I have issues with many of the sweetners.. have you tried the natural ones like stevia?  If your local walmart / grocery store doesnt carry it - a natural store will or you can go to this site and order it online... http://www.getingethealthy.com  Hope this helps

 Never appologize for over-researching.  This is one of the most important decisions of your life.  I commend you for doing this for the right reason, for yourself.  Because when it boils down to it, this is one thing in life that a person has to be selfish about.  That is why this forum really is the best place to get advice and support.  We have all gone through this, or are going though it.  Unless someone has personally gone through wls, they will never truely understand what it is like to be in our shoes.  Spouses don't really get it in my opinon.  In my case I changed into something that my wife did not like.  Even though there are some negative outcomes and risks that go along with wls, look at all the benefits from it.  They far outweight the risks for one simple reason.  You are drastically improving your chance to be alive and have a chance to live a healthy life.

The kind of active life I live now is one that I always dreamed of but never thought possible.  A perfect example is how I am in school now to hopefully have a career in law enforcement.  Even though it was always a dream of mine to be a police officer, I never thought I would ever have that chance because of my weight.  Its been 2 1/2 years since my surgery and I have been below my target weight for more than a year now.  

No matter where you are at in your journey just know that there are people out there who have gone through this and are currently going through this thinking all of the same things.  Those people are here and we are here for you.  I wish you the best of luck in your journey and I look forward to welcoming you to the losers bench!

 I posted a whole thread on the sex after weight loss forum about how it had an affect on my now ending marriage.  It helps to talk about this stuff on the forums with people who have gone through this.  Even though my marriage didn't last, I still do not regret wls for a second.  I would do it again if I had to relive it.  It was the best decision I ever could have made for my  life.

 I know this thread has been running for awhile - but am new to OH.  I live in Hernando county - and am starting the process .. would love to join a support group with people not to far from home.  I can drive to Tampa and Tarpon Springs - If its not to late to join .. pls let me know.  My name is Elizabeth and my email addy is: [email protected]
Thank you

Is this an every year event? I haven't had surgery yet mine will be in end of jan or sometime in feb. I don't think I could make this trip with all that will be going on at that time but would be interested in the next cruise. I have been looking for local folks (Tampa area) for support.