jaime

Hi Sabrina.. I just decided to get back on the forum for support, since I've been failing miserably with my band and havn't been on here for quite awhile. I was banded Oct 08 and havn't done so well with it, but thats another story. Anyways, before I get to off track, my parents just moved to Suprise Arizona, about 30 min from Phoneix, after living in the Pacific Northwest their entire lives. They spent 3 weeks in AZ driving around till they found just the right place. My husband and family and I just got back from Surprise a week ago and I have to say I LOVE IT THERE! So much we have been in touch with a realtor to find a second home/investement too. I have the name of a great realtor who sends me daily listings down there. If you would like any information or his name feel free to email me. Take care.. and congrats on your weight loss!

No I was not able to find anyone. There is one doctor who will do it, but he charges 2500 for the first year of aftercare, which includes your fills and counsling I believe. All of the other doctors that are in the area said they would not touch me because I went to mexico. Yes, my band is finicky, and even after a week or so of my last fill, I can eat more than I would like to. I've just got to be patient and get it adjusted right. I love the gal who does them in Lewiston. She only charges $100.00 dollars and does a great job.. jamie

OH.. and yes it was exactly like you see it, and is exactly how they explain it. I would go back in a heartbeat, and would send any loved one that I knew to go there too.. it was wonderful at the OCC.

I live in Spokane too. I was banded on Oct 27th, and my weight loss has been slow, but I'm still working on finding my sweet spot. I just had my 3rd fill, day before yesterday. I had my first fill in Lewiston, second one in Marysville, and my last one back in Lewiston. I'm hoping the last fill will start doing its job, and helping me out. I'm working out with a trainer now, so Im anxious to get this show on the road! Let me know if you have any questions.. always looking for someone close to home! jamie

I was down there on the 27th of October, the night before we got there one of the bigtime drug cartels had been arrested. We were told by the staff at the the hotel that Tj was kind of wound up because of all of it, and that it would be best to just stay close to the hotel. Now, me being a small town girl, was less than thrilled with all of this. But I have to say, I felt very safe at the hotel, and felt even safer at the clinic... HONEST. I'm a big chicken.. LOL We did though, have the feeling that we would feel better in San Diego the second night there. So we had the OCC take us across the border, and we got a room close to the pier.. we love it down there. Then in the morning the shuttle from the hotel took us to the airport. Either way, if you feel unsure, just stay in the hotel, we enjoyed just the "no kid" quiet time sitting outside by the pool. You'll be fine.. And heck.. i was so looped up on drugs at the clinic, I really didn't even think it about it.. not once.. The hotel staff seemed to be really honest with us.. just ask them, they will let you know if you should wander out. Best Wishes.. jamie

I think i will just cover up my stomach with a towel... not going to be showing it off just yet anyways... thanks for the input guys! have a great day!!

Hey everyone.. do any of you know if its ok to tan? I am trying to get a bit of color before we leave on our trip. I was banded almost 3 weeks ago, and the tape/glue (whatver has held me together) is off on some of the incisions but still on others... do you think the sun(fake sun) will bother the incisions? thanks ahead of time jamie

Well, I've been so inspired over and over on this forum. I especially love to see the many 'goal dresses', and to watch the gals fit into them. So, I've been engaged for almost 2 years. Put off the wedding, simply because I couldn't fit into my beautiful wedding dress. I kept saying, I will stick to a diet and get into that darn thing, but it never happend. But... thats all changed now. I'm so optimistic and excited now that I have my band that I AM GOING TO GET INTO THAT DRESS!!! We have set a date for Sept 19th 2009. I had my daughter take before pictures in my dress, and boy do I have a long ways to go, but am confident that it will fit perfectly! Maybe I'll have to even have it sized down!!!! Anyways, I get to eat real food on monday, 3 weeks have flown by.. Jamie

Hey, Well, its been 9 days since I was banded.. and tonight I experienced something new... I'm in the creamy soup stage, I was sipping on my soup when I got this dull pain in my stomach... I know I'm still healing, just wondering what this new sensation could be? Maybe I'm eating to fast????? jamie

I was just there last week. We didn't really go out and about, but the night that I had my surgery, I had a pedicure and a manicure right in my room at the clinic.... It was great!!!! The pool was cold, but we did put on a sweatshirt and sat outside around the pool...

