Lisey--have you looked into getting just the sleeve part of the DS?  Not that I'm trying to push you towards one surgery vs. another, it's just that the sleeve is relatively new up here, and thought maybe you don't know that that's another option.  Forgive me if I'm overstepping any boundaries here, but for what it's worth....

I had my sleeve done in July, in Bismarck.  Holy crap has it been awesome.  In 7 short months, I'm only 8 pounds from my goal, and I will definitely surpass that.  My original goal was to lose 100 lbs.  I'm going to shoot for an additional 30 now that I'm almost there.... I couldn't be happier with the weight loss, and the fact that there are no side effects at all.  No dumping, nothing gets "stuck", no struggles whatsoever.  And am I hungry?  Almost NEVER!  It's incredible.  Cripes, my acid reflux has actually been cured since my sleeve.

 I was a self pay, because I'm uninsured, and went with the sleeve because 1, I couldn't afford an RNY and 2, it wasn't much more than a lapband and requires zero maintenance--No Fills! There were a lot of other factors in my choice of the sleeve, too, but that's beside the point.   I too looked into going to Mexico for my procedure, but in the end I would have saved maybe $2K but would have had to been away from home for 9 days and would have had no follow up care if I'd needed it.  And no support from a nutritionist, either.   I found out that I definitely needed that the first few months out.

I don't know how much $ a DS is in MX, I'm sure it's substantially more than a sleeve though, because it's a much more complicated procedure.  The thing is, the sleeve still isn't covered by most insurances, but paying $14K for mine, in Bismarck, was well worth it.  If you have to self pay regardless, it might be something to think about.

I don't know anything about your needs as far as how much you need to lose, if you need the malabsorbtive factor of the full on DS or what not... all I can tell you is that the sleeve is the first part of the DS procedure, but without the second stage where they re-arrange your innards, so there's no dumping and no need for huge amounts of supplements. 

Feel free to PM me or read my blog if you're curious about this particular surgery; I'm just finding that not many people know about this one and I can't help but crow a little bit about how good it's been!

Best regards,
Gretchen

I sell Avon and they have some Playtex Bra's... they have a 38DDD, but not a 34.... Maybe if you go up one strap size and down one cup size???? Sometimes that works! 

sorry I wasn't much help!

Amy

 Bras weren't such a headache for about 4 months... I was finally in a size that I could pick up at Lane Giant with no problems... however, having to size down to a smaller band size every 6 weeks is getting expensive and now I no longer fit into the Cacique bras.  My trouble is that I still need a DDD cup, but am in a 34 band.  Who carries a 34DDD???  NOBODY!  I've been searching all over online, and can't find anything.  I even resorted to sewing a bra extender into my old bra so that I have extra rows of hooks further in so I can make it tighter.  Sadly, this solution isn't going to work for much longer.  The other issue I'm finding with bras is that "full coverage" is a joke.  I can't find anything that's not a "balconette" style, and with all this flappy skin, well, cleavage is not attractive!  Everything bubbles over the top no matter what.   ugh.

On the other hand... going from a 48DDD to a 34DDD in 7 months is NOTHING to complain about... I just need to find somewhere that carries the size I need.

As for the undies, I am liking the fruit of the loom cotton bikinis.  Minimal wedgies, until it's time to downsize again.

Other than that, shopping is actually almost becoming fun for the first time EVER.  Although the difference between "Misses" and "Juniors" confuses me sometimes, because things aren't always marked...  And I honestly have no idea what is flattering to my figure... I still see myself in my head at that 265 lbs.  Almost 100 pounds ago.  I need someone to be my Stacy and Clinton, I think.

Hi Everyone!  I went to the support group tonight @ Innovis and thought someone mentioned that there is a "site" here or something that would list the groups scheduled and maybe who was to be the guest!  Well, as usual, I am dazed and confused... I cannot find it! LOL  If anyone that was at the group tonight looks at this, please add me as a friend!  I can use all the help I can get!  Everyone had such good ideas tonight! 

Thanks,

Amy

Congrats!!
I can hear how proud you are in the words you type!
Spring will so be in the air and more outdoor activities will be available. I myself look forward to that. I get tired of the gym, the stinky men at the gym,the eyes that stare LOL Ok, all that might be over board but its true!

Keep us posted and stop around at least every couple weeks! LOL I try to keep things moving on here.

Best wishes and keep up the good work!!
Kelly/tink