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thanks to everyone for posting their stories! I really appreciate it. Mindy

This was the first post I Read this morning...and it made me feel much better! > I was feeling the same way... ohmygosh.. it's really happening... 3/24... WOW.. I want it to be today then the next moment I want it to be 6 months from now. This forum has been a constant source of inspiration, encouragement and kick in the butt when needed. This time is coming soon ladies.. > > >

thanks guys! I was/am soo frustrated. When my co-signer called the rep back the rep had a copy of my co-signers credit report and kept her on the phone for a long time until she could remember every open credit card account she has. My co-signer'... was very nice and since she rarely uses her Credit cards it took her a bit to remember what she had opened.. Some of her CC have been oven for YEARS and haven't been used in YEARS .. when she asked the rep why she was making her do this the rep said that they had to "verify she was who she said she was/ who the notary said she was" and that were being "extra cautious" I tell you all I started crying from the sheer frustration of it all. The rep then told my co-signer to "tell Mindy not to call us back we are sending the funds to the clinic today" ! I know she did not want to talk to me because of the words I had for her! I will find out who to contact at surgeryloans.com to complain, I will post this on every lapband/plastic surgery message board I can find. I absolutely hate the way they treated me.. they made me feel like I was trying to "get away with something"... $#)(*#$(*$)$)!!!! I have to call the clinci in the morning and make sure the funds were received and I'm still good to go for my surgery on 3/24 Thanks for listening One love Mindy >

I have had an awful time dealing with surgeryloans.com Their representatives have been so rude and non-helpful. Has anyone else had awful experiences with them? I had to request a new loan agent after 2 conversations because my first one talked sooo fast I coudln't understand a word he was saying and when I would try to ask questions he would talk over me and he treated me like I was a nobody and not worth his time! excuse me.. I am your client! Ugh.... My new rep started out fairly nice but regardless of niceness or not I liked that she took the time to explain everything to me and answer my questions.. fine. Then she started being really rude about my co-signer and even after my co-signer was called and asked a million quesitons like ... do you know that xxx is using you as a co-signer.... are you aware of the xxx.. which is fine.. really.. make sure I'm not being fradulant and stealing someone's credit/identity... I would want the same if someone was using me.. then we went and got everything notorized and submitted... then today the rep from surgery loans called my co-signer again to verify the information AGAIN.. making sure she was "cohersed" into anything (wtf?!?!) my co-signer was in the middle of something and said I will call you right back I'm really busy at the moment. The loan rep called ME and was yelling at me.. yes YELLING... that my co-signer didn't ask her for her number and how was she going to be able to call my rep back and that if my co-signer didn't call back TODAY they would cancel the surgery and NOT PAY the LOAN!! WTF?!?! I was like... whoa... my co-signer has all the pa perwork with YOUR name and number on so she does not how to reuturn your call and why the hell are you screaming at me and treating me like this?!?!? My rep then proceeds to say that my co-signer will NOW need to fax a copy of a utility bill with her name on it to PROVE she lives at the address stated on the application... I was like what the crap are you talking about/?!?!?!? we have already have everything notorized, authorized, verified etc...... you are treating me like I did/doing something wrong and I am tired of you talking to me and my co-signer like this. Then the b%$ch hung up on me!! I am LIVID!!!! I am going to call and deal with a manger or whomever else next but wondering if anyone else had had issues. sorry for the long post.. I had to get it out!!

FABULOUS!! =D> =D> Thanks for the update. You worked hard and you look healthy, happy & beautiful!! xoxox Mindy

Hey Hey.... I'm flying in around noon time.. we might be carpooling together... I'll wave to you... I'll be the fat one waving!! :-h :-h hahaha... Mindy www.myspace.com/mindiluwho

Utahmom Congrats on your decison! =D> I am getting banded 3/24 so just a few days after you. I look forward to posts from you about your progress/experience. woo hoo.. the time is coming soon!

ok.. so now i can see all the pics .. you are sooo pretty and Dr. Ortiz is a hottie! Your info is all squished together and can't find the "add as friend button" lol www.myspace.com/mindiluwho

Hi Hanna , I tried to request you as a friend from the myspace link but it says i need your last name or e/mail address. Your privacy settings are high! LOL

=D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> Thanks for the update!

Thanks guys!

Bobbi We are scheduled to be banded on the same day! 3/24. Are you seeing Dr. Ortiz. I'd love to keep in touch

I keep reading posts where people arrive and are able to get banded on the same day instead of their scheduled time the following day. I arrive on a Sunday and didn't know if that was a possibility o :-? r not? Bueller??

