sunnee01

http://lapbandtransformation.com/Adjustments.htm

Thank you for posting this. It gives a lot of good info. What an amazing man!

Audrey =D>

I just got back from Mexico. I had to have surgery to fix my band port. It had flipped. Dr. Martinez was wonderful and very good and patient at explaining everything. He said only 1 in 500 will flipped. Sometime it is caused by the tubing having a slight twist in it and in my case, it was due to fluid. He said everybody makes some fluid with surgery, but my body produced alot of fluid to the point that I had a fluid filled sac near the port area. They drained the area, flipped the port, then put steri strips across the opening instead of glue. They wrapped me up tightly to put pressure on the abdomen. They then did my fill. 2 days later before I left to come back to Kansas, I noticed that the area was swelling again. I called Dr. Martinez on his cell phone and he advised me to come back for a recheck. After being examined and the port being checked, he reassured me it was fine. He put some extra stitched in the abd around the port so it would not flipped again, (no guarentees). I was so impressed at how well they treated me even when they were doing it for free. It is something I don't think we would ever experience in the USA. Now............hopefully I can start losing weight again since they did a fill also. I just wanted to let everybody know what great Mexican Doctors we have!!!

Tanya

I agree; they are wonderful. Hope things go smoother for you!

Audrey :-h

I would just like to send a thank you to those who have fought and are fighting for our freedom. And to their families for their sacrifice!!

Thank you! It means a lot that you say that.

Audrey

Hello,

I'm looking for those who were banded on May 22nd. How are you all doing?

Hi Julie,

I was also banded on the 22nd. I'm currently at the SD airport, waiting to go home.

I feel really good. I think the extra day of just hanging around TJ really made a difference.

I'm glad it's over, but I'd do it again in a minute!!

Audrey

Ok it was everything you all said it would be. OCC was awesome and the only hard part was the waiting. I was the last surgery of the day so I felt like I waited hungry alot but now that it is done and I am definitely not hungry, it is a thing of the past. We are still in TJ because we decided up front to stay an extra day. I have had very little pain or discomfort. I have to get up and down gingerly and have had some tiny little hicups or burps I can't tell which, that really hurt yesterday (day 1 post op) and only hurt a little bit today. We fly home tommorow but having a couple of walking days behind me I am not to concerned about the flight. It is only a couple of hours and I seem to do fine without walking for at least that much time.

I met awesome people who were walking this journey at the same time. Brenda, Jennifer, Jena, Lisa, and Saul I hope you are all doing great!

Blessings!

Good for you! Have a great trip home!

Audrey

I have a belly ring and a nose ring, does anyone know if they make you take them out for the surgery? I am pretty sure I would have to take the belly ring out but I am not sure about the nose ring...

Thanks for your support!

Lillygirl,

There is a real risk for burns if you leave them in. I've even had patients remove clitoral and nipple rings. I would be ready to remove them.

Audrey :lb12: :lb12:

I'm leaving tonight to fly to Arizona and drop my son off with grandma. Then we drive 5 1/2 hours to San Diego to be picked up. I'm so excited!!! Anyone out on this board getting banded on the 22nd?

I'll be arriving in San Diego at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday. I'm scheduled for surgery on the 23rd..I am so excited/nervous. I thought I was okay with this until the dreams came last night..WOW..(Surgery in a garage??)

Looking forward to being an official member of the "Bandsters."

Audrey

Hey

Have you been taking the Metamucil and the Chromium that Dr Miranda suggested, thats what keeps me from tearing the fridge apart.

Denise

I have. When it take it religiously, I feel like a piece of shredded wheat! All the fiber just bloats me up! I think I need to decide if I want the full feeling or the ravenous feeling.

Audrey

Am starting my pre-op today and I'm nervous and I keep telling myself that I'm not going to be able to this, but I know I can. I will stay positive through out the day. I will keep you guys posted on my progress. My surgery date is June 6 and I can't wait.

The pre-op diet has been a humbling experience for me. I am trying to survive on the two Slim Fasts and Lean Cuisine, and have never been so hungry in my life. I'm trying the protein water, and the fiber wafers, and nothing is helping. By 4 .m., I am a ravenous dog and ready to eat anything that closely resembles food..

Please tell me this gets easier! I am worried that I haven't lost enough before surgery and they will kick me to the curb! ( (

Audrey

Happy Birthday in advance Audrey!!!!!!!!!!!

