2fat4me

It looks like your surgery date was in 2008, so you can't use it on your taxes until you are preparing next year to file for year 2008. So you're still good!

It sounds like the average is about every 2 months to get a fill. I didn't think we would have to get a fill that often. just banded 4/7/08 and beginning to feel a little hungry!

25#'s, that's awesome, but unusual...congrats. Crawfish, I doubt it. It is a bit tougher than what you will be used to digesting (liquids). Crawfish, clams and shrimp do not qualify as fish. You just can't flake those like you can fish. I would be a bit afraid to start out with that. Surely they will have some other foods there also...you do really need to ask Dr. Miranda. Good luck

Hey all, Lynn and I are confirmed to be filled on Fri. May 16. We will be at the Hotel Lucerna and will stay through Sun. So we will have all day Sat and Sat. night wooowhooo! Let us know if you can make it. Has anyone heard from Lisa or Sue (she had a fill when we were all there) or Sandra? I have not. Lynn and I thought about getting a "bulls eye"tatooed where our fill goes or even a big 'X'. =D> So where ever we got our next fill they wouldn't have any trouble finding our port. My husband said, yeh, he could see them accidentally putting tatoo dye in our band and really giving us a big squeeze. I told them they could really see our band if they did that and we might not have to have a fluroscopy. lol. Oh well, stay in touch, Reneej

Hey Denise, glad to hear everything else is going ok. I have not experienced the shoulder pain, but I really think I am having a gas pain in my temple. It is like being stabbed there. I took a pain pill for that and finally went to sleep, but I am sereious, I think it's a gas pain. I will continue eating the gas x strips to see if it will help, then I will switch to phazyme. anyone else had a "gas headache"? reneej

Ok, I have a meeting at 7:00, so I will try you before that. It sounds great to me. All I'll have to do is change my return flight. reneej

Susy, call OCC and speak to Carolyn Williamson, See what she says about splitting the cost and see if you can get a better deal. They are definitely not losing $ when we share rooms and transportation.. Carolyn was my patient coordinator, she is very nice. Reneej

As long as we don't have any fruit going through customs I think we can get that Zebra through customs. From what I saw going across the border, we should have Noooooo trouble Let me know if we should make arrangements to stay an extra night and leave out Sun AM. We could go to the beach or hang out at the pool...

Blazn You absolutely made my day. I appreciate everything you all have said, but this truely made me lol. THANK YOU >

Yes, my girls were stuck too. To bad they couldn't have glued them with a little lift involved there. I could sure use that. Hmmm, may be another TJ trip for a boob job =D> REneej

Our fill appointments are that Fri. we arrive. They are at 11:30 and 12:00, so then we have all afternoon and evening to be wild women in Tijuana. Who knows we may even hijack one of those "mexican zebras" on revolution ave. For those who get banded later, we'll set a time to meet you when you are able...ole

I did bring apple juice (single servings) and instant boullion. You are not really supposed to take liquids through your first check in. I explained I was going for surgery and was on a liquid pre op diet. Some will let you in and some want documentation. Just copy what OCC sends you about your preop diet, but be prepared, they may make you leave it or trash it. Now you can buy stuff at the airport after you check in and your fine to take it on the plane. hope this helps, reneej

Eventhough the husbands and others are the last to come to the clinic, don't worry it takes a while before anything will be done to you. It seemed like we all waited for hours before being banded. My husband went with me and he was there probably with in 30-45 minutes. I don't think I got banded till late in the afternoon and he stayed till probably 6:00 or so. They will take care of you both, very good.

thanks everyone, I just feel like I only getting between 800 to 1000 calories a day and something should be happening. I know it's a healing time as well, it's just hard to believe that as little as I am eating nothing is happening. oh well, it's just time, right? Can't wait till I can get off the straight liquids. I really do appreciate your support, thanks, reneej

Hey, I am a little bumed out. 9 days out from being banded and I have only lost 1 pound. I was doing better than this on my preop diet...sure would like to see some scale movement. I have scheduled my first fill for May 16. Really looking forward to that for inspiration and proof. I have been very faithful to the post op diet, but broke my foot a week before banding, so movement has been limited. I will try to walk more today. It's not even worth changing my ticker... Anyone else experience this?

I was banded on 4-7. I did ask about this there. They do not offer it at the Hotel Lucerna, but they did reccomend a near by hotel that did offer massage, etc. Hope this helps. And congrats, you will do great! Reneej :cheerleader:

Sorry, wrong time on my arrival at San Diego. I will arrive at 10:30 am, not 11:30. I hope this hasn't messed anyone up. I confirmed my appointment yesterday. Hope to see you there, then we shop :lb21: REneej

> Hey Casey, Glad to hear from you and that you're doing good. I am fine, haven't lost much weight yet, but will soon I am sure. I saw you got the message about our fill. It's a few days prior to the 6 weeks, but they didn't seem to think much of it. Our flights in on May 16 arrives in San Diego about 11:30. We hope to split some of the cost. How did you do in Vegas? Where all did ya'll go? Do they have good chicken broth there lol. Let me hear from you soon, Renee

I forgot to tell you all...they glued my belly button together I didn't really notice it till I got home. I was able to get that glue off! :cheerleader:

> Hey, Susy, I am so glad you gave us a shout. I was beginning to think I just made all of you up in my mind. Lynn and I are scheduling our fill for Fri, May 16. It is a few days before 6 weeks, but Carolyn said it wasn't a big deal We would love to see you again. So how are you doing, I am just mildly sore, did get pretty tired this afternoon, but put in a 9 Hour day, so that's common anyway. Can't say I have lost but a few more pounds, but I am still trying. Soup is a very good thing right now. =D> So let us know how you are progressing. =D> Reneej

> Thanks everyone. I never thought to as at OCC about the glue and experience speaks loud and clear!

you're going to have a great experience, keep everyone posted! Mama Ortiz should pick you up at the hotel the day of your banded, what a really nice lady. And Dr. Ortiz is soooo hot! He's so much cuter in person. Keep us posted! Good Luck

I was banded on mon 4/7, I was told by Occ not to scrub the incisions (DUH), but to wash with soap and water. Well ok, that's some serious super glue, because it has not budged. I would like to start putting on the anti-scar cream. Can anyone give me an idea on how long it takes to come off? :-?

> Truly, You will be so surprised how fast the time will go. Even if you don't get your passport in time, just have your drivers license and birth certificate with you. That will be enough until like june of 09 for those driving or walking across the border. It would be different if you were cruising or flying in. banded 4/7

( Hey where are you other girls from 4-7? It's easy...push reply and type.. lol . No joke, please respond... thanks, Reneej