BandDiva

I am driving with my family. I am actually going to get there on the 4th. My surgery is not scheduled till the 10, but I have business stuff to do in San Diego plus I am visiting family. When do we visit with Dr. O? Just on the day of surgery? I was wondering if I went the day before for labs (like they told me to do), would I get all my answers then? Being stuck twice doesn't really bother me, just wondering if I broke it up, could I be one of the first on operating day. Since we are staying in San Diego, I will have transporation to and from anytime I need it. I have called the OCC twice and they just seem very rushed on the phone. Maybe I should call back and just try to nail something down. I am just trying to figure it out because my husband is not driving, I have to buy him an airline ticket because he can't get off work more than 2 days. So, it will make a difference in him coming in on Wednesday or Thursday night.

Are you doing your Labs the day before? I am trying to decide if I want to do them the day of.......

My brother just moved out of Houston and his friends are calling him freaking out. We live in Dallas which is about 4.5 hour drive. I hear Dallas is filling up with visitors. I pray it is not going to be as bad as they say it is.

My primary care Doctor and myself have talked about lapband for the last couple of years as an option for myself. When I called his office last month to leave a message with his staff to have him call me so we could discuss my decsion about having the surgery I got his nurse. Ofcourse she wanted to know what it was regarding. She went off! She said, "He is not going to like this." "We don't like our patients going to Mexico, for ANYTHING!" I said look, "would you just have him call me?" (I was a little ticked) When he called, He said, Hi Dana, What is going on? To make a long story short......He said,"What Dr. in Mexico? I said Dr. Ariel Ortiz. He said, I totally support your decision and I think you will do just great. I want you to fax all your test results and call me as soon as you can and let me know how everything went." I was really excited by his response and his support! I love & respect my Dr!!! When I heard that, It just gave me more peace about going to Mexico! It just goes to show you that Dr's over here do have his respect for Dr. O & these nurses (sometimes) are just stuck up snobs that don't know any better.

So, I have noticed Dr. Ortiz recomends just a few fills, correct? Is this view different than that of U.S Doctors? Alot of you are going for a second fill just a month or 6 weeks after your first fill. Is this standard? My book hasn't arrived yet. Just wondering if you are doing this because you feel you need it or because Doctors are telling you to come for a fill? I am not understanding when you go for a fill (how often)? It seems everyone has a different opinion. I called another place today, and they told me something else! I am confused! HELP! I guess Dr. Ortiz will set me straight. LOL

I am going to let the OCC know they told me this. They might not want to refer patients to him anymore. RUH ROH!

Oh Geez....I agree. No Soda, No Beer, No Coffee. Plus, No Drinks with meals. It would be hell. LMAO! I have to have a cup of coffee yall. Please don't tell me I can't have a cup of coffee. I don't even have to have cream or a pot! But, I need atleast ONE BIG CUP!

Wow. This is really great to know. My surgery is 10/10. The Dr. that I called here locally to take care od my fills once I get home (Dallas TX) told me I will need to come once every 4-6 weeks for the 1st year of weight loss. I really think that after hearing what you have to say, I will not only want to go back to the OCC for my first fill but for all of them! I will just have to plan ahead and buy my plane tickets ahead of time when they are affordable. If I watch, I can get them for about 360.00 round trip. Thanks for the info! Things like this make me realize I am making the right decision choosing the OCC and Dr. O! =D>

I feel the exact same way. I am very happy and blessed to have found this forum and to be making so many new friends. I know some people don't find it until right before their surgery, or even after. But, it is nice to be able to get so much insight from all of you before "going under the knife". haha It just really settles the nerves. Thank you all so much! Much kuddos to you all! I can hardly wait to be "ONE OF YOU." LOL

Hi Donna, My Surgery is scheduled for Oct. 10, hope to see you there!

I know you can't drink with your meals. How long do you have to wait to drink after you eat? This is going to be a hard habit to break for me. Thanks! I am starting all these new habits now, a month before surgery! I started my pre-op diet a few days ago and down 3 lbs of the 14. So, off to a good start. I have until 10/10.

That is US HealthCare for you. But, you would have had to wait 6 months right? Or did you already go through all of that?

Wow! This is wonderful for all us coming up to surgery! Thanks Michelle, YOU ROCK!

I didn't know a band was needed for all of this. LOL

Just curious if anyone is using the Optifast and if it is sugar free? Or do you just look for lower glycemic levels in your shakes & powders? I use SPro 20 by Sly Stallone, and it is higher in protein, potassium, burns fat, and tastes great. Here is a link to Sly's powder..... https://www.myseriesse.com/ProductPage.aspx...amp;ID=danaball But, just not sure if Dr. Ortiz says no sugar at all in your shakes. ??? Curious what you all used..... or still use as meal replacements when you have a shake. Other than the norm Slim Fast. Thanks! Just want to get started on the right foot. Getting started on an early pre-op.

I can get them for you. But, I won't be there until Oct 10 for surgery. Someone else might be there sooner???

Aspartame is so bad for you anyway. Carbonation or not. I have gotten used to drinking de-caf tea and if you must sweeten it, use splenda. You can also use green tea drops with acai berry that are really great for you. I add these to my water and tea, I drink water all day long and always have a bottle of this in my purse. I actually cut soda months ago when I got hooked on this.....check it out, it just might help you kick sodas as it did me. Seriously, I drank just as many Diet Dr.Peppers as you do Pepsi's. But when I learned about Aspartame, I quit! This atleast gives your water different flavors with no calories or sugar! http://www.myseriesse.com/GreenTea_shop.aspx?ID=danaball

Hi Jessica & Shelby! Nice to meet yall! ) I guess we are in this together. heehee Soon, we will know all this "lingo" everyone is talking about. PBing, Slime, etc. HAHA I wish you both the best! Blessings to you both! :-h

I am enjoying this forum so much! I have already made friends and I am looking forward to meeting more of you. I still have so much to learn before surgery & I am sure I will learn so much more after surgery. Anyway, my date is October 10! Just curious who will be there that day and who else will be going to OCC in October!

Congratulations on your hard work! I can't wait to post my accomplishments! I have my shakes and a starting my pre-op diet this Monday.

ArmyWives! Me and my husband are addicted. LOL Also, love The Unit & October Road. I liked Greys Anatomy until last season, it sucked.

Michelle~ You are very inspiring! Thank you! You make me want to move up my surgery date! LOL But, I can't I gotta lose about 15 lbs by then. LOL I guess I can wait another month Thanks for posting the pics! They really make me believe I will get there too!

I called to discuss fills with a doctors office here in Dallas that OCC recommended and they told me they recommend every 4-6 weeks for the first year! I was very surprised at this! I guess I will just wait & see how I feel. My band date is 10/10.