>

Monet

Thank you!

Audrey

Im just getting started here. I DO KNOW that I want to do this. I just don't want to do it by myself. I think that I would be go to Mexico. I can't think of going and not knowing a soul. I hear that you meet people and you just become like a family but it would be nice to know someone befor you go. I am in the Vancouver Washington area and have not come across anyone in my area that is in the same place in there life that I am. That is sick of being so unhappy with myself and really ready to make a change!!!

Thanks for any thoughts..

Janell

Hi Janell,

There are several of us in the Portland/Vancouver area. I will be banded on Friday and am going by myself. I am a little nervous, but very confident in the surgeon. (I also used to be a surgical nurse.) Please feel free to ask questions and I will let you know how it goes.

Audrey

It's super early and I am super tired but I am getting ready to head to the airport for a quick day trip to TJ for my 2nd fill. I can't wait to meet everyone, I'll keep you guys updated and hopefully will have some pictures to post this evening!

You have done such a great job already!! Have a good trip!

Audrey =D>

I'll finally be banded next Friday 5/23. I just ordered the payment of my balance, there is no turning back... I'm scared, happy, confused... all in one. But the little voices in my head and seeing and reading from all of you helps a bunch. I'll be forever grateful of the willingness to share your experiences with the rest of us.... I'll keep you all posted!

wish me luck

PS: mamamichele, YOU ROCK!!!

DeParis

Hi There,

Yup, me too!! This forum gives me the support and the encouragement I need to do this. I really appreciate everyone's honesty!!

I will see you on Thursday!

Audrey :-h :-h

Well I am 50 and I am looking forward to not being a fat Grandma. The best to all of us HOT Mama"s.

LETS GO!

I am right behind you. I'll be 50 at the end of the month. I get banded on the 23rd.

This is my birthday present to myself!!

Audrey

=D> Wooo hoo!!! I am finally banded. I am at the OCC right now just chillin after taking a few laps of walking around!! Like everyone else says, this place is absolutely AMAZING!!! I feel great, no pain, no gas, no bloating and the capri suns and otter pops RULE!!!!

There are 7 other banders here that had the surgery today and all of them are great and doing just fine. \

For those of you who are nervous like I was OUTA MY MIND NERVOUS!!! There is no need to be nervous. I would do it again tomorrow and the next day!!

Dr. Ortiz is Fricken Hilarious and was very honest and helpful, of course hot too... whooo!!

Please feel free to ask me any questions any time.. especially tonight... cause i'll be here all night long!!!

Congratulations!! =D> =D> =D>

I know you're relieved to have it done. I will be there on Thursday. I can't wait, and I can't believe it, at the same time..

I'm trying to make a list of stuff to eat when I get back..Are you eating jello??

Hope you have a great recovery!

Audrey

Hi Jessie, I am getting banded on 5/23 and I am coming from the DC area too. I fly in on 5/22. Are you staying in the Camino Real or Lucerna Hotel? If it is easier, email me at kmbodj@aol.com and we can chat.

Kim

Hi Everyone,

I am coming in on 5/22, also. Looking forward to meeting all of you!

Audrey :-h

I hate to brag but mine is going great.Ever since i paypal $500 to OCC something in my mind must have snapped & i'm really serious this time.

I reserve the right to edit this post anytime between now & May 26.

This is Day 3 for me of my pre-op diet. I am just trying to do shakes and a low carb meal. I do really well, until about 3-4 p.m., and then I had to really eat something. The last two days it has been roasted chicken. I thought I was done until I ate some scrambled Egg Beaters and piece of turkey sausage.

How can I lack such self-control? I just needed to eat real food!!

I got home from OCC yesterday!! Everything was fantastic.

Jena

Hi Jena,

Glad to hear everything went well for you, and that the pre-op diet gets easier. This is Day 2 for me; I get banded on the 23rd.

You've always had a great attitude, and I agree, part of the success with the band is changing your attitude about what is going in your mouth.

When are we going back for the boob job??

Take care,

Audrey :-?

