jktbnelson

I am on day 5 of my post op and this diet just is'nt doin it. Why am i stil hungary soon after every meal? Smoothies and slimfast aren't cutting it for me. I wonder if the band isn't doing it's job. Did any one else feel this way too? And what are the dangers of eating a few days ahead of the diet plan. Like can i have mashed potatoes before 5 days on thicker liquids?

email me the answers if you got'em

Karmin kpsanders07@yahoo.com

I was also feeling completely ravenous by day 5, not to mention sick to my stomach and bloated. I broke down and ate a few bites of food that day. I felt 100% better after I ate. Shamey on me...I know, but ever since then I advanced my diet as my body tolerated and I have felt fine every since. I have never felt any restriction. My first fill will be in about three weeks and I hope at that point I start feeling it. I have only lost 3 pounds post-op, so definitely needing my fill. I don't know how some of you have stuck to the diet plan so religiously...that's awesome. Unfortunately, I couldn't make that happen. I'll keep you posted.

Kari

I didn't have an RX for the meds I bought from the pharmacy.. I just told them what I wanted and they told me what they had. I was told it's illegal for them to sell me vicoden but they had something similiar. Carrie and I split a bottle of 100 caplets, 100mg each the price was $50 ($25 each) I don't know the name because I didn't keep the bottle. Carrie???

My mom actually bought Cealis (like viagra) and they were $7 a pill vs: $15 here. There are pharmacies everywhere! I like the one that just a block or 2 from the hotel. The front door guy, Alonso, can direct you and it's definitely within walking distance. If you go to revolution ave they are all over.. some good.. some kinda seedy looking.

Hope that answers any questions.

Hi Gals,

The pain killer we bought was called Tramadol. I took one today for the first time and I was dizzy and sweaty for about 3 hours with it. These are common side effects. It is similar to codeine. I have side effects to everything, but it helped with my port site pain which is still extremely sore without any meds.

Kari

HELLO ALL!!!

I WAS BANDED BY DR. ORTIZ IN MEXICO 6 DAYS AGO. I TRAVELED BY MYSELF FROM PA., AND I MUST ADMITT I WAS A LITTLE AFRAID [AT FIRST.] MY FLIGHT INTO SAN DIEGO WAS DIVERTED TO LOS ANGLES DUE TO FOG. THAT WAS A PAIN BECAUSE I THEN HAD TO TAKE A 2.5 HOUR BUS RIDE BACK TO SAN DIEGO. I CALLED RENE FROM LA AND TOLD HIM OF THE PROBLEM AND HE ALREADY KNEW! I SAID THAT WE WERE TAKING A BUS AND HOW LONG I'D BE AND WHEN I ARRIVED AT SAN DIEGO AIRPORT, TWO MINUTES LATER A DRIVER SHOWED UP WITH MY NAME ON A PIECE OF PAPER. I WAS RELEIVED BECAUSE I HAVE'NT TRAVELED MUCH LET ALONE BY MYSELF. HE TOOK ME STRAIGHT TO THE LUCERNA HOTEL [WHERE EVERYONE WAS SO, SO NICE AND HELPFUL!!] I GOT MY ROOM [WHICH WAS VERY CLEAN AND VERY NICE.]

I GOT A WAKE UP CALL AT 6am AND WENT TO THE LOBBY TO MEET MRS. ORTIZ [DR. O's MOM] SHE CAME A FEW MINUTES LATER AND 3 OF US WERE ON OUR WAY TO THE CLINIC. THE OCC LOOKS EXACTLY AS IT DOES ON THE WEB SITE! VERY NICE, CLEAN AND PROFESSIONAL.

I WANT TO ADD THAT ON THE PLANE RIDE IN, I DID NOT TAKE DRAMAMINE AND I GOT MOTION SICKNESS. UNFORTUNATELY IT DIDN'T GO AWAY THE NEXT DAY. I FELT TERRIBLE! I WAS FIRST TO SEE DR. MIRANDA AND SHE ASKED ME RIGHT AWAY IF I WAS OK. I EXPLAINED ABOUT THE PLANR RIDE AND SHE WAS CONCERNED. THEY IMMEDIATELY TOOK ME TO A BED AND TOOK MY BLOOD SUGAR, GAVE ME AN IV AND GAVE ME DRAMAMINE. THE NURSES DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH VERY WELL, BUT THE TECH'S WERE THERE TO TRANSLATE. THEY MADE ME FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE AND AT EASE. IT DIDN'T TAKE VERY LONG AND MY TUMMY FELT BETTER. THEY THEN GOT ME A GOWN AND PUT THOSE LOVELY PAPER PANTIES ON AND THE LITTLE NURSE, I THINK HER NAME'S CAMILLA, PUT ON MY STOCKINGS. THAT POOR LITTLE WOMAN, HOW SHE HAS TO STRUGGLE WITH ALL THOSE PATIENTS EVERYDAY, I'LL NEVER KNOW!! #-o

