Melixxa

I hear you on concerns that excess weight will hold you back on your career. I think about that a lot too. I haven't had surgery yet; I'm heading to Mexico July 2, on my own, as well. But this site was a huge help to me when it came to making the decision and choosing a surgeon! Have you visited the Self-Pay, Mexico forum? If you start at the forum main page, you just scroll down almost to the bottom to find it. There is a ton of information there. There are many, many people who have done the Mexico trip alone and most say it worked really well for them. Good luck with your research!

Lupus and MS are a lot to manage...Maybe taking obesity out of the equation will make life simpler? I'm sending best wishes for excellent health!

52-664-6226600

Grrr....those "your mama" jokes make me SO angry! I teach elementary school and I recently had to deal with one little girl's broken heart over those stupid jokes. And we had to talk to her mom about it. The little girl was devastated and there was no hiding it. I actually called in the mom of one of the guilty party. She reassured me that she told her daughter not to make jokes about an area where someone might be sensitive. In other words, she wanted her kid to know that it would be OK to have made the joke to someone whose mom was thin. I told her I disagreed, and that none of us had any business making jokes about anybody's body. This is what I tell my kids: Other people's bodies are not your business. We are all different. But just as you feel funny when people talk to you about some way that your body looks different, you make others feel uncomfortable when you talk about their bodies, too. I take it a step further, and say that even if they want to pay a compliment, they shouldn't focus on the way a person looks. I want them to notice each other's talents or kind hearts or special interests, and stop focusing so much on appearances.

Thanks for sharing all this valuable information! I'm scheduled with Dr. Garcia July 2nd, and I'm so grateful that people who have gone ahead of me are wiling to let us know the ins and outs.

Gorgeous!!! So happy for you!

Just US coins. US bills are ok, from what I read.

It's only US coin that's a problem, apparently.

I read on trip advisor that you shouldn't tip with US coins, though, because they can't be used in Mexico, even at the banks. Here's the guide I was looking at: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150768-s606/Mexico:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html

Super happy for you! Every young woman should feel the way you describe. :wub:

Good question!

I think I first heard about the price from my coordinator, but I also saw it on Hotels.com and Expedia. Thanks for the furniture info, srs82781!

I predict you will make it!!!!!!

Does anyone remember, do the rooms have armchairs? I have to stay a few extra days, and I'm trying to decide whether it would be worth it to pay the extra $25 bucks to have the upgrade to a room with a golf course view and balcony...anyone have an opinion? Thanks in advance!

I'm being completely sincere here...I think buying second-hand clothes is a totally healthy, inexpensive, environmentally-friendly pastime! But if you get to the point where you are overwhelmed by all the clothes you own, you could try curating and building the ultimate wardrobe. It could be a fun challenge! I would make a list and basically set boundaries, like no more than four pairs of jeans, or six dresses, three coats, or whatever number works for you. And then keep on shopping as often as you want, but do it knowing that if you buy another dress and it takes you over your limit, you will have bring back and re-donate another. That way you're always free to look and if you really want it, buy, but only keeping the stuff you love the best.

I love reading these! We have so much to look forward to..we better make sure we seize the day(s) and get all these adventures done! I hereby promise to make sure I don't let the day-to-day stuff get in the way, and make the most of my slinky, healthy body when I get actually get one!

I'm July 2, too.

Your lunch is giving me the heebie jeebies!

Where are you staying Sylvia?

Yay! Swing by my room so I can buy you a popsicle!

Hooray! I have two people to be on the lookout for! Just so you know, you might not recognize me by my profile pic! LOL Which hotel are you staying at, GeorgiaSleeverCatLady? I'll be at the Marriott.

Thanks for your good thoughts and right back at you! I think we'll probably see each other in person at Florence.

Turns out my doctor is on board too! He has another patient who had the surgery and gave him a great report of her experience. We live in a small town, and he just assumed that I heard about it from her....but since I don't know who it was, he's hoping to connect us so that we can be support for each other. Oh my goodness...it's getting really real, fast! I'm so excited. So. Very. Excited!!!!

Just checking in to see how you're doing...

Aw Lynda, I'm sorry to hear about your poor hands. RA is a $#@*#. It's ironic that it took weight loss to get a diagnosis. I often wonder how many of my Lupus symptoms might actually just be a result of obesity. But then, how much of my weight gain is due to Lupus...I guess it's a chicken and egg question. Have you ever found certain diets helped with your pain, Lynda? There are lots of people saying that low carb helps, or gluten-free helps, or vegan helps... I once had a remission coincide with a low carb diet, but I don't know if the two were related. And I can't seem to stick to any diet anymore so I have quit trying.