

Hi there! I am having surgery next Friday. I checked out this thread, since I am already committed to doing the 3 day 60 miles Susan G Komen walk in Novemeber and really need to get my training in. I did the walk in Philly in October (at 280 pds) but I trained for 7 months to get ready. I did 4 miles yesterday, but at the height of my training last year I was doing 18 miles on Saturday then 12 miles on Sunday. My thinking is athough I have to be thoughtful about recuperating....if I can walk 18 miles at 280 pounds...I KNOW I can push through and find the energy I will need to work out after my surgery. THe walk was the first time in 30 years I had execercised and I'm grateful I did it....but I have to say the minute the walk was over I STOPPED and gained 20 pounds...which put me at 300. The damn extra weight has made it hard to mentally and physically get it together...but I KNOW excercise is a key to my long term health and success. Sending you great wishes for your surgery and a speedy recovery!!

I am less than a week from my surgery and my friends have created a "team" to support me before and after. Although I know some of them are really worried about the fact I have chosen to go to Mexico and go there alone...they are supporting my decision. One of my friends leads our corporate travel function so she gets all the international security alerts...and Mexico is a level 4....I keep tell her I live in center city Philly and that's probably a 5...LOL I am grateful they are not throwing some of the judgement and resistance I have read some folks on here have experienced. Interestingly there are a few folks I am choosing not to tell. I am grown woman who has made this decision. If diet and excercise alone could work for me....they would have by now. I need a tool and this weight is killing me...slowly...but it's killing me. So my supportive friends know...and everyone else can wonder what the hell I'm doing as the weight comes off! I'm excited and ready...

Kathy- Safe travels and speedy recovery to you!! I fly down to Mexicali on Thursday for my surgery. I will keep you in my prayers...

Awesome idea! I am doing a facial 3 days after I get back from Mexico and will have my haircut and colored as well. Have a safe and rapid recovery!! I surgery is next Friday in Mexicali...

Thank you so much for your reply...we will have to keep track of each other.....one other rule that people have shared with me for long term success is NOT to drink during meals.... I ignored that when I had my lapband and I wish I hadn't. the band wasn't the right long term solution for me, but I the drinking with meals rule is the one I ingnored right from the beginning. I really just have to follow the directions.....

It's a gorgeous day in Philly. I am one week away from my band to sleeve revision with Dr. Aceves. I've been calling all my close friends (one at a time) to tell them about my decision to have this procedure. I am blessed they have been so supportive. Being 130 pounds overweight is killing me. Just getting out of a low chair or having to walk long distances is a struggle. Last October I lead a team of women on the 3 day, 60 mile walk for Susan G. Komen.. I trained like a crazy woman since I was so fat and was worried that I couldn't do it. We raised a ton of money...the walk was only 1 day becuase Philly had horrible weather...so I walked 17 miles one day....I was fat...but felt strong. Today...I walked 7 blocks to my office from home and was sweating and winded when I got here. I've gained 30 pounds in the past 6 months and it feels like a 1000. I know that I am not meant to live a diminished life. I am having this surgery becuase I hear the clock ticking on my own mortality. Fears of loose skin and a sagging face do haunt me....but not as much as dying the death of person who is morbidly obese.

You are all so AWESOME!! These are great tips and I updating my list. I'm buying some really comfy slip on pants for the trip home....I have to tell you....I am so ready to have my procedure. All of the comments about Dr. Aceves are helping my friends feel more comfortable with this.... I'm single and have no biological family so my friends really are my heart....thank you all for sharing your tips with me.... Happy Spring everyone!!

I'm a week away from my sleeve surgery.....so I can't cheer you on from "that side" of the process. I just wanted to send so good mojo to you. Being honest...telling the truth and getting it out of your system is a great and healthy thing to do.... Cheering you on from Philly!!

As a suggestion...DON"T buy one...I fly 100K miles a year...I know its mortifying but just ask the flight attendent as you are boarding...(also you can board early...they always do an announcement for folks who need more time getting down the jetway)...be kind to yourself and just get on early....tell the gate agent you just had a "procedure" and need a bit more time...THEY WON"T QUESTION THAT!! As you get on...tell the flight attendent in your cabin you will need an extender...since you are on early, you won't have to be embarrassed doing this in the big crush. use it...be COMFORTABLE...when that flight is over...PUT THE EXTENDER IN YOUR PURSE!!! Use it on your way home and then leave it on the plane.... Saves you the hassle/embarassement of having to ask. Seriously I am a hardcore flyer and have been humliated enough by mean flight attendents and passengers who look at me like I am disgusting. I have sat next to people who literally are rude and smell...so don't you dare let this bother you... Just call me your warrior sister in the sky!!! Grace

Thank you soooo much. This is exactly what I am looking for. I now am starting a list of items and will get myself a heating pad and slippers (I don't have either at home) I hope you are on the mend and I will keep looking for you on here to cheer you on!

Hi there....I am scheudled for my procedure with Dr. Aceves next week. All of his materials state you must have a deposit (mine was $500) to him by 10 days before the procedure, but full payment is due when you arrive at hospital. this is right out of the materials they sent me: If your deposit is not sent 10 days before surgery make sure it is sent priority mail so that it gets here on time or contact your patient coordinator to make credit card payment online. Please do not send overnight, delivery comfirmation or signature comfirmation; this is not possible at PO Boxes. The balance will be due at the time of admittance to the hospital please see information on page 3 for methods of payment allowed. If you decide to cancel your surgery, your deposit is refundable as long as you cancel 7 days before surgery. Hope this is helpful..

I'm new here as well....just sending you an ocean of good wishes!

Hi Missy- I had lapband surgery in 2007 and went from 350ish to about 270. Today I weighed in at 301. I 've had serious issues with acid reflux induced laryngitis (lost my voice for 6 weeks) and when I moved to Philadelphia...no doctors here will do my fills becuase they didn't do my procedure. I have decided to do the sleeve but I am self pay. Just wanted to say you aren't the only one who had issue with the band...and I am sending you an ocean of good wishes... My surgery is next friday in Mexicali with Dr. Aceves. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.. Grace