Clynn

Hello Sherry, I had my surgery the day after you. I feel fine during my normal daily activities but as soon as I try to exert myself I get fatigued pretty quick compared to pre-surgery. I'm assuming once I go back on solids and get some better nutrition things will go back to normal. Just do what you feel you can and don't be too hard on yourself if you're not at where you were pre-op. bTw Cleo, how do those liquid vitamins taste? I'm doing the Flintstones vitamins now but I'm not very happy with it.

Hey Mandy, Glad to hear you're feeling better. I'm feeling pretty good, just a little sore and occassionally getting gas pains. Not feeling physically hungry as of yet, but getting some serious head hunger yesterday and today. Just gotta keep busy and it goes away pretty easy. My apartment is beginning to *sparkle* - Corey

I don't know about higher BMI specifically but when I went in for a pre-surgury exam with my doc up here, he did several blood tests for things which would exclude me from the surgury or extend recovery time. Turns out my iron and B12 levels were low, which could increase my healing time, but easily supplemented pre-op. Of course, having a higher BMI would put someone more at risk for those types of dificiencies but I've never heard of just having a high BMI being a problem to much of a problem. Course I'm not a doctor, that's just what I've experienced so far. If you're really concerned about, call the clinic down there because they do this all the time, or your doctor up here since s/he knows your history.

Great pics Pammie. I'm flying down tomorrow and it's great to have a visual of what to expect.

Haven't had the band yet so I can't speak to loosing fluid. Could you post contact information for Dr Neal? Also what did it cost for him to do the fill? I live in Gig Harbor so if there is someone within driving distance for fills I would like to conisder it. Thanks

That sounds like a great idea. I'd hate to walk up to some lady and ask, "Excuse me, but you haven't had or are about to have obesity surgery are you?" and then be wrong. Seems like a great way to start an "incident"

So how exactly will we all recognize each other?

Oh and of course this thread would not be complete without mentioning Dr Nick Riviera from The Simpsons. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Nick_Riviera "These gloves came free with my toilet brush!" "The kneebone's connected to the... something! The something's connected to the... red thing! The red thing's connected to my wristwatch! Uh-oh..." "Now by the morning you'll be good as new. Or dead. The important thing is, we'll know." Dr. Nick: "With my new diet, you can eat as much as you want, any time you want!" Marge: "And you'll lose weight?" Dr. Nick: "You might! It's a free country!"

My flight gets into San Diego 10:46 so I'll probably meet up with you at the clinic. I'll also be at the get-together on the 8th. See you there and good luck!

At first I totally pictured waking up in a back alley in a bathtub full of ice with a big kidney shaped hole in my side (or two, that would really be terrible). But the more I've looked into it the better I feel. I am surprised to read about how many people are keeping quiet about going to Mexico for this. I'm taking the opposite approach and telling EVERYONE. Family, friends, strangers on the street . . . .nobody's spared. At first they are a bit creeped out but then they start asking questions and come around. Even my doctor here had the attitude of "you want to do what!?!?! " at first but now I think he's ready to drive me to the airport. Everytime I get scared or anxious about the surgery (two weeks away now) I think about all the people around me who are excited that I'm attempting such a major change in my life for the better. Such support has been golden and this path would be much more difficult without it.

I'll be flying out of Sea-Tac the same day. Wouldn't happen to be flying Southwest by any chance?

Hey Cheryl, I'll be getting banded on the 3rd of October, almost a full week ahead of you. The best advice I can give right now is to surround yourself with positive support. I'd be scared out of my mind right now but both my parents are coming down with me to support me which helps alot. As I'm writing this I'm waiting for my webserver to reinstall itself after the hard drive died. *sigh* A pleasant week off is not far away . . . . Good luck to you! - Corey

This sounds like a fantastic idea. I can't wait! I'm scheduled to be banded on October 3rd and if I can make the haul from Gig Harbor, I definatly will. I'll also bring a friend of mine who's daughter is looking into this. See you all there!