shizwiz

@@LezzieLez Thank you for the info! I did check with my coordinator and she said I came in too late (I think 10pm). Good idea on the extra money, too! I am going to make sure I have $$ on my credit cards before or travel!

Also, just to throw it in there, it really helps me when I have all of my plans in one place on my person. I usually print out my flight itinerary, car rental (if I have one), hotel confirmation and any other confirmation documents. I also look up local taxi phone numbers and other helpful phone numbers and have them on a sheet. Then, I put it all in a brightly colored folder and stick it in my carry-on. I cannot tell you how many times having my confirmation had been handy when dealing with a hotel losing my reservation or any other snafu. I also just downloaded TripIt which is a free itinerary app on my phone and it keeps all that stuff electronically as well. I just started using it on my most recent trip last week and it was nice! I didn't have to use my paper folder once. It stores all hotel, car and other confirmations right on my phone- so I will not have to pull out my red file folder anymore

@@Sandyryan I am filing my travel plans with the US Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which you can do online once everything is booked and planned. I know it is probably going overboard, but I am a meticulous planner when I travel. And hey, better safe than sorry. Here is the link: https://step.state.gov/step/ I am also going to download the MagicJack app (another poster suggested that in one of my other posts she is a GENIUS!) so I can stay in touch with my family and friends and be in communication with them daily- or as much as I want. Other than that, I plan on not going out and about alone (A Lighter Me has escorts, so that is a big plus!). Also, remember to pack a small, cross body purse. I went to NYC this summer and brought a big tote. The tote was handy for the airport travel portion of the trip, but when I was walking around with just my wallet and phone in it while sightseeing, I was nervous because someone could have easily dipped their arm in and stolen my suff. Heh heh...live and learn! Safe travels!

@@LezzieLez THANK YOU! This is super helpful!!! I still have about 6 weeks left, but am already getting 'Harriet's going on Vacation' syndrome lol. (Read: wandering around the house fretting about what to bring). I bought some maxi dresses from Avenue but they look kind of weird on me, so I think I will bring my Old Gravy Yoga's (I think we have the same ones) and use those instead. I am going to pack SUPER light as I don't want to worry about a ton of stuff. I tend to over-plan, so your advise is super appreciated!!!! THANKS AGAIN! You are awesome. Congrats on your #s also!!! Woot wooooot!

I am set up for surgery in Jan 2015 and have been approved for financing with Citerra. My credit score isn't great, but its not bad either. I make decent money and was approved within 2 hours. This morning, I got the paperwork today to sign and am SUPER bummed because the financed amount has basically doubled! My procedure is going to cost $4600...but after the $800 fee from Citerra (to use them I guess) and another $2000 fee for 'Provider Adjustment Amount'- I am now looking at a $7300 loan!!! Yikes. I just called a local credit union and applied for a personal loan through them and should hear back today. However, I am super nervous. I hate applying for credit because it lowers your score (and mine is so fragile!). If I don't get the loan from the credit union, I am still going to go forward with Citerra, though. Am I stupid? I hope not. Anyhow, I figure this post may help someone who is considering applying with them. Its always nice to know things upfront!

@@LezzieLez I completely understand. I honestly would have taken the loan if I would not have decided to just use almost all of my savings. There is a limit that everyone gets to with their weight and once that decision is made, we find a way to get it done!

@@proudgrammy LOVE that post Thank you!!! I am certain I will come back in read it over and over! @ You are SO lucky to have your husband doing it as well! My boyfriend and I are both overweight and I am the only one taking the surgery route. I am hoping that MY change will also help him, however, I am also scared that he might be a bad influence on me while trying to recover :/ YIKES! I have also heard (and have seen on youtube) alot of people get baby plates (super cute ones!) and utensils to eat with. Also, I have seen a bunch of people use children's bento boxes to pack their lunches and Snacks in for during the day- the little compartments are smaller and about 2-4 oz each. I am going to get some to use to make sure I am using the right portions when I am post-op I wish you and your husband good luck! Ta-ta for now!

@ WOOT WOOT! January is coming up soon, eh? I am also trying to get into good habits before the D-date....so happy to see you are as well The Water thing for me is pretty tough, too. I downloaded a water reminder app on my phone and am astounded how often it wants me to drink water!!! I saw another user get a water bottle and mark it with how much to drink every hour--- I think I am going to do that. I got lazy and would take a sip every time it reminded me :/

Congrats!!!

@@Becca R. SO good to hear!!! I might luck out as I don't have a family to cook for, just me and my boyfriend who is also trying to drop some weight. I am doing a happy dance for ya!!

@@Becca R. That sounds like a good recovery!!! How are ya feeling? It's 15 degrees out where I am....and am counting down the days to warmer weather.

@@emmuje875 Mine is on 1.16.15. I am going to fly to San Diego on the 14th and stay overnight because my flights will take alllllll day. Your date is coming up fast!!!! LUCKY!

Lol yeah, I live in AK, so I am bringing a pair of yoga pants and a sweatshirt in my carry-on for when I get home. I'd rather not die during the deplaning process lol. I actually bought a seatbelt extender for the trip down there. I can usually squeeze in, but figured it would be nice to feel my legs during the flight and have a few inches to allow a bit of leeway... I like the outside isles in the back of the plane. Most of the time you can put the outer arm rest up and give yourself some extra seat room. Plus, I like being close to the bathroom so I don't have to apologize to 50 people for bumping them. God, I am so excited to be normal size and not have to worry about this ever again. Sigh.

