Heather228

E-- That is a VERY good idea. I'm sure I spend at least as much, since I eat out for lunch at work almost every single day, and where I work, it's very expensive just for a sandwich! Question for you...what do you think you spend now?

Thank you, Kevin. You actually brought tears to my eyes with your eloquence. I also feel like I HAVE to make this work. I'm afraid of failing for my family's sake for a number of reasons. I know I can do it, but also sort of feel like Lucy Ricardo here with another hair-brained scheme...

I'm with you Judy. I posted on a different thread on how I feel guilty spending this much money. I know it's something I need to do and want to do for myself, and while DH supports me, I know he'd rather I not do this. He would never say so, but I see his face when we talk about it. So damn it, this better work! and I don't want to have to explain PBing to anyone, either. I have prepared DH for it, but I'm not telling anyone else but him, my niece about this and two of my friends.

I'm two weeks away from my surgery (2 weeks tomorrow!) and I'm having second thoughts because I feel like I'm being so selfish for doing this, and taking $8500 from my family. I tell myself all the reasons why I'm actually doing it for them too (better health, more energy, etc...) but I still feel guilty. Then comes the shame part of not having ever been able to keep the weight off on my own. If I only I were___________. Fill in the blank...stronger, more disciplined, blessed with a better metabolism. The fat person's mantra that always ends in with thoughts that if I were any of those fill-in-the-blanks, I'd be a better person, more lovable, more worthy, blah blah blah. Anyone else feel this way before surgery? After?

OMG--Stacy! Didn't you just have surgery yesterday? I'm glad you came through well! I was just on the other board, and noticed yesterday was your day and wondering how you did! Congratulations!!!

Today sucked with the non-smoking! But, I have persevered so far. I hate it, I hate it, but I want the surgery more. So, I hope y'all don't mind me bitching about not smoking until I'm banded! I don't plan on starting again, but for now I'm telling myself it's just 3 weeks...

I am on my second smoke free day. I'm not doing too badly, but chewing a lot of gum. I had an episode last night where I thought I would lose my resolve, but my husband helped me through it by reminding me the urge would pass. (He gave up smoking a year ago, so he's a big inspiration and a lot of support for me.) It's not so bad since I'm not also putting any restrictions on my food this week. But next week when I start the pre-op, it may get more difficult. I sure hope not, though!

If you like to bargain, Avenida Revolucion is the best time. Once a year, some of my girlfriends and I head down there for a shopping excursion. I always load up on blankets and pullovers for the kids. There's always a deal to be made!

Wow, that does sound stressful. Well, I can tell you what happened to me in October. I had to have a lymph node in my neck removed, and no one mentioned to me that I should quit smoking. The surgery went fine, but I did wake up hearing them say...she's a smoker--I guess I was coughing or gasping or something. Anyway, when I fully came to, I had an oxygen mask on my face. They took it off, but the nurse told me that I wasn't breathing well enough and that I had to take very deep breaths and concentrate on it. The more I came to, the better I was obviously, but my lungs did hurt. So, while I don't know your medical history or not, or how much you smoke, but it does affect your ability to breathe while you are out. I am not a heavy smoker, about half a pack a day unless I'm stressed. Nevertheless, the experience I had is enough to give it a real good try this time around. If your stress is really bad, maybe you could talk to your doctor about a short course of anti-anxiety meds? I had to take them for my MRI and the night before surgery and that really helped me. If I had more time, I would try that new Chantix anti-smoking medication. I hear it's really good. I may still try my treating doc this week to see if I can get some. Also, maybe some of the respiratory exercises will help? I know that Dr. Ortiz recommends an incentive spirometer, but I've also read that blowing up 30 of those small party balloons daily is good exercise too.

I haven't quit yet since I'm about 3 weeks away, but since I just opened the last pack in a carton, I figure that I will stop when the pack is gone. I decided to do it early because the idea of quitting AND going on the pre-op diet sounds like pure hell. What are you finding the most difficult? I've always relied on the nicotine in times of stress... Here's hoping that the next three weeks are not too bad stress wise. Any support I can give you, I'm here for you!

Hi there, Only Me. I am scheduled for the 6th, but would like to have a bandbuddy, especially since I am coming alone too. I can call to see if I can move up a day so we can go together. I will be taking the Amtrak down since I'm only a few hours away. What time are you coming in on Wednesday?

=D> Excellent! I'm really excited to have mine done, but I have my moments where I scared to death. I'll have to remember about the jello!

Hey FurEllie! I have been waiting for your post!--Not that you have any clue who I am! I've just been following yours since you were so close to having surgery when I signed up here. So, give us all the details! I'm glad everything went well! Heather

=D> Happy Birthday, Jen!

Bummer! Well, we'll have to find each other when we're in TJ, if only to say hi! Are you bringing a buddy, or are you going it alone?