Red

Thanks guys! I'm going to journal everything and will definitely take many photos. Funny, I typically HATE photos of myself for obvious reasons. They make me feel bad. But now I'm anxious to record through photos, all the weight that someday isn't going to be there anymore. I just received all my paperwork and will go fill it all out, knowing that in 3 short weeks, I will be driving down to Mexico and starting a new life. How GREAT is that??????????? >

Oh Happy Day! I just got off the phone with my OCC coordinator, Carolyn, and have booked my date to be banded. I'm going to TJ on July 20th for pre-ops, and surgery will be on the 21st. I will be staying at the Marriott and most likely going by myself. Carolyn says about a third of the patients come alone and it is no problem. They pick you up on the U.S. side and escort you everywhere, so I'm not worried. Just wanted to share my exitement!

I'm so glad that this topic has come up for those of us soon to be banded at the OCC! Oh happy day! My husband and I discussed everything tonight and he is leary on all kinds of levels, but will support me on getting banded. I am going to arrange a date with OCC tomorrow. I can't tell you how excited I am!!!!!!!!!!!!! I too have some questions for those of you that have already gone through this. Regarding the pre-op stuff mentioned on this site.....what is it? Are you sent a package with information, or do they call you and tell you all about what you are to do before your surgery date? Can anyone explain kind of what occurs once you arrange your surgery date? Thanks! Red

=D> That is AWESOME! Congratulations and keep reporting your progress. I can't wait until my turn!! Red

No wonder I didn't know! I'm menopausal and thank God, don't have to deal with that anymore!! That is the one upside!!

Hugs back, Robynn.. Don't laugh, but what's a TOM??

VancouverGurl, How wonderful that today is THE day! I can't wait until my turn and I can be posting that I have had my surgery. I hope all went well and am looking forward to hearing all about it! Red

Hi Susan, Congrats! I hope to be able to make July date for surgery as well. I'm just waiting for some funds that are owed me to come through. I too have found this to be an absolutely fabulous site for information. After reading so many posts, I feel really informed and know what to expect before, during and after the procedure, don't you? Thanks to all you bandsters that have "gone before" and have shared with the rest of us. You are truly appreciated! >

I found that this calculator is helpful...not just for protein, but lots of other things as well: http://www.healthcalculators.org/calculators/protein.asp

OK, so this is my 4th and last attempt at replying. I just don't get what I'm doing wrong that I would be denied a response. Anyway, I truly appreciate the feedback I've received from everyone. I can only conclude that it is a decision that is mine and mine alone. I will give hubby Dave every assurance that I have researched this and believe it is what I need to help me to my goal weight. I have been fat my whole life with the exception of a couple of times I used various dangerous diet pills, and don't want to go that route anymore. I just want to eat healthy and have something to show for it that will last my lifetime. I have been fat since age 5 and was called by other kids "fatty Patty". No more. I want to live the second half of my life happy with my body. I am hoping to set a surgery date for July and will take comfort in knowing that there are many on this site that know what I am feeling and will be with me on my journey. Much thanks to you all.... Red

Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I keep getting an error message saying I am "forbidden" (wow, that's harsh!) to reply. I WANT so badly to reply to the feedback I received, so I will perservere!!

Thank you Tootsie_Lou and SimSim for your input. I have no doubts that I can do this; he is much more analytical than me and a "worrier". He wonders if having the surgery done in Mexico will cause any issues down the road with our insurance company covering other things such as if I had some unrelated abdomenal issue that AETNA will refuse to cover because I had the lap band surgery outside the country. I guess that is a legitimate concern. Has anyone had a problem like that?

Hi everyone, I'm new on this site and have only just made the decision to have the banding done with Dr. Ortiz. I haven't made the appointment yet, but will soon. My husband is supportive but has questions/concerns. Understanding how much I like food, he is concerned about how I will adapt to the lifestyle change that the band will impose on me. Do you all find that it is very difficult to adapt? I don't get that impression from what I read, but maybe someone can explain how the band impacts you in terms of emotional eating, appetite, etc., and how you feel mentally after the banding. Also, after discussing some of the risks with him, like the band possibly moving out of place, he wanted to know what people do who have the stomach flu and have to vomit. Wouldn't that cause it to move? I didn't have the answer, so here I am. Thoughts, anyone?