ClaireinCO

As I understood it, you could start the second phase, i.e. full liquids as soon as day 4 if you felt hungry/up to it, etc. In any case, you must do that trasition day with yogurt to replace some of your digestive enzymes and healthy intestinal bacteria. I counted day 1 as the the day AFTER sugery. From my paperwork and the notes I took, it is Day 1-3 clear liquids, Day 3-7 continue on clear liquids or transition to drinkable yogurt and other full liquids. Day 7 you can begin protein and pureed stuff and thicker liquids. I'm interested to know what others have done. Although I'm mentally ready for soups and fuller liquids, I still get pretty full on juice and broth. This is Day 3 for me.

I know before surgery I was so nervous and I wanted to know EVERYTHING! So here it is folks. It is long, but it covers everything. This is only MY experience and I know others may have had things go differently. Here goes... I did surgery and pre-op in the same day. A guy named Francisco will hold a sign up for you at the airport. You may wait for other patients to arrive then you hop in the shuttle van and go to the hotel - which takes about 25 minutes. The border crossing is no problem, you just drive right through. The hotel is nice, but modest. I think that was the only aspect that left me a little underwhelmed. You check in and they have you already reserved. You may be asked to put a 50$ deposit on a credit card for any extras. The driver will tell you when to meet back in the lobby the next morining. The lobby and restaurant are nice, but the rooms are basic. Not shabby or anything, just not the "5 star" type. I had a meal in the restaurant the night before. I sort of regreted that because my nerves were so bad I pretty much was up all night on the toilet. Sorry, gross. But I was terrified, which is so silly! I woke up every hour staring at the clock dreading the next day -- for nothing! So at 8 the next morning we met Mrs. Ortiz, a sharp dressed, beautiful older woman. There were a few other patients waiting as well. She took as to the clinic and would come back for our husbands. Once at the clinic you'll do some paperwork and then lots of sitting and waiting. You can chat with other patients or read a magazine. I mostly chatted with my nerves! You'll have some blood drawn at they will put a little IV cap in you so you don't have to be pricked again. Then you'll meet with Dr.Miranda the nutritionist. Then you'll meet with a doctor who'll ask you some questions and do an ekg. After that you're cleared for surgery and you just wait your turn. They will have you come back to your room. Nice, a little fountain, TV, adjustable bed, window. They give you a muscle relaxant and antibiotic. You'll get into the hospital gown, paper panties (ha!) and a nurse will come in and help you put on the compression hose. After about 20 minutes you feel very relaxed and at ease. Not loopy or anything, but just relaxed and comfortable. Dr. Ortiz will come and chat with you for a few minutes. Then another nurse will come and get you, you walk into the OR and have you lay down on the table. I had so little nervousness at this point - and it was the part I was most scared about! I just closed my eyes and I drifted off. The anesthesia is IV, so there is no mask on your face or anything obtrusive. The next thing I remember they were gently lifting me back onto my bed. They said "Take a deep breath!" and I was awake and being wheeled back into my room. Since I was still feeling some anesthesia it feels like your arms and legs are asleep. Not scary, just felt like I was in quicksand. But very relaxed and peaceful - just not moving much. But able to breathe and open my eyes. They rest an oxygen mask on your chin and you breathe in and feel increasingly more alert. Just as soon as I could, I got up and made a wobly walk with my IV to dissipate any gas pains. I was determined to avoid that - and I DID! I shuffled around looking silly but I felt so much better for doing it. Then I drifted in and out of sleep, each time I woke I took a little lap around the clinic with the others. We all encouraged each other, which was great. Don't be shy, talk to the others and help each other get outta bed and get walking! Later the nurse gives you ice and popsicles. Which after all that time with no water, is awesome. You are receiveing IV fluids the whole time but the liquid in your mouth is wonderful! The nurses, Carmelita and Jose (sp?) are both the sweetest ladies. Their english is scant but they are fully aware of what you are going through and languauge is not an issue. Around 6pm, your companion/husband, etc, is taken back to the hotel. You have a phone in your room and can call the US, also there are 2 computers. At 10, you are given a little something to help you sleep. It is very gentle and you sleep soundly. The bed is totally adjustable so you will be able to get settled with no pain. I slept so good, and Carmelita was on call if you need anything. She is with you all night long. I felt totally cared for and comfortable. I think it is great they keep you for the night. The IV fluids, comfy bed, and quiet healing atmosphere were great for recovery. In the morning, you're encouraged to take a shower and prep to be dishcarged. Dr. Ortiz or Martinez will come by and chat with you about any concerns. The nurse will remove your IV and give you some pain meds for a few days. Mrs. Ortiz will give you a ride back to the hotel. (Your companion will still be at the hotel) I was a little hazy and sleepy but I felt great overall. We walked around TJ a bit - you're in a nice part of town, have no fear doing some walking during the day or night. Then I slept on and off, again, getting up for little walks. I had some broth from the restaurant and hot tea - but not very hungry. The night was fine in the hotel bed, I propped myself up a bit but no biggie. Mrs. Ortiz will call you that evening to let you know when you'll go to the airport. The next morning Fransisco takes you across the border, a little longer wait, you show some ID, no big deal. And that's it! I had no shoulder pain or really any big pain at all. Just an "awareness" like doing too many crunches. Take the pain meds they give you - don't wait to feel pain. That was my tactic anyway. Hope this helps!

