DanaInNewOrleans

Hey! No, sad face!! Soon, a seat belt extender will not even be a thought!!! I was about that size 12 years ago and yes, I did need an extender on most flights. Like I said, I always kind of whispered to the flight attendant when I was boarding because I felt it was more obvious to wait until I got to my seat and knew for sure I needed it. Everyone is kind of settled by then so it's more quiet and you have to catch the flight attendant as they go up and down the aisle. But that's just me. Don't worry!! ~Dana

You didn't list your weight and height so it's hard to know. Do you mind if I ask you? I can perhaps go by my experiences -- if you do need one it's usually easier and less obvious to ask the flight attendant as you are getting on the plane ( they stand in the front of the plane to greet you) And the previous poster is right, they usually try to be discreet. ~Dana

You're gonna be great! Try to relax and concentrate on being EXCITED. I'm serious....think about as the beginning of a new wonderful life... I looked it at as my own private Dana's Independence Day! Freedom to be the true me after 40 years! Good Luck!! So excited for you!! ~Dana

Hi Michelle, Welcome to VST! I am 5 weeks post-op and I already know this is the best thing I've ever done for myself. Good Luck! ~Dana

How awesome! I have been obese since I was 9 and I can imagine how exciting moving into "only" overweight category would be. Yeah! Congratulations!! ~Dana

Congratulations!! You are beautiful!! Of course you were beautiful before but now it's just stands out more! Thanks for sharing the pics-- you're right, the pictures really do help to keep me focused and excited. ~Dana

Hi, I finally decided that VGS was my only hope to lose weight. I had lost 160 pounds in 2000 and slowly gained back about 60 pounds over the last five years. The last straw was when I GAINED weight doing Weight Watchers. The first thing I did was call the Bariatric practice I knew I would use (I'm a medical sales rep and they were my client). They took all my insurance info over the phone --- they then contact the insurances and verify what/where/how much coverage for weight loss surgery. The coordinator called me back in a few days to let me know what was covered and schedule my first appointment. My doc's office is a large practice (there are 6 surgeons I think) and is run like a well oiled machine. They want to know what your insurance covers as much as you do! So, my suggestion is to start with the bariatric surgeon/practice you would like to use......

I had a sample of the Nectar Apple and I thought is was horrible.... it sure sounded good though....

You can also order sample packs of Syntrax nectar BJs Bariatrics. You get to choose 11 different flavors for 14.99. http://www.bjsbariatrics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=bjb&Product_Code=synSamplePack&Category_Code They are my favorites -- especially chocolate Truffle and vanilla Bean Torte... You can also order samples from unjury.

Excuse me, I must make a correction...Jay just informed that I got it wrong...he is not a Zumba Master..he is a Zumba LEGEND.

OMG! My husband and I just did the Wii Zumba 2 for the first time and we had so much fun! I am totally spastic and he thinks he is HOT because the game scores him as a Zumba Master. HA! He is almost as feeble as me. He just keeps on wiggling around and the game thinks he's awesome... lol.. I checked the Zumba calorie burning calculator and it looks like I burned almost 400 calories doing low intensity Zumba for 40 minutes. I can't wait to do it again tomorrow! ~Dana

I just got my EOB --- my out of pocket for Aetna is $1500 but I also have Blue Cross Federal as secondary so I don't know how much that will knock off of it. Check your policy to see what your max out of pocket and deductible will be?

Picked this up last night --- Sonoma Jacks Light Garlic & Herb wedges. 25 Calories per wedge 2g Protein 1g Carbs Yummy!!

My husband actually hid the scale before I got home from the hospital! I had told him about how everybody gains weight in the hospital and he knows how I am...he was worried I'd drive myself crazy if I saw that I had gained weight. He finally brought it out of hiding about a week after surgery....

Anybody have Zumba Fitness 2 for Wii? Is it suitable for a beginner? ~Dana

Don't mind--it's right on my ticker for all the world to see! Started at 47 bmi ( hate to admit it)

Hi MK, He didn't give me any special diet. Just followed what I had been doing which was just sensible low carb. On my final appointment with him (signing consents, etc) I asked, Ok so what is my pre-op diet? He said no pre-op diet. I said, what? You're kidding? He said, Nope. The only restriction was only Clear liquids the day before surgery..

I gained 6 pounds in the hospital and it took me almost week to just get back to where I started. So 5 pounds in less than a week is great! Seriously (not just pep talk!), it's good! Don't worry...... ~Dana

Hoping and praying for that this is only temporary for you. Thanks for sharing and trying to help others avoid having to deal with this. ~Dana

Congratulations on finding YOU and becoming so strong!! You look wonderful -- before and after WLS! I wish you and your husband all the success in the future.... ~Dana

Congratulations!!

Slap your husband for me!!

The nutritionist told me the same thing - concentrate on getting protein and water and don't worry about calories because I would not be able to overeat unless I went crazy. I hope 800 calories is ok....

For the last 4 or 5 days I've had a constant deep empty gnawing feeling in my stomach. It does not really go away if I eat - if it does it's only for a few minutes, then it's back. It sort of feels like intense hunger with a little nausea thrown in. Very hard to explain. The best words to describe it are empty and gnawing and it's pretty miserable. I know it's not hunger but it is not an insignificant feeling. It is very "there". I'm thinking an ulcer...which scares me given all the trauma my stomach has been through. I am on Prilosec twice a day and it makes no difference. I do not have reflux or burning.... Anyone with similar symptoms or ideas? ~Dana