NewLife2011

Congrats!! Thanks for the inspiring post, if I can do half as well as you I'll be thrilled!

Buy it where you get the best deal, never mind the doctor getting upset! I bought the BariEssentials Vanilla and Orange flavor and really don't like them too much because they have artificial sweeteners which I cannot stand. If you blend them with a banana and milk they taste better though. I'm going to try the Unjury products, they are apparently very popular and a lot of people use them..

Great topic - I've been wondering about this too. I will be visiting family and friends in Australia in December and haven't told anyone about the surgery. It will be obvious I'm not eating a lot but it sounds like it shouldn't be super-noticeable...

Hehe! Have fun flying! So glad to hear everything went well, I have been thinking of you constantly! Keep the updates coming!

Great info, thanks! I will try the Premier Protein drink, I'm struggling to find a protein drink I like at the moment..

You're doing great! Keep it up, we're all rooting for you!

Good luck! You're going to do great!!

Call your insurance compnay and ask if they cover WLS. If they do, ask them what the requirements are - BMI, co-morbidities, etc. Once you have that info ask them for a bariatric suregeon on their preferred provider list and set up an appointment. They might tell you tour PCP needs to refer you, if that is the case set up an appointment with your doc and ask them for the referral. Good luck. And if you get turned down for the surgery, search the web for info and tips on ways to get it appealed, a lot of people are successful if they battle the insurance company long enough. Alternatively, you can do what i did and save the money to get it done in Mexico instead! Good luck!

Good luck! Sending lots of good wishes and strength your way - please let us know how it goes...

Dr Aceves has 10 days clear liquids, 10 days full liquids, 10 days soft/blended foods, then solid food.

If you're worried about pain and especially if you have swelling please contact your doctor immediately! Rather overreact than underreact - if there is nothing wrong, great, at least you have peace of mind. If there is something wrong (God forbid) the sooner you get it taken care of the better! Good luck and let us know how things go...

Me too! Hope things went well and you have a smooth recovery!!

Glad to hear you're doing so well! My journey begins Saturday, hopefully I do as well as you!

Well, it's done. I have canceled my surgery in Dallas, paid my deposit with Dr A and all scheduled for pre-op Friday 8/19 and surgery 8/20. Eeek!!! Yaay!!! His office have been fabulous, very patient in answering my questions, and Nina did tell me about the nomination/selection for top 25 bariatric doctors in the world. Apparently there were only 3 from the USA - and these are voted on by other bariatric doctors so that's quite impressive. Also, a USA doctor is flying in on Friday for surgery with Dr A - right there that speaks volumes. Thanks so much to all of you for your support and encouragement, you're the BEST!!! :cheer2: I. Am. So. EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!

I have just switched surgery from a doctor in Dallas to Dr Aceves in Mexico. Surgery is now scheduled for Saturday - very nervous and excited all at once!

There is a risk of complications with any surgery, but there are health risks associated with being overweight/obese also.

I just switched from a doctor in Dallas to Dr Aceves in Mexico. You are going to be fine!

Thank you so much, I know this is the right thing, just need to take a few deep breaths and relax!! I have already spoken with Nina, she's just waiting for my final "yes, let's do it" and then I will be scheduled for Saturday 8/20. DEEEEP BREATH!!!

OK, I'm hyperventilating here. I am probably going to switch to Dr Aceves and have the surgery this Saturday. If any of his patients have some words of encouragement and/or advice I would REALLY appreciate it! I'm a bundle of nerves, as if this whole thing wasn't nerve wracking enough!!!

Looking fabulous! What an inspiration for those of us who are just embarking on this journey!!

I went to a community clinic a couple of years ago and the people were super friendly and totally non-judgemental. Their mission is to provide quality health care and education to the community. Payment was totally at the patient's discretion, they provided me with information stating what my treatment cost them but my payment amount - even if I decided to pay or not - was totally up to me. Give it a try, you will probably be very pleasantly surprised.

Excellent article! Thanks for sharing!

You're looking fabulous! Congrats!!

If you don't tell them they can cancel your policy at any time if they find out. And they surely will. One would think that having had the surgery would be a plus for them, but who knows....

LOL! This was great, thanks!!!