shampoo

the one in downers groove.

Hi Lock,

Dr Vitello only does Fluoro. Please see my previous post to Barb. I hear very good things about Dr Vitello.

I am so excited for my fill. I can't wait!

Shampoo

Banded 2/26/08

Hi Doolittle and Lock27...

Thanks Doolittle for telling the forum about Dr. Vitello in Downers Grove. I was happy to find a doctor nearby (well at least closer than Mexico) who is willing to take on the Mexico patients AND uses fluoro. I'm in Fort Wayne and the few doctors we have here either don't do fluoro, but will take the Mexico patients, or have the fluoro, but turn their noses up at the OCC patients.

I'm trying to get scheduled for my first fill with Dr. Vitello...it's funny doing all this through email. I didn't ask if I could just call for an appointment. He's responses in email are very simple and abrupt. If I once thought traveling down to Mexico for surgery seemed a little shady, now trying to schedule an appointment "discreetly" through email seems even stranger. LOL.

Have you used Dr. Vitello consistently for your fills? Do you just go to the hospital first? or do you go to Dr. Vitello's office?

Lock27....when are you going for your fill? He has offered me May 23rd, which is 3 days short of 5 weeks since surgery. I don't know if that's too soon. It will take me about 4 hours to drive to Downers Grove from Fort Wayne and due to my job, Fridays are the best time to take off...and due to Dr. Vitello's schedule, his availability is limited.

I feel fine, very little restriction. What restriction I do have is self imposed simply because I fear stretching the pouch. I just don't want to test the limits of my band and have an episode of PBing/sliming. I consider myself very lucky considering all those on the forum who have had some nasty moments.

I am so looking forward to this first fill so I can finally get the full impact of what this band is all about.

Barb

Hi Barb,

I am seeing Dr J Vitello on May 23 for a fill in Downers Grove at 6:30pm!!!!

I know a patient of his that is doing very well and has good restriction. He is a great doctor.

I hope to meet you!

Shampoo

Banded 2/26/08

Just wanted to reconnect with those girls who (like me) were banded about a week ago, I found some names from the original post but I'm sure there are more! Tell us how you are feeling, how much weight you have lost since the surgery, how your post-op diet is going and anything else you would like to share!

FEB 27

shampoo

Mackenzie

thesecreteater

FEB 28

kissyfur

MamaMichelle

tootsie_lou

WAgal

ZnewMe33

Merry

FEB 29

Claresta

Hi Ladies,

I am so excited to hear all of you doing so well.. I am so proud of every singe one of you. Mamamichelle, keep up the motivatation. It's quite inspiring.

I have been in the other more general online support group, lapbandtalk.com, because there are a lot more veteran bandsters for me to ask questions with. Apologies for not posting as often as I should. I'll do better.

Well, 3 weeks post op - I am doing well and feeling well. Definately getting hungry. I am in "bandster hell" right now - feeling unrestricted and hungry but I have to wait until my first fill. I am scheduled for a fill on 4/10. My plane arrives in SAN at 11am and my fill is scheduled for 2pm. As far as I know, there is no diet restraints before the fill. I have a function to attend on 4/12, so that would be convenient for me... otherwise I would have switched for 4/17 or 4/18 with you ladies!!!

As for excercise wise, I feel great - I excercise on the treadmill and eliptical for an hour. Usually 30-40mill tmill and 20-30min elip. Contemplating on hiring a personal trainer. I tried one yesterday as a complimentary session and boy, did he kick my ass. I am sore on my buttocks, hamstrings, quads and inner thigh. I love it. I am beginning to become a gym rat. Other than being sore, I love it.

The incisions are doing good. I am able to finally sleep on my tummy a week and half ago. I love it!! I am using mederma now but do not see much progress yet. Glue is still on my port incision.

Weight loss. I have lost 10lbs from my surgery weight. I did gain 6 lbs after surgery - Dr Miranda said it's normal since I am swollen and retaining water. I still consider it as 10lbs weight loss but technically could be 16lbs... but I will stick to 10lbs. Not much weight loss but clothes are definately fitting better. My highest was a size 16 - now I am back to wearing size 10/12. Exciting... Hubby is definately seeing changes. Waist from 39 inches to 33.5 inches.

