Pat in Washington

I got my last fill from Joan Richardson at Clearwater Medical in Lewiston 208-743-8416. She does fills Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. It went well and was a relief to have someone close. And she only charges $100.00.

I am so glad to see this issue addressed. I found out from the fill ladies from Arlington that your body can only utilize 20-25 grams of protein at a time. Protein loading does not work. Protein needs to be spread throughout the day. I certainly feel better doing that.

Here's the web site to find out all you want to know about using mass transit in San Diego http://www.sdcommute.com/ Use the trip planner to plan your trip and the estore to buy a one day pass for $5.00. It really is easy and a lot more affordable. Pat

The OCC's web site has the following information on it. "We will provide you with written instructions from our Nutritionist and Surgeon along with a basket of approved liquids, oral medication for pain control and an acid blocker." I didn't get the basket nor the acid blocker when I got banded last month. Has anyone else received these?

I was banded on 02/20/08 and went by myself. I had no problems at all. Everyone is right--I met some great bandsters having surgery at the same time, some that had surgery the day before and even some having surgery the next day. I would recommend anyone going by themselves rather than not going at all!

Cindy, Tomorrow is our big day. Real food finally. There were days I didn't think I would make but I did. Taking one day at a time worked for me. Enjoy that chewing! Pat

After a 2 pack a day for almost 40 years, I quit using Chantix. It worked great. I didn't do well on patches. With Chantix you don't get any nicotine. Even though my insurance company would not cover it, I was spending about the same on the med as I was for cigs. Today is my one year anniversary of being a non-smoker. I was just banded last month and I can't imagine going through preop diet and quitting smoking at the same time. Good luck! Pat

I urge every bandster that is dealing with uncontrollable hunger to order the book "The Emotional First + Aid Kit" by Cynthia L. Alexander I was banded 02/20/08 and one of the other bandsters had this book. I ordered it from amazon.com the day after I got home. It certainly is helping me handle this post op diet better than I would have had I not read the book. Pat

I was banded 10 days ago. While there, I heard of a great book from one of the other bandsters. I ordered it the day after I got home and received it yesterday. I would like to recomend it to everyone that is having surgery or thinking about having surgery. The book is "The Emotional First + Aid Kit A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery" by Cyntia L. Alexander. I bought mine at amazon.com. Pat

Hi Cindy, Sorry to hear that you are having problems. We were banded the same day and besides hiccups and a little port soreness everything is going well here. Are you drinking your 8 cups of water per day? Good choice is calling the doctor for advice. Hope the heartburn gets better! Pat

Talk to your doctor about going on Chantix to help you quit smoking. I was a 2 pack a day for almost 40 years and it helped me quit smoking. My food addiction has been harder to deal with. I can't imagine dealing with both at the same time so good luck! Remember what they say--If it's something you really want, it is worth working for.

I was to meet the driver at 10:45am. He arrived on time but we were told we needed to wait for some other people. They didn't arrive until 12:15. There were 2 of us who were waiting had been fasting for tests. When we got to the clinic, there ended up being six of us to process at the same time. By the time I was able to get something to drink it was 2:00. And it was 4:00 before I got anything to eat and I am a diabetic. We were told to meet the driver at 7:30 the next morning and it was almost 8:30 before he arrived. I was told that as a diabetic my blood sugar would be tested every 4 hours. It was tested only twice--just before surgery and the next morning. No doctor came to tell me anything about how my operation went. Those that had companions there did get a visit and update from doctor. So why not the patients that were there by themselves? I found out when I checked in at the hotel since the hotel room I was occupying would be empty while I was at the clinic that I had to check out the morning of surgery and back in the day after. I had to wait for an hour for a room to be available the day after surgery. By the time I got to my room all I could do was take a shower (they didn't want you taking a shower at the clinic) and go to bed. I got a call that afternoon saying to meet the driver at 11:00 am the next day for the van to the airport (my flight was at 4:30). So we waited until almost noon and then he finally there. I didn't get home until 11:00pm and it was a very long 12 hours. I really didn't have the experience I was expecting from reading the posts prior to surgery. I think part of the problem is because they are so busy since the Oprah show. I had booked prior to the show and wish I had the surgery before then. I think my experience would have been different.

Judy, Thanks for sharing. I'm schedule for surgery on the 20th so I was glad to see your video. I hope your recovery continues to go well! Pat

I'm having my surgery on February 20th. Anyone else?

I'm from Eastern Washington and scheduled for February 20th. I'm 58 years old but decided that I am not too old to get my health under control. I was scheduled for gastric bypass last August but couldn't go through with it. It was the only obesity surgery my insurance company would pay for but I had major issues and the final straw was when I got the authorization from my insurance company it said "removal of stomach." I didn't think I could afford lap band surgery but decided I can't afford not to have it. I have been so busy getting ready for this that I haven't had time to be nervous yet. That will start the day before surgery when I get Mexico. My question for those that have been through it is what will I feel comfortable to travel in when I fly home on the 22nd? I don't expect it to be a good time but I would appreciate any input that would make the experience more comfortable. Pat

Traveling to TJ. Go to sdcommute.com for information. You can get a one day pass at the estore for $5.00. It makes traveling around San Diego easy and you don't have to worry about exact change.