Yikes that is scary! I have gagged on my zinc a few times because it likes to get stuck. My vitamin C is chewable and it's my favorite vitamin. Mine also tastes like candy. They are made by Spring Valley and I get them from Walmart. They are multiple fruit flavors.

 I never cared for black licorice but since surgery I CANNOT eat the Twizzlers. They blow me up like a balloon in just a few minutes!

 I am so sorry to read this, Mary. I also think of her from time to time because we shared the same surgeon. I just hate that her complications continue. Please give her my best and I am sending up some prayers for her.

 The reality of it finally happening for you is setting in and getting in a panic is pretty normal. Take a few deep breaths! You are dying a slow death right now. I watched my father do that with his diabetes and then heart condition and it was not pretty. You are making a decision to prolong your life. That's a GOOD thing! As mentioned above, choosing a vetted surgeon puts you at a very low risk of dying on the table. I am excited for you and keep hanging here close and your fears will ease in time.

 Some of us just don't absorb oral iron sufficiently. I am one of them. Infusions are a piece of cake and it's so nice to just get tanked up for 6 months or so and then do another one. The types of infusions vary a bit but they are really no big deal and it's just less pills you have to swallow daily.

As far as the gas, pains and dizziness, I just wanted to ask,  you state in your signature that you've not always been compliant. How is that going for you now? Are you compliant with your vitamins or are you hit or miss? Gas and pain and bloating can almost always be connected to too many carbs or lactose or gluten intolerances. Have you done an elimination diet to rule out the culprits?

 You are off to a great start, Butch!

 I would also discourage you going into surgery being anemic. It's a big surgery and you really need your iron and protein levels up there for proper healing.  Here's a link to a thread that was posted on the Plastics Board and Dr. LoMonaco gives some good info concerning this topic.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/4457771/sur ery-cancelled-and-getting-iron-infusions/

 I'm so sorry, Nicole. She was such a beauty and you two were so lucky to have each other.

 YAY! Great news, Lisa. I am so glad it's responding well!

 Mine is definitely less oily than pre-op and I'm coming up on 4 years.

 Definitely a beautiful bride and
the whole group looks great! Thanks for sharing your pics!

 Welcome to the Dark Side, Fran!