oktwigs

I went bymyself and did just fine. Everyone at the clinic is great and you'll be surprised how other bandsters will adopt you as their own. Toni and Donna were both wonderful to me and made me feel like I had friends right there if I needed them. My DH knows but that is it for me. I personally enjoy traveling by myself so the trip to SD and then down to TJ wasn't a stretch at all. Twigs

You shouldn't worry! In fact I think a small weight gain is expected and normal after going off the liquid diet. Sure, we'd all like to avoid that, but be easier on yourself. As for the low calorie content, that could be part of your problem. Going that low forces your body into starvation mode and it holds on to all fat for future lean times. It could be fluids you are retaining too. I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. This is the last week of my liquid diet. Since I had the flu for three days I really haven't regained my appetite, which will make this final week of liquids easier to deal with. Twigs

He didn't, but recommended you visit your PCP to get something. My vomiting hit me so quickly I didn't even have a chance to take anything to prevent it. Thankfully it wasn't violent or repeated and since I feel fine today I figure I'm probably ok. I picked up some OCT anti nausea and when I see my PCP next time I will ask for a prescription. I haven't had the flu for years and years and so figured it really wasn't something to worry about...little did I know my grandson was packing around the flu bug when we kept him Easter night. Twigs

I've been doing great since my 4/3/07 surgery with Dr. Oritiz...until the dreaded stomach flu hit me yesterday! Unfortunately I did throw up a little, but thankfully it wasn't violent and it was short-lived. I spent all day yesterday stretched on the couch only sipping water. I tried to have some broth in the evening, but that sent my stomach in waves of cramping and nausea. Ugh...time for anti-nausea pills. Today I seem to be able to hold down jello without any nausea. I'll stay on clear liquids through tomorrow I think and then go back to full liquids. I've just got a little over a week left of my three week post-op liquid diet! Hip Hip Hooray! Twigs

I just wanted to say that I LOVE this protein smoothie recipe. I had it today for the first time and I am sold! I think I'll try it with frozen mango chunks in a few days and then with some frozen strawberries. Yummy! I'll keep this one handy after I am off the liquid diet too, but I think I'll sub. light soy milk instead of full calorie Very Vanilla later on. Right now I'm trying not to freak about weight loss...just healing. Twigs

I second Donna's comments. We were there together on the 3rd and I have nothing but praise for Dr. Ortiz and his staff. When was the last time there was a doctor and nurse to care for six patients overnight in any US hospital? I am feeling fine and literally had little to no pain. Sure, broth is boring and the trip home was kind of long, but I feel it was all worth it. Hi Donna! Glad to hear you are doing well. Janice/aka Twigs

Once the days start getting longer I always manage to get back to my weight lifting routine ... although I am sure the regulars at the gym chuckle under their breath at my fat body coming in year after year without much of a change (20 lbs up and down). Now that I am back into my routine I am dreading having to stop when I have my banding done on April 3. My question is how long will it be before I can get back to the weight lifting. Walking yes....I know we can and should be doing that immediately after surgery, but I hope it isn't more than 3 weeks or I'll lose all the strength I've gained these past six weeks. Janice

I got an email from Dr. Miranda stating that Dr. Ortiz's patients were required to be on liquids for 21 days post surgery...I had heard from people that week three was the mushies stage, but now I'm wondering how I'll be able to get through this. I figured I could handle two weeks of clear, then full liquids, and then mushies...then "real" food. The list she sent me was just things like Optifast or Slimfast, juices, cream soups, etc. I get the impression she wouldn't be in favor of taking something like clam chowder, blending it and adding more milk because that might make the stomach work harder which could tear your stitches, etc. For those of you who have been banded, how did you manage to get through that phase? I have to admit I am quite apprehensive and don't want to mess up my banding in any way shape or form.... Thanks, OkTwigs

Hey everyone, I'm getting ready to head down to TJ the first week of April to be banded by Dr. Ortiz and since I have a hard time stomaching most of the protein drinks, I thought it would be nice if those of you who have Smoothie/Protein drink favorites could post your recipes, hints, and tips for those of us about to head down this path. This morning I tried blending some strawberries and blueberries into my chocolate protein drink and it made it more tolerable. If I have to drink these things for awhile I want to make them more than just tolerable...I want to enjoy them so I'm not tempted to cheat. Janice

Excellent! Thank you so much for sharing that with me...my biggest concern has been what would happen if I had a problem and needed a quick unfill. I think I can do that in Omak if I ask nicely, but being able to go to Spokane for my fills is wonderful. I will be calling them this week and speaking with Lori about whether they use fluroscopy and costs. If you want to email me directly feel free...oktwigs@gmail.com. Janice

Rhonda, I just scheduled for Tuesday April 3...nervous, but excited at the same time. I am tired of packing around all this weight! OkTwigs (aka Janice) OK Town

Hi, I'm in Okanogan...where do you plan on going for your fills? That has been a big concern for me. I live in the middle of nowhere...I know a local doctor does fills for his nurse after hours on the QT, but figure either the Puget Sound or down to the Tri Cities is it for me. I've yet to schedule...trying to decide on a date in the first week of April. OkTwigs

Rhonda, I'm also in NW Washington and am ready to schedule for April myself. Hopefully I haven't waited too long so the week I am able to go (spring vacation) isn't filled in already. Janice Ok-Town

I don't recommend taking traveler's checks with you. Take about 50 $1 bills for tips and such, but hit an ATM machine and get your pesos that way. Right now the exchange rate is about 10 pesos = $1, so don't be shocked when you see something that says it costs 59.05 pesos, thats roughly equivalent to $6. Also, call your bank and your credit card companies and let them know you will be in Mexico. They'll ask for the specific dates and what you might be spending money on. I did that for my June vacation in Mexico and had no problems. I bank with B of A and they only charged me $2 for each time I accessed my account via the ATM. One final thing, most of the stores I made purchases at would add it up on the calculator and show it to me. It was easy to make the conversion and I got some great deals. Take care, Janice Scheduled with Dr. Ortiz 7-27-06 Anyone else going to TJ then?