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I just received a message that my signature was modified to remove external tickers, but I only created one because my surgery countdown ticker that I created here isn't working properly. As you will see below this post, the ticker start value shows that my journey started 15,786 days ago, which translates into more than 43 years, which is more years than I've been alive. It's a minor issue, I know, but when I saw others with external tickers that showed a more realistic start date, I created one. I didn't know it was against the rules and I apologize. However, can the VST ticker issue be looked into?

Can Dr. Jesús Ortiz be added? His full name is much longer, but patients will look for Dr. Jesús Ortiz: http://www.alejandrolopezmd.com/our-surgeons/staff/dr-jesus-elias-ortiz-gomez-curriculum-vitae/

Similarly, Dr. alejandro lopez is listed in the drop-down as Dr. Alejandro Lopez Ortega, which is confusing for most, so can this be changed? http://www.alejandrolopezmd.com/our-surgeons/dr-alejandro-lopez/

Thanks!

I, too, am going alone because of all of the reassurance I feel from the stories of those who have gone alone before me (about not actually being alone, etc). The only thing that might pose the tiniest bit of difficulty for me is finding a cab driver who will carry my bag up to my apartment after bringing me home from the airport, but I don't think it'll be that much of a problem.

Good to know, although I was really hoping that losing the portion of the stomach that produces ghrelin would help some. Hopefully eating better and earlier during the day and taking melatonin at night will help me to get this (at least somewhat) under control before surgery.

If that link doesn't work, it's because it included the period at the end of my sentence in it. Just delete that and you'll see it. I'll also try to fix it.

I am still pre-op, but I've read from tons of people on here that there is a stall in the 3rd week--I fully expect it. Another member on this site has a link to a webpage about this very thing and it's very informative, so here it is: http://www.dsfacts.c...r-plateau.html I hope it brings you insight and comfort.

I know how frustrating it is to find a therapist that you click with, but I do think her story is plausible. Perhaps her boss' cold was or turned into something much worse? Running the office probably means that she has to see all of her boss' patients as well as her own and who knows for how long, depending upon what's going on with her boss. Technically, an intake appointment isn't the same as a therapy session, so you are still a new patient to her. For your own sake, try not to think of this as a rejection--sometimes things like this really do happen and it's not personal.

Hi again,

Another member (Butterthebean) has a link in his signature about stalls after WLS, so I thought I would share it here. It's very informative and I hope it helps to give you some insight and comfort: http://www.dsfacts.com/weight-loss-stall-or-plateau.html

I'm pre-op, so I'm afraid I can't be of much help, but I just wanted to thank you for the link in your signature about the dreaded stalls. I will definitely be mindful of the info.

I wish you a surgery free of complications, a swift recovery, and much success!

Does/did anyone here suffer from night eating syndrome (you can read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_eating_syndrome)? I do, and it doesn't help that I have insomnia (I wake up multiple times at night and often have a snack when I do). Pretty much the only way I can avoid it is to not keep easy Snacks in the house or to at least keep healthy ones (I'm often barely cognizant as this is happening, so I don't cook, I just grab whatever is quick and easy). Based on some of the things I read in the wiki, I am going to try to change some of my behaviors, such as not skipping Breakfast or eating late and also to try taking melatonin, to see if it helps, but my question--especially to those who have suffered from this and already had VSG--is does the surgery help with this impulse? I have suffered from this for at least 5 years and I am terrified that it will continue post-surgery and completely negate my efforts.

Yeah, I will probably also do measurements when I stall, so that I can at least see some numbers going down (hopefully ).

I haven't had my surgery yet, but my plan is to weigh weekly and to take pictures monthly. I also plan to take my measurements (from my neck down to my calfs) monthly.

