CalKev

3 days post-op no pain in shoulder at all. Though I was walking laps around the clinic within 15 to 20 minutes of coming out of anesthesia. Each is different.

October Surgeries - Have no fear you are well taken care of and will all come through it feeling great! I had my surgery on Monday the 16th and was doing so well was released to go home on Tuesday though I do live only a couple hours from the clinic. The staff are wonderful and caring as well as top notch in their fields. The facilities are spotless and constantly being sanitized Every step is explained and re-explained so you are comfortable with what your next one will be. When you arrive talk to the others in the lobby and get to know them because within hours you will be walking with them down the clinic halls, I.V. pole in hand in your gown or robe if you bring one. Each encouraged the others to walk and then we had time in the evening to chat. Phones in room call U.S. at no charge just dial 84, 85, or 86 then 1 area code and number. Sprint cell phones worked, verizon ell phones were spotty at best. You have a flat panel tv over your bed with 100 channels and yes most are in english. As for the hotel it had superb security but if you want any extras you need to have tip money on hand. Another patient needed a refrigerator and microwave and they were obliged but only with a tip to seal the deal. As for my recovery I am driving and going to a couple of appointments as well as the store and taking cat naps in between to recharge the energy cells. Dull pain in abdomen but slept on stomach last night with no issues at all. Best of Luck to you all.... though you won't need luck as there will be many working to hard to make you comfortable going through the process.

Hello Bandsters. Lynda and I have been banded for life. Yesterday the 16th of October we went through the surgery and both are feeling great this morning. Look forward to getting home. To all those thinkiing of joining us on this quest in future. Do It! 40 minutes in and out and just a dull pain in stomach region. Talk to you when I get back home.! Calkev

Michelle, Thank you . Just waiting for my ride down a couple hours to Chula Vista for pick-up. Thanks foir the advice will do. Have some packed...wasn't sure how easy to get. Will report on return.. Jitters have set in....... had to drink some piedialite works great and no sugar.as I was seeing stars being 30 pounds down and on liquid for over a month. On the Band wagon.... bad pun. Kevin

Easier said than done. But right on target.

Cyndi - Should see you on Tuesday. I'm being banded on Monday the 16th. Packing as I type. See you there!

Hi Band Fans. Anybody else going to be at OCC on Oct. 16? This is my surgery date and we will be arriving on the 15th. Four of us (2 patients and 2 family members) are toasting our fast with Perrier at the hotel the night of the 15th. If Perrier doesn't do it for you just join us and pick your own bubbly. Jitters, no sleep and no food is preop heaven. As you can tell I am totally out of it. Kevin

Lori - Thank you! I have forwarded the address to the forum to the one with the original question.

Roo, You have a very good idea. From time to time I find myself hittig the backspace key as my post will head off topic. There are many here that can relate with each other in more than just the band arena of talk. The band does create commonality and a community spirit that could launch alot of good discussion in the ups and down of life. My hand is up! Kevin

Hello Fellow Band Fans, First I want to say that anyone with a question like this should first contact Dr. Miranda at OCC for direction. That said any of you have tricks up your sleeve that can make the Pre-Band diet less stressful on those who work long hours and are really feeling plain worn out going through to some such a drastic change in eating. This was asked of me by another Pre-Bander and thought she may get some help here. For example on some days when I can, I split 1 shake into 2 portions so I have a total of 6 over the course of the day. With each one I drink at least 8 oz. of water to fill the void. I feel much more even keel throughout my day. I also use a high whey protein shake (27 grams for 138 calories) which is time released into my system. Drinking to much water and fatigue have given me leg cramps from time to time usually in the middle of the night so I keep potassium tablets on my bedside stand so they are in easy reach for relief. If I cramp a single tablet will usually take them away within 2 to 3 minutes especially if taken sublingually then swallowed with a glass of H2O. Your suggestions and experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Becki - Congratulations on the weight loss! Genentics do play a roll - My biological mother who I met a couple years ago is built just like me accept she wears a dress, make-up and her hair is much longer than mine. She found me - long story. But my whole genetically related clan are big people come to find out. You are lucky you are not as genetically challenged as I.

Second this call Dr. Ortiz ASAP! Don't bother with forum advice go to the source. I would. But try to put your fears on the back burner. I am sure there is a solution that will meet your needs.

I guess the key is to not expose yourself to those golden arches or any of the restaurants that usually flank them on fast food restaurant row. After I take the first bite I usally can't taste much anyway as my tongue has a grease slick on it.

Pam, Fantastic photos and congratulations on the weight loss. Thanks for posting for us pre-ops.

Hi Linda, I'm a vegetarian and thought I was safe from the calorie and transfat monsters when I only ordered a large fry for lunch. My lunch mates were getting a small fry and a burger. I

MimIN, So happy you are doing better! Taking a day at a time is such a good idea. You, me and everyone else on this board are in different places in life so please take this as offered. I can relate with you in one specific area. Secrets... Family Secrets. They can fester and and soon spread to other areas of your life or you can tell yourself it is really none of their business. Is how you eat is up to you or others? A suggestion would be to make a decision to draw a line in the sand and decide whether your food habits are their business or not. Once you set your mind to it you will know what to do. Tell everyone be proud and stop listening to the whispering and interpreting the looks or keep it to yourself and just plain laugh to yourself that you have so many fans of your eating habits. I have been told by another close family member not to discuss their attempted conversations about a second family member with them. No way. I told the first family member that I do not want to participate in this type of underhandedness. If they had something to say about family member number two they better tell that person or a therapist. Not me. On top of that I told them they better not b discussing me and my loved ones in a gossiping way. You may be at a totally different place than I hear in your post. If so take my reply as just another view of life. Best wishes! Kevin

Cyndi, When do you arrive at the hotel? I will be ther between 4pm and 5:30pm. So far we have a group of 5 including family meeting the evening of the 15th to toast our overnight fast with a glass of Perrrier. We are proposing 6:30pm in Lobby to meet and then find a place there to indulge in carbonation. Can you join us? Kevin

Cathrine - Your my mentor - love your lifestyle attitude. Kevin

Cyndi - I am being banded on the 16th. Look forward to meeting you.

T-Cat, We each are coming from a different place and time in our lives. If you are one of the lucky ones that can live it up with food before surgery and switch over to eating very little aftwards good for you. I am just getting a running start because that is how I need to do it. Plus you have much less to lose to be healthy - I should be so lucky. We are all Band Fans but with different BMI's. I'd trade spots with you weight wise anyday. Good Luck with your banding and please let us know how it goes! Kevin

Becki

Becki, That is good news. I have to regularly wear a dress pant, shirt, tie, etc.. It will be nice to be able to again so soon after surgery....while I can. Then they will take a trip of their own to the Salvation Army Store. Soon very soon! Thanks again! Kevin

Lori - Thank you! Also found this one Fit Day that can be used online free or bought for your PC, Palm, or PocketPC. Kevin

Thank you

MimiIN, First I