As for eating out. I have to admit, I am no fun to eat around with when I am out with friends. I get real excited seeing the menu but in the back of my mind, I have to pick and worry what I am allowed and not allowed to eat. I do not want to PB. When my food comes, I chew, chew and chew. I cant drink for a whole hour. No soda, no alcohol and no hard foods. My servers keep trying to take my food away even when I am not yet done, while friends are already chowed down their food. (btw, never did I once use that ID card to order kids meal - don't think I ever will).

No more pain. No port incision pain, no gas pains - but I have been passing gas a lot.

Well, ladies we are in this together... let's keep loosing it!!!! Soon we'll all be sexy, hot babes!!!!

Shampoo

Atlanta, GA

Im going arriving in SD on April 10th, a week before you at 11am.

Hi everyone! I thought that I would write about my expierence at the OCC to help put future lap band patients at ease! I was SO skeptical about going to Mexico for surgery, paying by paypal, etc. Especially hearing my best friends reaction on having surgey in Mexico...however I still had faith in Dr. Ortiz and his team.

My husband and I flew in from Florida on the 26 and was picked up right on time. There was another lap band patient on our plane who was picked up with us as well. It was about a 20 minute ride from the airport to the OCC where we turned in our original paperwork, signed some more papers, got out picture taken for our ID card, and then started our pre op. First of all, yes we had to wait a bit, but that is to be expected. Second, the blood work was a piece of cake, the heart and lung test was easy, and the meeting with Dr. Miranda the nutrionist was one on one and as informative as you want it to be. The clinic was very nice, looked just like it does in the pictures on the website.

From there we went to the hotel. The hotel is nice...I would recommend to ask for a room on the quiet side! Since it was cool at night in TJ the hotel did not have the AC on and it was so loud to have the door open!!!! My husband and I dropped off our bags and went to the rest. since I had been fasting all day! (BY THE WAY, PEOPLE DO GET SENT HOME IF THEY DO NOT LOSE ANY WEIGHT! ALSO YOU HAVE TO FAST!!!!!! FYI). We got an appetizer and some pizza and for dinner I had a salad that was SO GOOD!

The next morning Mrs. Ortiz picked us up at around 730 and off we went. We waiting a bit for the other patients to be released and our rooms to be cleaned and then we were called back one by one. The private rooms were great. The bed was comfy and there was direct tv (with HBO!) The place was spotless! I was instructed to change and remove my jewlerly. Then the nurse came in and started my meds. Ive always had a hard time getting an IV started and this was no exception! She tried 4 times, and finally got it! That was a bit painful. They also gave me some oral meds that disolve under your tounge. Dr Martinez and Dr ortiz both came into my room- they were so nice and caring. Asked if we had any questions and then just had some small talk with me and my hubby. I was totally at ease!

Then I was ready. I walked into the surgery room and everyone was moving SO FAST! I layed down- they strapped my hands down and then I realized that he had already started my anethesia! I saw 4 of everything- then i was out. I did wake up rather quickly- i was still in the OR and they were just finishing glueing up my incisions- i also still had the tube down my throat. I was a bit startled about that. Then they wheeled me back into my room and I was pretty alert. I watched TV and then about an hour later I was helped by my nurse to get up and walk around. I did get a little nausua (SP?) after walking so they gave me more meds.

That night I just enjoyed the TV and the nurses, and the comfy setting. After my 3rd bag of IV fluid, they removed the IV (but let the port in to give me one more round of pain med and anti nausea meds before being discharged) After the IV was removed I changed into my PJs and went for another walk. They gave me a sleeping pill and I went to bed around 11.

I was discharged around 9 the next morning and taken back to the hotel by Mrs. Ortiz where my husband was waiting.

Our flight home was at 1030 PM on friday and we got dropped off at the airport at like 1PM!!!! WE WERE AT THE AIRPORT FOREVER. I was a bit mad about that....-- after 24 hours of being in the airport, I am at home. SORE. I think that long day of traveling might have been a little much. I do have gas pains in my stomach and its very uncomfortable.. Ive been burping a lot, and its pretty painful. Sitting for a lot period of time isnt fun.

