KristeyK

I know this isn't exactly comparable to surgery, but I have had a LOT of dental work done down in Mexico and came out of it all JUST fine. Sadly, even with dental insurance it's still about 1/3 of the price I'd have to pay out of pocket. Things down there just don't cost the Dr's and hospitals as much as they do here in the US which explains a LOT of the reasoning for it being so much less expensive. I wouldn't run to some tiny little town in the middle of nowhere in Mexico to have it done, but major cities and hospitals in Mexico do indeed have the same care we do here in the US. They also realize the value of the almighty American Dollar going down there and don't want to screw up or give you bad care so that word spreads regarding poor care in Mexico. kwim???

I would double check that 80% there. I know the insurance we're covered with is through the Railway Act or something or other. (Union Pacific, which I know is the same contract as a few other railroads out there...) UHC is only making us do co-pays and that's it. (We also have the Choice Plus, I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not as to exactly which plan y'all are on.)

Welcome!!! It took me a couple days to figure out the format too. lol. Wednesday is getting here SOON! How are you feeling?

I can give you a tip for when y'all go out and want to blend in... For about a year in college I went through a "zero drinking" phase. (Too bad that didn't last!) Anyway, I used to order Water with a slice of lemon in it and asked them to put it in a cocktail glass. (Back then it was because everyone would bug me to get a drink. UGH!) It'd help you feel more like you're blending into the crowd. As for when you're going to dinner, just order some grilled chicken or fish and veggies.:biggrin2:

You know the sad part about these clothes for me? A majority of them haven't EVER been worn!!! I bought most of them at Target or Walmart, not thinking about the fact that you need to buy them a size or two LARGER there, and God forbid I try anything on the store. lol. So they've been put on, zipped up only for me to go "ACK! Camel toe!!!" and take them right back off. I'm with you...hopefully in a month or so they'll fit great or be too big.

OMG! I bet you are so excited/nervous and a million other feelings right now. I hope you're all able to get some sleep!!! I can't wait to read more stories. (Is it the 14th yet? lol)

If I could figure out exactly what to Google I'd have an answer for you. (I've tried non sugar free Protein shakes and you wouldn't BELIEVE the garbage I cam up with. lol) So I did get on a roll while the hubby is at work to declutter my bedroom. I got rid of a lot of junk, but I have a TON of clothes that are currently just a TEE TINY bit too small. I sure as shootin' ain't getting rid of them now!!!

You must be on the 14th too huh? YAY!!! My hubby feels like a pig too. lol. I keep telling him he's more than welcome to start watching what he's eating too. (He needs to lose about 45lbs himself.) I will give him this- he's doing really well at not eating a ton of garbage anymore. He went grocery shopping and didn't buy his usual Little Debbies to put into his lunches. YAY TROY! The only time this liquid diet phase has been hard was yesterday when it was in the mid-90's and Troy was drinking strawberry margaritas. OUCH!!! I could have slapped him for that one.

I didn't have to prove what I've weighed the last few years, I just had to show that I've tried to lose the weight. (And all I ended up having to do was shoot an email to the surgeon's insurance coordinatory saying what I tried and when.) However, the employer your insurance is through could require more than what I had to. We're insured through the railroad and it is a VERY good plan.

I was going to comment on the same picture. It looks nice!!! YAY on surgery this Thursday!!!

I SOOOO kwym!!! Not only how not to be the fat girl, but also how to deal with the fact that as we get thin, how to deal with the attention we'll be getting. (It's AMAZING...you stop being invisible when you're not fat anymore.)

Mine too!!! I just discovered it a couple years ago. I never watched it before because I assumed it was like Captain Planet from the title. HA HA HA!!! WRONG!!! AHTF and Brak got me through my pregnancy. OK, Adult Swim period did.

