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@jgeldmacher Congrat's You wont regret it and your journey is just beginning!!! I look forward to hearing how this progress!!! Good luck on your weight loss journey!

Congrat's on your leap. I too was a self pay and don't regret anything!! I was drinking Gatorade and just ice Water for the first week. I didn't have any gas pain, that wasn't relieve by taking gas-ex! And my pain medication for general aches. Good luck on your journey and let us know if there is anything/any questions you might have

Hey @@Nikki Jarvis what's going on? I was sleeved March 2, 2015... What is going on???

@@dmedic72 Awesome!

A year ago today, my life changed... call it a second chance. I want to give a huge shout out to the wonderful People at A Lighter Me, for making this change possible... I am still about 15 pounds from my goal weight, but feel with a little extra effort on my part, those pounds will fade away, as well!!! I also want to wish a Happy Surgiversary to my surgery sisters and brothers, who share today as the day their lives were changed! And to all those, waiting to have surgery or having had surgery recently.... it is life changing!!! Enjoy the experience, take notes, take pictures and soon the metamorphosis will be complete!!! Happy March!!!

I will be celebrating my 1st Surgiversary on Wednesday!!!

@@mr.sean Welcome to the club!!! WLS is a personal choice and for most of us, we have struggled with out weight all our lives. Good luck on your journey and I look forward to hearing about your successes!

@rgodfrey09 thanks for the info... I messaged you on facebook. Thanks again!

Yes... we are hear and here and everywhere!

Thank you for the posts!!!

I ran into that same problem. And regardless as to the necessity of your surgery, WLS was not covered for me. I had to pursue self pay options. Good luck on your journey

Are you taking your Prilosec???

Welcome new sleevers

It is nice to see new posts on this board. I want to extend a warm welcome to all you new people and realize, you are not alone. We are OUT there and here!!! Good luck on your journeys and keep us all appraised of your successes!!!

@@OKCPirate LOL that video is too funny!!!! Thanks for sharing! It made my day!

Sadly, the day before my appointment with my surgeon, here in Texas, I received a call stating that my insurance policy specifically does not cover weight loss surgery (I am a nurse, working in a Hospital WITH a Bariatric Program). The self pay option would be over $12,000. After doing my due diligence, I found a surgeon and a team in Mexico, my surgery only cost $4,400 (add $220 for my round trip flight) and it was cheaper than here in the States. From applying, filling out the forms, getting accepted, scheduling my surgery and having my surgery done, was about 8 weeks. I did get an approval from my primary care doctor to have the surgery. Since my surgery, my nephew (who was in grad school and had no insurance - because he was over the age limit) had his sleeve done, by the same team I had mine done with, and as of January 2, this year, my brother in law had his sleeve done by the same surgeon/team I had mine done with (he has insurace, but didn't want to have to wait the 6 months to have his surgery done). I know this isn't for everyone, but it worked for me and my extended family. It is also an option for those that don't have insurance, their insurance doesn't cover it and those who feel they can't wait the required time or jump through all the hoops insurance makes you jump through.

Sometimes we need to Celebrate those Non scale Victories! Keep up the great work Dave!!!

@@OKCPirate I own 5 pairs... They support and well it helps to show off the package and the goods! Just no wobble or bouncing! No chaffing either!

@@OKCPirate I know the feeling, although my go to movie was the Proposal.... I agree on getting your hormone levels checked. Yes the hormone dump is real and high T has been known to cause 'roid rage!!!

I am 9 months out and had the fat melt and the bump in sex drive, but since my weight loss has plateaued, so have my cravings. As I look back, and can realize that I was and maybe still am a little 'bitchy', I make it a point to be aware of my mood. One of my co-workers finally confessed that I seem to antagonize one of my supervisors, the other night, he rolled his eyes, during what I would have thought as a discussion, but realize it was me... This is the first year that weight loss isn't my resolution, this year I will try to be more cognizant of this behavior and just smile and nod more.

@@Mel77 congrat's on your success. I totally can relate to your comments of prioritizing foods and lack of tolerance to high carb/dense breads. I would add chocolate ice cream does not agree with me AT ALL. I've had it twice, since my surgery and regretted it immediately after the second spoonful (not a fan of worshiping the porcelain thrown). I was easily at least one if not 2 54 ounce diet coke/diet mountain dew's a day. I haven't had one since my surgery and didn't go through the caffeine withdrawals. Good luck on your journey Matt!!!

I think I know the problem.... You inny is now an outy and due to a long time in hiding, it is sensitive to the irritation of your clothes. My solution was to wear more tight fitting boxers. I personally like to use http://www.ufmunderwear.com/underwear-technology.html (this is not an endorsement, but something I have found to be helpful). Any underwear that supports, lifts and protects the 'boys' is helpful. I hope you find 'relief' from your itch.

@@Dub Very Impressive!!! Great job... a better health and life awaits!!! Keep up the great work and huge kudos to your son! Just another NSV!!!!

Congrats @@Sinclairj75

Thanks guys for the info... 2016 I am planning on doing my first 5K since 1988. It is going to be a family affair, as my sister (sleeved 2014), nephew (sleeved June of this year) and my brother in law (will be sleeved January 2, 2016) will be working towards this goal!!! Having the support is helpful, but this kind of resource is very helpful, will be sharing with my family!!!