charlie

The surgeons at Scripps Clinic in San Diego said that sometimes it seems like they are leaking after the first fill because there may still be some air inside the band. Even though the liquid won't come out on its own, the air can, and it may cause a small amount of fluid to be pushed out as well. Once all the air has been removed (usually after the first fill is done) it shouldn't be a problem any more.

Did you have your fill at Scripps? If so, can I ask how much?

Charlie

Charlie;

Hey there;...I am so excited...yes...Its been almost a month now..and I have lost 15 pounds...I have a lower BMI...which makes me loose the weight a tad bit slower...but thats ok...I dont care how slow it comes off...as long as it comes off...and the numbers DONT creep up....so far so good...in regards to the Feeling Hungry....NOPE!!! I follow the nutrionists paperwork she gave me to a tee...and I never feel hungry....the other thing is...I try not to snack in between meals either....just drink...and I NEVER drink with my meals or for one and a half hours after meals either...which I have to say is one of the hardest things to change...some of the changes with the Lap Band and the way you have to eat....really makes you realize how we are such creatures of habit....your whole life you are told to drink with your meals...and now at 40 yrs old am having to change that...it gets a little getting use too...however..I found that if I dont place a drink in front of me while eating....the glass is not there to grab for...lol...which while talking and eating you really dont even realize you are doing it...my other half and kids kept telling me..mom you are trying to drink....so...instead of them having to babysit me at the table..i just dont place a drink in front of myself....again though...its just a 40 yr habit that takes time to break...but this is definately a "DOABLE" diet...I am loving the extra energy level, I sleep much better, and just seem so "UP" per say....I am looking forwards to my first fill...which I am hoping I can have done at my 7 week Post Op....which would be July 21st...and in regards to the "LAST SUPPER", CindyK and I were told by Dr. Ortiz himself to go out and relax and have a good time...have a few drinks and eat a "LIGHT" meal....and...thats EXACTLY what we did...its really funny though...I only had a Pina Colada and maybe 4 bites of my "LAST SUPPER" meal...lol..because of the Pre-Op diet you really cant eat that much....at least myself and CindyK couldnt...I look back on that now and kind of giggle...because it really wasnt my "LAST SUPPER"...it was more of your "LAST PIG OUT SESSION"....I am very happy with what I eat now...but I am also very very watchful as to what goes in my mouth....i wish you the best of luck and keep me posted....Cathy )

I have a BMI of 33 and am thinking I will lose it slowly also. The last drink sounds great!

What arrangements are you making for your fill? Such as transportation to the hospital?

Charlie

Lanie - I didn't bring anything of value with me except for my cell phone. I have Cingular service nation wide calling and luckily with TJ being a border-town there were no roaming fees or extra charges. Calls were made with ease, just like they are in the USA. I arrived on a Monday and was escorted straight from the airport to the clinic where I was asked to leave my suitcase in the lobby. I'm not sure if they realize how concerned Americans are about leaving their personal belongings behind like that ... out in a open lobby ... but it really was fine and no one moved or touched my things. I saw the same shocked looks on others faces when I returned to get a fill. They were in a quandry as to actually leave their bag in a room of strangers. On the day of surgery, I checked out of the hotel and arrived at the clinic with my belongings. Once assigned a room, my suitcase was stored in a corner of the room. There was also a night stand where you can place items as well. The actual hospital area is a secure and not like hospitals here in the USA where visitors are comming and going constantly. Hope this helps ease your concerns.

I will have a friend with me ans she can watch all my stuff. I hate to leave her in the lobby. Maybe they will take her to the hotel to check in while I am busy.

Glad to hear about Cingular as that is what I have also. Will make sure the thing is fully charged when we go.

Leaving my husband with my girlfriend's husband in Vista. They can work on Jackie's computer that has been giving her fits!!

Charlie

Lanie & Charlie

I was banded June 9th....it went WONDERFUL...would do it again in a hearbeat.....just wanted you to know that I have Nextel and I was able to charge my phone with no problems....no problems with service either...and I live in Florida...Dr. Ortiz and his staff also use Nextel too....so...I dont know about any other phone services....the currency there is american monies....honestly though..u really dont need to bring alot at all....the only thing I spent money I was my "LAST SUPPER", the night before surgery at the Rivoli right there at the Lucerna...WHICH BY THE WAY WAS WONDERFUL, and any special purchases u may want to do...as far as tipping....when I was at the Lucerna I tipped my Bell Boy....but he WAS WONDERFUL....RAUL his name was....but anyways...and as far as jewelry....I myself...NEVER EVER take my jewely off....I did remove all my necklaces and bracelets and only left my wedding set on...I myself had no problems...however.....one of the patients there the day before woke up to find her gold wedding band missing out of her nightstand drawer...so....I will leave that one up to you guys....I hope that this has helped the both of u...BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR SURGERY....U WILL NOT REGRET IT......Cathy

Thanks for the answers to a lot of the questions. I will leave jewelry at home. I was mainly interested in the tipping of the driver?? Any idea?