SJ so glad to hear you are feeling well! =D> Congrats! I look forward to following your progress. I am being banded 3/24 by Dr. Ortiz. Mindy > > >

Anxiously awaiting part II =D> Mindy www.myspace.com/mindiluwho Hi kimmie!

I appreciate being able to talk to you guys about this Thank you! I started my pre-op diet today. Protein shake from breakfast & Lunch and a Lean Cuisine/WW etc... for dinner. I also have salad and the spritzer spray dressing for when I must eat/chew something. I am ready. I am committed. I would be absolutely mortified if I got to Mexico and couldn't get the surgery because I didn't lose the weight I needed to. Thanks guys! > > > > >

Amanda I'm right there with ya sister! I'm excited and freaked out myself! I start my pre-op diet tomorrow (3 weeks b/4 surgery) ... I am 280lbs and need to be 268 by march 24th (surgery date) I haven't seen below 200 since.. god I don't even KNOW when! Breathe, relax and think how good you're gonna look come this summer. We will NOT fear short season this year! Mindy getting banded 3/24

I love what everyone has written. I have had a long standing love affair with food as long as I can remember. Has anyone else experienced the "panic" yet of the pre-op diet? I am 280lbs. I was 290 a month ago but dropped 10lbs doing weight watchers. Carolyn said I need to lose another 12lbs before surgery which should not be a problem.. BUT.. ever since I heard those words "you need to lose 12pds b/4 surgery with preop diet" I have been in food overload! I feel like I can't get enough of any and everything! Even when I don't want it. I am feeling worse about myself since deciding/scheduling the surgery than I did before it. Am I crazy? Does this make sense? Am I trying to sabatoge myself? What if I don't lose the weight? What if I'm even heavier than what I told Dr. Ortiz??? I am feeling depressed and sickenedat the though of this. Mindy

I love this thread. Kym - you have put in words what any woman who has lost/gained/lost /gained weight over the years has felt from men. I once weighed 350 lbs, lost 130lbs in 9months taken phentermine and exervising like a crazy person 7 days a week. Of course I gained most of it back. I am scheduled for lapband march 24th with Dr. Ortiz. I am now 280lbs. I had men ask me what happned when I lost the weight?? co-workers actually asked me if I had finally met a man and lost the weight for him. huh?!?!?! I was treated totally different and almost immediately turned back to food! It is, for me, a complete mental thing. I think anyone who has been very fat will always have that little voice in the back of their head screaming at the injustice of it all.. meaning when men suddenly find us attractive.. the same men would have said a rude comment had they known us a year b/4. I've experienced weird/offensive behavior from women.... saying comments like.. oh you were just sooo fat... uh yah.. thanks, now you want to be my friend?! ugh... the little thing that I do everyday is make sure when in the course of my day I encounter a woman of size I ALWAYS compliment her. I see naked women everyday, waxer/massager therapist, and ALLL my clients have body image issues! ALL OF THEM! I love getting a plus size gal on my table and telling her how beautiful her skin is, how she has great skin tone etc... women always aplogize to me for their "fatness" I always say "girl...you look good! dress well, carry yourself with confidence" I kinda went off in a few different directions sorry... this is a subject that I could talk about all day. ps I have the only great man tooo!! Mindy

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my post. 23 days till I'm banded. woo hooo.. =D> one love >

Here are a few things I'm looking forward to.. Not fearing booths when I walk into a new restaurant... ugh.. i've had to squeeeeze into a few and it's soo uncomfortable! not requesting the aisle seat at plays, comedy shows etc... not keeping my arms squeezed to my side and being scared to move when seated next to someone at an event i have turned down basketball/concert etc.. tickets because I was scared of the seating and if I would fit confidentely being on "top" with my boyfriend without thinking I'm squeezing every last ounce of air out of him no more spanks or feeling like a stuffed sausage when trying to look "good" just a few..... (sigh) can't wait.

(sigh) IMHO this conversation seems to have taken a turn... Thanks to everyone for sharing THEIR experience/opinion.

I'm arriving sunday the 23rd *(easter) surgery monday the 24th and leaving wednesday the 26th. I will not be in a private room.. anyone else??? Mindy from Oregon

HI Val! Good luck on your surgery.. wow.. it's less than 2 weeks away! Please keep me updated on how you feel after the surgery and upon returning to work. Are you doing the liquid protein for break/lunch and lean meal for dinner? Mindy

Alana I will keep you posted. Good look on our journey ! Bless up