rome

Great idea! Thanks!

I like the Sobe and Vitamin Water as well :-) Thanks for the imput!

I am wondering if any of you drink the Powerade Zero drink. I really like it however, it seems like there is alot of sodium in it so am wondering if that could hamper weight loss. Thoughts?

I'm not sleeved however, I know with any attempts at weight loss my scale was not my friend as I get on it WAY too many times a day! You fluctuate from morning, noon to night. Just a thought but maybe put the scale away for the wekk (I put mine in my trunk once ha!). That way you can continue down the path you know is correct and the next time you step on that scale you may be pleasantly surprised. I know seeing my weight fluctuate zapped my motivation and confidence. Good luck!

Prayers for the peace that surpasses all understanding to be with you :-)

Praying for peace and comfort :-)

Good to know! I'm ready and waiting!

Lori: I am also going to PN Methodist Meadowbrooke and live in Burnsville :-) I have healthpartners/park nicollet insurance. I have had all of my testing done and am now just waiting for my last 2 phone consultations with Healthpartners (they require 5 phone calls 2 weeks apart) This is what has been holding up submission to insurance for approval. If all goes well I will have that completed by first week in April. I haven't met with surgeon yet....I think that's the last step before paperwork goes in for approval. Hoping that will come soon after. If all goes well I am looking or should I say hoping that I can get a mid May surgery date.

Sometimes friendships are for a season in our life. My thought is that when those "friendships" find themselves at a point where only one person seems to be breathing life into the other or your feelings are no longer being validated that the "season" may be coming to an end. Tell her exactly how you feel when she talks to you the way she does and then tell her what you need from her. If she makes the decision (and that's what it will be...HER decision) to continue on with her behaviour at your expense then you will know the friendship has run it's course. Friendship is a two way street and to me the actions and words we speak should encourage and support and the criticisms we receive are done out of a heart of concern, love and only wanting the best for our friend. Good luck!

Thanks again for all the support! I am grabbing on to "The decision is mine and I have to own it". I own it and I will share it with them shortly before surgery date, which by the way I am waiting with great anticipation for!

CubsWIn: I see you just had your surgery...congrats! :-) How is it going 5 days out?

I'm a side/belly sleeper as well! The verdict is in.....sleep apnea. :-( I had over 22- 10 second episodes in an hour which is criteria I guess. The doctor said that after they put the CPAP machine on during the night that I had very few episodes and actually went into deep dream sleep. However, I have to say that the CPAP mask they used for me made me a bit claustrophobic! Got fitted with a different kind of mask and am using a machine that releases variable amounts of air as needed. The mask is very comfortable and less intrusive feeling. So......I guess tonight starts my nights of using this contraption! Here's hoping I won't need it after surgery. Doctor said greater than 50% chance that after I lose the weight it will resolve on it's own.

At the sleep study center all hooked up and feeling like an alien! Lol Here's hoping I don't have sleep apnea!

Congrats! Here's to a speedy recovery!

Jerziegirl: Have been thinking of you today and praying all went well and that the days to come you will have smooth transitions. Keep in touch!

New here.....nice to know there are people in Minnesota and specifically the edina, shakopee, burnsville area! I am with Park Nicollet and am looking to have Dr. Thomas Jones or Dr. Svendson do my surgery. I am leaning towards Dr. Jones because it appears he has been doing this procedure longer. Anything anyone can tell me about either of these surgeons (good and bad) would be appreciated. Thanks!

Thinking of you as you step into your new normal :-)

Your mom sounds like mine :-) If I'm honest I would have the same worries and reactions that I know my mom will have if it were MY daughter doing it! It is the fear of the unknown and the risk of any surgery. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow! Be sure and post how it goes....give me any pointers or things I should be prepared to hear :-)

I'm looking to have a mid May. I'm finishing up Grad school and will have about a month before I have my next class and I'm off from teaching for the summer. Hoping I'll be good to go by mid-August when I start an internship. Seems like timing is everything :-) Here's to Mid May for me!

Thanks to all! I will be telling them and my daughter when I am approved. I know if it were any of them making this decision I would want them to share it with me. Having my thoughts in order to help answer their questions; already starting the list :-) Thanks again!

I will be thinking of you in 11 hours! Blessings!

Unbesleeveable and Huskerrn: Believe it or not, I am a 51 year old woman with a grown daughter! Guess it doesn't matter how old you get you always want your parents approval ha! I just know they will be so nervous and scared and will tell me all the reasons why I don't need this and shouldn't do this. However, I agree with what you said, "This is My choice". I know once they know and it is done that i will have all the support I need. That's just how my family is. I am blessed to have a great family! I know once it is over I will be telling everyone as well! I think it's just the fear that the "opinion time" will sway me too much. Thanks for the support!

I am struggling with whether or not to tell my parents and daughter about this surgery. In large part because I know they will not be happy about it largely because of the fear factor; the "what if's" of surgery. I'm just not sure if I can just go into the hospital not having told them. Fairly sure they would be upset if I do that. So......any suggestions and/or advice on how to share this with them? Thanks!

Any others out there reluctant to tell their parents that you are having this procedure done? I know they will not be happy only because of the fear of the unknown and yet I can't see myself keeping it from them and just having the surgery. I think that would really upset them. Any suggestions?

Like you, I see this as a tool that will help me with the motivation I was not able to conjure up on my own for any lasting period of time. Well said Jersey Girl!