tnm75

It worked perfectly! My flight for my second fill in February is booked! I had to purchase two one way tickets in order to use them both... but, my normally $500'ish dollar ticket ended up costing me only $200. Plus, I get to fly out of the airport closest to me (there are no parking fees) rather than driving the hour and a half and paying $15 per day for parking... not to mention a tank of full to get me there and back. Granted, my sister would have driven me, but in my car and with my fuel money and two trips to the semi-sorta-close-by-Colorado-airport. I'm super happy to be flying out of New Mexico! Kristy

Sabrina, I wasn't going to go to the OCC for fills. But, the more I thought about it... which included all of the things Lisa mentioned, happened to change my mind. Also, the things that Dr. Ortiz told me had great weight on my final decision. However, I don't have the luxury of having fill center/doctor close to me. If I don't fly to San Diego... I would still have to travel 400+ miles to get to a doctor that would be willing to take me as a patient. There are a couple a tiny bit closer, but my sister lives in Salt Lake City so I'd go there to save on hotel costs. Kristy

LOL... thanks WillT --- guess it doesn't seem like the best idea. Sighs. I suppose there will be conflict and drama everywhere... bummer.

Christy, I think a lot will depend on their case load... but, if you were originally scheduled for that day it seems that you'd just be the last surgery. You need to let them know the change in your itinerary... and, they let you know immediately if there is a change. Kristy

Love the information I've found here. And, friends that I've made. And most importantly... the support. I'll continue to hang around. However, for those of us on Facebook. I'm going to create a group (non-identifying because some of us have chose not to share our decision with family and friends) and it will be by invitation only. If you're interested... I can be found at kstock75@msn.com on Facebook. And, then you can be invited to join the group. Kristy

I would suggest that your stay one night at the OCC and your mom go back to the hotel. The couches in the rooms are very small. And, I don't know if it's allowed anyways. The hotel room for your mom will be covered. I think your mom could have Domino's delivered to the OCC. No refrigerators. But, not really needed. The restaurants at the hotel looked wonderful with good reviews! I chewed gum... but, I didn't really have gas pain issues. And, I had ice... especially on the flight home. Actually... I was given a cup of ice by the OCC nurses after surgery. Yes, the hotel takes American money. Kristy

Sue, I would call the OCC. The nausea and vomiting isn't normal. I've gotten the pain in my chest... but, I know for a fact it is because I have gotten something stuck. I've done this twice, but it goes through my band in a minute or two. I'm trying to chew better. Are you able to keep fluids down? Kristy

I'll read the fine print... I'm just going to try a $75 voucher if I can win the bid for under $40. I'll let you know! Kristy

Have any of you purchased airline vouchers off of eBay, newspaper ads or Craigslist? I'm thinking of doing this, but thought I'd see if anyone has actually done this. Thanks, Kristy

I'm thinking perhaps it was a typo. Dr. Martinez is calling me today... I'm having issues with my large incision and he wants to talk to me --- I'll ask him about second fills. I'm looking for airline tickets mid-February for my second fill. I'll just be sure to purchase insurance incase I need to move it back or move it forward. Kristy

I was banded a day early as soon as I arrived. I'm glad... because they had over nine scheduled for my original date. I most likely would not have gotten a private room. Kristy

Dr. Ortiz told me that if I returned to the OCC that I would probably only need 2-3 fills in my lifetime. But, if I went somewhere else that I might be looking at 10-20+ fills in a lifetime. Kristy

It will help. Like Lisa... I suggest only cardio until you are three month post-op. Plus, you are supposed to start some type of exericse one week prior to surgery. I walked during my lunch break at work. Kristy

I have soups. Sabrina... you also don't have any restriction right now, so EVERYTHING is going through your band until you get at least your first fill, if not additional fills. If it fills you up, eat away in controlled portions! Uhm, maybe I should send you money and have you ship me some of that yummy soup! Kristy

Congratulations! What a wonderful thing to look forward to! Kristy

Hey Judi... do you know any Mechams' in New Mexico?

I have my first fill scheduled for January 16. I asked about how long between first and second fills... wanting to schedule my second fill so that I can purchase an airline ticket as soon as possible. I live in the twigs and the sticks... and, flying out of itty-bitty-teensy-tiny airports can cost an arm and a leg. I was hoping to purchase a ticket for mid-February for my second fill as tickets are already approximately $500-$600... yikers. My response from the OCC was six months after my first fill for my second fill?! Perhaps I'll hold off on purchasing an airline ticket and risk paying a higher price. So confused, Kristy

My pre-op was harder than my post-op too. The biggest thing for me was to take time for me when I ate. I ate slower... read a magazine while I ate, enjoyed my Lean Cuisine, etc. I also had Jolly Ranchers in my bag... I sucked on those little buggers constantly. Kristy

LOL... love your "thisthreadisworthlesswithoutpics!"

I find the unknown the hardest to deal with. Like so many things in life... we're blindly making our way through. What does a good fill feel like? What does restriction feel like? Unlike Shelby... my appetite after going back to solids is back full-force. It's so frustrating, but I'm trying to take it day-by-day and not over eat. Kristy

Sarah, Hey you... been thinking about you! How are you feeling? What did OCC say about you not being able to eat? Kristy

The $7,950 includes the surgery, your shuttle to and from the airport/train station, three nights at a hotel for you & a guest and a lifetime of free blind fills. Basically above the $7,950 you will have to pay for your transportation to San Diego. Also, plan for tips for your driver and hotel staff. If you choose to go back to the OCC for fills then you're looking at transportation to San Diego and $279 (fill under fluro [$100], one night at a hotel and shuttle to and from the airport/train station). Hope this helps. Kristy

No advice... I haven't had my first fill yet. Did you go to the OCC? Kristy

Too often! The scale is evil... yet one sits in my bathroom and one sits in my kitchen. You'd think I'd learn! I weigh myself each morning... at the same time --- after my shower. Your weight can fluctuate so much during the day that it can become mad'ning if you step on it too often. Kristy

Judi, I know for me... Dr. Miranda said three meals a day and no snacking. However, I'm a bit of a snacker so it's been incredibly difficult for me. But, I'm working on it. I would just work on up'ing your calories during your meals. Sometimes you'll stop losing if you're not meeting your daily requirement. Kristy