DR. MARTENEZ CAME IN TO DISCUSS THE SURGERY WITH ME AND WAS VERY NICE AND SPOKE VERY CLEARLY. ASKED ME SEVERAL TIMES IF I HAD ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT ANYONE ELSE, BUT I'VE HAD 2 OTHER LAPROSCOPIC SURGERIES AND GOT SICKER THAT A DOG AFTERWARDS. I TOLD DOC ABOUT IT AND HE EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS PROBABLY THE PAIN MEDS THEY GAVE ME, AND THEY WOULD TRY TO PREVENT THAT. [THEY MUST NOT GIVE THE SAME KINDS OF PAIN MEDS AS THEY DO IN THE STATES.] HE WAS RIGHT THOUGH... I DID NOT GET SICK!! NOT ONCE, I DIDN'T EVEN FEEL QUEEZY AT ALL!!! I WAS SO RELEIVED BECAUSE I THOUGHT IF I STARTED HURLING THAT I'D HURT MY BAND.

THEY THEN SHOT ME UP [THROUGH MY IV] WITH SOME KIND OF RELAXER.... NICE AND CALM. DR. ORTIZ THEN CAME IN AND SAID " SHE'S GIVING YOU THE STUFF THAT WILL MAKE ME LOOK BETTER TO YOU CAUSE I'M AN UNGLY MEXICAN". OH MY GOD!!!! THIS GUY IS GORGEOUS AND IT WASN'T THE MEDS, TRUST ME!!! HE SPOKE TO ME FOR A MINUTE AND SAID SEE YOU INSIDE. DURING THIS TIME I WAS GETTING SLEEPY, SO NOT MUCH MEMORY. I DO REMEMBER BEING ON THE TABLE AND A GUY TELLING ME THAT HE'D BE TAKING CARE OF ME AND THEN THAT'S IT. I WOKE UP TO A NURSE TALKING GENTLY TO ME TELLING ME I WAS DONE AND I DID GOOD. I REMEMBER GIVING HER HAND A SQUEEZE AND THANKING HER. I REMEMBER SLIDING OVER IN MY BED AND OUT AGAIN . I SLEPT FOR A SHORT TIME AND THE NURSES CHECKED ON ME AND THEN IT WAS TIME TO WALK. I THOUGHT I'D BE OFF BALANCE AND QUEEZY BUT I WASN'T, I ACTUALLY FELT PRETTY GOOD. THE NURSE WALKED ME AROUND 5 LAPS AND BACK TO MY ROOM. THEY BROUGHT ME BOTTLED WATER AND A POPSICLE AND A JUICE BOX. [NOT ALL AT THE SAME TIME]

I SLEPT PRETTY GOOD THAT NIGHT AND THE NEXT DAY THE NURSE BROUGHT ME BROTH AND DOC SAID I COULD HAVE COFFEE [THEY DON'T WANT COFFEE DRINKERS TO GET HEADACHES] I SIPPED BOTH OF THOSE AND THEN IT WAS TIME TO GET READY TO GO BACK TO THE HOTEL. MRS. ORTIZ WAS WAITING, WE GOT PAIN MEDS. AND THEY GAVE ME 2 DRAMAMINE FOR MY FLIGHT HOME. I MET AND SPOKE TO A FEW OF THE PATIENTS THERE AND I HAD A REALLY NICE EXPERIENCE OVERALL. ON THE RIDE BACK TO THE HOTEL I RODE WITH LAURIE AND HER FRIEND ROBIN. AFTER WE GOT TO THE HOTEL WE ALL WENT SHOPPING TOGETHER ON REVOLUTION AVE. HAD A NICE COUPLE HOURS, MEXICO IS BEAUTIFUL!! I WAS EXPECTING SLUM, IT HAS "BAD PARTS OF TOWN" JUST LIKE ANY CITY. WE WERE A LITTLE STARTLED BY TWO TRUCK LOADS OF POLICE WITH MASKS COVERING ALL BUT THEIR EYES, RIDING AROUND WITH RIFLES. THE SHOP OWNERS SAID THEY WERE "GOOD GUYS, PROTECTING US ALL". BRING LOTS OF MONEY LADIES!!! OMG, THE JEWELRY AND PURSES!!

WENT BACK TO THE LUCERNA, SHOWERED AND SLEPT. WOKE UP AT 10:30pm. TOOK A PAIN PILL, SHOWERED AGAIN AND SLEPT TILL MORNING. MET FRANSISCO IN THE LOBBY AND HE TOOK ME TO THE AIRPORT. VERY NICE MAN AND SPEAKS VERY GOOD ENGLISH. THE REST OF THE WAY HOME WENT OFF WITHOUT A HITCH.

