Paula Bee

There is one about 4 hours from me, so it is actually cheaper for me to fly to TJ than to drive, spend the night, and pay for the fill and flouroscope. I will be going to TJ for my fills.

No kidding! Maybe I should let my hair color grow out! Will I look like you?

TMI... TMI.... TMI... (Warning) I added activia to the equation, too. Last night I couldn't sleep because I was in so much pain... had to use the heating pad. Not sure what worked, but today I gave birth to a "guinea pig"... toilet had trouble flushing. Please, Please don't wait as long as I did to correct the situation. It leaves all those toxins in your body. Thanks to everyone who responded, and apologies to those I grossed out

I forgot that when I paid, it was 275... they had bumped the price down. Also, they DID let me pay by credit card, but I will wait to see if it came out on my credit card bill. It costs me 250 to fly from Florida to Tijuana, and 275 for the visit, which is cheaper than us driving to the closest fill center, spending the night, and the procedure.

I said that... going May 6th, and have already paid by credit card. I think it is a fabulous deal.

How are you feeling today? Have you been shopping yet?

I have already figured out that white bread is a big, painful pb. I have also found that I had no problems with triscuts and corn tortillas. I will learn what else is good/bad for me to swallow/eat as I go.

Woot! =D>

What do you wish you had know BEFORE the procedure? I wish I had known how easy and reassuring the whole surgery experience would be. I did go to Dr. Ortiz, after spending about a month researching, and I was treated so wonderfully there that I almost forgot that I had surgery. (Almost.) I wish clinics and hospitals in the US could make the procedure as non-tramatic as possible, similar to his clinic. A special, almost spa-like surrounding makes the whole thing so much less stressful. I wish I had known about the lap band years ago, from the minute it was available. The main thing I have noticed about Lap Band patients is that they did A LOT of research before making their decision. Is there any information missing or not available? I was on 2 different forums and felt very informed, but there were some surprising gaps in the information. I don't believe they would like it to be common knowledge, but most doctors in the US will not do fills on any other Dr's patients, (Mention Tijuana, and you are a leper.) It is just not right that someone moving here from another country, state, or whatever cannot find a Dr. to supervise their care and fills. It is all about the almighty lawsuit, but care should be available. I wonder what has happened to patients whose doctor has died or left them? It is a difficult situation. Because of the lack of available care, Fill Centers have opened across the country, but there is a need for more. There is a LOT of information swirling out on the internet, and lots of forums, but people considering the band need to know those sites are available and lurk and learn. I also wish I had known how AWFUL my medications taste crushed up so I can swallow them. UGH. Any regrets? No regrets... this is my last, best hope.

Glad to have you join the "band."

I wonder if she had it removed because of her cancer?

That is the best reason yet!

I want your mom and dad!

Thanks, you two.. I appreciate it. I will email Dr. Miranda, too Hugs

Rereading my handout from Dr. Miranda... "Liquids should be taken ONE HOUR later after your meal." Thank heavens.. that is so much better.. I couldn't find in her handout where we had to wait 30 minutes before, but I know I heard it somewhere, and I don't know where now. Mona, do you know where we might have heard that? I would have sworn it was OCC Clynn, thank you for the correct information.

More to ask... sorry... Food.. I cannot tell if I am getting enough protein. I am using a salad plate and dividing portions like Dr. Miranda said, and I stop eating when I think I am comfortable. Then, I am fine for about 2 hours, and I start to feel ravenous. I don't think it is head hunger, because it happens most of the time. I cannot tell if I am stopping too soon because I think I should stop, or if I have had enough for the meal. I have been very tired, and think it might be because of less protein and trying to get in my water.. dehydrated. A problem magnified by this is constipation. I am using benefibre in my coffee, eating fruit and veggies at every meal, and walking for 30 minutes when my knees allow it. I am to the miserable point... suppositories are a flop, and I have resorted to a stool softener, which still hasn't worked. I don't know how to get enough solid fiber without using medication to resolve the issue. I am feeling very thirsty, tired, and whiney today..... sorry

Hi, Everyone, Now that I am on a routine of solid food, I find that the clock is dominating my life. I wake up and have coffee at 8 am, have an average glass of water for my pills after that, then wait thirty minutes for breakfast, around 9 am. I set the clock for two hours, and try not to think about water in that time, but I am always thirsty.. always. At 11:00 am, I start drinking as much water as I can, but feel like I am just gulping it down to get it all in, maybe 16 or 20 oz. before I have to stop at 1:00 for my thirty minute break before eating. 1:30... lunch.. takes about 45 minutes if I work a puzzle while eating. I am usually dry mouthed before I am half way through, and have had to suck on some ice for a second before continuing. Then, two more thirsty hours until 3:30. Again, drinking, drinking, drinking.. have some yogurt mid afternoon (it counts as a liquid according to my notes from Dr. Miranda for AFTER liquid diet,)... stop at 6:30 for supper at 7:00, then thirsty until I go to bed. I drink a little glass of water for my pills, and I am so glad I can brush my teeth so my mouth can get wet. I also use a dry mouth mouthwash. Dominated by the clock, thirsty all day... sigh

Just another case of our perception being different from others. ... I think you are beautiful...

Yay.. so glad that went so well for you! I am with the others... will be anxious to hear more

I blended up some cooked chicken and stirred it into my cream of mushroom soup. It was a little bit weird, but was plenty soupy and filled me up

Michelle, You WERE really beautiful that day.. gorgeous. You just keep getting more beautiful every day

Yep, constipation was/is an issue for me. I am eating activa yogurt now to try to get things back to normal

Thanks, ya'll

Okay, I finally got a picture in my avatar, but I just hate it. Is there any point where we stop hating our pictures? I hope so. This was taken two days before my surgery (March 19) on March 17th. There was a gigantic tree in the background, but I cropped it because I looked bigger than that tree. Sigh.. pictures suck. Takes courage for me to share one.

I want your signed panties! Or, you could sell them on E-bay! I wish I had thought of that. I didn't even think to get a picture of him! Congratulations! you are on your way!