Will T

I had my surgery in Tijuana April 8. I come from a family of medical professionals, though I chose a different area of science. The professionalism was as good, if not better, than my local health care facility. The personal touch exceeded my expectations and is superior to the last two times I've had surgery here at my local health care facility. (The doctors in both places are above excellent, but the staff made the difference in TJ). If I had a choice now to do it differently, I would STILL choose Dr. Ortiz. And I don't think he's a hottie. (I'm a male LOL). There is not one portion of this experience I regret. There are some natural things (I'm not fond of PBing, but that happens with whomever did the surgery) that come with the program. How many doctors in the US would give you his own PERSONAL cell phone number to call in case you have a problem, or just need him to answer questions after hours??

it sounds like its your port, and the tissue where it is placed has some swelling. Try to press that area inward, to see if you can feel the port. It's about the diameter of a large quarter or a half dollar, with a bump in the center.

is it near your port?

You go girl!! When you get back you'll have to change your nick to cuteassbandita. It was dawnie's idea.

It will be better very soon. Just get someone to "pull your finger" a lot, and the gassy feeling will finally subside. Welcome to the club!

hey erin... if Josefa isnt there to give you that long, marvelous back rub, have the doc page me

C1... I don't know how that would go over... I wouldnt have enough sling to go in the slingshot.

newp.... not me. I had a PB today with a mini slice of pizza. I bit off a normal size chunk, and in the middle of conversing, I swallowed as I used to. Ouch. As the tightness developed, i took a small sip of drink, and proceed to try and let out a little burp. After about a minute to a minute and a half, it relaxed. The sips helped the larger chunk make it through the band i guess. I learned quickly. That's awesome Neeters... you want to carry a picture of me around with you. I'm honored!! I started pre-cutting my food - cutting it into little pieces at the beginning of the meal to remedy the big bite syndrome. Trouble today was that I always hold pizza in my hand, and dont use a knife and fork, so the bites controlled the size.

Pizza has hit me a couple of times for the same reason... large bites, and not chewing all the way. You are SO right... live and learn. will T peeks a LOT ; ) I'm just glad Neeters wasn't blowing chunks all over Wal Mart. Sokay, though Neeters... if the band makes you hurl, it's just a little bit. It's not like the Exorcist and projectile hurl or anything... just a little uurrp and its all done.

I need another workout.... evette, love... will you start doing your hip hop again so I can get MY workout??? ; )

Will T covers his innocent eyes........

i would sip on water slowly... making sure each sip had time to go down. Try to burp a little too.

Hello Painter and Soccermom. First... this is a long term process, and NOT an overnight cure. We WISH it was, but normal losses from the best "losers" is 50-70 pounds a YEAR. I plateaued after the first fill, and now it's time for a second fill, until the perfect fill/loss balance is found. According to lisal and the others in the chat room last night, some people have as many as 8 or 9 fills. Second... YES.... not only you CAN do it, but you WILL do it! And you will be successful. If you're looking for drastic results, try the soup diet again, or the pre-op diet. I've had one fill (5/17) and I see a reduction in my intake already compared to before. I want a second fill to shift my metabolism into losing a bit more. I've successfully limited sweets, potatoes and breads (not eliminated, but selective in the amounts). I've gone from large servings to kids meals in most restaurants (I always pack up half of the meal to go before eating if I order a regular sized meal). I need to stop the lemonade/sweetened tea and start on water more that I do to help me lose more. Lastly, BELIEVE in yourself, and what course you've taken. $8K is an expensive fad, and I won't let it waste. I've set short term loss goals. When I reach 80% of my goal, I am going to Atlantis in the Carribean (I want Hedo, but I will be overruled, I think lol). The goals are known by the family so they can help motivate and encourage too ("Let's get one dinner tonight and share it"). Talk to some of the best "losers" who have been at it a long time. I'm envious of lisal, she looks AWESOME and was banded in 2006, I think. It took me MANY years to build up to my size when i was banded - I have to be a little patient to get rid of it. But we are ALL in this together... a common band, I mean bond. I challenge both of you to add one physical activity every day. I start in the pool now that school is out. And, VISUALIZE. See yourself as you will be in a few months. Think of seeing yourself in an awesome evening gown, prepared to do the town, glistening earrings sparkling as you turn in the mirror, your eyes livid pools of excitement knowing the fun you're getting ready to have, and the smile... the proud smile from seeing what you've accomplished. That day WILL arrive..... just have confidence in it. WOW Cheryl!! I just looked at your ticker!! You've ALREADY lost 20% of your goal!! BEFORE your first fill!!! That's excellent!...

I've never worn one.

GO FOR IT !!! Lap dance for hubby!!!!! You GO girl!!!!!

This is a neat board. Perhaps one day soon, I'll stop being so shy.

WTG Kathy!!! You're on your way!!

pssst.... How do you like the cute little blue thong??

WELL DONE KIDDO!! Here's the next steps... walk a lot. sip your broth slowly. There is swelling, and it will seem like you have a watermelon in your stomach for a couple of days. It will pass. Sip your drinks. No big gulps or swallows. And walk a lot. You will have attic gas (burping) and basement gas (you know what that means) and your burps will be nothing like any you've ever done, but it is normal because the pouches in your tummy create a different system to produce the burp. Your little glue spots may itch a little. That's normal too. They'll dissolve in two weeks or so. Oh, and dont forget to walk. Have a safe journey back, and you can tell us all about it. And I want Josefa's massages. There are none better. If she's there with you, get me a pillow and a blanket, and I'll come visit. well done on getting to your pre-op goal! The REAL fun begins now!!!

http://www.chatzy.com/778049050826 try copying it to your browser and the password is occ

yep, she's already wild as a buck....

I learned this so I'm passing it on. When you get to the Center, and you are introduced to your suite, they will give you wonderful garments to wear for your surgery, including a HOT... and I mean HOT paper thong. I was told it was impolite to simply just put them on. It is considered bad manners there if you don't OHHHH! and AHHH! about the paper thong... be sure to ask for another pair to take home, because you like them so well.

WELL???? Dawnie wants to know all about whether or not you..... you know.....

The wheels is the best idea. When you come through customs to return home, you'll have to walk about 250 yards from the customs building to where the van parks. Post-surgery is not the time to lug large luggage, just pull it with you. Leave plenty of empty space in your suitcase if you plan on going to Revolution Avenue - you may by tons of souvenirs. It's a unique place as long as you can say "no thank you". I've never seen more "zebras" in my life than on those corners. We bought a few dresses and shirts. The ones were purchased have held up nicely, and seem to be of excellent quality. There is a store right across from the Lucerna where you can buy quick things, like an American convenience store, and it was handy, but not well-stocked with soups and broths. Have a great trip!

he didnt do a THING for me.