I am very pleased with everyone at the OCC. I met a lot of nice people! I am struggling with not eating. I dont think Im hungry but its just emotionally hard. VERY HARD. I think that this struggle of not eating (well it will last for about 3 more weeks) and then I can eat again, but never like I used to...and that is something that is hard to think about....

I hope that this puts anyone at ease about the surgery, it was fun. I want to go back bc the OCC was that nice!!!! Good luck!

Mackenzie

HI Mackenzie!!!

Glad you guys came home safely! I know I have not emailed but I will, I promise.

I cannot eat at all - I am not even thinking about food - which I have to be careful about. I do not even want to drink anything. I guess I am very swolen.

5 days post op, I still have soreness, bloating and a bit of gas pain. Gas-X works for me and allows me to pass gas. Otherwise, I feel great - and always feeling better than the day before.

I had a fun time with you guys! Hopefully this stain on our tummy will get off.

Keep in touch,

Shampoo

Didn't OCC give you a basket of supplies, like drinks and soups and things? Their web-site states that they do give you that so that you shouldn't have to worry about ordering anything.

Mona,

They gave me plenty of Kirkland (Costco brand) bottled water and CapriSun but none to take home. They probably would have if I asked for them, but I did not ask. I do not remember them giving me any broths.

Shampoo,

Great post...you are doing amazing and glad to hear you are having such a wonderful experience.

Quick question...if I brought my laptop would I be able to get internet access at OCC and Hotel Lucerna in my room?

Thanks again for your wonderful up to date info.

SJ

Hi Jetdeck,

I brought my laptop with me. OCC does have wi-fi access, just ask George, Rene or Ricardo to assist you with the wi-fi access as they have a password. As for Hotel Lucerna, they have free wi-fi access also - no passwords. If you do not want to bring you laptop, Hotel Lucerna has a desktop in the main lobby where guests can check their emails.

I hope this helps.

Shampoo

Shampoo!!! I'm so glad to hear from you! I hope you're doing well. Thanks so much for writing your experience. I'm so relieved it went well. Can't wait to talk to you in the chat room soon!

<3 ya girl,

Alana

Alana!!!!!

Thanks for the reply! I hope to see you in the chat room, too. For those who are unaware, there is a online chat support group (www.lapbandtalk.com). There are great support from experienced bandsters and newbie bandsters.Whether you are new at lapband or have been banded, it is a great support system.

Alana, you will love Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez! The staff members are great! On top of the that, I met the other patients during my stay in TJ. It was truly a great experience despite being in surgery!

Take care.

Shampoo

Hello People,

I just wanted to share my lap band experience with Dr Ortiz. I just got banded today. My surgery date was suppose to be today, Feb. 27, 2008, but the clinic was able to change me to Feb 26. I met McKenzie and her hubby, Kyle, at the airport. It turned out that we were on the same flight coming here. She and her hubby are nuts and great company to be with.

We were picked up by Jonathan who brought us to OCC. He spoke english and explained the US-Mexico journy times with us. Very courteous young man.

Then we go to the main lobby of the OCC, the receptionist asked us to sign more paperwork and took our picture for an ID. Both Mckenzie and I didnt have make up.

We then got our blood drawn. I had a horrible time as the nurse had to poke on me 2x to get blood taken. I always had a problem with nurses and even some doctors locating my veins. So this was very normal for me. The pinch did not hurt.

I had to wait for my turn to see Dr. Miranda (Mackenzie was talking to her). Dr Miranda thoroughly explained all post diet, excerise.. the DO-DONT things to do. Quite interesteing that we do not have "mussy" stage like many US doctors recommened. The same with not eating too much protein but concentrate more eating veggies and fruits and of course, chew, chew, chew. She was super nice and a great deal of fun. She was glad that I lost the 10lbs she asked me to loose for pre-op. She then suggested that I can do m surgery this evening since I have been fasting anyway and pretty much ready to go. Oh, she does measure your height, weight, body fat percentage, BMI and where yoou should be.

