Sparkles!!

Able to breathe better when walking. Able to shop in the same stores and clothing sections as my sisters and friends. Feeling good in a belly dancing costume. Feeling like I could go back to judo.

So... I'm still quite new to the online world of weight loss surgery. I've noticed that, like most of the online world, these forums have their own commonly used acronyms, and most of the time I've been able to puzzle them out. One of the problems I had was when people would refer to "my nut". I was getting very colorful with what I imagined this to mean, because the way it was used seemed to vary. It finally dawned on me that people were referring to their nutritionist. Anyhow, just to avoid any more confusion for myself does anyone want to share what some of the more typical acronyms are? Because while I think I know some of them... I could be operating under a very wrong assumption!

Thank you :-)

I have encountered some resistance - mostly from people who are nervous about me undergoing any surgery, but especially a "voluntary/cosmetic" surgery. They mostly just wish that I could/would do it the good, old-fashioned way...they somehow do not understand that I've tried their way many times and was only mildly and temporarily successful. They haven't seen the struggle or the tears that come with failing time and again, because I work hard at putting forward a confident, comfortable-in-my-skin image. And to be honest, I'm not ashamed of who I am, or how I look... I'm just finally ready to let go of the weight and the fear... I'm tired of holding back on so many things in life because of my size. But because they see someone who is okay with herself, and doesn't have many health problems, they figure it should simply be a matter of willpower. Well, I'm now using my willpower and determination to make this surgery a successful one. Some of them may not like it, but they do love me, so that's what has won out in the long run. Mostly though, my loved ones have been supportive, if not enthusiastic. Hopefully your loved ones will come around - but even if they don't, stick to what it is you want for yourself. You'll be happier for it in the long run!

A while back I decided that by the time I go on my pre-op diet I want to get rid of/donate at least a good portion of my wardrobe. I have too many clothes as it is, some fit - some don't. I'm not planning to be rid of absolutely everything by any means... but mostly I want to keep things pretty basic. I figured I would keep a few good work outfits; a few of the items I like, but don't currently fit into; and some nice separates that are elastic enough to move down with me for at least a few sizes. Would this be a bad idea? My sisters seem to love the idea... but they also like clothes shopping a lot more than I do. One of my co-workers, however, thinks I'm nuts, and felt the need to remind me that I'm not going to come back from Mexico (where I'm having surgery) looking like a twig. I'm very aware of that fact. I know it takes time and effort to help the weight come off. Anyhow, that being said, would I be rushing the fences to simplify my wardrobe in advance?

Oh boy, that must be fun! However, there won't be any rescheduling the surgery for me, or I'm going to be in a mess financially. I had to take out a loan (not huge, but enough) to pay for the surgery/trip to Mexico, and a fair chunk of the trip is non-refundable. But I completely understand the desire to be rid of the old clothes. I've been making changes and gradually losing a bit here and there... but I would love to see an outward change, whether it's in me, my clothing or my environment, just as a confirmation that this time things are different. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! I have no doubt that you will be able to say goodbye to your wardbrobe in short order!

Thank you guys for the wonderful responses. I can definitely see how keeping the clothes until I really do outgrow (outshrink?) them could give me a mental boost too... I probably will get rid of a few things in advance, but I won't go too crazy. I also don't plan on spending a ton of money on clothes, but anything I do get is now being picked with an eye to see if it will be able to move with me for a while.

Hi! In the last few months I finally came to the decision to undergo bariatric surgery. I've been driving myself a little crazy with all the research I've been doing into the possibility of doing it here in Denver, or going to Mexico, since the costs are much lower. My HR director had assured me that bariatric surgery was not excluded under our company plan... except that I found out today that she was wrong. I've heard of instances in which companies will sometimes pay for someone to get it done in Mexico, rather than having to add it to the insurance. Has anyone done this? If so, how did you approach your employer, or was it just offered? I'm just curious. Storykpr

I did speak to HR. Unfortunately, my employer is not set up in a way that allows them to help, at least not currently. Maybe they'll re-vamp the system and magically surprise me with some help... but I'm not holding my breath on that one :-) Our benefits are slated to be renewed in a month or so, so there might be a policy change, but it is highly unlikely to happen. As for what I decided to do... I scheduled surgery in Cancun with dr. verboonen in July. I took out a small personal loan, to pay for everything. I hated the idea of taking out a loan, but it was the only real option I had. There have been some good things to come out of it as well, though. One of the ways my employer has been able to assist me is in offering short term disability. Because the pay is a lot more reasonable than I had originally expected, I'll be able to take a full month off work. I have a desk job that is pretty easy physically, so I probably won't need the full month, but it will give me time to fully recover, as well as to really set up my eating habits and schedule for when I return. I would just talk to your HR director and find out what your options are since your insurance may not cover it. The worse they can say is, "Sorry, but there's nothing we can do for the surgery directly." but maybe they'll be able to assist in other ways, such as short-term disability, etc. Good luck, and let us know what you end up deciding to do :-)

Not a bad idea... I guess there's some part of me that worries that if I have my old clothes available, that I'll get too comfortable and not work as hard as I should. I know that seems silly. I'm bound and determined to not only go through with the surgery but to make it a successful journey. I'm slowly starting to incorporate changes that I'll need to have in place by the time I go for surgery, I gave up soda (40+ days and running), soon caffeine... etc. I guess the clothing seems like some sort of milestone. Where it falls whether its pre or post-op doesn't really matter I suppose. I'm obsessing over the surgery a lot more than I like to admit, I guess :-/

