HoosierGirl

Tami - my surgery is Monday....here is what I am planning to take with me....after I get there and have surgery, I will let you know what you really NEED! LOL! All the best to you!

Computer & plug (in separate bag)

Passport

Credit card

Certified check to OBCT Inc

Cash – tipping, checked bag fee, bottles of Water, souvenirs

Travel sized Shampoo, conditioner, hairspray

Spirometer

House shoes

Pajamas 3

Go home outfit

Journal

Always wipes

Black pants – 3

Shirts – 3

Period stuff (because you KNOW it will happen at the worst possible time)

Nail file

Tweezers

Fyre_storm really needs to go visit your officemates while you are out. Sounds like he would LITERALLY whip them into shape! Love it!

JuliannaJ - please send me your mailing address....I would love to make this right for you!

Sadly, you work with a bunch of insensitive a-holes. Not only would I no longer contribute to the office fund, I would tell EVERYONE you work with why you are no longer contibuting to the fund...because it's only for some of the people some of the time.

If they continue to call and email you, I would simply tell them that you aren't really in a position to help them right now since you took time off work specifically to recover from surgery.

SIX DAYS to TJ! One minute, I'm in control. The next minute, I feel like I could throw up!

Super excited and nervous!

Don't know much about Sexytown, but maybe NormalSizeUnderweartown? I would like to go there. LOL

HUGS to you! Hate to hear that! The best part about this is you will have a funny story to tell your daughter.

I'm TJ also. who is your doc?

Dr. Ariel Oritiz.....surgery only 6 days away! Pre-op diet is still going well. Now, my last pre-surgery task is to STAY SANE!

Flu last week, sinus infection this week, surgery scheduled in 6 days! Bring it on!

I am new to this site but thought I would post. My surgery is booked for Feb. 4th as well. I am on the seventh day of a two week liquid diet. broth and Protein shakes! It does get easier after while. Still trying to get my head around not eating period. I go back and forth from scared to excited to let's get this over with already. Thinking this is fairly normal. I have lost 5 pounds a week in...I'll take it.

I wll be having surgery on the same day as you! All the best! Yes, the diet does get a little easier as you go. I'm starting to get really excited and a bit nervous. I will be getting my sleeve done in Tijuana. Where will you have your surgery?

Mary - all the best! Looking forward to reading about your experience! Sending prayers and good vibes your way!

You guys are really wonderful....thanks for letting me "vent".

Amytug - my insurance covers the procedure if your BMI is over 35 and you have a co-morbiity not managed by medicaion. My bariatric center read the policy and said, "We have never had an insurance denial." They were SHOCKED when I was denied by insurance. I my BMI is 35/36 and I have hypertension that is managed with two meds. So, if I had a BMI over 40, it would have been covered. Regardless, I completed the program and learned a lot. Even if you are denied surgery, you will still have the knowledge of your bariatric program. And closer to home!

So, the upside for you, is if you go through the program and are denied, you are already educated on Mexico. I see this whole thing as a positive! Good luck!

Yes, my husband is supportive. He "gets it". He's been right there with me through my bariatric program last year, insurance denial, and exploring self-pay options in Mexico. I know what I am getting into and what a huge commitment it is. I'm not looking for a quick fix, I'm looking for a long term aid to help me regain my health.

I know my Mom loves me and she's just scared for me. But - geez....I'm a little nervous too! This is a big deal!

Annabelle - thanks for your comment.....glad I have some company here. I really do understand that weight loss surgery is is big deal and kind of shocking.....add going to Mexico and people just freak out. It is major surgery, I get that. But, wow, I could use a little support here on the home front.

Finally told my Mom, "Hey, I am leaving next weekend to have surgery in Tijuana."

Oh my - did the fur fly.

Some exerpts of the conversation: "You know you will have to have 'will power' after surgery to make the right food choices, why don't you just do that now? Going to Mexico is risky.....how exactly did you verify your surgeons credentials....what did she do wrong as a mother that I learned to be fat.......this is not a quick fix...........what does you husband think........your Dad turned grey when I told him.......I'm very worried and love you.....who is going with you.....who all knows about this.....the surgeons there just want your money like the insurance companies do here, so don't think they are concerned about your health either.....etc."

Wow. What a pep talk. She's my Mom and I love her, but - WOW.

YEEEESSSS!!!! I travel Sunday, February 3 to San Diego for surgery in Tijuana on Monday the 4th! Can't get past the feeling of anticipation - really looking forward to spending the remainder of my life as a normal sized person.

All the best to you as you count down this week! How is your pre-op diet going? I'm so pleasantly surprised that I am not starving and am losing weight. My 8 year old took my pre-surgery "fat" pictures this morning!

Amytug - I think what your are going through is very normal. I've been having the same questions - feeling the same nervousness - and just generally worrying about everything.

Then, while I was out of town a couple weeks ago, I got a good look at my back-side, naked in a full length mirror. WOW. What a wakeup call. That pulled me right back to reality and reminded me that I don't need this just for my body to appear normal, I need it to avoid the health conditions of my parents, I need to be able to participate with my kids now, I need this surgery to extend my life.

If your best friend was YOU, what would you tell her?

The risks are very small for the huge long term gains in health, physical and mental well being. Bottom line, if you could lose the weight and keep it off, you would have by now. Your kids and husband deserve you to be fit and healthy and with them for a very long time. You deserve this. Hugs to you!

February 4 surgery! On the pre-op diet and kind of enjoying seeing the scale move to lower numbers each day. Best wishes to you all for safe/successful surgery.

Last year, I asked my PCP if weight loss surgery would be beneficial for me. She said, "Yes, but probably a band, not a by-pass." So, that was all the permission I needed to hear! Once it's done, it's done. I will try to get surgery notes, etc. to provide to her. Since I'm not asking her to fix anything, just need her help with the endoscopy and blood tests, the location of my surgery shouldn't be an issue.

And if it is an issue, I will find a different PCP!

I am PPO too....my BMI is about 35/36 and I have a co-morbidity, but it is managed with medication. So, they denied me. My plan is grandfathered and not subject to independent review per the new healthcare laws. It ticked me off, but I understand they are just a business. Thankfully, I got educated/determined/creative and did find a legit surgeon in Mexico and am having surgery in two weeks! I have a very high deductable and surgery in Mexico is only slightly more expensive than my deductible.

Anyway, they were very prompt in responding to each request. Only took a week or two each time.

I have BCBS of PA and was denied almost immediately.

Congrats....February 5 is right around the corner....very exciting!

You guys ROCK - thanks for all the great information. Glad your experiences were positive and your recovery smooth. Will be having my VSG on February 4 with Dr. Ariel Oritz as well. Really appreciate your tips for bringing books and for your companion. All the best as you continue your weight loss!

GREAT info - thanks for taking the time to put all this together! Sounds like you had a great experience....hope to be as fortuante as you!

I paid the "expedite" fee to get my Passport book and Passport card sooner. (I have BIG travel plans as a reward for weight loss, thus the Passport book!)

Paid the deposit with the surgeon, got the Passport, bought the plane tickets. Now all of that is done, all I have to do is sit around and obsess/freak-out about it all. Oh, but will begin the enjoyment of my pre-op diet on Monday.

In my VSG dreams, everyone is naked. The whole surgical team. Oh sure, they have on masks and gloves, but otherwise, buck ass naked.