I know there are 5 others banded on the 31st so please guys, post here! I was so so frightened the night before surgery. I woke up in a massive panic attack completely questionig the decision. But it was just nerves doing the thinking. The next morning when I met up withthe others I felt better. I still was a little worried, but the staff at OCC are amazing and warm and kind. The surgery was a snap and I was up and walking right away, I slept so good that night. The fact that they ask you to stay a night there is a GOOD thing! You get more nourishment with the IV fluids and someone is right there if you need anything. So, after 2 days I'm feeling really good - just sleepy. I have a couple of questions. 1)My husband noted that some of my liquids weren't technically clear - like beef broth and I bought a drink that iIthought was clear but iht was opaque (I only had a few oz). It's ok, right? 2) Do you guys feel sort of a burpy sensation but nothing comes to the surface. I get it whether I've been eating or not. Like a gas rising in my chest -- and I have to take a breath to make it pass - but no burp payoff? sound right? 3) Sticky surgical glue removal and/or iodine removal ideas? Not that I'm hanging out in a bikini, but my shirt sticks to me. So far I can sip about 1/2 cup of liquid, a little more and I feel that tightness. I am hungry but not ravenous. My stomach has been growling most of the day. I guess this is all normal. I can't belive it's done! I'm so glad I took this step!

Totally. I was just about to ask you! Thanks for the info.

Yay! That's what I like to hear!

I don't know this for sure, but from what I've read on other boards, the reason the VG band has become so popular is that the nature of the chambers vs. the smooth tubing of the other sized bands, means there is less contact withthe stomach, and less erosion. So maybe that is the silver lining? I'm preparing for a VG. I imagine I won't have much say in the matter. BUt I will try to request the smaller band.

haha, sorry, I meant cheater!

Lori, did you take a look at my veggie additions and do you think that looks ok? Also, what is the deal with the day of surgery, food wise? Do I need to stop with the protein drinks entirely at some point? I get in Wednesday night and then do my pre-op surgery on the same day, Thursday. So I want to make sure I don't keep on consuming and get in trouble. OK, and one more question. I keep reading about people having Mexican food in TJ the night before surgery. Are they all heaters or is this some kind of last supper treat?!

James, I have been having spinach, asparagus, small amount of edamame (soybeans) , green onions, brussel sprouts and brocolli. Oh, and one night I had some olives. I hope all of those are ok! I have taken some liberties with the "leafy greens" because salad was just not filling me up. Hot steamed veggies have more staying power for me. If the choices are: blow this diet completely and have "real food" vs. add some other veggies, I think I'd rather just add some more veggies. I feel like I've done enough diets to know what makes me fat -- and sparagus and brussel sprouts are not the bad guys.

Karen I've read about many many bandsters who've had very few PB episodess. I think you just have to learn your limits. I'm not banded yet but I have read TONS about the PBing b/c it scares the heck out of me too! I have a banded friend who says she is very careful but not obsessively careful and she hasn't had any episodes. I am hopeful I'll avoid it!

