VSG 1-3-08!

I'm having the Vertical Sleeve done on Jan. 3! I'm dreading the first six weeks of misery, but so looking forward to a healthier, skinnier me! I have been hibernating because I'm self-conscious about my weight. Guess I'm a little paranoid about what people think of me - especially men. So I'm excited about gaining confidence and getting out there and accomplishing goals that I've been putting on the back burner for so long. I'm also looking forward to staving off diabetes for a while. Our family gene for diabetes finally caught up to my Aunt Billye who is skinny as a toothpick at age 75. My mom and my brother and my sister-in-law all think I'm crazy for doing this. Especially going to Mexico. Brother has been sending me articles about horror stories of Mexican plastic surgeries gone terribly wrong. I'm thinking my SIL is jealous that I'll be slimmer. She's a turkeyhead anyway... My dad is being supportive. He's going with me through the whole thing. He'll stay with me in the hospital, etc. They have a daybed in the room, so I hope he's comfy. He speaks Spanish, so that will be handy! Me - No Habla Espanol, only Englaise (?)! I heard about this surgery through my hair stylist. She had to have her lap band removed because it turned sideways on her and she was becoming malnourished. So she went to Mexico to have the VSG. She says it was a much better experience than the lap band. She even showed me her scars. They were very small - not big long ugly railroad track scars. She said she wishes the VSG had been her first surgery. I've been getting my apartment all cleaned up and organized (nesting?). I set up my treadmill in my spare room and dad put my TV up on one of those nifty wallmount things. I purchased my Natures Plus Chewable Vitamins, a pill crusher, vitamin waters, Special K water paks (5 grams of protein!), Muscle Milk (can't have that until two weeks after), broth of various flavors, Cream of Asparagus/Broccoli soup, a blender/food processor combo machine, Butternut Squash soup, Split Pea Soup yogurts, etc. As far as drinking creamy liquids, I don't quite know what will work. Slim Fast? Odwalla protein drinks? I have tons of questions and some apprehension. But I feel great about this decision and look forward to enjoying a happier, healthier, slimmer, more confident future!

Wow - you are so prepared! I'm glad that your father is being supportive, and I'm sure that the rest of your family will come around. I don't know much about the vertical sleeve surgery, but I look forward to hearing about your experiences! Best of luck!