Wow!! That has been almost amonth for you. Things still going great? Are you hungry? Started real food?

What do you mean by the "Last Supper"? Did you get to eat a real meal and not carb drinks and salad?

Charlie

Kellie,

My husband and I are flying in from Washington on the 10th and having surgery on the 11th. I am really excited, but finding it REALLY hard to wait! I keep reading everyone's postings and getting more and more excited. I am starting out at 36 BMI, a little on the lower side so I never could have this done in the US. I was one of those who was against anyone going to MEXICO (Ha ha). My husband, BMI 48, was turned down by our insurance unless he gained 30 lbs (to get to a 50 BMI) or his heart meds or blood pressure meds stopped working. Anyway, we decided to go private and my husband got a doc here in Washington. 17 thousand dollars. Then I hit my new high while waiting for the money to come and started researching. The cost for both of us with Dr. Ortiz is the same as one in Washington, we get a little break together (ha, ha), we can help each other stick to the new restrictions, and I don't have to watch my weight skyrocket while he loses. Plus, Dr. Ortiz has done this surgery 100X as many times as the doctor here. THAT has GOT to be better, right!

Everything I have been reading is confirming my belief that we made the right decision.

My only problem right now is losing 5% before the 10th. That's 10 lbs for me, yikes . I've started dieting early in hopes of actually making it. So far, 3lbs.

I will be looking for you and Charlie at the hotel! Maybe we can sip, sip, sip, water together!

I will be getting the pre-op on the 11th so I hope you can fill me in on everything that you are going through.

Charlie

I have the same question as Charlie - what money, credit cards, to bring? How is the cell phone coverage, what about chargers, is the current the same or bring an extra battery for the phone? What about jewlery, should I bring my wedding ring or leave it home. Whear is our personal effects stored during surgery. I know these are little things to be worring about, but questions that still go through the mind.

Never even thought about the charger or the jewelry. Good questions...someone who has been there and done this please help!

Charlie

Stacy,

I am getting banded July 10th also--with a friend of mine. We are both named Karen. We'll look for you there!

Karen W.

I am getting banded on 7/12 so maybe I will see you at the hotel??? By the pool???

Charlie

Hello out there. I am also an August bander. My surgery is scheduled for late August and already I am doing the "last dinner' routine and have started gaining weight! AHHHHH!

In reply to the previous post--I will probably bring travelers checks or something of that sort--I feel safer that way. I will probably bring around $2-300 for me and my husband. You know we have to buy a lot of gifts for the kids!

Well, safe journey to us all!

I completely forgot about traveler's checks. Sounds like a good idea. Any idea on the tipping...who,how much?

Charlie

I am scheduled for surgery 7/12 and have some other questions. How much money do you bring? Do you take a credit card or cash? What about tipping? How about paying for food for the one going with you or for yourself after surgery at the hotel?

Forgot something else. I have started weight lifting class and seem to be adding some pounds. Not sure if it is muscle (ha,ha) or what as I have not changed the way I eat. Am going to do the aerobics instead.

Charlie

I have just posted someother questions. What kind of money to take, credit cards or cash? What about tipping? Food for the person coming with me (payment). Do cell phones work or bring a calling card?

I hope to see both of you there. I will be in Vista on the 10th and check in on the 11th for the pre-op.

Charlie

Charlie,

My husband and I will be there on the 10th and are both set for sugery on the 11th. I am very nervous, yet really excited at the same time.

I would love to be "almost too thin" but would settle for thin enough!

Maybe we will see you there!

I don't think I have this forum thing correct. I just replied to "Freetobeme" and ended up with my message in her post. Please excuse any errors

Charlie

I am scheduled for surgery 7/12 and have some other questions. How much money do you bring? Do you take a credit card or cash? What about tipping? How about paying for food for the one going with you or for yourself after surgery at the hotel?

Hi! Thank you for your comments. Congratulations on your decision to have lap-band surgery. I'm glad to hear you too have had a positive experience in booking your surgery. The next few weeks will pass by quickly. If you have not already received it, you will soon get a patient information packet that help explain everything you need to do to prepare for surgery. I used a calendar to keep track of everything I needed to get done! Keep us posted and best wishes!

Am set for surgery 7/12 and know the feeling. Have a good friend who had the surgery about 3 years ago and she is doing great. Almost too thin.

Surgery date is set (28 August 06) - Plane ticket purchased - Now I am nervous. Am I doing the right thing? Mexico? What am I thinking, what should I expect? I have read nothing but good things on this site. Every thing I have found on Dr. Ortiz is great. Yet you hear nothing but horror stories about going to Mexico. I guess I need a little advise from some people who have been there, nerves and all. Any advise and stories is helpful to me. Thanks is advance. Lanie