Are you ONLY drinking the shakes? If so I would add in some broth or the sf Jello or BOTH. Also, Water, WATER, WATER!!! I either drink broth or water when I'm getting hungry. It's not 100% fool proof on making me feel any better, but it helps a LOT. I'm also being assured by my buddy that did this a year ago that once the band is in there, you just really don't get hungry. SHE BETTER BE TELLING THE TRUTH! lol. Allison- That was a HILLARIOUS episode. Meatwad is cute, but shake is SOOOOO my personality that it scares the bajeezers out of me. lol. (And imagine Shake being responsible for raising a CHILD! My poor, poor little son. ROFLMAO)

Allison, can I hire you to come over to my house and do my room too? lol. (It's HARD when there's a hubby to help keep it messy. ha ha ha) I really can't think of anything else to add. I can tell you that the Rachael Ray broths are REALLY GOOD! There's also another kind in a box out there that are organic and those are excellent too. As for Protein shakes, I bought the EAS Soy Protein in the chocolate flavor at Walmart this week and they're pretty good! (I like it best when I blend it with aew ice cubes- it's like drinking a REAL shake.) The first two weeks after surgery my Dr makes us drink the clear protein though, so I need to find out where I can get Isopure or Pure Pro at. Good luck getting the room organization done! I know the show you're talking about with the clutter in your house = clutter in your life. I saw the guy on Oprah and he also does a show on TLC. He has a book out called "Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Big?" I've REALLY been wanting to go buy it, but then I'd have that much more clutter from it. (Trust me, I have five or six books on decluttering and organizing- NONE of them have done a bit of good. lol)

First, Allison I am LAUGHING over your Meatwad avatar...I LOVE IT! As for the liquid diet...UGH!!! I've beenliving off of the Protein shakes and cottage cheese. I keep telling myself "I WILL get used to sf Jello, I WILL get used to sf Jello..." It's not working so far, but hopefully by the time the 14th rolls around I'll be able to handle it. My girlfriend gave me a tip about the broth that's actually pretty good. She said to put a little steak seasoning in it and try it that way. YUMMMMY!!! Too bad my steak seasoning doesn't dissolve in it too well or I'd use it after the surgery too. (I may run and grab a SMALL thing of Lowry's to try...)

We also have UHC through the railroad. I think they'd accept it. Heck, really the only 5 year history they got from me was something stating that I had tried Weight Watchers for a year, South Beach Diet for almost a year and a few other things. I had NOTHING from a Dr. stating what my diet history was and I got approved. (And my written history was in an email to the coordinator for my surgeon!!!)

I don't think it's the least bit crazy. My Dr. doesn't require me to do a pre-op diet at all because my BMI is under 50. I still started one on Wednesday. (Being banded the 14th.) I asked him about it at my appt and he said to have at it as they're highly considering making it a standard thing at the office anyway.

I LOVED Units!!!! I also remember when Express FIRST opened up and they had that Outback Red brand...LOVED that stuff too. lol

That's beyond crappy Helen!!! You'd think that they would look at WOMEN being able to have kids period, not whether or not someone's husband was able to with someone else. Then again, we're not exactly the ones in charge of this stuff are we? Hugs to you and I truly hope everything works out.

HA HA HA!!! HELLO Sherra!!! Didn't know I'd see you here!

So was I the only one who looked like a cross between a rocker/Madonna reject/preppie??? rofl. It all depended on the day of the week as to how I dressed. Monday it would be my Guess jeans with the bow at the ankle, my Izod Polo shirt and white Keds with two pairs of socks. Tuesday would be my acid wash Levis with a concert t-shirt that was all cut up and Wednesday could be the Flashdance sweatshirt with the legwarmers...EW!:frown:

I was also told NO hair products at all. (Which, to be honest, isn't a problem since I am the ponytail QUEEN and RARELY use anything. lol) I think if you go to your event, then come home and wash your hair you'll be fine. (But that is my unprofessional opinion.)

Sorry I haven't answered you until today. Her weight loss is GREAT! She looks soooo different it's ahrd to believe. She doesn't regret the decision for one second, and that gives me a LOT of hope.

I'm not getting banded until the 14th, but I do have PCOS. If you look under the specialty support groups you will find a PCOS group. I'm feeling pretty good about getting the band over the bypass from reading their posts!

OK, I'm just jealous you're going to Africa!!! Seriously though, I would get it done as soon as you can get more time off from work. Have a GREAT time on that trip!!!!