I live in Spokane also.. and was just banded on monday.. there is a doctor in spokane, I believe he's at Rockwood Clinic. His name is Dr. Trotter. I called his office, and they charge a hefty amount.. it's 2500.00 for a year of post op care. I'm not sure what it all includes, but I do know they do fills... hope this helps Jamie

So, I was just banded on Monday, but have lost a total of 23lbs since august, when I started this whole journey. Well, this morning, I threw on my favorite hot pink soft, drawstring sweat pants. I have four kids, so we were in a hurry trying to get out the door. I'm busy hearding the kids out the door to get in the car... my 13 year old was lagging behind, so I went out the door in front of her. As I was walking out the door, my now 'too big' pants dropped to my knees in our driveway.. Oh the look on her face! PRICELESS!!! She just looked at me and said, "nice mom, I think you need some new pants!" LOL, oh my, this is going to be fun... jamie

I was just banded on monday and I'm having the EXACT same symptoms.. Feels like something is going to explode in my chest.. seems to get worse when I'm walking or moving around. I'm sure it will all pass jamie

Thank you your replies.. Bless my sweet fiance', not only has he put up with my cranky butt flying home today, but he just came home with strained soup (broth only) from the chinese restaurant, popsicles, and vit water. Oh bless him!!!! LOL I'm feeling better, now that I've got something in my stomach... yipee!!!

Hi Everyone.. Well, I literaly just got back from San Diego about an hour ago. It sure feels good to be home. I was banded 2 days ago, and all has gone well. A little soreness, but I just can't get the hunger pains to go away. Are we able to have jello? I thought I had read that somewhere. Thanks for the input.. so excited now that its done! jamie

Anybody scheduled for surgery that day?? jamie

How exciting.. yipee... I was doing the same thing today, getting the grocery list ready, and getting my kids ready for my departure next sunday. Time is already flying by! Good luck to you!!!!! jamie

Thank you for all the replies! Makes me feel alot better. I plan on taking a thing of protein powder to mix, since I'm really not sue what kind of food we will be eating over there. Really not a place, being that far away from home, when I want to experiment with new foods with a new band! Thanks for the info on the band tighenting up a bit with being in the air that long... (yes its a very long flight) probably be even longer feeling with 4 kids in tow!! We will be leaving Dec 17th and will be gone for 2 and a half weeks to Bali Indonesia. Its a very very generous Christmas gift from my finace's mom. Our first international trip... needless to say we are very excited! I will be about 7 weeks post op when go...

Hey everyone.. well after months and months of thinking and working it out in my head, I'm scheduled for surgery on October 27th. I'm ready! I do have a question for anyone who knows... Right around the the time when I am going to be due for my first fill, our family will be traveling to Indonesia. Exciting yes, but has me a bit worried about not getting back to the OCC for another 3 or 4 weeks after I should go. Do you think this will cause any issues?

October 27th here! (anxiously waiting, and pulling it all together.. LOL)

Hi Everyone... I have been lurking on the forum for many many months now. And after a sleepless night trying to decide on what to do I thought i would get some input from you guys. I am ready (have been for many months) to get the band. Here's my situation. In January I made the decision to quit my well paying job to stay home with my kids. My fiance and I have saved diligently since then for my surgery. I actually have the 8 grand in my savings for the surgery. But... for some reason as much as I want the surgery I'm having a hard time letting that money go. Its kinda become a safety net for us, now that we're a one income family. I guess it comes down to, putting my family first, which is what I've always done. Anyone else been in this situation? I appreciate the supportive energy on this forum... thanks for reading this long winded post.. J.

Hi Traci! I too am from Spokane, and yes I have heard of Dr. Trotter, there is also a surgeon in Post Falls that does the surgery. I have spent several months following this forum and without a doubt, when I'm ready to make the step and have the surgery I will be having Dr. Ortiz do it. I had my surgery scheduled at one point, but some changes in my life have put it on hold temporarily. I know that soon I will be ready to go.... hope this helps. Hugs..

I've tried it.. its YUMMY... I'm very picky about protein shakes.. and I have to say this is the best one I've ever had... I got it at GNC the other day, I think it was 12.00 for the bag... >

Hi Stacy As of right now I am scheduled for Feb 8th.... just trying to get all the ducks in a row.. kids, job, etc.. >