Floridagirl2

Hugs and prayers

I have had laser treatment for spider veins. It's not painful and takes care of them pretty well. There is bruising but it fades in a week or so. I do have 2 small varicose veins and they can't be treated with laser so I'll have to go to a vein clinic for those. Self tanning lotion is great for disguising veins too. It's great to wear shorts again!

Dedegold, I sent you a private message!

Ith and dedegold, I had this surgery in Sept and at this point have lost 40 pounds. My surgeon called a few days ago to check in with me and was very pleased with my progress. My weight loss has slowed down but am still losing and would like to lose 20 more. Dedegold, was there anyone in your 12 week course that is having this procedure? Did u have Sarah Kalsy as the group leader? In my group there were 2 other gals that had it and we still keep in touch. Even though they say that insurance won't cover it mine was covered! Another gal that I know got hers covered too! I was so glad about that. I see that you are from MN,where abouts? I'm from Rosemount and know someone else from there who had this same procedure. She is doing really well with it too. This surgery was truly the miracle that I needed! I'm only 5'2" and was in the 180's. My goal is 125. Hopefully by summer I'll be there. I have my follow up appointments with the surgeon, the Psych.,the Endo and Nutritionist coming up in May. Do you have your surgery date yet? If either of you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them!

I'm in Parrish which is near Bradenton/Sarasota.

I had the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty done at Mayo clinic in MN. Two doctors there developed this surgery. It is for patients with a BMI of 30-35. The surgeons are training others around the country to perform it also. It is not covered by insurance and costs $10,000- $15,000. I am 2 weeks out from surgery and have lost 10 lbs. it's a great tool and I'm so glad I was able to get it.

Oh LipstickLady, with that title of your post you took me straight back to elementary school! Thanks for a laugh and a trip back in time!

Tossing confetti for Marybeth for her Surgiversary! 32 pounds is amazing!!! You go girl!

No problem MB! Just getting Molly up to speed!

Hi Molly, As Marybeth stated above a few of us are getting together at Sbux at the MOA on Fri. AM. If anyone else would like to come feel free! We r meeting at 10:00. I had my surgery on Sept 9th at Mayo.... A new type of endoscopic procedure. Two weeks out and I've lost 8 lbs! Couldn't be happier!

Oh Marybeth, so sorry about the pumpkin muffin debacle! That will definitely be a cautionary tale for me to take each phase slowly! Nineteen more days of shakes.....uggggggghhhh!

Hey Marybeth, I'll give them a try! Why don't u bring them on Friday. Are the calcium chewable too?

I love Nashua. I ordered from them when I was doing Ideal Protein. And now I'm using their soups and shakes during my full liquid phase. I just ordered last week with a $5 off code I like the free shipping too!

Hey Mbrinmn, I just sent u an email!

Hi everyone! I'm new to the losers bench, just had my WLS at Mayo on Sept.9. I live south of the River and was wondering if anyone else did or if you ever meet down this way or even at the MOA? It would be great to talk with others who are farther along in the journey than I am. By the way I had the new Endoscopic procedure that Mayo is doing. Hope to hear from anyone out there!

Proudgrammy, your quote: wow - you are FINALLY starting to look human again too!!! Was too funny! With my pale Irish skin the dark circles under my eyes from lack of sleep would have frightened small children and puppies! Thank heavens for sleep and concealer!

My Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty was on Tues at Mayo. Thanks to all of you who said prayers and sent good wishes! Today is the first day that I'm finally feeling human again! My post op pain was a lot more than I expected and I was getting little to no sleep. But last night I slept 13 hours! Hallelujah! I'm dropping weight and feeling stronger each day. For the fist 30 days I'm on full liquids only but that's okay, my new tummy couldn't handle much more yet. Then I'm on to puréed food for 15 days and after that on to a full diet with protein as the main component. This is a new procedure and my surgeon said I was his best, easiest case so far. He's very pleased with my outcome. YAY, I like the sound of that! Anyway, just wanted to throw out an update! Take care!

Thanks everyone for your well wishes. Each day just gets better and better! I'm definitely past the "Why oh why did I do this?" stage and I'm now VERY glad that I did it! The pounds are melting away and I actually have to force myself to get enough calories and protein. I'm just never hungry. I've never in my life been able to say that! The losers bench is pretty cozy!

Thanks SO MUCH everyone! I'm sure I'll be coming here to you experts for answers as I progress through the stages!

Hi All, I've been reading this forum for months and decided it was time to join the fun! As the title says I am having WLS tomorrow! It's a new type of surgery called Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty. Two doctors at Mayo have developed an endoscopic technique that is basically like a gastric sleeve but it's done endoscopicly with no incision. I am so excited yet nervous at the same time! Prayers would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks Justwatchme and finediva! My surgery is fast approaching, it will be here in 19 hours(but who's counting!)

Thanks Lexie and Jessiquoi! I'll be sure to report back on my surgery. There have been good results with this technique. It's targeted for patients whose BMI is between 30-35. I've been a serial dieter all my life and could never keep the weight off. I've also got medical issues that could be in my future if I don't get my weight under control. When I heard about this procedure I immediately contacted Mayo and got the ball rolling. Four short months later I'm having the surgery!

Thanks Ginger and Arlene! Ginger, thanks for the advice, I'll take all the advice I can get being the new kid on the block! Arlene, good luck with your surgery too... I'll see you on the other side!

Acbell288, Prayers are coming your way too! We will both do great! I can't wait to start this new life! It will be challenging but SO worth it.