ravenjeh

While on the subject, I have another question. Do you guys think the barium swallow is really important post op? I don't think my surgeon does it, unless he does it only a couple of hours after surgery because he does the sleeve as an outpatient procedure. I see him on Tuesday and I will definitely ask if he does it, but I think I would feel better if I had one...

Have you guys heard the latest snack craze the kids are eating these days? They are called Pickle Pops. They are just frozen pickle juice. I had never heard of them until my mom's foster son came home from school telling us that they sell them during break. I don't really think its a very good idea to feed our children so much sodium, but if you guys are dying for a little taste, I'm sure a bite or two of one wouldn't hurt ya. Google "frozen pickle juice" and you'll find some recipes.

I've wondered this too. My surgeon only requires routine bloodwork, UA, EKG and a chest x-ray, all done by your PCP (he doesn't do any lab work himself). Perhaps this is to help out us self-payers. Luckily, I'm heathy as a horse (besides being obese) so I don't think any of the extra tests would be too beneficial for me.

Welcome to the club! This place is such an invaluable resource. I lurk on here periodically throughout the day and learn something new everyday. It's awesome

Does anyone know if Vitamin World will give you samples of protein shakes before you buy them? I think I heard that GNC does that... I'm pre-op and ready to stock up but want to taste before I waste (money, that is)

94 lbs in a year is AMAZING!!!! Don't fool yourself; that is incredible! What diet could have ever given you those results before the sleeve? Girl, go strut your stuff and have an awesome anniversary with your hubby! You deserve it after all of your hard work

Well put! You are such an inspiration, LilMissDiva! Thank you for this encouraging post!

Woo hoo, looking good! Can't wait until I feel sexy again! lol

LOVE the dress! Congrats!!

Wow, that's not long at all! You guys will be on the loser's bench in no time!

I am so paranoid that something is going to happen between now and next month. Since I am still in the saving the last pennies stage, I'm so afraid that something will happen and I won't be able to save the last little bit. We were afraid that happened yesterday; my husband is a police officer and his shift changed without any notice which meant he couldn't work his part-time job with his new hours. But praise the Lord that he was able to switch his part-time shifts around to keep both jobs. I tell you, I was on pins and needles all day yesterday! I cannot WAIT until surgery morning and all of this is over! The excitement is a bit like Christmas morning, lol.

Congrats!!! How exciting!

So glad to hear you are doing so well!! Congrats!

Hope everything went well! Keep us updated!

Has anyone used Dr. Jose Rodriguez in Juarez? I've been scouring the internet trying to find surgeons in Mexico that work with finance companies. I've been denied by them all, but I found that Dr. Rodriguez has In House Financing for those that have been denied before (a large down payment required.) I called and the scheduler said that she would get back with me on Monday or Tuesday to let me know if I was accepted or denied. His resume looks impressive and the hospital looks nice. I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with him. Thanks for any info you can give me!

Ok, my surgery is going to be outpatient in a different state, but the dr requires you to stay for 2-3 days post op in a local hotel so he can make "house calls" to check on you. Anyway, I'm thinking about getting a hotel room with a jacuzzi in it. I figured it would feel really nice on a swollen, bloated body. So how soon were you allowed to take a bath instead of a shower post op?

Yeah, I guess I didn't think about that! Which is weird since I am a germ-a-phobe, lol. Oh well, maybe my husband can enjoy the jacuzzi, lol.

Wow, congrats! You look awesome! And cute dress, btw I can't wait until I can wear dresses again!!

INCREDIBLE!!! Thank you so much for posting this- it is such a huge inspiration to us pre-oppies! I pray that I come close to the results that you have! I know your daughter is so proud

I, too, am in LOVE with Joseph's Flax/bran pitas! I've been buying them from walmart for a while now, and they do not taste "healthy". Only 60 calories each, only a few carbs, and you get 6 for $2.12 where I live. I haven't tried the lavash ones, but I use the pitas for panini and quesedillas. Yum!

I have been researching WLS for a couple of years now, knowing that my husband and I could not easily afford it. It wasn't until a few months ago that I found out I could get the sleeve done in Mexico for 1/3 to 1/2 of the price. I was denied over and over again by the medical finance companies that work with the surgeons. So, I sat down and made a budget thinking that I could probably have enough money saved up in a year. I was disappointed because I just turned 29 and wanted to be near my goal weight before I turn 30 (no real reason, just a goal I had set). I told my mom and husband about the going to Mexico idea, and even though they were afraid of going there (because of the statistics of violence in the city I had chosen to have the surgery in) they were still supportive. I've been praying about the decision, wanting to make sure I am following God's plan and not my own. Then yesterday, while browsing on this forum, I found a posting about a doctor in a neighboring state that has a pretty affordable cash price for surgery. I looked up his website and he sounds like a great surgeon. The price is more expensive than in Mexico, but less than most US doctors. It would take me a little bit longer to save up, but at least he is only 4 hours away instead of over 13 hours away in Mexico (we were going to drive because we are both terrified of flying!). I told my mom about it and she was elated at hearing that I wouldn't have to go to Mexico (she is a worry wart! lol). In fact, so much that she offered to loan me $8000 of the money for the surgery. I didn't know what to do at first. I feel bad taking my mom's money. But, I then realized that maybe this is God opening a door for me. I have every intention of paying her back within a year. I'm praying that if this is the path He has chosen for me, that I follow it the way He wants me to. This all happened during a weekend, so I am dying to call the surgeon's office tomorrow morning first thing and get more information and details. I want to make sure he is the doctor for me. I am so excited for what HE has in store for me! Just wanted to give my testimony! Any prayers about this decision would be greatly appreciated

Praying for you to get good news from your insurance company!! Keep us updated

Congrats! How exciting! I am planning on having surgery on Sept, 19th, or 20th, or 21st, so we'll have to keep in touch

Haha, love it!

My doctor is the same; only clear liquids the day before surgery and nothing after midnight. But, I am going to start conditioning myself to protein shakes and a low carb diet a week before, just so it won't be such a shock post-op.