BriDawn

I think my list could go on and on but the main things: -feeling confident -shopping at the stores I like and not the stores with clothes that will fit me -going to the lake or pool with my friends -going on a hot vacation! -getting a massage -being able to do more workouts without feeling so exhausted, and being able to see the muscle under all the current flab! -meeting a new guy -being healthy and enjoying my new life!

I've been preparing for this surgery for two years now so I'm definitely ready. After 5 long hours of pre-op tests at the hospital today, I'm quite terrified. I'm not a fan of hospitals to begin with so this didn't help much. I know the two days in the hospital is such a small part but it still freaks me out. How have you guys been dealing with the pre-op jitters? Scared, anxious, excited? I'm excited for my new life after I've adjusted to the surgery but the road getting there seems terrifying. I won't go as far as to say I have cold feet because I know surgery is what I want, but it would help to hear that others are feeling similarly!

I live in Edmonton and have been looking into getting this surgery for a couple months now. I really want to get the whole experience underway, especially if it takes a while to actually get into a clinic for the surgery. So far, I'm having problems deciding where to go. I know I'll have to do the self-pay route as I have a "lower" BMI and am quite young. I've been thinking about Mexico but I get a lot of mixed results from researching it. It's about equal to hearing about the great experiences to the horrible ones. If I could, I'd prefer to go somewhere in Canada or the US because I think it seems smarter, however I don't know if I can afford the $18 000+ bills for this.. I've heard some people have seen doctors for less then $10 000 in the US though. Anyways, I'd really appreciate some helpful thoughts and information. Also, has anyone found any "fill" doctors in Edmonton? Thanks!

I live in Alberta, Canada and I was wondering if anyone in Canada had gotten banded? I know they have the clinics in Toronto but I'm not sure if there's anywhere closer? Also, I've heard everyone saying that their insurance covers a lot of the costs, but as far as I read, the wait for the insurance-covered surgeries can be up to 5 years whereas the self-pay ones are much cheaper. Is this true? Just wondering because I'm seriously looking into getting this surgery but am confused as to where I can or who to talk to about it.