We did wait for a little while to see Dr Jimenez, who is a complete nut job, too. He took this apparatus to measure your breathing capacity. Since I don't smoke or anything, I passed with flying colors. Then he took me to measure my heart. My stress level seemed to ok, too. Then he and I spoke about having surgery today especially since I have not eaten in Monday at 9pm. I thought to myself. I have to do it anyway. I should do it. Dr Jimenez, although quite good looking is married with 2 childen. The wife is looker, too!!!

While at the lobby, I met fatgirl (I did slap her thighs and said, thats not nice, sexy). She had her band back in October 2007 and had two fills since then. This is her second fill and she had some fanastic dental work done. She was so supportive and I was just ingrosses in the conversation that I had to ask them to hold on until I get her email address.

When in side, I was told that "the grey line" is the line of no return. So I put those blue dispolsable shoes and walked ahead. And who did I get to see? Dr Ortiz!!! Believe me on this, as I have no reason to lie... HE LOOKS SO MUCH MORE HANDSOME THAN IN ANY OF THIS PICTURES on the next. A tall, smart, experienced doctor and EYE CANDY in one package!!! I got suited up with my disposable planties, a robe and I get those surgical stocking. I was in mu private room with my nurse.

Now for the most painful thing that happened to me on the whole lap band experience. It was time to get my IV, they could not find my vienss on my left and right arm. So 5 holes later, they finally got it in on the 6th try. I'll be lying if I said it didnt hurt. But I am the exception, but nurses were nice about it and kept saying sorry.

I met Dr Acosta, ANOTHER HOTTIE!!! More on the tall, darker skinned, boyish-cute doctor. He was very informative on what medications I am being given. I felt very confortable.

Dr Ortiz came in. We had an extremely pleasant conversation about ourselves and our families. Then how he got into baratic surgery and explained in full about it. Being trained by the inventor of the lap-band and training doctors worldwide, I knew instantly that I would be in good hands. He was very funny, warm and sincere. And I could same the same thing for Dr. Martinez. He was reassuring me that everything will be fine. What is in this clinic and Good Looking Doctors? I knew Dr Martinez handles the majority of the surgery but the way he spoke and the way he answered my questions, I felt really confortable about the whole thing.

The next thing I know - I was getting drousy and I knew I was still kidding around with the nurses and doctors especially with Dr Martinez and the anaestologist (spelling incorrect) but I do not remember what I said.

Next thing I remember was they were waking me to take a walk. Now a few hours later - here I am typing.

I love this clinic!!! From service to the cleaniless of the facilties and just the whole enviroment!!!! I would really recommend this to anyone considering.

If you need to ask me questions.. here is my email address: albairan@gmail.com. I will return your email as fast as I can.

Sore but feeling good,

Shampoo

PS Sorry for any typo and spelling errors, I did just get up and kinda still dizzy.

Hello Peeps again,

I thought I would post my post-operation experience. My second day was great. Mrs Ortiz drove us to the hotel. She even dropped by the convenience strore near the hotel in case we needed anything and showed us how to get there in case we need any clear liquids, drinks and medications. What a lovely lady. She speaks fluent English. When I arrive at Hotel Lucerna, the front desk and bellstaff were extremely helpful. I walked around the pool a few times. I felt sore but not much pain, we were encourage to WALK, WALK and WALK - so I did. I did not want to feel any gas pains later. When I was taken to my room, the cleaniless of the room was good. I unpacked since I know I will be here for two nights. I did ask for a microwave to be brought up for me and within 5 to 8 minutes, here comes housekeeping with a microwave. I received service from the front desk, bell staff and housekeeping - next was room service, I asked for something that they wouldn't charge me. So I asked for salt and pepper and a bucket of ice. Within' 5 minutes, here comes room serive with all three. Fast, courteous service from the staff. I do not speak Spanish, all this was communicated in English.

Now for their gym, it is located on the 2nd floor of the hotel. The staff does check in once in a while to check to make sure its clean and well stocked. There is a flat panel TV, two treadmills, a stationery bike, an eliptical and a multi-use weight machine with free weights. Not your Gold's Gym but enough for your 30 min to 1 hour workout. I rode the treadmills and bike for 15 minutes each. They were in good working order. I do worry about the scale in there. It said I was 13 lbs heavier than OCC's and my scale at home.