Hi all! I sincerely thank every one of you for taking the time to answer my call for help. I now know that my friend was just concerned about the complications. She told me of speaking with her beau's sister who is studying to be a nurse. The sister had told her that I was crazy & that just that weekend she had to help a lady in the ER who was having complications from WLS. Didn't expand on what WLS the lady had had, when, or anything. My friend told the sister "I don't want to hear about any complications." Our friendship will survive, and if it doesn't then I'll know that she was one who was here for a season (as opposed to a reason, or a lifetime). I sent out a quite hilarious email on Tuesday after my surgery to all of my friends & all of the responses have been overwhelming (& overwhelmingly positive). I am at peace & in a good place. Thanks again to you all for helping me with this issue.

Susan 2.0

There have been so many great responses here, including ones that echo what mine would be, which is that God gave surgeons the wisdom to create this surgery. Also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Pipula's response. I mainly just want to say that I am glad that you have made it through your surgery safely and are on your way to better health and life. I also hope that your friend comes to understand that God provided you the opportunity and blessed your decision or at least that it is not her place to judge you--one of my pet peeves is Christians who pass judgement since it is clearly written in the Bible that we're not supposed to do that. I wish you peace and much success!

HI I had sugery on Oct 20 in Puerto Vallarta with Dr Lopez. Hotel is Casa Magna Marriott. Hospital is big and new about 20 mins from your hotel. You get compressions put on prior to the surgery. Nurses were wonderful if i needed something it was done fast. As soon as your able after surgery walk, i was up about half hr after I was brought back to my room. Im from Canada so I was worried about clots. The hotel is amazing, just walk lots, i had Jello there and it was enough for three meals so i took back to room. They also have broth which is very good. Karen, Dr Lopez's assistant is wonderful and she'll help you wit anything you need. I stayed a couple extra days and I was fine, no problems just a little heartburn that was gone after meds were given. I went thru Alighter me with Janese, everybody was wonderful and helpful so glad I went to Puerto Vallarta.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience--it's really reassuring.

Honey...I hate to break your bubble..but a friend that is jealous and or threatened by your looks is not a real friend and not worth the time of day you give them.

OK for those who won't be telling family or people close to them (it's fine not to tell people you don't like LOL). I nearly died having this surgery. People have died having it. How on earth do you think that will make your loved ones feel if you sneak in and then die? That's not fair, and it's not love

In the end I didn't die, but I was bedridden for almost two months. My dear friends, who didn't think I needed the surgery because they loved me just the way I was, were rocks of support! They made me broths, visited me in hospital hours away to bring the things I needed, took my child on outings with their children so he would experience great things and supported my husband in his struggle to be corporate CEO, Nanny and Housekeeper as well as chief cook and bottle washer. How would they have reacted if I didn't tell them???? I think, rightly so, they would have been shocked and angry that I didn't feel comfortable sharing with them in advance. I love my friends, and they love me, so no matter how they felt about the surgery, they supported me in ways I can never thank them for. My mother also chipped in and helped take care of my small child as did the nanny who worked extra hours several times to help my husband while he was visiting me during surgeries or procedures. Had I not told my mother I don't think I could have looked her in the face again. She's my mother for gods sake. She deserves to know if her "baby" is having something major done to their body.

My mother thought this was drastic, as did my friends. They were right. So freaking drastic it almost killed me. No one has said "I told you so" though hell I'd be thinking it in their position.

I am turning 50 this year. Mom is 70. She still gets stressed if something is happening in our life. She's my mother, that's her right. If my son were having a major surgery and didn't tell me I'd be pretty danged upset. If the kid gets a freaking tattoo and does not tell me I'll smack him (ok I don't hit LOL just saying....). When we take risks we owe it to the people who worried about us when we were little to help alleviate their worry when we are big. You're still their baby and if your mom is a good mom, you'll do so til you are 70. That's what mom's are supposed to do.

I'm glad OP that you told her. She can now process this big worry and join you in your goals of a healthier life. She's fair to worry. I was low BMI with no comorbidities...totally low risk, and nearly died. You aren't being fair if you dismiss her concerns...they are valid and very real concerns that you should also have given you have small children to consider when having this surgery.