I asked the same question not all that long ago in the forum for surgery in Mexico. Most people seemed to say 2 weeks... but I've noticed that there is often a slight difference between recovery recommendations. Here in the states docs tend to say 3 - 4 weeks (at least from the ones I've spoken to), Whereas in Mexico 1 - 2 weeks seems to be the norm. It all comes down to what you think you can handle physically as well as financially. For myself, I'm planning to take a month off work, 1 week pre-op and 3 post-op. I wanted to make sure I was fully recovered before I return, because it'll only cause more problems if others have to fix my work (desk job) or I have to go home early. My boss thinks I'm crazy to return so soon. Her daughter had it done here in the states and it was more than a month before she was cleared to go back (but she also does a lot of physical work). However, I also have to admit that the only reason I was willing to take the full month off, was because the short term disability benefit turned out to cover more than I expected. Good luck with your surgery!

I suspect most of us ask ourselves the same question: What if I can't? But there are so many success stories here that prove we really can. You're going to do beautifully!

Also, I think it's awesome that you and your mom are doing this together!

I'm scheduled for July 9th. For me the parts the were vague were a lot of the pre/post op diet info. I was given general guidelines, but told that I need to follow the plan exactly... Not entirely helpful. Luckily, in my research and checking with lots of other sources, I was given enough specific information that falls within Dr. V's guidelines, that I actually feel pretty confident with what I'll be doing, even if it isn't the most fun plan ever. Let me know if you want me to message the stuff I have to you.

Hi! I may be a little late in commenting... I'm scheduled for surgery in July with Drs. Verboonen/Ceron in Cancun. I wasn't able to find any direct booking info, either. I booked through mexicobariatric.com... So far they've been pretty okay to work with, but it can take time to answers back on questions. Though to be fair, I threw a few kinks into the works because I won't be staying at their usual resort or hotel. Good luck with the surgery, and I would love to know how it goes for you. It would be wonderful to hear from someone with the same docs in the same place I'll be going.

Basically, I'm trying to figure out how much time I should plan on requesting off from work. I had put in for a total of 3 weeks off (one prior to, and 2 after), but my supervisor is concerned that it may not be enough time to recuperate fully. Her daughter had gastric sleeve here in the states, and it was over a month before she was cleared to go back to work. My employers have been fairly supportive, and I'll be filing FMLA paperwork, etc... but I have to admit the idea of taking a month or more off work freaks me out a little (okay maybe a lot). Logically, I know it would be fine, though tight financially, but I can't seem to wrap my head around it. Should I really plan on 3 to 4 weeks after surgery before returning to work?

When is your surgery?

Very good point. I also work a desk job, so I'd be okay on that side, but I don't want to cause more work for my co-workers if I'm still exhausted and making mistakes or having to leave early. Something to think about, I guess.

Sorry for the multi-response... my computer was being weird.

Wow! That's a quick turn-around. But I know of another lady who couldn't take the time away either. She said she was a bit tender but was able to what she needed to with no real problems. Hopefully it will go just as smoothly for you Best wishes! Wow! That's a quick turn-around. But I know of another lady who couldn't take the time away either. She said she was a bit tender but was able to what she needed to with no real problems. Hopefully it will go just as smoothly for you Best wishes! Wow! That's a quick turn-around. But I know of another lady who couldn't take the time away either. She said she was a bit tender but was able to what she needed to with no real problems. Hopefully it will go just as smoothly for you Best wishes!

Thank you

I've had weight issues all my life and have been encouraged since I was 19 to consider weight loss surgery... I refused it at the time and pretty much have refused to do it up until now. I kept think of it as a cheating and that it would make me a quitter if I resorted to it. So like pretty much everyone else here, I tried everything else - all sorts of diets, I worked with a personal trainer... I would do really well for a while, then something would set me back, I'd give up, gain it all back (plus some). Then a few months ago, I was reading something about Einstein, and his definition of insanity popped into my head, "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." I realized that all the diets, fads, etc. were a form of insanity. After some research, I decided that gastric sleeve was the best option for me, and finally informed family and close friends of my decision, because I knew telling people would force me to actually go through with it. People asked when I was going to do it, and I said I was still researching finances and surgeons... so they pretty much figured it was a "someday" thing. But, after a good bit of research, I decided to go with dr. verboonen in Cancun. I still didn't commit right away...and finally realized that I had already made my decision and was only putting off the inevitable... So yesterday, I booked the date and put down my deposit... I'm still in a bit of a daze, and it feels a little unreal, even though I've actually started to make it happen. However, I've realized that I wasn't only putting off surgery, but I was putting off a lot of things I didn't need to, until "after surgery". Has anyone else found themselves doing this?

I absolutely agree! Once I really started researching and seeing was required, I realized this wasn't going to be a simple thing. But then again, weight loss never is. People trot out the "simple" formula of basically eating right and exercising so that you burn off more calories than you take in... While that may be a big part of it, if that was truly all that mattered, far fewer people would be considering surgery. They forget that everything from the quality of the food we eat to to our emotional/mental state plays a tremendous role. Regardless of how you lose weight, there are some basic truths you have to face: 1) That you have to change your habits, 2) That you have be be prepared to follow through even when it gets hard, because the world around us is not going to make it easy.

Thank you :-)