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Hi Cyndi! My name is Michelle and I am from Phoenix. I was banded by Dr. Ortiz on August 31st. It was a great experience! My incisions are healing well and the only pain I experienced was around the port area for the first week. Dr. Ortiz is very nice, not to mention handsome. He is also very experienced so you are in great hands. I would love to meet with other AZ bandsters. Is Gold Canyon far from Phoenix? I have lived here most of my life and have nevery heard of it. Good luck with your surgery. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Michelle

Hey "ClaireinCo"!! I just got back home today - stayed an extra night cause DH wanted to shop. I also liked the OCC doctors and staff. I was amazed to see how soon you were up and about after surgery . . almost immediately, huh? It took me a while to get up and walk. I am feeling pretty good except for a little pain in my port incision and a little gas (same "needing to burp" feeling that you have). I had the broth from veggie soup I bought at Paradise Bakery at the airport today. If I remember correctly, we are allowed to eat beef/chicken/veggie broths. I am also drinking a lot of Crystal Light, watered down apple juice and water (sipping all day). I am very excited to start my lapband journey and hope that all of the August 31st bandsters can keep in touch and share our progress. Take care.

MM - Glad to hear all went well! Congrats on entering Bandland! Keep us posted on your progress. I will be leaving tomorrow for TJ and surgery will be Thursday. Say a prayer for me, please. I am both excited and nervous. Claire and Catherine - see you on Thursday!! Take care, Michelle

MM - I am so excited for you! Keep us posted. I am going in on Thursday and would love to hear about your LB experience. Take care and good luck!! Michelle

Hi MM (Mysterymachine) and Deb, MM - I tried the Atkins shake. It is pretty good! Good luck to you. Deb, I live close to Metro Center Mall (I-17 & Peoria). I will be in TJ late on the 30th. Maybe our paths will cross--I hope so! Claire and Catherine - How are you guys doing? 7 days and counting!!! Take care, Michelle

Catherine, I am from Phoenix, AZ. My flight arrives in San Diego at 6:00 p.m. I think I might try the Atkins Advantage shakes also. Congrats on the 8lbs. so far. I still have 9 to lose . . . H E L P!! Claire, today was a hard day for me also. I am hoping that if I stay really busy, it will keep my mind off of the hunger. I would like to know how both of your husbands feel about the surgery. Were they supportive or hesitant? Mine was hesitant until he did more research on Dr. Ortiz. Now he is looking forward to meeting the good doctor. I'll be thinking about you guys when my tummy rumbles. Michelle

Hi Claire and Catherine! Can't wait to meet you two on Thursday. It is going to be an exciting time for all of us! I am starting my liquid fast also tomorrow. I am going to use FIT 365. I have lost 1 lb. and have 9 more to go by surgery day! Did you both practice taking small bites and chewing til mush. I did it and it is not that bad you . . . just feel like you are chewing forever. I need to work on the 30/30 rule - no drinking 30 minutes before eating or 30 minutes after eating. Good luck to you and I'll see you both on Thursday. Be blessed! Michelle

Thanks SLM!

Hi all August Bandsters! I am scheduled to be banded on August 31st! Yeah! Anyone else on that day? Good luck to all who are not banded yet. Michelle

I am going to Mexico on 8/30 for my surgery and need to know if I have to bring my passport to cross the border. I do have a current driver's license and my birth certificate but my passport expired in July. Anyone know? Michelle

Thanks Lori and Chelly! I have given birth to 4 children naturally (so you think I would be able to handle pain), but when I read several posts (from other bandster sites) from people who got banded in the US, they said they were given morphine so I was a little worried as to how severe the pain might be to warrant that strong of a pain medication. Thanks for easing my mind! Michelle

Hello All, I am having surgery on the 21st and was wondering since they use different meds in Mex. what is given for pain? Also, any ideas of what I should bring with me would be appreciated. Thanks, Michelle