DisasterWalking73

Good luck, Dave - you'll be there right before me!

I'm getting the idea that the card is something that explains you have a band and will therefore be eating smaller portions - is that correct? I'm curious to know, what is the wording exactly, and how many places accept it? Sounds like a great perk!

Awww, Ashley - I am so sorry to hear your mom reacted that way. My mom's reaction was very negative at first as well, but now she seems to be coming around - and is even talking about coming with me! I'd give your mom a chance to cool down and then maybe mail her the link to the OCC's website. Dr. Ortiz's credentials speak for themselves - I think a lot of times these reactions are out of shock and fear of the unknown. Also, people hear Mexico and think "third world country"!!! - they don't realize how commonly done the surgery is, and how good the facilities actually are at the OCC. Best of luck, sweetie - I know you will find a way to make it happen. - Deena

Well, I hate to suggest dishonesty... (lol) but maybe you could imply that it's work-related travel. Indirectly, it is - since you will surely have more energy to do your job once your weight is down! Lol - I know, it's a stretch...

Will do, RevyD - let me give you my email as well: haiberz@aol.com Please forgive me if I don't talk much over the next couple of days - I've got both my little ones starting school this week, and I'm studying for the GRE's to attempt to get into Grad school (plus it seems we all have doctor's appointments of some kind every day this week!) - anyway, suffice to say, I'm crazy-busy right now. But I'm looking forward to chatting about pre-op diets, what you're bringing - all that good stuff - talk to you soon! - Deena

Hey there, RevyD - I was really hoping there'd be somebody from the board having surgery the same day as me - so this is cool! Unfortunately, we will not be in the same hotel, though - I'm at the Lucerna. I picked that only because it is closer and I hear that you are more likely to get to go back to your hotel the night of your surgery (but, they can also keep you at the clinic if you so desire). Also, I know it's in a very safe area (not that the Marriott isn't, I just heard that you are particularly unlikely to have any problems at the Lucerna) - I have heard the Marriott beds are nicer, though! lol I am also coming solo, at this point. I'll be coming from Tampa, FL and my flight arrives at 12:35 - so just after noon. I was hoping to get my pre-ops done the first day as well, but we'll see. Well, now I guess I can say - see ya there - we'll be starting October banded, girl! -- Deena

I'm scheduled for the 29th too, RevyD! Yay, I'm so excited that I'll know someone there from the board! Are you coming with a companion, or solo? We'll probably be sharing a ride from the airport, too. -- Deena

Well said, Lea. I'm with you - I'm telling my husband and a few of my closest friends - but my family? No. Well, let me take that back, I have told my mom and her response has been very negative. I don't need that kind of stress, so now I'm sorry I told her. Oh, and I have told my kids 10 & 5 - they handled it much more maturely than my mom did.

Thanks for the replies, ladies - it's amazing how many potential problems my mind is coming up with!

Hi, Amber - welcome to the board. My name's Deena and I'm a newbie, too - I come with a lot of questions! lol I have been scheduled for surgery with Dr. Ortiz on Sept. 29th and I was asked to lose 12 lbs pre-op and given three pre-op diet options to choose from (my starting weight is 248 lbs). Option 1: 1 Week (7 days) of weight-loss shakes only (optifast, slimfast, Atkins, etc...) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Option 2: 2 Weeks of a weight-loss shake for breakfast and lunch, and a lean cuisine (or similar pre-packaged meal) for dinner. Carolyn said unlimited green salad during the day (greens only) with the 5-calorie dressing spray (no other dressings) and grilled chicken breast for dinner is also permissable. Plain grilled chicken breast... yay! lol Option 3: 3 Weeks of Atkins induction - basically, a very restricted carb diet. Less than 20 grams of net carbs a day, consisting of meats, cheeses and low-carb vegetables. No sugar and diet soft drinks are limited to 2 a day. I think I'm going to choose option 3 and do it for 4 weeks, just to be safe. For one thing, I've used low carb diets before and have had a lot of weight-loss success (they just seem to agree with my body) - also, the ketosis really helps eliminate hunger for me. Anyway, hope this was helpful - good luck to you!

