Malaika

bluecats - congrats on your will power and good luck with your upcoming surgery - you are in my prayers.

Isn't it funny how certain things can make one happy? Tracy you crack me up - but I so know what you mean.

Youknowit- I'll PM you with my PCP information. It's hard to find good, competent doctors here in Las Vegas - and working in med mal for the past 7 years, has really tainted me, so when I find a good doctor, I hang on to him/her and share that information with anyone who needs a good doctor. Hope this helps!

Tracy - you're too funny - but a wise move -- and you could do your shopping in Mexicali after your pre-op tests - they've got a huge mall not far from the resort. Be sure to use lots of lotion on those hands to keep them from getting chapped, and you'll get good sleep the night before surgery and while you're in the hospital. I'd drink LOTS of Water and double up on your Vitamins -- I'd actually take airborne as it has lots of healthy things in there and was developed by a school teacher - and you know how many germs are in a school. I believe it helps to keep you from getting sick.

Enjoy your vacation and don't stress out about the food - eat what you want (within reason) - make healthy choices where possible and start your pre-op diet when you get home. I only had to do 1 week pre-op diet and my liver was in great shape according to Dr. Aceves. Quit stressing - it isn't healthy and counteracts the purpose of going on vacation!

Shanda - that is so awesome! I am almost 6 months out and have lost 54 - so 50 in 2 months - unbelievably amazing! I can't wait to see your pics and you are going to be so totally awesome in your wedding gown -- I bet you'll have to have it altered significantly! Keep up the good work girl!

I remember my ex took my oldest son to see that movie - think he was about 14-15 and when they got home, I asked how was the movie ... his (my son) response: there was a lady that had three boobs! (that was all he commented about on that movie!)

Kelly -- that's awesome - where did you decide to have your surgery done and by who? We're going to have to get together again with the other VSGers here in Las Vegas - we missed you at the last one!

Way to go AJW - you'll have a great time and a great attitude- and you'll make your goal too!

:lol0::lol0::lol0::lol0: don't fight it Tracy - we love you just the way you are :lol0::lol0::lol0::lol0:

Dalite - Use a heating pad on your back and/or your chest - that helped me to get rid of the gas they used to "blow you up" during surgery. Walking also was a big help. My surgeon had me on Clear liquids for 10 days following surgery (day 1 being the day after surgery) - so, anything you can see through - apple juice, chicken broth, beef broth, chicken noodle Soup without the chicken or the noodles, SF Jello; SF popsicles; Water, herbal tea. Check out the thread I posted entitled "Dr. Aceves' Information" it has the entire food list for the post-op diet through mushies - it might help to give you some ideas on what is "easy" on your new stomach and will allow it to heal.

Helen - can't wait to see the pictures! Congrats!

I had the same reaction as Chancie - WOW Already ML? That's great and we will look forward to reading your post-op posts!

Pre-op I really liked the Atkins RTD shakes and smoothies made with EAS Vanilla. There's also one that Target carries - it's in a can and it's Cookies & Creme. Since surgery, the only one I have been able to tolerate is Oh Yeah as it is lactose free. I don't drink them very often as I get in a lot of protein from food now.

Congrats JoAnne - I know you must be so happy to actually be able to CHEW ... the "full" feeling is a work in progress and you will have good days and bad ... just learn to listen to your body and you'll figure it all out!

Well I'd go and check out Sam's Club - they might not have it on their web page, but may have it in the store. If not, let me know and I can pick some up for you and send it to you if you want.

I miss gulping or drinking an entire bottle of water too -- I still can't do that -- I can take larger sips than when first out of surgery; however, I think the gulping days are over. As for the pain, take smaller sips -- that is how I could tell when I was ready for larger sips - there was no pain - if there was pain, I reverted to smaller swallows and tried again a week later. The additives, too, are a good idea. Lipton makes a bunch of flavors that contain Splenda instead of aspartame and they do seem to satisfy the thirst more - not sure why either.

Itstime -- woo hoo -- IT IS TIME ... my thoughts and prayers are with you and we will send extra angels to keep you safe and guard you while you are away from home, along with all the other December sleevers too ... we will look forward to hearing from you whenever you are able and feeling up to it!

Barbara - welcome to VST. I agree with the others - contact your insurance representative and ask them what WLS is covered and/or excluded - I wouldn't wait until January - you will drive yourself crazy with worry and doubt by then -- find out now and the you can determine a plan to work with whatever answers they give you.

That is so COOL Helen - congratulations -- you should have ordered a 14 - by the time the 18 is returned and the 16 is on it's way - you may need the 14 ... oh gee darn, wouldn't that be just awful?

My goal is to be in Onderland by my 6 month surgiversary (12/12) or DEFINITELY before Christmas~

Mr. Nick -- you should be well enough by the 25th to find enjoyment in a child's enjoyment of opening his gifts - just kick back in your lazy boy with the camera and ENJOY!

Dalite - you're normal - we've all been through it - glad you figured out what was causing the headaches - they sucked after surgery -- be sure to eat/drink whether you're hungry or not - you have to stay hydrated and keep your energy up - and WALK - that will help with the pain and the wind! Keep us posted!

I was a virgin sleever and my cost was $9500 -- I think the revision is about $11,500 -- you could email Nina and ask her. Daisy and Ruthie were both revisions, so they may be able to chime in next time they are on line. If you need Nina's info, pm me and I'll send it to you.

I wasn't a belt person before losing my weight either - used to say I looked like a feather mattress with a rope in the middle ... but now that I have a waist -- and HIPS - I like wearing them with tops that are a bit blousy -- and I have to wear them to keep my pants up these days! I've been told it's time to go shopping again, but I'm holding out until after Christmas - I'll be in onderland by then (fingers crossed) !