welcome back Lori! glad you had fun and lost weight! how cool is that?

Actually, I'm not Peggy, if you were referring to me?

I'm glad to hear that different programs in ND are changing from absolutes to recommendations for vitamins. Since people have to live the rest of their lives with the issues of vitamins, its a good idea to educate themselves on what's available and find the resources that work for them while still meeting the criteria on a daily basis.

I have talked to people from a program that does require the Optifast and are not aware that GNC products are an option. Two people I know have postponed their surgery from a program that requires it only because they couldn't afford the out of pocket costs to be on the Optifast. I'll make them aware that GNC is a much less expensive option that is approved, as I know they did not know this.

I do have a great deal of respect for my surgeon as you do yours, but since I've not had any interaction with your surgeon other than hear one of his presentations, my impressions are limited to this. I know Howell is a strong advocate of open RNY, and he says this is best for him due to this being his skillset over laproscopic methods. Since many patients have a difficult recovery from an open procedure and it involves much more risk, the patient is wise to do research on what is best for them, as was indicated in this thread.

and had a marvelous time.  I was at an all inclusive resort, which kind of scared me.  I know I do have pretty good will power about what NOT to eat, but it still bothered me.....no scale for 8 days.

I walked and walked and walked - we were at a huge resort on the Mayan Riviera South of Cancun, so it was wonderful being outside and walking.  I suspect I got a ton of exercise without even realizing it...

At any rate, gone 8 days to an all inclusive resort with no scale - I am down 2 lbs.  Mind you, not trying to lose any more, but had visions of gaining at this vacation. 

Glad to see the message board getting more action.  Hope everyone is doing well.

Yes, it went totally away for me! I had to wear Merrill shoes all the time, just to get the support in my arches to reduce the pain. Inserts and all the other items just didn't give relief, neither did the constant cortisone shots in my heels. I was ready to have the surgery to cut the tendon and thought the WLS might help, first. And it did! I can't even remember what that foot pain felt like. All my Merrill shoes went to the Dakota Boy's Ranch. I can even wear high heels again.

When it comes to diabetes, research shows that one probably already has it at least seven years before symptoms present themselves. With a 49 BMI, that could easily be the case. I quit my Prilosec immediately after surgery. No more acid reflux. The high BP meds were reduced in half and gone all together in three months.

You are absolutely right - it's entirely about you & especially since your husband supports you, you have the essentials of what you need to move forward with your big decision.  I've been struggling with this issue with someone in my life too & so I sympathize with you!  I figure that it's based on true concern for me & that once I am a few weeks past surgery & am safe & sound, their fears will pass.  Good luck with your surgery!