Hi, everybody - I've been lurking on this board a bit since getting my surgery date (Sept. 29th) and, as that date nears, I'm coming up with more and more questions... First of all, how does taking prescription medications (pills) during the post-op diet work? I take birth control pills, and they're very small, but I still don't want to do anything to compromise my band during that very-important healing period. Do most people crush them or just take them whole - also, what happens once you've had a fill - is it still possible to take a pill? Ok, and second - I'm a little worried about the port. Sorry, this is embarrassing - but it occured to me (for you female bandsters out there) does it get in the way, or cause pain during, uh, intimate moments? lol Do you have to be very careful of it? How does that work? Thanks for any and all info and opinions.

I feel ya - I'm to be banded on Sept. 29th and I have many of the same fears and concerns. However, I think Smiley is 100% correct - if I do not get the band and continue on at my current weight, then I KNOW my health will get worse and worse. With the band, I'll deal with the complications when and if they come, knowing the overall result will be worth it. Hope that helps.

Thank you for posting that! I have a lot of confidence in Dr. Ortiz - but, not having been to the OCC prior to my surgery, it still helps a lot to read something like this. Best of luck!

You look so great, Carrie! You should be very very proud - it is amazing how someone can be large and still lpretty, but then they lose the weight and it's just like - wow, they're beautiful! Being at the right weight really seems to bring out the real you - great job! - Deena

Hi, Charelle! I'm going to be banded only 11 days after you! Actually, I'm not the original poster (didn't mean to hijack the thread and make it all-about-me lol) But I know exactly what you mean, and I LOVE that quote. As much as I would like to say differently, I do have some concerns about what people will think - but, you know what - who cares? I certainly don't care enough to stay fat for them, that's for sure! My concerns are mostly about my own willpower and ability to stick to doctor's orders. After years of making bad food choices and eating all kinds of crap, it will be a change. However, I am feeling more positive today and I know I can do it. Best of luck to you - I know you're gonna do great, too - wish we were going to be there at the same time, then I'd say hi in person! - Deena

Thank you so much for your kind words, Carrie. Judging from your pictures, you are doing wonderfully - you look beautiful! I am starting out at a very similar weight (to your starting weight, that is) - so those are a big inspiration! Anyway thanks again - I'm still scared, but sooo excited to have this chance to get my health back! -- Deena

Hi, Thinkinghard - your post reminded me a lot of myself. Yesterday I booked my surgery w/Dr. Ortiz - and put down my deposit and bought a plane ticket today. Then the panic set in. How am I going to do this? What if the pre-op diet's a total failure - what if I just don't stick to it? What if I can't do the post-op and cheat and wreck my band? What if I experience endless pain and discomfort and can't get the hang of taking small bites? And the disaster-scenarios go on and on... lol But then I took a breath - yes, I am scared. But I won't give up this chance. If I stay fat then I know the outcome will be negative - at least with the band there is a lot of hope. I will do my personal best, and it will be worth it. I hope.

Got my date yesterday, and I'm so excited! Sept. 29! I feel so ready for this - I can't wait. I'm even excited to start the pre-op diet (lol) - I just can't wait to get my life back. Anyone else going to be at the OCC at that time? -- Deena

Carolyn just scheduled me for September 29th!!! Yaaay!

I wish I had something really helpful to say - I'm afraid I don't, but I just wanted to offer you and her the best of luck - I think it's wonderful that you are making an effort to do something for her - many people wouldn't. I hope she finds a good option. Godspeed.

Thanks, Dana - that is very helpful!

Hi, all - I'm new here and hoped I might get some insight into my main concern: obtaining care after my surgery. I think the OCC sounds great, and I've got no concerns about going there. However, I don't think I'll be able to travel back to TJ for fills, aftercare, etc... (I live in the Tampa, FL area and have two small kids, limited funds, you know the drill - so travelling back and forth is not in the cards for me) -- is there a way to obtain fills and aftercare locally? What do I do if I have complications? Any insight/advice/personal experiences greatly appreciated - and nice to meet you all! -- Deena