OCC does have wi-fi internet access. Ricardo was very helpful to help me with it since they do have a password. Hotel Lucerna does has free Wi-fi without password. I was able to check email, surf the web and anything you need to do online.

I do feel a lot better. Since I kept sucking on ice cubes the whole day. The microwave that I borrowed is a heaven. Since you drink your broth so slowly, it's easier to re-heat than the coffee machine they have in standard hotels. I had herbal tea this morning and I have been feeling womderful.

I feel good, I am going to find someone to go shopping or walk around the city with me today. I have been warned about TJ and all my jewelry is back in Atlanta. I always travel in groups if I am in a foreign city even in the US. I rather be safe than sorry anywhere I go. I feel great, I am walking, I took a shower yesterday and I have a full day today.

My email address is as above. If you want to chat with me, I am in and out of the chat room in lapbandtalk.com. You do have to sign up to chat. You can find me as Shampoo, but there are a lot more experienced bandsters in that chat room who will be more than happy to share their experiences with you.

I hope this helps. I wish you all the luck.

Many thanks,

Shampoo

Thanks for sharing your experience, I and my sister are looking forward to it yet also aprehensive. for her, it is the first time having any kind of surgery.

Quick Question... what time did you arrive on the 26th that they were able to have you in the day before? Is this a normal occurance? Was your surgery in the evening? If so, i want that... the day I arrive LOL might as well get it over with...

HI Sparetire (which you will no longer have - you need a newer nickname very soon)

Being nervous and apprehensive is a normal thing. I definately was before I did this... but think of it this way.. You are in the best care possible. Dor Ortiz trained a lot of these US doctors and this is all he does. He specializes in lap band, meaning he has done this thousands of times. He will even give you his personal cellphone number if you have problems. If you don't catch him the first time, he calls back!

I arrived in San Diego at 10:50am. They did my bloodwork, heart and lung stuff.. all the pre-op things, etc. I was suppose to have my surgery the next day but I guess its not a normal occurance unless you SPECIFICALLY asked for it. They got me in around 1:30pm.. surgery was about 2:30pm. I cannot remember.. I just remember talking to those nice nurses and the handsome and highly qualified doctors. Time flies quickly there.

Coordinate with Lori or Carolyn, they will work wth you. I guess as long as you arrive before 12noon (without delays), you will be accomodated.

Did you have a private room? I chose a non private room and I'm not sure I made the best choice.

Hi Enchanted,

Yes, I had a private room but I preferred my door to be open anyway. It's just the way I am - so it wouldnt have mattered. Also, I was able to see who walked past me and who I can say HI to - and people go to say HI to me.

Hello People,

I just wanted to share my lap band experience with Dr Ortiz. I just got banded today. My surgery date was suppose to be today, Feb. 27, 2008, but the clinic was able to change me to Feb 26. I met McKenzie and her hubby, Kyle, at the airport. It turned out that we were on the same flight coming here. She and her hubby are nuts and great company to be with.

We were picked up by Jonathan who brought us to OCC. He spoke english and explained the US-Mexico journy times with us. Very courteous young man.

Then we go to the main lobby of the OCC, the receptionist asked us to sign more paperwork and took our picture for an ID. Both Mckenzie and I didnt have make up.

We then got our blood drawn. I had a horrible time as the nurse had to poke on me 2x to get blood taken. I always had a problem with nurses and even some doctors locating my veins. So this was very normal for me. The pinch did not hurt.

I had to wait for my turn to see Dr. Miranda (Mackenzie was talking to her). Dr Miranda thoroughly explained all post diet, excerise.. the DO-DONT things to do. Quite interesteing that we do not have "mussy" stage like many US doctors recommened. The same with not eating too much protein but concentrate more eating veggies and fruits and of course, chew, chew, chew. She was super nice and a great deal of fun. She was glad that I lost the 10lbs she asked me to loose for pre-op. She then suggested that I can do m surgery this evening since I have been fasting anyway and pretty much ready to go. Oh, she does measure your height, weight, body fat percentage, BMI and where yoou should be.

