Awapuhi

WOW! I didn't think it could take so long to unswell. You're right, I haven't given it sufficient time to recover ...& like I said..the indigestion has only been happening since my flu. Perhaps bc it forces me to vomit in order to have relief, it makes sense that I'm probably not completely healed. I took that indigestion pill before I went to sleep, but it didn't help too much. Within minutes of falling asleep, I was coughing & choking again, until it came up & I was running to bathroom. It was worse this time bc the pill hadn't cleared my stomach & I found myself dry heaving after I vomitted all my stomach & pouch contents. It was really bad...& this time it scared me bc I feel there's seriously something wrong. I will take your advice & do the liquids for a few days. If that doesn't help, then I will call them before the week is out. Thank you so much for your advice!

On Jan 22nd, I went to Mexico for my fourth fill: 3.2 cc. At first, I had the normal uncomfortable restriction with food & liquids, so I didn't think it was unusual. I'd try to drink or eat something light.. it would be uncomfortable & sometimes lead to PBing. Everything was fine until 3 days later I caught the stomach flu. I had the occassional uncontrollable vomiting over about a 24 hour period. Despite the effects of the illness, I still tried to take liquid medication & drink fluids. Since then I have noticed that every time I lay down to sleep...I am rudely awakened every couple hours or so from coughing & choking, often leading to involuntary vomitting. It seems that if I drink something before bed, have a late dinner, or go to sleep on an empty stomach..I still wake up with what feels like indigestion. I can't rest until I throw up everything. Even then, it reoccurs within a few hours. I just don't understand why this is happening or how to get rid of it. This has never happened before. So, tonight I purchased something for indigestion & I'm going to take it before I go to sleep.. hopefully, that will help. Another thing I've noticed since this stomach flu issue...I don't seem to be able to digest milk. I noticed that sometimes, when I am at my sit-down job, the milk will just sit in my pouch & curdle. NOT all the time...but most of the time (if I don't get away from my desk). I am curious if it's bc I am sitting down (not that it has ever been an issue before...but I did read something in one of the topics about restriction associated with sitting down). Once, I noticed my food sat in my pouch longer than it should have...so, when I tried to drink milk, it curdled & came back up a while later (with the food). One thing I do know, is that when I am at my waitress job, I can eat or drink anything with little discomfort & no such issues. I'm just not sure why I am having so many issues. I don't think it has alot to do with my new band restriction...but I could be wrong. I just need to know how to fix it. Does anyone have any advice or ideas?

You should look into the bus & trolley for that instead of a taxi. You can go to sdcommute.com & purchase 1 or 2 day passes/transfers for it if you decide to do that. I hear it's cost effective, although it may be time consuming. There is also something in this section about that posted by Guest_marys (I think). She explained it pretty well, but the prices of the bus/trolley are outdated. Another option is to find other bandsters going that same day. Good luck, Kilani

Today was my 22nd day, so I was able to start eating solids. It's been a week since I lost anything, but I think alot of it had to do with our monthly friend! I am not too hard on myself. I spoke to another one of the bandsters that was there that day & he also plateaued at about 12-15lbs loss last week. It's normal I'm sure...but now that I am back to eating solids, I am not going to torture myself by weighing myself every day. Just keep in mind that we had surgery & our bodies needed time to heal. Once the swelling goes down, we are able to take in more liquids until we have our first fills. My biggest thing with eating now is following their directions. The quantity is not a problem, it's the pace & chewing requirements. I was mentally hungry & couldn't wait to taste my food, but I ate it too fast...& it got stuck! LOL I think the hardest part in this all will be the mental addiction to food...& how I've been eating when I'm hungry. We did the easy part...now the rest is up to us! Good luck! Kilani

That's good to know about how much it will cost for the fill. I was just discussing with a friend that there was a center here in Vegas, but she said that she heard they cost alot. My only concern is, by the time I get done paying for the trip to TJ (gas or flight, hotel room, loss of pay for taking time off, etc.), it will cost me more than it would just to drive 10 miles. I dunno, I will have to give it some thought... Kilani

I was there not long ago & all they asked for was my ID. I could have swore that Carolyn mentioned that I would only need a passport after June. Hmmmm, I'll have to research that.

