I am brand new to this site. My name is Tracy and I am VERY happy and excited to say that I will be having my VSG on July 23rd, 2012!! I am 48 and the mother of 8 living children. Our insurance doesn't cover the surgery at all (morons!) so I am paying out of pocket and going to Mexico. I was a thin teen and weighed about 150 lbs when I was 9 months pregnant with my first son at 22, but time and having NINE more children really destroyed my metabolism. Add to that Rheumatoid Arthritis that was diagnosed in 1994 and I have really gotten large. Not being able to excersise most of the time and having such a tiny metabolism, plus my huge appetite has really lead me to morbid obesity and other comorbidity issues like high blood pressure, edema, and painful knees and ankles. I currently weigh 333 and no one in the world knows that but me, my docs and now all of you! My husband doesn't have any idea even. I carry the weight better than some, and he thinks I am around 280. I wish! I hope to lose 180 pounds, taking me down to 150 after my surgery. I think that is a reasonable weight for me.

I am really nervous about the surgery. My oldest son is going to Mexico with me as my husband has to work and take care of our kids and dogs. It's going to be really hard being away from him for this, and I am worried about how I will feel for the flight home! The surgeon has recommended 2 weeks of a liquid diet before surgery due to my high BMI of 49. That alone is pretty daunting! I plan to read a lot on this forum to learn things to eat and not eat before AND after surgery, but I would love to have someone to talk to, text or just email that knows all about this and how it will go!

Thanks in advance! I look forward to getting to know many of you!

HI Tracy, I would love to chat. I am 15 months out and really looking for some new support as well. Lets add each other as friends and we can go from there. Jane

^{I just read your profile! You have lost a HUGE amount of weight! I would love to talk with you and support you as I can. You are really my idol at this point! LOL I added you as a friend!}

I am having my surgery in Mexico by Dr. Alvarez on August 2, 2012. Where will you be having yours?

Also my niece is having her sleeve done the same day as you, but here in US.

I am a mom of 2, both young adults now. I am 54 years old and live in Missouri. I am also self pay and chose to go to Mexico for that reason. I feel great about my choice of surgeons and look forward to the big day, the day my life with start again.

Hi Tracy,

I'm Lorna, and I am 11 days post-op. I would love to be friends, and I am happy to offer you any information that I can. For me, this whole process has been a cake walk..... no kidding! Last year, I had gallbladder surgery, and talk about a difficult time. I was anticipated another difficult time with this, and there was none. The hardest part for me is taking the necessary time to recuperate after major surgery. Just having to rest and take it easy. I have been up and about since day one, but it's normal to get tired for the first month, I guess due to not eating food, esp carbs. But my whole experience has been soooo much easier than I anticipated. call me if you want....985-882-3927, and I'll be glad to talk to you anytime. I know how you feel about now, because that was me just a few weeks ago...I am loving my sleeve. I'm not on solids yet, and start full liquids on Monday. I have lost a total of 43 lbs since i started my pre-op diet. I did that for a couple of months before surgery and lost 22 lbs. I was over 50 BMI as well, but I was not on only liquids. My doc gave me a choice of diets to go on, with liquids for 1 week prior to starting the regular pre op diet. Since surgery 11 days ago, I have lost 20 lbs more. Not being able to eat isn't bothering me at all because I am not hungry. I am getting all of my liquids, Protein and exercise in each day, and resting as needed. This is the best thing in the world.... loving it....

My surgery is in Mexico on July 23rd as well. I have a YouTube vlog it's at www.YouTube.com/shesstrangelynormal

Also, my 21 year old son is one of the people who will be accompanying me. I'm using Dr Gonzalez and having procedure done at the MAR surgery center. The hotel we're at will be the Reàl Del Rio. I was taking my cousin and close friends but my friend isn't able to go. So it'll be me, my son and my cousin. Who are u using and where are y'all staying?

It's so nice to see some responses! I am having my surgery with Dr. Almanza in Tijuana. I think I have seen your vlog - watched it before I even got here. GREAT job, by the way! May we have incredible experiences with SMOOTH as silk surgeries!

Hi Lorna - thanks for your kindness! I am happy to have ANY support I can get. I am starting to get a little nervous! I started Atkins one week ago in preparation for surgery. I have lost 10 pounds so far. I start liquids on July 9th which I figure may kill me...LOL Two weeks on liquids is going to be HARD but I am pretty damn determined too!

I am brand new to this site. My name is Tracy and I am VERY happy and excited to say that I will be having my VSG on July 23rd' date=' 2012!! I am 48 and the mother of 8 living children. Our insurance doesn't cover the surgery at all (morons!) so I am paying out of pocket and going to Mexico. I was a thin teen and weighed about 150 lbs when I was 9 months pregnant with my first son at 22, but time and having NINE more children really destroyed my metabolism. Add to that Rheumatoid Arthritis that was diagnosed in 1994 and I have really gotten large. Not being able to excersise most of the time and having such a tiny metabolism, plus my huge appetite has really lead me to morbid obesity and other comorbidity issues like high blood pressure, edema, and painful knees and ankles. I currently weigh 333 and no one in the world knows that but me, my docs and now all of you! My husband doesn't have any idea even. I carry the weight better than some, and he thinks I am around 280. I wish! I hope to lose 180 pounds, taking me down to 150 after my surgery. I think that is a reasonable weight for me.

I am really nervous about the surgery. My oldest son is going to Mexico with me as my husband has to work and take care of our kids and dogs. It's going to be really hard being away from him for this, and I am worried about how I will feel for the flight home! The surgeon has recommended 2 weeks of a liquid diet before surgery due to my high BMI of 49. That alone is pretty daunting! I plan to read a lot on this forum to learn things to eat and not eat before AND after surgery, but I would love to have someone to talk to, text or just email that knows all about this and how it will go!

Thanks in advance! I look forward to getting to know many of you![/quote']

I would love to be your buddy mama of8 call me 9034342549

Wishing all of you Ladies safe travels and a speedy recovery. I had my VSG 4/4/2011. This was a GREATEST gift I have ever giving myself. I would not change a thing. I am on OH more than I'm on here. Feel free to find me on there also...screen on OH is janielynne.

Janie can i call u ..... i am having my surgery in two weeks