mona-camille

Yeah, you posted!!!! Good for you! I'm, gald you finally got to go see your family. I have a bunch of family that is coming over today so I can show them the pictures and reveal the truth of where I went and why. I hope they don't get too mad at me for lying. Especially my mom. Wish me luck!! Ramona

YEAH you posted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good for you!!!! What kind of pain did you have on the ride home? Just gas or some kind of real pain from surgery?

Oh Kari, I am so sorry to hear you are feeling poorly. To tell the truth, I actually feel worse now than I did Monday also. But mostly gas and bloating. I did have a yougurt drink last night and it really made feel 100% better! It's funny, I had a twinge of remorse yesterday also. But for a differnt reason. It's weird, but I started to question whether I could tolerate having something foreign in my body. Not that my body wouldn't accept it, but whether my mind would. So, I pushed those thoughts out of my head as quickly as I could. I think it just has to do with the fact that I am 48 years old and never had a baby, never had surgery other than a D&C or tonsillectomy and this is kind of new to me. Burping still hurts a bit and the WONDERFUL FARTING has begun! YEAH! Never knew that could feel so good. Try not to fret or worry too much. And I am sure within a few more days you will be back to feeling great. Keep in touch, it was really great to meet you and go through this together. Ramona

Hi Mindy!!! Glad you are doing ok. I have that horrible gas and bloating now. I had my first yogurt drink last night. I was wonderful. I think I really needed it too, because it made my stomach stop hurting. I wasn't all that keen on Revolution Ave either. I don't like being accosted by every salesman around, but it was still an experience. Plus, I bought a lot of stuff. GLad I got to meet you! And best of luck on your new life. Keep in touch!! Ramona

I forgot to mention that I never took a pain pill. Just had tons of gas, no pain!

I did! Lost 17 pounds on it in 5 weeks for the pre op. But I did follow the induction phase for the whole 5 weeks. I did not add fruit or anything else you aren't allowed to have. You must follow the induction phase exactly as described or you won't lose any weight. One week before surgery, I went with the Adkins Advantage shakes for breakfast and lunch and then an Adkins style dinner. The Adkins shakes have a lot of protein to keep you full and they taste better than any other kind I have had. Slim fast is good but doesn't have enough protein to keep you full. I just had my surgery this past monday and am doing great. I posted my story on the "experience" board. Good luck!!

Well let me just say that this was an adventure! Good times, bad times, but it was all worth it. Got in Sunday and Francisco was waiting for us as soon as we got there. Took us to meet Mrs. Ortiz who transferred us to the hotel while Francisco went back for more pick ups. Both of them were wonderful! The hotel staff was fantastic, opened our car doors for us, took our luggage upstairs and waiting on us hand and foot. Since we got in early, we took a cab over to Rosarito beach and let me tell you, that was an experience! It was spring break and the place was WILD! People of all types were on the beach as well as horses, dogs, donkeys etc. All I can say is CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY! I was glad to leave. Had my last meal at the hotel and it was great. It was so funny because the day we got in was like a day that never ended. See, we came from PA so we got to add 4 hours on our day and boy, it felt like it was never going to end. Sleeping in the hotel was wonderful. Those beds are the most comfortable bed I was ever in. I didn't want to get out. So anyway, next morning, me, Keri and Melinda got to go to the clinic first with Mrs. Ortiz. Once we got there it went quick. All the testing and meeting of everyone was great. The IV nurse was wonderful and I barely felt it. I never felt the stomach shot either - although I know some gals had pain from it, but I didn't. The stocking hurt going on, from the nurse's nails but that is because I have huge legs and she had such a hard time. Everyone I met there was great. No complaints whatsoever. Everyone is so caring warm and nice. And yes, GOOD LOOKING!!!!!!!!!! (by the way, I have tons of pictures and movies I will post somewhere). After surgery, (I was the 3rd one in) I had a lot of pain, but it was from breathing, nothing else. But that went away quick. I was up and about and walking very early so I got to go back to the hotel the same day. My husband had dinner with Lisa while I relaxed in my room and her sister stayed at the center. Seems we have a lot in common! ( I hear about the low flying planes story Lisa! I'd a done it). Enjoyed meeting and talking with Bobbi and her husband Larry. We have a lot in common also, CATS!!!!!!!!!! We love them and have lots of them!!! (Glad to hear you guys made it to your relatives and them home ok - sorry you had to pay though). Ok, so then we went to Revolution Avenue the next day and that was an experience too. Bought lots of stuff and then started feeling crappy so we went back to the hotel. I kept taking Gas X strips and they didn't seem to help so much. I never got the shoulder pain, it all stayed in my belly. By the way, it hurts to burp! So, around 4 AM I get up because my stomach feels AWFUL! And OH NO, the dreaded vomitting starts!! Dry heaves of course, but DAMN, that hurt! I was scared because I did it so much and called Dr. Ortiz. He sent his mother over for me and got me back to the center. They checked me under Fluroscopy and the band was fine. We figured it was because I wasn't drinking enough and hadn't had any gatorade so they gave me a few bottles to drink. I did, and then felt better. Walked back to the hotel and felt good. Played on the computer and then walked back to the mall (Down the side street near the center) and did some shopping. That was a cool shopping center. Anyway, started feeling like crap again and took a cab back to the hotel. Got up to our room and started the nauseau again. Called the center back and they sent a car over again. Boy, talk about a welcome, they ALL come out to see you when you are sick! Anyway, another fluroscopy which was fine, was hydrated enough, just don't know why the vomitting. So, they decided to IV me with nexium, an anti nauseau and anti inflamatory. Another IV with no pain!!! Once, that was over, I felt better than ever. Have no idea what that was all about, since I am not usually a thrower upper, but the IV meds seemed to do the trick this time. Did I say yet how wonderful all the doctors and nurses are? And the Claudia, and the dentisit, nutritionist and especially Pedro ( I forget your last name buddy) but the funny one who wanted to give me beer, the one studying to be a surgeon, and Mrs. Ortiz. What a sweetie! I got lots of hugs from everyone when I left again and felt so cared for. Never EVER have I gotten that kind of reception here in the states. We could learn a hell of a lot from those people. So, thank God we decided to stay the extra day and finally went home thursday. Francisco got there on time, got us through customs very quickly and to the airport in plenty of time. The plane ride was not nearly as bad as I feared and now, here I sit with my 9 cats surrounding me happy and feeling fine. Although bloated. The only bad time I had was vomitting. The rest was great. Loved all the people I met and had a great adventure! Such a fun and happy trip. Felt more like vacation than surgery and I was so glad to do it. Hope all you gals, and guys made it home safe and sound and are all doing well. Please keep in touch!!!

