JoCoBumpkin

I live in NC and work for the State with great insurance which covers lap band if you meet certain criteria. Otherwise, the charge at Duke was $25K! I did my research and found Dr. Ortiz not only competent, but a LEADER in the Lap Band surgery! I opted for surgery in Tijuana, with Dr. Martinez (partner of Ortiz). FOR THE RECORD, they currently, as of July 4, 2008 have a ZERO, yes, "0" infection rate at the OCC (Obesity Control Center). Not only are they clean and professional, but they are ALL very "easy on the eyes!"

Thanks for sharing that because I have never heard it. Though, it does make sense, I don't want to get even more discouraged when it happens. I am a huge fan of salmon and I can't wait until day 22 so that I can have some! Maybe Cathy is right about the protein, because I am having 2 slim fast shakes a day and then a can of soup, usually tomato (because it's my favorite and I don't get tired of it.) That is only 20g of protein. Maybe my body is storing everything it gets because it thinks it's starving. Some days I vary that and have a drinkable yogurt instead of a shake, then again, some days, I have all of them, just because I am frustrated. Thanks Shy! Angie

Thanks Cathy!

Can anyone please share with me the speed at which you lost weight? I am day 17 post op and have only lost 4 lbs. I am not hungry, but my head says I should be melting with no more than I'm eating. I lost 10 lbs. with the pre surgery diet and was eating much more! Is this normal? Is my body in shock that I stopped with the groceries??? Please help. I am feeling that maybe I spent this money and am not going to get results. I am still on the liquids and am doing fine with it, I just thought I would have lost more by now. Thanks! Angie

Hi Cherb, Where are you in NC? I know there is a fill center in Charlotte. I am 3 hrs from Charlotte myself. First of all, I was only banded on July 3, so I can't give advice on what you are feeling. However, If you are anywhere nearby me, we should talk, because I am a Career Development Facilitator/ Counselor with the NC School system and I have access to many job postings with an inside track. If we can get you employed, then maybe your stomach would settle down enough to eat without problems. I know when I'm stressed, I have terrible reflux (pre band). Then, if you had insurance again, you wouldn't feel so panicky!! You were smart enough to make the decision and committment to get this band, so I trust your judgement on knowing when it has become an urgency on seeing a doctor, money, or no money!!! I am a single mother, and I know that dilema well, "are we sick enough to go to the doctor yet". Please respond, I'd love to help if I can. Best of luck!! Hope you're feeling better. Angie

I am actually being banded on the 3rd. My cousin is coming with me for her first fill on the 4th! So... I look forward to meeting you! Angie (Shannon will be there too!)

Julie, Thanks for the information. I am new and just learning to use this sight. I will be banded on Thursday and I am the one asking all these questions. I never could find Amber's "my story" again to see if she answered my question and I can't find it. Do I need a robe or Pjs for the post surgery parade? Angie

Amber, Thank you SOOOOO much for sharing the details. I am on for Thursday, so it helps to know what to expect. Should I take PJs or my own robe for the "post surgical parade"?

Oh my Gosh, Lisa, you look great. The transition is dramatic!

Dianna, Congrats!!! I'll be there with you!!!! I am so excited. I am 42, my boys are nearly grown and I'm ready to start the next phase of my life. I chose July 3rd as my surgery date because it's the anniversary of my EX and I. I, like you am so excited that I'm not even working tomorrow and I don't leave until Wednesday. See you on the other side of "bandland"!!. Angie =D>

Thank you Denise. Happy Birthday early. That is also my anniversary date w/ my ex, that is why I chose this date.

Hey Y'all!!! I am scheduled for surgery on Thursday, July 3rd at the Obesity Control Center. I have done my homework and am NOT scared about the facility or the Doctors. HOWEVER, I am a country girl raised in Eastern North Carolina, (Johnston County, by God! ) by a preaching/ tobacco farmer and I have never traveled too far from home, let alone out of this country. So, I am a little nervous about Tijuana. I have heard stories of how I could be mugged, shot, and/or arrested in Tijuana if I wear my regular clothes or act like my normal crazy self. There are 4 of us going together and it's not like we'll blend in or anything, we are all naturally blonde and blue-eyed except one; She is red headed and blue-eyed. We are staying in the Lucerna on Wednesday night. What would you recommend us do? I wanted to do a little souvenir shopping while I had time and that way we could introduce ourselves to the area, afterall we arrive there around 6:30pm and will have nothing to do. My brother, (who has never left Johnston County ) has informed me that I was to go straight to the hotel room and not come out. He swears that if I come out after dark there's sure to be trouble. Some of you with real experience, please give me some idea of the feeling you had there. Were the drivers nice and friendly, did you ever feel afraid when you were away from the clinic? Thanks!!

Hey Y'all!!! I am scheduled for surgery on Thursday, July 3rd at the Obesity Control Center. I have done my homework and am NOT scared about the facility or the Doctors. HOWEVER, I am a country girl raised in Eastern North Carolina, (Johnston County, by God! ) by a preaching/ tobacco farmer and I have never traveled too far from home, let alone out of this country. I have heard stories of how I could be mugged, shot, and/or arrested in Tijuana if I wear my regular clothes or act like my normal crazy self. There are 4 of us going together and it's not like we'll blend in or anything, we are all naturally blonde and blue-eyed except one; She is red headed and blue-eyed. We are staying in the Lucerna on Wednesday night. What would you recommend us do? I wanted to do a little souvenir shopping while I had time and that way we could introduce ourselves to the area, afterall we arrive there around 6:30pm and will have nothing to do. My brother, (who has never left Johnston County ) has informed me that I was to go straight to the hotel room and not come out. He swears that if I come out after dark there's sure to be trouble. Some of you with real experience, please give me some idea of the feeling you had there. Were the drivers nice and friendly, did you ever feel afraid when you were away from the clinic? Thanks!!