We did wait for a little while to see Dr Jimenez, who is a complete nut job, too. He took this apparatus to measure your breathing capacity. Since I don't smoke or anything, I passed with flying colors. Then he took me to measure my heart. My stress level seemed to ok, too. Then he and I spoke about having surgery today especially since I have not eaten in Monday at 9pm. I thought to myself. I have to do it anyway. I should do it. Dr Jimenez, although quite good looking is married with 2 childen. The wife is looker, too!!!

While at the lobby, I met fatgirl (I did slap her thighs and said, thats not nice, sexy). She had her band back in October 2007 and had two fills since then. This is her second fill and she had some fanastic dental work done. She was so supportive and I was just ingrosses in the conversation that I had to ask them to hold on until I get her email address.

When in side, I was told that "the grey line" is the line of no return. So I put those blue dispolsable shoes and walked ahead. And who did I get to see? Dr Ortiz!!! Believe me on this, as I have no reason to lie... HE LOOKS SO MUCH MORE HANDSOME THAN IN ANY OF THIS PICTURES on the next. A tall, smart, experienced doctor and EYE CANDY in one package!!! I got suited up with my disposable planties, a robe and I get those surgical stocking. I was in mu private room with my nurse.

Now for the most painful thing that happened to me on the whole lap band experience. It was time to get my IV, they could not find my vienss on my left and right arm. So 5 holes later, they finally got it in on the 6th try. I'll be lying if I said it didnt hurt. But I am the exception, but nurses were nice about it and kept saying sorry.

I met Dr Acosta, ANOTHER HOTTIE!!! More on the tall, darker skinned, boyish-cute doctor. He was very informative on what medications I am being given. I felt very confortable.

Dr Ortiz came in. We had an extremely pleasant conversation about ourselves and our families. Then how he got into baratic surgery and explained in full about it. Being trained by the inventor of the lap-band and training doctors worldwide, I knew instantly that I would be in good hands. He was very funny, warm and sincere. And I could same the same thing for Dr. Martinez. He was reassuring me that everything will be fine. What is in this clinic and Good Looking Doctors? I knew Dr Martinez handles the majority of the surgery but the way he spoke and the way he answered my questions, I felt really confortable about the whole thing.

The next thing I know - I was getting drousy and I knew I was still kidding around with the nurses and doctors especially with Dr Martinez and the anaestologist (spelling incorrect) but I do not remember what I said.

Next thing I remember was they were waking me to take a walk. Now a few hours later - here I am typing.

I love this clinic!!! From service to the cleaniless of the facilties and just the whole enviroment!!!! I would really recommend this to anyone considering.

If you need to ask me questions.. here is my email address: albairan@gmail.com. I will return your email as fast as I can.

Sore but feeling good,

Shampoo

PS Sorry for any typo and spelling errors, I did just get up and kinda still dizzy.

im am sure we will get a chance to meet! I am getting excited! when do you fly in? We get in around 10:30am to san deigo (im coming with my husband)

Mackenzie

I am arriving at 10:40am in SD (if there is no delay that is!). We will probably see each other at SAN!!!

It's tomorrow!!!!

MY SURGERY DATE IS WEDNESDAY!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED AND NERVOUS...NOT NERVOUS FOR THE SURGERY ITSELF, BUT FOR AFTERWARDS. FOOD IS AN ADDICTION FOR ME AND THAT HAS BEEN PROVED DURING THE POST OP DIET. I HAVE CHEATED (A FEW TIMES...) BC THE URGES WERE JUST TOO STRONG. I QUIT SMOKING WITHOUT A PROBLEM...BUT FOOD IS A DIFFERENT STORY! I HAVE LOST ABOUT 8-10 POUNDS ON THE PRE OP DIET WHICH IS BETTER THEN NOTHING, BUT IM STARTING TO REALIZE THAT THERE IS NO CHEATING AFTER 2/27! I AM SO SICK OF FOOD, LITERALLY, THAT IM ACTUALLY EXCITED THAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO EAT FOOD- ONLY LIQUIDS! I JUST THINK EVERYDAY THAT THE WAY I WILL FEEL OUTWEIGHS HOW FOOD MAKES ME FEEL BC IT ONLY MAKES ME FEEL FOR FOR A MINUTE. I CAN OVERCOME THIS- AND I HOPE THAT ANYONE ELSE BEGINING THIS JOURNEY, WHO FEELS LIKE ME, WILL REALIZE THAT THEY CAN DO IT TOO! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!! 2 MORE DAYS!