Mexico is 3 hours behind us. See ya soon!!! Have a safe trip!

I just read on another topic here that someone went on the 16th and was banded the 17th. She said she had her pre-op done on the 16th. Well, the 16th is a sunday!!! I thought they were closed on Sunday? I am asking because I fly in tomorrow (Easter sunday) and I hadn't planned on fasting because I assumed I wouldn't be doing pre-op until Monday. What do I do now? Fast or not??? Crap, I want my last meal to be Mexican!!! Told you I was crazed with nerves!

I am also curious how you got to the aiport? Also, you had your pre-op on a sunday? I am flying in on Sunday (easter) but don't expect to go to the clinic, only the hotel. Now, I am not sure if I should fast or not on Sunday. I thought they were closed on Sunday.

I am so excited, so nervous so so so so so I'll never sleep tonight! I'm packed I'm nervous The house is ready I'm excited My cats already notice something is up I can't believe it's finally here I hope I fit in the plane seat I hope I don't have to pee on the plane I'm nervous I hope I get operated on first I'm excited I hope the plane ride home is fast I hope I lose a zillion punds overnight AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I'm crazed with worry and excitement and adventure! I am SO happy!

This is an exact duplicate of what happened to me when I told people. My mom and sister nearly had a heart attack. My mom said that they don't wash their hand in Mexico, can you believe it? So, what I did was told them I cancelled the surgery and was going to Alabama to visit my step son instead, since I already had vacation. (They will know I am gone to had to make something up). THen, when I am there, (leaving tomorrow AM) I plan on video taping the whole experience. Then when I get home, I will sit them down and let them watch the tape. By then, it will be over, they won't be the wiser but then I can prove how nice it was. Just hoping Dr. Ortiz let me (or my husband) get a shot of him scrubbing up, LOL!!! I don't like the lying part, but I don't want my mom having a heart attack either, so that is what I am doing. And yes, I am 48 and doesn't seem to matter that I am old enough to know better, they still freaked! But, to be perfectly honest, when I first heard about the whole Mexico thing, I was a little weirded out too. I kind of felt the same way, that is until I did an enormous amount of research and decided that even if my insurance did pay for it, I feel much safer going to Dr. Ortiz. I know there are no better hands to be in.

Yeah, I tried that too, and felt like crap! Getting carbs out of my life has really been a pleasure. I feel great! Now, if only I can keep them out of my life, LOL!!

THanks!!

Does anyone know what it is? For some reason, I cannot seem to find it, and I want to leave it for my house sitter.

I am staying in the states???? I'm getting banded in Mexico but going home 2 days later (to the states).

Well. I havea great disability plan at work that will pay me to be off for medical reasons at full pay. So, I am hoping that the doctors at OCC will sign the papers for me to be off or I will only have 1 week off work. I have an office job, but I do get up and down a lot and I have to work with very heavy files all day. When I callled and asked, all they said was to bring the papers with me and ask when I get there. Also, that they would only give 3 weeks at the most. I know others that get the lap band in the US have gotten up to 6 weeks off. I want to be fully healed before going back because they are relentless at work and I won't get any breaks.

Come say hi to me!! I am coming in on the 23rd but not leaving until Thursday. So, if you are there early enough wednesday, look for me at Lucerna!!!

What time frame did you lose that weight in? I too had a hard time. I was told to lose 20 pounds but have lost only 13 so far and that was in a month. I don't think it is realistic to expect to lose that much in one month but that is what they wanted from me. I haven't gotten there yet and my surgery is for Monday but they sent me the approval letter so I guess I am a go.

Oh good, thanks!!!

I am a nervous WRECK!!!!!! Gosh, I can't wait til this time next week when it's all over!!! Anyway, Will I be able to swallow pills after surgery? I take one capsule and one small pill that I HAVE to take. They don't come in liquid form so can I swallow them?

I have a cell phone but it is a Net10 and I don't think I can call home with it once I am in Mexico. I have heard the Center has phones you can use but do they let you use them to call America? My sister - who is the only family member who knows I am going, wants a call after surgery to know I am ok.

I have heard that you should only bring cash to Mexico. My husband is really uncomfortable with that, but I heard that charge/debit cards or traveleres checks aren't any good. Just trying to estimate how much to bring. I'm getting so nervous!!!!!

You'll see me and my husband then!!! We get in somewhere near noon. Can't wait!!! We are both short, dark hair, I'm fat, he is normal, LOL!!! See ya soon!!! I'm a nervous wreck though!