SValentino

Not anymore.

Yesterday I met with my best friend and asked her to take a couple of before photos of me. I've been putting it off and now that I'm three weeks post-op, I better do it. Gag. I bit the bullet and she snapped away. One front shot and one side shot. I look like a grotesque monster. I knew I would really regret it if I didn't have a before pic. I spent decades avoiding the camera at any cost and there really are no photos of me from the last 30 years really. i'm 48. (Not even a wedding picture). So now I'm facing the demons. Bring it on, I say!

Hi, I'm scheduled to get my first fill in three weeks. What is kind of bothering me about what 'm reading on this forum is the (average) amount of fills most people need. I have no money to spend on lots of fills ( was laid off almost two years ago and cashed in my dwindling 401K to get the band) and am worrying if I'll have $ to get lots of fills. I really want (who doesn't) success with no more a fill or two. I know, I know, everyone is different. I'm just venting. Thanks for listening.

in addition, i made sure to bring a blank notebook and i journaled my brains out. it was great.

Hi Scott, I also live about two hours from TJ. I drove myself. I did the whole thing by myself and loved it. Francisco met me at the car park in San Ysidro ad took me straight to the clinic. I had the surgery that day and spent the night at OCC. Then the following morning went to the Lucerna and rested. To be honest, I was ready to drive back to OC the next day but stayed because A, I paid for it and B, it was wonderful to stay in TJ, believe it or not. I drove myself home with zero problems. My last afternoon there I took a city tour (the company comes by the hotel on the hour) and had a ball. Fransisco picked me up at the Lucerna on the last day and took me across the border in a special lane for comercial vehicles. You still have to go through customs and all that, and I waited in line maybe 10 minutes till I was across and Francisco took me back to the car park in SY. Piece of cake. You'll be fine. I didn't tell anyone I was going down there except three of my closest friends. No need to tell anyone, really. It's your show.

Thanks, everyone. I double checked the card and whaddaya know, it sys 10 cm. Thanks for clarifying it for me.

Today I looked at the little card that I got at OCC looking to see what size band I have, It said 10cc. That sounds big. Do you think I'll have a problem down the road when I start losing the fat around my stomach?

Oh, my dear. It's been repeated here several times. you are NOT alone! I'm finding out that having the band is a lot more than losing weight. Look at you! You took a stand and trusted you judgment and what you know is right for you and you are going forward with it. That is HUGE! This is such a great thing you are doing for yourself on more than one level; wouldn't you say? And the rewards will be mor than weight loss, I think. But the weight loss will be fantastic! I'm behind you, girl!

Like I said, I am two weeks post-op and I did catch myself thinking "Did I do the right thing?" I'm going on what I'm learning on this forum and the success stories and strategies. I answered my own question with, "Yes, you did. You'll see."

If I can offer my two cents. I was banded two weeks ago. I told only three friends and made it very clear that I wanted their support, not judgment. You will be blown away by how great it is in MX. The facility is sparkling and immaculate. The doctors and staff are superb and kind and genuine. The hotel is wonderful. I went down there by myself. My choice. Did the whole thing myself. I would not have it any other way. If you forgive me saying this, it sounds like the negative comments are coming from ignorance. You've made great strides in finding out for yourself what the band is all about. I am here to tell you (as are all the others on this forum) that you have absolutely nothing to fear about the procedure, recovery and TJ. You will see for yourself. You are embarking on a fantastic journey. You will love it! WTG!!!!!!

YAY FOR U!!! You post has inspired me and I thank you for that.

I saw the show. I thought The Doctors were disrespectful to our Dr.O. He was so dignified and gracious when his "hosts" were anything but. They kept him to the side and even turned their backs on him so they could all fit in camera range. That said, Dr. O does great work and screw the smug "doctors". Dr. O can run circles around any of them.

Are you kidding?! You look fantastic!

That's annoying. I need to contact them to get some pricing info. How did you find out about this webinar? I'd like to sign up too.

YUM! Sounds like heaven on earth. I'm still on liquids and can't wait to try this when the time is right.

Yea Carrie!!

Girl, you are the bomb! There's nothing to be afraid of. You will be so beautifully taken care of every step of the way at OCC. Nothing to fear AT ALL. Wow, you're 18 and doing his great thing for yourself! Fantastic!

Thanks everyone!

Fantastic!! I can feel how happy you are today! How great that you've turned a corner as far as overeating goes. I feel inspired. Today is two weeks since I was banded and I'll have my first fill on Dec. 15. I'm looking forward to feeling restriction. I'm very careful with the liquids but don't feel any different yet. Thank you for sharing your story!

That's fantastic! I was banded a whopping two weeks ago and am hoping that I will have as successful a post to make in ten months' time! Way to go!!

I just recently found about about this little berry. Then heard about Dr. Oz hyping it on Oprah. As far as finding out more online, all I really found was, "Buy from me! Buy from me!" websites. Has anyone used it?

For me, whenever I decreased depression med doses, I was a mess too. I'm not on anything else. Just one med. Lowering the dose, at this time, for me, would be a big mistake. Maybe just take it slow. Hang in there, girl.

Girl, you are the bomb! I just started my journey 10 days ago and will remember these pics and remiond myself to keep my eyes up and on the prize. Good on you!

I drove there, too, and brought water. I never once thought about drinking the water from the tap there. If I go anywhere in the US, I drink bottled water. Never from the tap. And I knew I wasn't going there to eat . Just know you are not in the third world in TJ. Not anymore. I really hope that the scary reputation that TJ once had will be replaced by high recommendations by those who have seen the new and improved TJ. I look forward to going back (not just for fills) to hang out and goof around as a tourista. TJ, Rosarito (another place completely changed for the better) and Ensenada. For those of you in So CA (like me) I realized that Baja CA is the best-kept secret right here in our own backyard.

Congratulations! I was banded there 10 days ago and it was a piece of cake. You will be very well taken care of every step of the way. The chicken broth from the restaurant downstairs is really quite good. You have made a fantastic decision to do this. You are not alone. We are all here for you! Great success to you.