I have been BRILLIANT for quite some time...you mean you just now noticed??? Another thing I just remembered. I have a big assed package of stuff the surgeon gave me that you are welcome to look at too. I've gotta call the surgeon tomorrow. They said the directions to the Alabaster office are on the package and they are NOT. Good thing I noticed this before I got on the interstate looking for the Alabaster office. Well, I am off to lie down for a while. We did the Father's Day thing, I did my laundry, came home and hung my laundry up to dry (I don't put my clothing in the dryer.) So I am pretty much whupped. I am going to lie down in my lovely bed with the fresh sheets that still haven't come off yet! WooHoo! I ALWAYS kick the sheets out the first night I change my sheets, so those fancy schmancy hospital corners thing you did was awesome! I slept better last night than I have in years! My CPAP even did better last night. I slept for almost FOUR hours! That NEVER happens! It's always 1-2 hours, maybe 3 if I'm lucky, but 4? Very nice! I slept 4 hours during my 3rd sleep study, but that's the only other time in years. So to get to sleep 4 hours last night was wonderful. Thank you again! You're right. With this group, we don't need 5,000 people posting. We have such a diverse group that we know all there is to know among us...except how to get Aetna to behave. Love ya'll, Joni

You probably have all the answers that you need now, but here are more....... 1) My surgeon ASKS that we not have carbonated drinks ever again. Some docs say ok, some say NO. I personally cannot stand a carbonated drink anymore and to me, that is great. The carbonation HURTS me, I cannot burp like needed. I have a FRIEND that can burp on command, so she can handle carbonation, but now prefers to drink non-carbonated drinks!! As far as carbonation expanding the pouch--the jury is and will always be out on this one!.........I think as long as you CAN burp put the air bubbles, you are FINE, your pouch will not permanently stretch. If you can't, tehn naturally the pouch will expand and you will be uncomfortable. 2) Bread- my surgeon and nutritionist say no bread, pasta, rice, potatoes,EVER. Stay away from WHITE. They are simple carbs and will hinder loss. On the other hand, some are told LATER, when at goal, to add a limited amount in order to maintain weight. Also, these foods will SWELL in your pouch and can cause discomfort. 3) Malabsorbtion: TRUE. Distal vs. Proximal First of all, there is no *best* version of the surgery. I am PROXIMAL, meaning that I am approximantly 75cm bypassed. My surgeon says that the reason he bypasses that amount as opposed to 100 or 150 cm for the fact that we absorb more nutrients. Some people say that proximals lose less of their excess weight or regain, but studies are not really showing that to be true. So, YES, we ALL must take our vitamins for LIFE. I will ALWAYS supplement my protein with protein drinks/shakes. Protein is VITAL!!!! Hope this helps! Lindy

Becky, You have a positive, upbeat spirit and I cannot help but believe that everything will be fine. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Jacquie

Thank you Kim! I guess by now you guys are on the road...hope you have a fantastic time! Becky

Thinking of you Becky! Kim