I meant overpack not overpaid in my comment above. For some reason I cannot edit that. Shoot, I wish I was overpaid though!!!

@@Veronica Page I think we will be just fine I'm bringing face powder, mascara, and a few outfits and PJs and a robe. I tend to overpaid, so I will reeeally have to work on that. I went to NYC this summer and brought a fan. For my hotel room. Who does that?! Hee hee Yeah, I have been yoyo-ing between eating healthy and experiencing Last Supper Sydrome, so I plan on full speed ahead after turkey day. I will probably have a few Last Hoorahs over Christmas and New Years...but other than holidays, it's on like Donkey Kong!!!

@@Veronica Page I am going alone, too! I think I will be fine. I mean, it would be nice to have someone...but oh well I travel alone a lot and do well, plus all I have to worry about is moi. I am going to make sure I pack as light as possible, though. I don't want to worry about lugging stuff around that I didn't need to bring in the first place!

@@Ronab hehehe I think lettuce would be OK. Spinich has more nutritional value and would probably be better for ya. However, I will probably do a spring greens mix, or half lettuce and half spinich. I hate spinich with ranch, but love it with oil/vinegar type dressings. I think as long as you are not adding anything else to the cauliflower or spinich while coooking them, it should be good. You might try: lettuce, kidney beans, tomato, 1 egg and 1/2 serving of chicken mixed together with a low carb ranch. I did Medifast for a long time and it was one of my fave salads. You might also maybe email ALM and see if you can make an omlet instead of a salad out of eggs, veggies and spinich? Just some (diet) food for thought....

Oh, also want to add this part of their pre-op: 14 Days Prior to Surgery Do not smoke. Follow Pre-Op Diet below: Use any premixed canned or powdered protein drink that contains at least 15 grams of protein. You may purchase these in any health food store or many grocery stores. Wal-Mart EAS pre mix is excellent for pre op but BIO CHEM is great powder for after surgery. Breakfast: 1 protein drink Lunch: 1 protein drink Dinner: Salad with Protein 6 oz for women…8 oz for men (chicken, fish, egg, etc.), small amount of low-fat or fat-free dressing, or olive oil and vinegar. Evening Snack: 1 protein drink (if needed). You may also take 1 Metamucil capsule per day for hunger (if needed). I bought some store brand Metamucil and take it with my lunch and a bottle of water. I don't know if it is all in my mind...but it does help with hunger (for me!). I know it has psyllium husk in it, which expands in your stomach making you feel fuller. Probably TMI (or not), but I thought Metamucil would make me need to use the bathroom alot...it does not- which is good! I tried the EAS drinks...they are OK, too. For some reason, the GNC Lean 25's keep me fuller than Premeir Protein (30g of protein). I have no idea how that works, but I will roll with it. Good luck! WE GOT THIS!

@@Ronab I am going to do chicken, eggs or lean beef (like sirlion tips). In my client packet they wrote an example: SAMPLE SALAD: 2 cups spinach, 1/2 zucchini, 1/4 cauliflower, 1/2 summer squash, 1 tomato, 4 green onions, 1/2 cucumber, 1 egg, 1/2 cup rinsed canned kidney beans, 1/4 each red, green, yellow and orange pepper. Maybe even some sprouts. Topped with the chicken and your favorite dressing and split into thirds. This method is okay also… A shake in the morning...1/3 of the salad around 11, 1/3 around 1.30 and the last around 4 pm with the shake at 6.30 pm and if needed one more shake later. I will probably cut out the cauliflower (YUCK!) and the peppers (eew) and add a bit more of the veggies I like. I found a low carb oil & vinegar dressing at the grocery store and will use that to top it off And I will probably have a shake in the morning, 1/3 of the salad + shake for lunch, then the rest of the salad for dinner. If I am still hungry, I can always have the third shake, some jello, etc. I am super worried about the clear liquid days, though. I guess I will have to deal with that when I get there :/ I have been having a shake for brekkie and lunch (LOVE the GNC Total Lean 25 Chocolate) and snacking on raw almonds or beef jerky...but I am afraid that all broth/jello/clear liquids will make me turn into a butthead. Oh well. lol.

@@mkw10 NOPE! I ordered them from Drugstore.com and I think they are literally walking my order to me. I am not expected to get them until 12/3/2014!!!! I didn't know it was legal to be so slow in shipping stuff to people That is one helluvah bummer

Wow, you are looking good! Keep it up!

@@Big_Mama We must be soul sisters....I have always thought I was OK and a bit fluffy, but seeing pictures of myself is shocking. And a bit horrifying! I cannot wait for my bod to catch up with my mind!!!!!

Wow! I can't imagine how stressful that must be for you. I will keep my fingers crossed for ya I am SUPER big on planning (which it sounds like you are, too) and just hate it when people don't follow my plans! It sounds like you are on the right track with staying in touch with the coordinator and doctor's office. But, I think you're right: Either way, things will work out. I am not religous, but I do think that things do have a way of working out just when they are supposed to Hang in there!!!

WOW! You look AMAZING already! I feel like I have a similar body type and got SO excited looking at your before and after photos. Keep it up, girly! Thanks for making my day

I am so excited for this to happen to me! And I am also so proud of you! Keep it up