Karen I will be banded on the 31st. Mferra, too. So we should be milling around the surgery center in recovery when you get there. Karen when do you fly in? I come in Wed. night.

Paypal has been totally useless for me. I got "verified" and thought I'd be good to go. I'm paying with my Visa. However, Pay Pal will not let me select my Visa as the source of the money. Not for 100$, not for $500 and certainly not for $8000. It defaults to my main checking account and requires I first drain that account before my Visa can be used as back-up funding. I called and they were totally clueless. They said my transaction was raising a security flag and there was NO WAY they could override that decision. Totally ridiculous! There is no issue with my account or the Visa, yet the transaction raised a security flag? They told me to "keep trying". Paypal sucks! Dr. Ortiz should just get set up to take credit cards. What a headache! Trust us with using out credit cards!! We are tusting you with our lives!

Michelle, I'm rockin on day 3 of liquids/greens. I am feeling pretty good. I've learned I really require something every 2 hours. So hot tea or borlli or a potein shake...something needs to go in the belly every few hours or I go LOCO. Last night I took a bag of fresh spinach, a 1/2 cup edamame, a few green olives, and some asparagus and 'dry fried' it up with garlic. It was so good! We'll see how the weekend goes. My husband was at first toatlly against the surgery. He insisted that I could be succesful with Weight Wathcers because I had lost weight with that before. He was a tough sell. He thought the surgery was too drastic. But I did a lot of research and explained to him that I really felt it was right for me. I've been heavy since I was a little kid and he has only recently bulked up --- so I think it was hard for him to see that I had struggled for 20 years, not 4 or 5! Ultimately, he became very supportive. But it took a lot of info and persuasion that this was a good thing.

I received an email from Dr. Miranda outlining the 3 shakes a day/green veggies regimen for 7 days, but nothing specifically saying "lose X pounds". I hope I'm not missing a key directive here. My BMI is 41. I am doing the 7 day diet, but I didn't know if I should be shooting for a number on the scale, too?

You've got a point. I guess I was thinking in terms of time you are on your back with no active circulation. I think that is when the DVT risk comes in, and why we were the compression hose. But I'm not even close to being in the medical realm so I could be wrong. Please post what you hear from Dr. Ortiz, ok?

Before I was denied by my insurance, I had a consultation with a local surgeon. He explained the risk of blood clots with use of the pill but said he leaves the decision to discontinue totally up to the patient. I think becasue the surgery tinme is so short, how can it be much different than being in the dentist chair for that long? And with the compression hose and all that ... I guess I'm just hoping it isn't a issue!

Rid your big day is tomorrow! Can't wait to hear how it goes. I'm sure everything will be smooth sailing. Keep us posted -- no pun intended!

Catherine, we get in at 8pm. I wonder if we willw ait or if they do 2 trips to/from the airport. I am using a GNC soy protein mixed with a little skim milk and water. They whey stuff was bitter and funky. I don't know about you guys but I am sooo hungry! Please let this get a little easier. Right now I'm hurtin'!

Cool! How was your surgery? How are you feeling? Congrats!

Hey Catherine! What are you drinking for your liquid fun fest? I tried 2 different protein shakes today at breakfast and lunch. They were super chalky and gross. I have to find something tonight because the "Real" liquid diet starts tomorrow. YIKES. I bought about 12 single packets of different stuff trying to find something that was decent. No luck so far.

Trizzy, can I get Unjury at GNC or a retail store? I guess I can google it.

My sugery is next Thursday, so I thought I'd start the pre-op Wednesday. Should I start sooner? I'm already anticipating how hungry/cranky/whiney I will be with nothing but salad and protein shakes.

I won't be able to get the suggested FIT365 drink before I am banded. Is there an alternative protein shake that I can use? Or a calorie content and fat/protien/carb ratio I should look for? Thanks!

Yes Lori, post them for us if you can!

Thanks for the encouragement MaryS. Occasionally I get this racing heart moment, like "What the he!! am I I doing?" then I take a deep breath and say to myself "you are ready for this". I will work on the small bites and chewing.