TO ALL PEOPLE WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT GETTING BANDED BY DR. ORTIZ..... NO WORRIES, IT'S ALL GOOD!!! I CAN'T SAY THAT ALL SURGERIES DONE IN MEXICO [OTHER THAN DR. O] ARE OK, BUT IT'S TOP NOTCH WITH HIM!! ANYONE WHO MAY WANT MORE INFO. OR JUST HAVE QUESTIONS, FEEL FREE TO ASK. YOUR BANDSTER BUDDY, DARLENE :-h

Hey Darlene,

I'm probably the biggest motion sickness baby that you will ever meet...what I found that works wonders for me is meclizine. You have to ask the pharmacist for it (they keep it behind the counter). I was out on a deep sea fishing boat for 8 hours with 5 foot waves and felt completely normal. Dramamine never seemed to help me. So, if your interested in the future give it a try.

Kari

Well since all the 3-24 bandsters have posted I figured I should too!! I arrived in San Diego around 8:30pm and was met by someone other than Fransico or Rene and was a complete accident I even found him. He had a piece of paper with a hand written (VERY lightly)"Dr. Ortiz". We had to wait for another passenger which I assumed was another patient...to my disappointment he was not, but just some man from Boston who was there for business and just staying at the Lucerna. He turned out to be friendly but completly annoying! I went by myself so this part of the trip was by far the worst. I was so scared I got in the wrong van or something but thank goodness that part turned out ok!

We arrived at the Lucerna and I checked in. The bellman took me to my room turned on my tv, the lights and I was truly amazed! Since the Holiday Inn is about the nicest hotel I've been in imagine my surprise. I immediatly open the curtains and checked out the view from my balcony. WOW I took some great pictures from there! I looked at the room service menu since I hadn't had anything to eat since that morning, didn't know the peso ratio so I ate a banana!! Needless to say I was starving the next day because I had been in "fasting" mode for awhile!!

The next morning I waited with the other lovely ladies awaiting the arrival of Mrs. Ortiz. She had a small car so could only take 4 at a time. I was in the 2nd group. The OCC is just like the web site portrays. Very clean, nice, & professional. Filled out paperwork and visited with the other patients while waiting for our turn to see have the dental check, ekg, etc...Then we got to go our rooms. I was in #4. Got my gown and the great paper panties (en experience all its own!!) and got the stockings on. While I was waiting for my turn Mindy's mom came and sat with me, then Steph, Kari's friend, came and watched some TV with me. If there was any doubt about traveling by myself it fizzled that morning!! Everyone in the group was fantastic and I didn't feel by myself or scared once I gat there!! Then Dr Ortiz came in to chat. The best thing about the conversation was when he told me how guys differ from gals when being banded. He said guys just fart if they have to. Well so do I! I use discretion when needed but better out then in!! Well I don't remember much about going into the OR. They wheel you in and you get on the table and I think I took my own gown off and I might remember talking to the anestesiologist...who knows. those guys are all so good looking I may have proposed to 1 or many, I couldn't tell you!!! Before I knew it I was back in my room, then walking the halls...soon I was having popsicles and visiting with Mindy, Evettes mom & boyfriend. I think I slept and walked the rest of the day.

The next morning one of the Drs came to talk to me (I don't remember which one) I had some broth, got dressed and went out to the waiting room where the tuesday bandsters were waiting. I talked to them and one women wanted to see my incisions so I showed them all! Having kids in my opinion equals no modesty at all!! I waited a few more minutes and then went back to the dentists office and had my teeth Zoom whitened.

Then it was back to the hotel to shower and then SHOPPING...which wasn't bad at all. All the walking did me great. Thanks again to Kari for letting me have one of her protein water packets. Note to self-don't rely on husband to put your beverage supplies in your suitcase even after you've placed it in his hand. It was on the bathroom counter when I got home...I didn't even ask!! Then it was sitting by the pool, walked to the pharmacy to get some flavored water & a popsicle, checked my email in the lobby, talked with the ladies, then just hung out. Next day I met the driver in the lobby at 5:30am Mexico time and off the the airport. I was REALLY nervous about getting through the border on time but it wasn't bad at all. I showed the guy my drivers license and birth certificate. I was expecting him to say something like what were you here for, what did you buy he just looked at me and said "GO" so I did, quickly!! I made it to the airport safe and sound. flew back to Denver and was met at the gate by my hubby who had a dozen peach roses for me. I wasn't so upset about the beverage incident after that. All in all it was a fantastic trip and I would change my decision!

