shizwiz

I am hoping this is normal- but I have been waking up at 2AM for this past week and have been thinking 'Oh my gosh, it is ALMOST here! What am I DOING??!?!!'. During the day, I think about this upcoming surgery all day- no joke. I have been waiting since October, so, for 90 days the surgery has been seeming like a dream. Now, on Friday- I start my pre-op diet. Whoa. It is getting REAL, people! I think I am nervous because: -- I am going to MX alone. My mom just had neck surgery so she cannot go (even though she wanted to!). My boyfriend flat out refused to go to Mexico because he (a) doesn't ever want to go to MX and he doesn't really think I need the surgery (but says he will support me & my decision). So, I make my journey alone. --I have never, ever had surgery before. I had an endoscopy about 7 years ago and was put under anesthesia for it, but I had my best friend right by my side and it was a tiny 10 minute procedure. --It is actually going to happen. It has felt like a dreeeeammm for so long- I just can't believe that in less than a month I will be at home, recovering....and on the way to a new me. Wheew. It felt good to get that out. No one really is behind my decision to go to Mexico and get a sleeve...so I am kind of at a loss of people to talk about my jitters without getting a lecture on why I should just back out now.

CONGRATS!!!

@@mermaiddreams Wow! SO kewl to hear another rural AK friend is out there!!!! I am going to Mexico and my surgeon is Dr. Elias Ortiz. Where are you going?

Thanks all! I am not running a temp luckily. I think it is a head cold? One of my nostrils is on strike and when I talk, I sound funny and feel slightly under Water. I have DayQuil, Zycam, Airborne and water on today's menu (not all at once, though!). Happy Day After Christmas!!! THANK YOU for your replies- I was freaking out!

@@Aranks Thanks! I am going to try to just drink a ton of water and see where I am next week. Pheew. THANK YOU!

I woke up sick today (nasal congestion & itchy throat)-- and I am one week from starting my pre-op diet and 3 weeks from surgery date (SQUEAL- EXCITING!!!). However, I am kind of freaking out because I don't know if this will delay me at all- I do not want to be delayed! I plan on drinking a ton of Water and taking Vitamins, Zycam, etc to ward it off...hopefully that kills it. Do I need to tell my surgery coordinator that I have a cold- or should I just wait it out?

Woot wooot! I am so happy for you and am glad you are feelin' good! Thank you for posting updates, it is good to hear from you and nice to read how your recovery is going. Merry Christmas!

I grew up in Auburn, WA and now I live in Bethel, AK-- the boonies!

I would try calling Virginia Mason or UW Medical Center. Also, if you call Medicaid or Medicare, they might be able to help you look up participating providers as well There was a thread on Obesity Help as well with providers for WA Medicaid/Care: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/WA/3462803/MEDICAID-AND-MEDICARE-SURGEONS-LIST/ Good luck! I used to live in WA, and I MISS it there Happy Holidays!

CONGRATS!!!! Whoa, that is amazing! Happy dance! :)

@@supportive hubby No offense taken I can't really speak to your situation, though. There has been only one or two times where my boyfriend was in the mood when I wasn't where i just flat out refused. Most of the time, when I wasn't in the mood, I would say 'to hell with it' and go for it.....and I wasn't disappointed. Sometimes, I didn't even get pleasure entirely, but making my man happy made me feel good. However, I think both of our drives are low due to our weight. In other words, while I am overweight, so is he...and that does not help sexy time! It sounds like you are feeling a little resentful that your wife isn't in the mood as much as you are (or ever), and that is completely understandable. I mean, we are only human, right?! I would suggest seeking professional insight and guidance; or at the very least a deep and lengthy conversation with your wife to get to the bottom of the issue. I can only give my personal insight As for me,I have spoken with my boyfriend about my issues with sex, and the lack of it (as I used to be very, VERY active) and have come to an understanding. I am a very open person. He knows how I feel, and I know how he feels...and it is known what each other wants. We will get there one day, too I'm rootin for ya!

@@supportive hubby I am sorry to hear that I just finished the thread that Miss Mac posted and it was VERY helpful and gave me some excellent insights. I sincerely hope you talk with your wife and see what is going on and work on rebuilding that healthy sex life! Maybe you can let her catch you reading 50 Shades of Grey around the house and peak her curiosity! Shoot, I would be jaw dropped if my S.O. did that!