Mackenzie! I'll see you at San Diego!

im am sure we will get a chance to meet! I am getting excited! when do you fly in? We get in around 10:30am to san deigo (im coming with my husband)

HI MacKenzie!!!

I am arrive in San Diego at 10:30am.... I am coming from Atlanta.. but alone...

Can't wait to meet you both!

Shampoo

my surgery is the 27th. I cant wait! I have quit smoking as of 2/10 and quit drinking on the 10th as well- the doc. can tell if you have smoked a lot by your blood. and alcohol is a blood thinner which obviously you do not want during surgery! I think that just taking it easy, at home, is a good idea..bc i know if i am around my friends im going to want to drink and smoke...and eat! bc last night they drug me out to outback. I had a salad and grilled chicken with rice..but still. I am VERY nervous about losing this pre-op diet but sometimes the urges are just SO strong! i HATE It!

We have the same surgery date Mackenzie! I hope to meet you!

Excited and nervous,

Shampoo

Hello, my surgery is the 28th, what day is yours on? I was doing good on my pre op, but we had friends over last night, ended up eating with them, mashed potatos, gravy, bbq chicken breast, & a salad. That all wasn't to bad, but the 4 beers I drank, really through me on the "BAD" track. As of this morning, it didn't look like it made me gain any, but I didn't lose any. Plus I smoked a cigerrette! I am so mad at myself for last night, maybe I better stay away from my friends until this is all over. It is too much pressure, even though I don't want to quit hanging out with friends, everytime I am, I slip up.

Mine is on the 27th - so I am flying in on the 26th.

Better you slip up now that after the surgery. I am sure you know this but when we overeat, the weight doesn't show the next day but in another few days. I have been an expert yo-yo dieter all my life.

I am sure you are all as nervous and excited as I am. I hope we get to put a face to these names in Mexico!

Good luck in pre-op (cuz' I know I need all the will-power I need on my pre-op!).

Be good... just a few more days!!!!

sHaMpOO

Ive been thinking about lap band surgery for about 2 years now...and it just so happened that I got home early the other day and got a chance to turn on Oprah.... Seeing Cassie and her mom really made me realize that I need to do this. I have gone through my life for the past 10 years just wanting so badly to be thin. I am so exicted to actually LIVE and not let food rule my life.

Going through the insurance approval for the lap banding is such a stressful and time consuming task, I started to give up hope. Then seeing Oprah and Cassie talking about going to Mexico, I knew that was my only hope. My surgery date is set for Feb 27th, I CANT WAIT! I am 21 and i know I still have my whole life to live, and Im so looking forward to it.

My mom and I have been a bit skeptical about going to Mexico, and paying for the surgery in full on the credit card, but seeing all of these people going to Dr. Ortiz really puts me at ease. Ive been having nightmares that Im going to get to San Diego and no one will be there to pick me up!!

I really look forward to this journey, if anyone has any advice- Id love to hear it!

Thank you to Cassie and her mom for getting me going. If it werent for her, I would still be battleing the insurance company.

Hi Mackenzie,

Everyone whom I have spoken with, irregardless of who their surgeon was, said it's the best thing they have done for themselves. Dr Ortiz and Dr Martinez have worked hard for the reputation they currently have and have done numerous successful surgeries. I have chose Dr. Ortiz for lots of different reasons. Am I scared? Am I nervous? Yes, I would be lying if I said I am not - but I know I am in good hands.

I am getting band on Feb 27th, too. I am just counting down the days!

I look forward to meeting you as a band buddy!

Always,

Lynn

Well, I guess and early HAPPY NEW YEAR (and new life) is in order. You will not be sorry. I was banded last November 30th. I started at 255 lbs. before my pre op diet and 9 1/2 months later I am at my goal weight of 150 lbs and am wearing a size 6. For me it was an early Christmas present and if I never get another Christmas present again, just looking at my closet full of stylish clothes and seeing who is looking back at me in the mirror is enough. the way I was going I probably wouldn't have lived to see my grandangel grow up - now I feel confident I'll dance at her wedding.

