mona-camille

Thanks for your response. I had my surgery in April 07 and became pregnant 3 months later. During those three months I lost almost 30 lbs. I really changed the way I ate. My issue is I'm delivering next month and I'm looking for something that I can grab and go for breakfast. Right now I'm eating fruit and a Isagenix shake for breakfast and that serve me just fine. I've only gained 4 lbs during this pregnancy because I've been watching what I've been eating. (My baby gained 6 and is totally healthy). I would try the Costco drinks but I don't have anywhere to blend them at work and battery operated blenders don't last long. I'm just looking for something I can drink with my veggies for lunch that would keep me full until dinner. Besides I think I would rather spend the money on a ready to drink vs not having anything at all.

I commend you for making your own soup. I just think it would be kind of hard for me to do with a streaming baby and a 3 and 5 yr old.

I didn't have my surgery yet, but I LOVE the slim fast shakes. They do keep me full for about 3 hours, if that is all I have. I hope I can have them after, because that is what Iplanned on.

YEAH, got my appointment, March 24th and flying in on Easter Sunday! I decided to stay an extra day also since I'm flying from Pa. So, whoever will be there from 3/23 through 3/27, stop and say Hi to Ramona! I'll be with my husband. So Excited!!!!

I thought I would go ahead and take before pictures, my surgery is next Thursday, the 28th. It was very sickening, they are going to have to put 2 bands on me I think, lol. I hope the day I decide to do after pictures are 100% difference. I knew I had gained some major weight this last year, but "OH MY GOSH", I should be slapped! I'll tell you this it will be a long time before I post them on here. I would like to call Dr. Ortiz and say, "let's do it today", guess I can't do that because I already have my airline tickets. I think I will use these pictures for anytime I want to cheat, I will just look at these. I would like to put them by the snack cabinet or fridge, but there is know way I want anyone to see them. I took the pictures with my underwear and bra, the ones that made me really sick. But I did take ones that I have all of my clothes on to post on here in the future, way future.

"I AM READY FOR MY BAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Thats exactly how I feel!! Goodluck and you will be thin in no time!!!

well I am desperately trying to set up a date for March, but the center isn't calling me back for some reason. I need a date before I can get plane tickets. Does anyone know if they do this on saturdays? I'll post my date as soon as I have one. I'll be flying from PA.

Thanks for all your help!!

I am pretty sure I will be headed out that way late March. My sister is coming with me. She was just banded here on January 4th. But her insurance paid for it. In fact, her insurance is going to pay for her boob job when she loses all her weight too!

Clynn - I went and saw your photos and you look great!! I'm so excited!

I decided to start on an Atkins diet yesterday to give myself plenty of time to lose before coming. Even if I change my mind, I still need to do it. I wrote a letter asking my insurance company to pay for this as medically necessary even though it is not a covered charge. I have sleep apnea so my doctor wrote to them also explaining that I should have it so I will see. I am almost hoping they don't pay for it now because Mexico sounds so much better. They seem to have more experience and of course, the cost is tons lower.

If I have it here, I have to wait 6 months because they require that sort of program around here. It's funny, you have to see a nutritionist, a surgeon, anesthesiologist, etc... but they spreadit out over 6 months and in Mexico you get it all in one day. But it is all the same things. Even the blood and lung tests. I just don't see the point in making you wait so long. Thats another plus for Mexico, may as well get it started now, right!

Yes, I think I have myself talked into it now.

Is it crazy to come to Mexico and pay for it out of my own pocket when my insurance MIGHT end up paying it? I feel like I want to regardless of the cost to me. It somehow seems safer. And it's funny I say that because when I first thought about it, I thought surgery in another country - NO WAY! But now, it seems like the better option.

I am seriously considering flying to Mexico for the lap-band since my insurance does not cover it. I would be coming from Pennsylvania. Is 2 days recuperation in Mexico enough to be able to fly that far home? I'm nervous about that. Also, they say you must fast the day you come down so they can do a blood test the day before surgery, but for me, that would mean a tremendous amount of time to not be able to eat since I would be coming from so far away. Also, what if there are any complications later. Can I get treatment in the US since I didn't get banded here? One more question, is the hospital and hotel located in a scuzzy part of Mexico? Last time I was in Tijuana (25 years ago) it was quite disgusting. Also, beyond clothing, what would I need to bring? Can anyone help answer these questions? I almost have my mind made up to go on and do it. I haven't heard anything negative AT ALL which kind of worries me. I mean, there HAS to be SOMETHING negative or else I would think that this board is full of planted people.

Oh, I forgot, what is the maximum time I can get off of work? I ask because I have disability insurance through work but I would need to be out 2 weeks to get a paycheck. I know it doesn't usually take that long to recuperate, but I am wondering if the Doctor can and will fill out disability paperwork for me. DOes anyone know?

THanks for any help you can supply.