Ohh myyy....I got goosebumps reading what your mother & you both wrote! I am so happy you chose Dr. Ortiz! AND I am happy that you are an "the idol" for all teens & young bandsters out there! You have no idea what that will mean to us all to show everyone what a wonderful thing this is & what a great place OCC is!! I felt at ease when I met the others that were waiting to have theirs done...& even more at ease when I met all of his friendly staff. I am so proud of you & want you to know that this is a wonderful & brave thing that you've doing... God Bless & I can't wait to see your story on Oprah! Take care, Kilani <' /> PS: Not to mention how lucky you are to be able to meet Oprah! =D>

I haven't been drinking the Optima for 2 reasons. Besides the fact that it costs more than the Slim Fast -Low Carb Diet, it also has less SUGAR & CARBS, & more PROTEIN. I started a laxed version of the Adkins diet back in Nov, so naturally I have been watching my carb & sugar intake. It's not a bad habit to get into considering that's what got me here in the first place. The other reason for that would be bc when I have sugar, my body tends to react like a hypoglycemic or diabetic would when that sugar high wears off. I've know this for years, so I limit my sugar intake (no more Fraps from Starbucks or Coke) due to the uncomfortable after effects. I just started drinking the Slim Fast again just yesterday, on Day 9 after surgery. However, I was also drinking it during my pre-op diet. As far as the broth, that would be perfect. I thought about making my own broth, as well, for convenience & financial reasons. In the meantime, when I work at the bar, I strain the soups we have, like the Baja Chicken or even the Au Jus, & water it down to make it more brothy. That has been a perfect quick "liquid meal" for me. Good luck, Kilani

Yes, but unfortunately it doesn't cover our transportation there. If you are lucky enough to live close to TJ,it's not too financially draining. But it is worth it!

I paid for mine as well. It's been only a week since my surgery...but I remember when I called Carolyn on 1/7...I could not wait either! You are going to have a good time. And the people you meet when you are there...like other bandsters waiting to be banded...are awesome! Good luck & enjoy yourselves! Malama pono, Kilani

YAY! I can't wait!! Johnny, let us know if we're going to celebrate your birthday when go to get our fills. I just need the dates so I can get the time off from both jobs...& maybe a flight to SD (in case I leave my car w/u). Krystal I am so proud of u, girl! I can't wait until we go back for some 100 year Tequila!!! Just watch how many I have...this LapBand made me a light-weight! LOL I'm busy working all weekend...I'll call u on Monday when I get a chance. Malama pono, Kilani

Yeah, that's her, Johnny! How's my Trailblazer? LOL I am gonna call you in the morning to find out. Anyways, she is being naughty..but I think it's just bc she has the same problem any of us have...it's the oral fixation. I so wanna taste the food I am smelling, but know I can't eat it. Someone told me that she had the same problem (although she is not a bandster, YET)....& she would taste the food, then spit it out if she just couldn't help herself! LOL I been losing nearly 2lbs per day, Krystal....you can do it too! Just give yourself some credit for coming this far & don't let it get the best of you. You will be fine...just call me or Johnny....we're here for you, girl! Take care, Kilani

What is your diet like? Why are your sugar cravings so bad? Could it be your sugar or carb intake now? I know the weight loss tapers, but I think you should just look specifically at your diet & exercise. There could be something in either one. Maybe you need more cardio workouts or perhaps some of the food choices are high in trans fats. It's hard to tell, but I think you definitely need to have a consultation with your nutritionist. Don't afraid...that's what they're there for. They want us to succeed & they can't help if they don't know what's going on. Good luck, Kilani