Congratulations! We are very proud of you!

Thanks for sharing!

Congratulations Kissyfur! We have the same surgery date! We will definitely see each other at the center or the hotel. It's nice that you have your husband coming to support you even though he's skeptical about it. My husband wants to go too but we have our 3 & 4 year olds that will not do well w/both our absence for 3 nights. They've always had me around everyday of their lives since they were born! Anyways I figure I'd get more rest after surgery if they all just stayed home and I talked with them on the phone. A little nervous about them missing mom (or mom missing them) while I'm gone.

On the pre-op diet. I'm doing slimfast for breakfast and lunch and then a lean-cuisine for dinner. During breakfast you can eat a slice of multigrain/wholewheat bread with 1 Tablespoon of peanut butter, then lunch I'm suppose to have a small green salad with low fat dressing. Go online and do the www.slimfast.com support. I signed up to see the options of what I can do for a meal plan. We'll see how it goes because I've only started yesterday. The Slimfast Optima drink "rich chocolate royale" is fantastic. I put it in the freezer for about 10 mins. before drinking it with a straw and it becomes a slushy chocolate drink.. delicious! There's quite a bit of diff. flavors out there now, so buy a sampling of each and then buy in bulk when you've decided which ones you like. I hope this helps...I'm still figuring this out myself.

Hanna

Hi Kissy!!!!

I am doing basically what Hanna is doing. I do switch my protein shake but I do read the label to make sure it's less that 225 cal and not less that 10g protein per serving. I just like variety for taste - I get bored with taste very easily. However, I drink my protein shakes for breakfast and dinner - and do my lean cuisine for lunch. Like you and Hanna, I am still figuring out what tastes I like, what different options I can do.. I hope this helps you.

I am 185 and 5'1'' but I was told to loose 10lbs too.

My surgery date is on the 27th but hopefully we could meet up and at the very least, say HI in person! :-)

Take care always,

Lynn

Hi Shampoo!

Yes, I think we will be able to see each other. I'm arriving on the 27th to do pre-op assessment then 28th for surgery. You must be coming on the 26th. We can definitely do lunch, dinner? I mean sip clear fluids and broth together at the hotel Lucerna, lol ! I'm coming in from WA state, how about you?

Hanna :-)

HI Hanna,

Yeah!!!! Let's have clear fluids and broth together! (LOL!!!)

I am travelling alone and would really love some company... how about you, are you travelling along or with a friend/relative?

I am actually travelling from Atlanta, Georgia! Yup, really excited and determined to get this procedure done!

I am arriving on the 26th and I will be arriving hungry!!! I see we cannot eat or drink when we arrive.

I will leave a message for you at the front desk for "Hannah WAgirl" at Hotel Lucerna (LOL) so we can get connected.

I look forward to seeing you there!!!!

Lynn

Hi all,

I faxed paperwork and paid the deposit!. I'm set for a surgery date on Feb. 28, 2008. Anyone going to be there for the same date for fills or surgery? If you are then we can support each other. I may have to go alone, which I don't really want but it's just how things are working out right now. Anyways I'm excited!!!!

Hanna

HI Hanna,

My surgery date is on 2-27!!! Excited, too! Maybe we can see each other at the center!

Mine is on FEB 27!!! I am nervous, a bit scared but VERY EXCITED!!!!

I hope to meet you guys/gals!

> MeMeMeMe -FEB 27th - I am getting this done just a few months before my husband gets home from his second tour in Iraq - I have no illusions of being thin when he steps off the plane. I only want to get on my way and do all my healing and resting up before I hold him again I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and sharing our journey - Hang on folks - life as we know it is about to change for the best!

I am getting mine on Feb 27, too! I hope to see you there!

I'm doubbly excited for you when your hubby comes back!

Always,

Shampoo

I was wondering how all your surgeries went on Feb 8, 10 and 11th. Please do post your experiences when you come back. I am excited for you all! I am having mine of 2-27... I'm a bit nervous, a bit scared but really excited!!!!!! I booked my surgery date with Carolyn and my flight just a few hours ago.

I would love to read all about your experiences!

Anyone else having their surgery on the 27th?