If my insurance would cover the surgery, I would be going that route as opposed to going to Mexico. It is not because I am worried about going to Mexico at all, but having your surgery in the States allows for more continuity of care (ie follow up with your doctors and being monitored closely after discharge). In addition, if you have complications, your insurance would pay for those. While Mexico sleevers can go to the ER if we have complications and will be treated (the Federal Law, EMTALA states anyone going to an ER must be treated), we would likely have to pay for that out of our pockets. An ER visit is very costly and I am praying I do not have to visit one! Also, in my opinion, the counseling and diet is really important. Even though I am going to Mexico, I am paying for counseling out of my own pocket to make sure I have a clinical support person to help me with my issues with food and overeating. I use Betterhelp.com and talk with my counselor online whenever I want. I also considered surgery for about 4-5 months prior to putting down my deposit. For me, cutting out part of my stomach was a huge decision that I talked about with my family, my counselor and my friends. LOL none of them were in favor of the surgery, but talking with them still helped I would suggest thinking about this carefully and maybe making a list of the pros and cons of just paying out of pocket VS going through the insurance. Also add up the costs. I am paying 4600 for my package, I used miles + cash for my air ticket (which would have cost $800 but I only spent $200) and have bought about $400 in supplies...like Protein shakes, neosporin, bandages for home, post op Vitamins, etc. So, in the end, I am looking at about $5200 already. But, Whichever path you choose, I wish you good luck! Cheers!

That is a tough one. I am in that position now because I am not OK with my weight or body... and I also am experiencing the same low drive as your wife. It is HARD to feel sexy when all you can see is a body that you yourself aren't happy with. My boyfriend (bless his heart) tells me about 20 times a day how beautiful I am. He rubs lotion on my back for me. He sits out my coffee cup in the morning and puts a K-cup in the machine. He finds little ways to keep us touching or at least keep that feeling of 'I love you' going all the time. And because of all that, as SOON as I am feel remotely comfortable in my own skin, its on like Donkey Kong!

Ohhhh NSV= Non scale Victory. I had totally been wondering what that meant!! I had been brainstorming for a few months: -'Nuther Small Victory -New Stellar Victory -No Small Victory -New Sleeve Victory -Not Safe for Vooork (with russian accent) It all makes so much sense, now. Thanks!!!!

@@VSGAnn2014 I am sitting at my desk almost crying because I am laughing so hard! I had a co-worker come in and check to see if I was OK Totally writing down this list and trying a few when I get to that point! 10 points to Gryffindor!

I have been rowing the ol 'low carb boat' for a while now...I notice that when I stall on weight loss (or gain!) it is because I am eating too much cheese or dairy. Lawdy, I love me some cheese! I also kind of listen to myself when I think 'OK, what should I cut back on or lay off for a bit?' Usually the first thing I start to defend is what I am having issues with. Cheese or foods with too much sodium are usually the culprits. One of my fave low-carb meals/snacks is a chicken salad with spinach and feta crumbles with an oil & vinegar dressing. Or a slice of turkey with a piece of cheese (see, here I go with the cheese), shrimp cocktail, some almonds...Pinterest has some awesome boards, too! Keep your head up, you are not alone You got this!

You look AWESOME! I love that middle pic with the black outfit!!! Wowza!

Time HAS slowed. I have proof, I have been staring at the clock and the calendar and I swear....and it has turned into molasses in January I am hoping with Christmas and the New Year that time will start flying again!!!

@@Veronica Page I am right there with ya! I feel like I will take a few steps forward, then fall off the side of the road. I will do well for a bit, then getting a case of the 'Last Supper-itis' or feel too lazy to cook or eat my healthy foods. Don't beat yourself up. We can pick ourselves up and keep on a movin' I have found a little bit of success with distracting myself. I got a puzzle (which sucks up my time) and have read 3 books in the last few weeks. I have an adult coloring book and some coloring pencils in the mail. (Disclaimer: Adult as in complex, not X-rated! HA!). Plus, I asked for Legos for Christmas. I figure if I can get myself sucked into little projects, I might be able to keep my mind off of food. Or, I am turning into a 13 year old and just don't know it yet...Hmm... Stay strong, yo!

CONGRATS!!! So excited and happy for you Let us know how you are doing after a while, eh?

@@BLERDgirl OMG I am a list-maker, too! I have been planning out my outfits for travel (& surgery), makeup (or lack thereof during recovery), and list everything by category for packing. Then, I plan where I will be going at the airports (mani/pedi instead of the usual bar or restaurant). Then come the post-op meal plans, snack plans, grocery lists....and so it goes on. Shoot, maybe I should get the meds, eh?

I think it is a good sign to have mixed feelings! It shows that we are mentally sparring with ourselves and having a good, thoughtful internal conversation to determine whether or not we are mentally ready. That is my 2 cents anyway. I know that if I didn't have these mixed feelings, that would mean I was jumping to a decision too quickly and might not quite be ready. But, since I have now been talking to myself for several months, and successfully defending my own decision to myself, I know I'm ready!

@@emmuje875 I got these compression stockings from Amazon. If my doctor gives me some, I will wear the ones they provide...but I have wide calves, so I got a pair just in case. I also travel alot and tend to swell up in my ankles, so I will probably use them even after surgery....until my calves shrink! (Can't wait!!!) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A33GCQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Happy Monday

@@emsgirl114 WOW! I thought I was the only one who did that!!!! Jeez, I cannot WAIT to not have that on my mind!