Sorry to hear that! Don't be upset. The same happened to me...even when I was researching other options. But, when I found Dr. Ortiz & they quoted me I was ecstatic! It's alot when you have to pay it all upfront, but I made it work. You can also try to get funded through some of the finance companies, but as far as I know, they charge an extra couple grand plus the APR. Some people can't afford that kind of extra payment (like another car payment), but it is well worth it. I decided my health is worth more than the money. So, give it some thought...or even wait a little while until you have it. It will be the best investment you ever made. A plus to being banded is that obviously your eating habits naturally have to change. I used to eat once, maybe twice a day, but I'd spend like $7-$9 per meal at McDonalds (I've been on the Adkins diet since Nov) for some chicken breasts & double cheeseburgers. Now, I spend maybe $2 on a can of broth per day because that's about all I can consume now.So, the way I look at it...I'm making back the money I spent by not spending it at fast food places anymore. $5 - $10 saved per day is up to $300/mo I can use on paying back the $ I owe for the surgery. It's not going to last when I am able to eat solid foods again, but I still won't be spending that much because I won't be eating out as often. Just a few things to consider. Good luck! Malama pono, Kilani

Well, the only thing I can think of that might come in handy is access to the foreign currency conversion rates! LOL You might be a little stunned when they hand you a bill for soup & it says $100! Just remember that the conversion rate for pesos right now is about 10.7 per US dollar. They do have the USD total on the receipt, but it's way down at the bottom of it. Just so you're prepared for that. Some people don't think that it's another country because they're so close to the border & it's easy to forget where you are! *giggles* And, if you plan on shopping some extra cash might help. One of the girls went shopping by the "Arch" & came back with a nice (I think it was Prada) purse for $50..& a bunch of jewelry. The only thing someone mentioned was that when you buy jewelry you should look for the eagle stamped on it..I guess that branding is not on the cheap knock-offs. And if you are paying cash...the conversion table & calculator for change will be very handy! LOL My blackberry came in handy a few times. Gas X is probably the most important thing you'll want to take. You'll feel discomfort for the first few days from the gas. Apparently, when they do surgery, they put gas in us so they can do what they need to do. So, if your shoulder starts to hurt, don't worry, it's just the gas trying to excape from the highest point in your body. Many people have reported this discomfort, but it's apparently a normal reaction to the effects of surgery. Good luck!! Malama pono, Kilani

I just got back from Tijuana yesterday. You will be fine. Some people handle it better than others. I am still getting some discomfort with the port area & the lack of eating because of the clear liquid diet post-op...but nothing I won't get used to. They gave us little blue disolving pain killers & those actually worked wonders. I was not aware that there were only 4 of them in the box. So, since I've been rationing them since Friday...I've been in more discomfort than I should be. One of the other bansters told me I could purchase more of them at the pharmacy, which is about a block from the Lucerna (if that's where you are staying). Otherwise, you could probably ask the receptionist when she hands them to you. Mrs. Ortiz will also tell you where things are as she is taking you to & from the center. Feel free to ask her, she is the sweetest little thing! Good Luck & have fun! Kilani >

They are filling up fast! That's what Carolyn told me when I called her on the 7th. I told her I wanted it done ASAP & she said she had an opening for MLK wknd...so, in 11 days I was there!! You will love yourself for making that decision! Good luck! Kilani

That is great that you're going to do it! I just got back from Tijuana yesterday & had the best time! Everyone there at the center is wonderful, the procedure is a breeze, & the hotel was excellent! My family had misgivings as well. I didn't want to tell them either, but I thought since they were watching my daughter for 4 days I'd better give them an explanation. But, nothing bad happened there..it was a wonderful experience. I met a bunch of bansters before surgery & we all hung out for the rest of the trip. We exchanged numbers & it's been great moral support! We plan on setting up our 6 weeks for the same day so we can make a fun trip out of it. The other women I met there were so nice...including their supporters. One woman brought her mother, who was the sweetest lady...she walked from room to room to check on all of us during our stay in the clinic. My ex-husband was my support system & if he wasn't there for the trip, I would've been fine with the rest of the newbies there! Besides the personal attention & caring staff, the people that you meet, who are going through the same thing, make it such a positive experience. You won't regret it. This is the best decision I've made for myself & it only confirms that 2008 is my year! Good Luck & have the best time ever!! Kilani