I am starting my pre-op diet tomorrow. I went to Wal-Mart today and stocked up on Slim Fast and Lean Cuisine meals. I am not looking for to the next three weeks. Is Lean Cuisine meals the only ones that we can eat or can we do Healthy Choice? I am not a big fan of the Lean Cuisine. lol I am also going to start going to the gym and doing some cardio. I know that with other surgeries, the better shape you are in the better results you have (faster healing). I have noticed that since I have found out my surgery date, I have been eating just to be eating. I think I am eating cause I am nervous and that I won't be able to eat all the food that I am able to now, so I might as well enjoy it while I can. (I think this is how I got in this situation to begin with) lol I can't wait to get my band and start my new life. I am looking forward to finally being able to wearing clothes that are in style, not just what I can find that fits me. I want to be able to wear a swimsuit and not be embarrassed. I go Monday to get my hair cut to start the process for the new me off. I have had long hair ever since high school and I am getting it cut off. I figure if I want to have the new me, I have to start with a new pallet. I know I will be calling on you guys to keep me motivated in the pre-op phase, and even more in the post-op. Thanks for all the advice you have given me so far and thanks in advance for all the support I am sure you will be giving me in the future.

>

Heidi

Hi Heidi,

I am on Day 1 of my Pre-Op Hell/Diet.. I'm trying to stay busy and not think about food. The Slim Fast with extra protein is pretty good. I also found some fiber that has Chromium in it.

We celebrated Mother's Day yesterday, cause I knew I needed to get started.

Hang in there!

Audrey

I am a Newbie!! I am in the beginning process of this journey and would like to know some ways you all have financed it. I am just looking at various options. I am currently waiting for a phone call to discuss my goal BMI. I would love to hear some feed back on how the process went from making the decision to go foward with the Band and where you are at now.

Can't WAIT!!!!

Tracie

I also took a draw from my retirement fund. Unfortunately, I found out today that I may not get the last $2K in time...I will hold out as long as I can before I have to reschedule..I will be so disappointed.. (

My husband is deathly scared of flying. He has never been on a plane (had to trick him into getting on a roller coaster in FL on our honeymoon), and he is the one going with me to have my surgery. We live in Oklahoma and he is wondering if there is ANY WAY POSSIBLE if I would be able to ride back in a car. He is wanting to drive out there and back. He doesn't want me to go have the surgery without him, he just can't figure out how to get out there with me if I can't do the car ride home. PLEASE HELP!

Flan

I would think the major concern, for you, would be that you need to get up and move every few hours. Sitting for several hours at a time, after having surgery, can lead to complications like blood clots. I would check with either Lori or Carolyn and see if there are any recommendations for driving home vs. driving.

:-?

I chose not to tell people I was getting banded. The only people that know are my husband, a friend that came with me to TJ and another friend that first told me about the surgery. I have a few different reasons for not telling people; I didn't want to hear about the 'dangers' of getting surgery in Mexico or have all my skinny friends share once again how they stay skinny by not eating dessert for a few weeks (I have never eaten dessert my entire life) or by cutting out their morning pastry. I may tell a few close friends eventually but we'll see how the band works for me first. Please share your story.

Only my immediate family knows and most of them are supportive. I have one sister, who is a physician in AZ, and strongly against it. I have listened to her concerns, and given her information about where I am going and my confidence in Dr. Ortiz. She still remains unconvinced, but the ultimate decsion is mine. The rest of my family and friends will know after the results start to show.

Has anyone else named their band? Mine will be "Fifi Enchente." My friend Bill refuses to call it Fifi, and has given the band the name "Steve Miller."

Before I had it removed, I had a fibroid tumor in my uterus. When I was diagnosed, Bill decided to name it "Tallulah." When I had a hysterectomy, Bill called it a "Tallulahectomy."

So what have you named your band?

Jena

Mine will be called "Will" which will be short for Will Power..I obviously lack some, so here's hoping he will help!

Audrey

I realize it will be hard to leave your family, but you will do great! Enjoy a little time for yourself!

Audrey :-h

hey audrey

southwest flight from az will arrive at 1:35. we're leaving at 12:30 on the 22nd... hoping to have fun the evening before the surgery (shopping, some possible pampering (massages). I know we'll have fun... now make may 22 happen asap. I cannot wait any longer. very nervous and oh soooo excited...

keep in touch

Great to hear from you. I get in at 9:30 AM. I hate those 6 AM flights, but it was so much cheaper. I like the pampering idea. I've had too many "last meals." LOL.. I think that's one of the reasons why I am here!

I am not nervous; I just want it to get here! I was talked out of this by a sister, from Phoenix, about 6 mos ago.

I can't wait!

Audrey