Hey Girl,

I tried calling you a couple of times, but it wouldn't go through. Can you email me your number? I would love to chat with you.

Thanks, Kari

Hi Ladies,

Well, I am happy to say that I am feeling much better today! I broke the rules and had some food today and I feel 100% better. I took about 4 small watered down bites of chili, sucked on 6 pieces of dove chocolate and had 5 bites of mashed potatoes. My stomach finally stopped churning and my gassy bloated feeling has gotten much better. The little bit I ate I washed down with some liquids and I never felt nauseaus or bloated. I want to still stick to my liquids as much as possible, but this reprieve allowed me to feel better and as I long as I wasn't retching or vomiting I don't think I jeopardized the integrity of my band. I'm not going to go crazy with eating, but if it gets me through the day without wanting to commit Harry Karry then so be it. I think half my problem was my stomach felt sucked in on itself and when I feel starved...I feel sick! I can't function that way for long. Anyone else cheat with their diet? How did it turn out? I'm going to be careful and very mindful of how my stomach is feeling, but as of now I have to say I'm glad I had those snacks. Dr. Miranda wouldn't be happy with me I'm sure. Stick with the diet plan if you can. So, everybody...do as I say...not as I do!!! I'll keep you posted on my intake. Hopefully, I will be able to stay on track somewhat until I'm allowed to have solids (which is April 13th). Thanks for all your support and concern.

Kari

Hi All,

Well, here I sit 4 days post-op and really having regrets. My experience with the hotel, surgery and the facilities is similar to everyone elses...except for the fact that Ortiz's shuttle didn't get us to the airport in time and we ended up missing our flight...costing me more money and a whole day at the airport feeling very uncomfortable. For me, the surgery was a piece of cake and the next day at the hotel was fine. I was feeling fine. On the day we left I was having a lot of pressure and gas pains in my abdomen and chest. I had severe, sharp gas pains radiating up the left side of my neck and found no relief with the Gas-X strips. When we finally got home...I was almost in tears wondering if I had made the right decision. I started out so good and am now after 4 days I still am not finding much relief. I have a 1 and 3 year old and cannot take care of them. Twisiting, bending and actually moving in general is painful. I have burning where my port was sewn in and I have to choke back tears when I stand up from a sitting position. I left a message with Dr. Ortiz today, but have not heard back from him yet. I'm not sure if my body is getting an infection or if I'm just not tolerating this well. All of this and I'm starving to boot. My stomach is in a constant rumble and feeling nauseaus all at the same time. Most people sound like they have had a better experience, but I just needed to share this info in case someone else went through this and can give me some advice. I am going to try and find some of the Phayzime, phyzime (whatever) to see if that doesn't help. I have got to find relief soon otherwise I will be trying to find a physcian here that can help me.

Kari

Banded 3/24/08

pre-op weight: 196

Height: 5'4"

Hi Everyone,

Well, I am heading for TJ on the 23rd and absolutely love all the information I am receiving on this forum. My question for you is how much are you all paying for your fills (if not getting them in TJ)? Did your physician require an upper GI before your first fill? Do they require fluor each time? Do you recommend fluor each time? And of course the cost! Just trying to figure out if it would be cheaper flying down and getting them with Dr. Ortiz.

Thanks,

Kari

I'm flying into San Diego on March 23rd for surgery. I am pretty nervous but excited. Reading all the things on this forum has helped me a ton. I have 10 pounds to lose and am down 7. I am so hungry....I thought after the first few days it would sorta minimize but not really....I am going by myself so that is a little scary as well. I had a friend who had surgery at OCC December of '06 lined up to go with me but had to cancel due to work stuff. I'm a little concerneed about this but am sure I'll be fine. My husband can't go because of the kiddos so I guess it's just it's just me! If there is someone out there that went alone that has some words of wisdom or advice or to tell me to stop being a big baby....I'm all ears!! All the things I've read have been helpful. Thanks

Hi Apple,

I'm also flying in on the 23rd and my girlfriend still isn't sure if she can make it. (hubby staying home with kids, also) So, I may be alone, too. My guess is we will all become friends that day and can stick together when we go out. I'll watch your back if you'll watch mine? Looking forward to meeting you. See you in "OH MY GOSH" 4 days!!!!!!

Kari

I'm arriving Sunday 12:28pm on Alaska... anyone else arrive around this time? If yes, I'm guessing we will be carpooling.

I'm soooo excited!!

Mindy

Hi Mindy,

I am arriving at 1:00 on Northwest. So, I would imagine we are all going to be riding down together. Can't wait to meet you 'soon-to-be' fellow bandsters.

Kari

I'm arriving Sunday 12:28pm on Alaska... anyone else arrive around this time? If yes, I'm guessing we will be carpooling.

I'm soooo excited!!

Mindy