tnm75

Fabi, Welcome! And, congratulations on your decision. I was banded on December 3... so this is all pretty new for me. I had support, but I traveled alone. It wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Kristy

No jello or pudding on the 21 day post-op... per Dr. Miranda! On the paperwork that I received it specifically stated that the diet had been changed from the original paperwork that I have received. Also, that counts out Wendy's chili unless you pick out all the chuncks. Cindy, It sounds like you're doing really well. Congratulations! I'm much like your mom. Not much pain, not much gas (the gas I do have is in the form of painful hiccups). However, I've been having hunger pangs lately. I'm on day 14. During my first 7 days, after 4 bowls of broth... I couldn't do it anymore. I basically lived on popsicles/otter pops. And, after day 4... drinkable yogurt. I found that Dannon Danimals tasted the best to me. I also continued taking metimucile capcules for hunger pangs... mid-morning and late afternoon. I would go to Subway and order soups that had broth because it tasted better than plain broth. Kristy

You are supposed to stop taking all medications the day before surgery. However, I took my meds that morning that I flew out... and, they moved my surgery up and banded me that same day. From my point of view, it is okay. But, email the doctor to find out for sure. Kristy

Just got a call from ABF... they are delivering my treadmill today. I'm so excited! Kristy

Okay... I think I got my settings changed where you can add me with my email address; kstock75@msn.com. Kristy

I believe in the paperwork it states that you must stop smoking two weeks prior to surgery. Kristy

Oh man... I love my mom's homemade bread.

It's weird... but, I cannot wait for my treadmill to get here! Kristy

Just remember the money that you put into the surgery! And, it will help immensely when it comes to "cheating" afterwards! I mean... I lay down at night and think, "KFC mashed potatoes can be sucked through a straw. Right?" But, when it comes down to it... I don't give in. And, I love food! Kristy

Sabrina, I feel your pain! Yesterday... I was starving! Are you taking Metamucile capsules? Take one at 10 o'clock AM and one at 3 o'clock PM and it will help with the hunger pangs. Kristy

I have taken all of my medication whole... Tylenol included. And, have had no issues. I don't do well with liquid medications... again, texture issues. Kristy

It's your decision. I've been so happy with my decision. And, from my research... Dr. Ortiz is one of the best. From the start of my pre-op diet on November 1, 2008 to today... I have lost 31 pounds. It's probably the best decision that I've ever made! Mexico isn't as scary as some people make it out to be. In all honesty, the world is a scary place... not just Mexico. Kristy

I'm on Facebook. You can find me searching kstock75@msn.com. Kristy

For the life of me... I cannot find or feel my port. Kristy

Mine we a bit itchy too. Thankfully the glue is off of mine. And they seem to be healing well. Kristy

I had some broth at the hotel before I left for the airport. Once I got through security... I was sure to get some water and gatorade. On the plane I got water with lots of ice. I didn't use any mixes at all during the flight home. I was too tired to mess with it... I was just sure to keep hydrated. I left the hotel at 7:00 am PST and didn't walk in my door until 10:00 pm MST. You will be given pain meds when you leave the OCC and they dissolve under the tongue. You might sleep on the plane... you will have just had major surgery and it takes a lot out of you. I haven't had any issues with my meds. I'm on Paxil for anxiety. And, I sometimes take Tylenol PM to help me sleep. You can take them without crushing them. Capsules you take normally and tablets you break into pieces. You're appetite the first few days after surgery will be minimal. Or it should. Most hunger that you feel will be mental hunger. Mental hunger is the worst. My suggestion is to be sure you have Gas-X if gas is an issue and be sure to have fluids and you'll be fine. If you have a long layover... get a cup of hot water and drop some broth mix into it. Kristy

I haven't started working out yet, except for several small walks each day. But, I did just purchase a treadmill that should be here in a week or so. An option might be to look on craigslist... this time of year, there will be tons of people selling old equipment because Christmas brings new equipment. I have a full-time desk job. It's time consuming and my 7 hour contracted day can turn into 10+ hours easily. At lunch I have been walking around the building. When I can workout aggressively, I will make sure to put time aside each day to exercise. I figure that I'll have extra time because I won't be eating constantly. It is more of getting into the habit. Perhaps we could start an exercising thread where we can share ideas. Good luck. Kristy

Cindy, Welcome to bandland! Isn't the OCC staff amazing? I'm glad that all went well. Kristy

Welcome! Congratulations on being banded! I'm a newbie bandster too... I was banded on December 3.

I would suggest taking a taxi to Revolution Avenue. However, be prepared for the ride of your life. Tijuana traffic is nuts! And Jude, love love love the Mexican vanilla... I brought back eight bottles. One for me and the rest are going in Christmas stockings for my mom, sisters and sisters-in-law. Kristy

Yay... for the number 50! Congratulations! How awesome that you have a doctor that is willing to work with you... that's a GOOD doctor! Kristy

You look so good!!! Congratulations on all of your hard work!!! Kristy

I went to Revolution Avenue. I got some great silver jewelry, sunglasses and Mexican vanilla! I felt safe... and, I was by myself. Of course... an American on Revolution Avenue is bombarded with shop owners promising you the best deal. Don't pay what they are asking! Rule of thumb... I learned this while vacationing in Mexico from a Mexico-native, always talk them down to half of what they are asking for. I tip the seller a buck or two. Not because I had to, but because I feel so fortunate for what I have. Kristy

I followed my pre-op diet pretty well... but, I had my moments. I would substitute a Lean Cuisine for Taco Bell (bean burrito and pinto-s and cheese) once in awhile... and, I did eat Thanksgiving dinner with my family. We went to the movie on Thanksgiving Day and I had a pickle and Red Vines. Before my pre-op diet, I visited several of my favorite restaurants. I had planned on yummy Mexican food the night before my surgery. But, I ended up getting banded a day early. When they first asked me if I would have my surgery right-then-and-there my thought was, "BUT I WAS GOING TO EAT TONIGHT!" Oh well, not too much of a biggie. I'm looking forward to Mexican food after my 21 day post-op diet. Kristy

I would go to the local grocery store that had a salad bar and put a salad together with all different kids of greans. Lettuce, spinach, broccoli, peas, cucumbers and would top it with mushrooms and tomatoes (both okay during pre-op) and then I sprinkled a tablespoon of bacon bits on top. I would have no dressing or would use a salad spritzer. It was yummy... and, filling. Kristy