I think you mean well, but I think that telling those of us who have chosen to be selective in who/when we tell that we don't love our loved ones is unduly harsh. For me, I really do fear that my mother would literally worry herself to death if I tell her too far in advance and maybe I'm not giving her enough credit, but I'm also not taking that chance. My bf knows and he would be the person most responsible for taking care of me (or for notifying people of my death) if things were to go wrong. I tried to tell my closest friend and her response was so dejecting that I'm not willing to go there yet with people that I'm less close to. I have absolute confidence that my true friends will understand that I felt I had to make this decision on my own and when I tell them (immediately upon my release from the hospital or possibly even via email on my way to the hospital), they will be supportive whether I have complications or not.

We all have different personalities, perspectives, relationships, coping mechanisms, etc and we come here for support not harsh judgments. I respect everyone's choices and I only want the same in return.

Thanks! This is helpful.

What a great idea! I've always wanted to learn to sew...

You know, I thought that too but... Sigh I don’t know some of them are skinny. I just wish they understood what I am going through. My fiancé isn’t 100% on board either. Its hard to explain the reasons why I need this surgery. I just wish they were there for me. I really am wishing I didn’t say anything till post surgery, but my sister did that and kept everything a secret before and after and she kind of went nuts the first 2-3 months post surgery. She said there was a lot of social awkwardness because no one knew. SMH guess its just all part of it. Im sticking with my choice and am super excited about it.

Even your skinny friends might be jealous or threatened that you won't be their "fat friend" anymore. I think it's definitely harder for them to understand needing WLS, but even overweight people have prejudices and misconceptions about it. Whatever their reasons for objecting, you have to focus on the reasons you have decided this is what's best for you. Hopefully they will come around after they see that you are successful and able to sustain it.

I think you should really be concerned about the surgeon you pick and his credentials and history with this surgery. Where/how far/ how long a flight will mean nothing if you are dead!!

Just saying it doesn't matter how long your flight is you can get a blood clot on a one hour flight or a 10 hour flight: no difference.

While I agree that the main concern should be on the quality of the surgeon, there is greater risk of blood clots with longer flights simply because you are in a pressurized cabin for longer and people typically don't get up and move around much on airplanes.

Im lucky my parents were very supportive but my mom is crazy worried. Im having trouble with my friends. None of them understand. Ive battled this weight my entire life, Ive yo-yo for as long as I can remember. Ive been as small as a 12 as big as a 28. Its only got worse as I get older. They tell me this is a lazy way to do it and I should just diet and exercise, (like I didnt know what I need to do). My other favorite answer or dig is when they say why do you have to do something so drastic I mean youve lost the weight before *SMH* I just want to scream yeah Ive lost it all before and gained it all right back obviously this is the only shot I got and being drastic is my only hope to changing my life. At least we all have each other on here

I know what you mean about the unsupportive friends, although I only told one and decided not to tell any more until after the surgery because my best friend's reaction was so bad. Have you considered that they are maybe jealous?

Woot!

I'm broke until after the holidays, so I understand.

My coordinator is Ronda and she's been really great. Her info:

ronda@alighterme.com

877-765-THIN (8446) ext 32

801-754-9881 (direct)

It's good to take your time to make such an important decision--there are lots of factors to weigh. If you do decide to take a longer flight, just be sure to get up and walk the length of the plane every hour or so. I personally want a non-stop flight, especially for after the surgery because I don't want to deal with potentially/probably being sore and making my way through an airport for a connecting flight, even if I do get someone to wheel me in a wheelchair, as suggested. Btw, flying is really safe (and fun, IMO), so don't worry about that part.

I am not sure if Dr. Lopez works with Ready 4 a Change and I can understand being attached to a good coordinator, but I ultimately decided on A Lighter Me because of the reviews I read here comparing the 2 (basically that the A Lighter Me drivers are more attentive/accommodating while you're there). I can't remember--when are you thinking about having surgery? Take your time making up your mind--it is a big decision.

You have to fly into PV, but it looks like it's beautiful. I considered getting it done there, but I'm going with TJ because it's closer to home, which means a shorter flight. I am worried about a long flight because blood clots/DVT are a risk when flying long distances even if you haven't had major surgery.

You do also know that you can have Dr. Lopez in TJ, right?