Steph

Try the LA Weight Loss Slim Down in Chocolate. Add 6 ice cubes and blend and it will taste just like a milk shake from your favorite fast food place.. hth

Here is a copy of an email I sent to Carolyn. Does anyone else have this problem?

Try the LA Weight Loss Slim Down Shakes with about five ice cubes in a blender. It is AWESOME!

Hi. Let me first answer your questions. 1. I didn't wear any jewelry. Although you have a room at the hospital, there is nowhere to lock anything. I didn't have anything taken out of the hospital room, but I did have a couple of items taken from the hotel room. As a rule, I don't bring anything that I'm not prepared to lose. 2. I only brought $100 and still had money left over when I got home. 3. I did tip the driver a $1 even though I had heard that you didn't have to. 4. You don't need to exchange your money. Everyone takes US dollars. Don't be nervous. But if you are travelling alone--like I did--you should know that they will check you out the morning that you go to the hospital to save on the room charge for the night. That's a pain in the butt. If you have someone with you they will pay for the night, though. Good luck...

Hi Gang! I will be arriving in TJ on Jan 13th at 10:45am. Rene said that there was already someone else arriving then (Barb I think), so that leaves room for 3 or 4 more... I will be leaving that same evening at 9:45--yuck. Talk about a full day. I just can't leave my monsters for too long. I can't wait!!

I've never had the pleasure of meeting Lori. But to reply to your original statement--everyone there IS just as helpful, and compassionate as Carolyn and Lori.

He everyone. I know that if there is ever a real problem I should call the doctor, the clinic or go to the hospital. But I have a couple of questions regarding the large incision. Today is day nine and it is still REALLY red and feels hard underneath. Is that the port? Right underneath the incision? It's also very tender to touch around the incision? Anyone have anything like this?

Hi Barb~ I'm in the Cape Coral/Ft. Myers area. I was banded on the first and just missed you in TJ. Actually, I think that we have the same fill date and are sharing a ride from San Diego--Jan 13th. Is that you?

"About eating in public -- how do you handle going out with friends and family when all you can eat is a bite or two? At this point, it doesn't make sense for me to even order an entree, but I don't want to stay home either. We do other things, but I don't want to go home right after, say, bowling, when the night will continue for everyone else." One thing you could try is letting them know that you won't be eating much, but that you would love to go for the company. The less said the better.

#-o Steph

Another way to deduct more of the expense (over the 7.5% of your income) is to set aside funds in your HSA or Flex Spending account. Those funds are taken out pre-tax and can go over the 7.5% limit. As far as I know, the expense does not have to incur in the US. But it does have to be paid by the person taking the claim. HTH Steph Disclaimer: I have worked for several CPAs as a staff accountant, but I am not a CPA. Contact your financial advisor or the IRS.

Hi, Bigstuff! I'm scheduled for Dec 1 also. How are you doing on the protein shakes? Hi, Bigstuff! I'm scheduled for Dec 1 also. How are you doing on the protein shakes?

I understand completely! I am scheduled for December 1st. But my emotions lean more toward the "I can't wait" side than the jittery side. When I started looking into this procedure, it didn't even occur to me to go to a foreign country. I found Dr. Ortiz by checking out a google search. I spoke with Carolyn Williamson and then did some more digging. I called a local doctor and asked who trained him. Then I called that doctor and asked who trained him. Ultimately I spoke with a doctor who said if you are looking for the most experienced, try Dr. Ortiz. I am not going to Dr. Ortiz because his surgery is less expensive. I am going to him because I actually spent about 6 hours calling his professional and surgical references, and checking for grievances. After speaking to Vernon Vincent at Allergan (the manufacturers of the Lap-Band) I realized that there are doctors, doctors who train doctors, and doctors who train doctors to train doctors. So basically, I am going with no reservations. I have made the best decision I can. Now it's between God and Dr. Ortiz to take care of me... Good Luck!

Hi everyone. I really like reading the November thread, but my surgery is December First so I thought I would just start a new one. Anybody else going in December? Steph