GregNE

Adkins has a line of protein bars, most with 1-3 net gms of carbs. Flavors include chocolate chip crisp, chocolate coconut bars, peanut butter, etc. They can be purchased at supercenters and large grocery stores. Wal-mart sells them in the pharmacy area (next to Slim-Fast shakes). Be careful though, as many other brands of protein bars are loaded with carbs. Check those labels!

I had my first episode of food getting stuck this morning. I grabbed one of those little danish pastries that were at my motel for the 'continental' breakfast as I was checking out. I tore a bite off with my mouth, and, without thinking, let it slide down without chewing. WOW!!!!!! This was the first time I had any feeling of having the band inside me, and it felt like someone had a hand in my abdomen, twisting my stomach around! It was a sensation of discomfort I have never felt. Fortunately, I was near the juice machine, and I quickly got an OJ and washed the piece down. I am not sure if a piece of meat or any other firm food would have washed down so easily, so it was a reminder of the need to chew, chew, chew. I have not PB'd or 'slimed' thus far, so getting food stuck was my first side effect. I do not know what would have occurred had the piece not washed through.

Liz, I am doing just fine, and great to hear from you! I returned back to work with no problems (except a little soreness from leg cramps). I am currently in Ohio, and returning to my home in Omaha tomorrow until my next assignment. The glue on my scars is almost gone. In fact, the scars are almost not visible. My one longer scar is 'indented' a few millimeters. I have spent so many years avoiding scales, I have not checked my weight for about 2 weeks. I received the larger VG band, so I do not expect serious results until my first or second fill, but my belt is a little looser! I hope you are doing well also. Having two beautiful women with me in the "Nov. 14th club" made the experience a bit more pleasant, and I hope both you and Kristi continue toward your goals.

Great to hear from you Kristi Ann! Just to give you an update, I started to get the slight pain/discomfort at the same incision site you did, but it was/is minor. Also limping a little now (from a massive leg cramp a couple of nights ago). Guess I need to add more OJ to my liquid diet. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I was happy to go shopping with you. I too am back to work, but am not back to my full energy level. I do hope we can keep in touch. I also wonder how Liz is doing. Hope she wanders onto the forum soon. Take care, and best of wishes to you.

I am 7 days post-op, and I have had difficulty finding ways to get all of my potassium required during my clear and full liquid stages. I have had occasional leg cramps, which indicates to me my need for additional potassium. The best option I have found is orange juice, but was wondering if anyone else experienced this. Also, the supplements available only offer 3% of the US RDA, while the OJ offers 8% per glass. Greg

I totally agree with Kevin's response. However, my attitude has been that it is more important to lose the weight than worrying about the excess skin issue. I know after losing my weight, I will both look and feel better, and be healthier. And, should excess skin be an issue for me, plastic surgery is widely available, and the results are amazing. Watch the plastic surgery show on Discovery Health Channel to see before and after results. But for me, weight loss first, vanity later. Greg

Terri-- I am too late to answer your pre-op questions, but for all others-- What should you take to the clinic on your day of surgery? I went only with the clothing I put on in the morning. You will be given a hospital robe that sufficiently covers your whole body, so no need to worry about modesty. I wore the same clothing back to the hotel that I arrived to the clinic wearing. I also took my critical medications with me, but do not take anything without asking the staff, either before or after your band is placed. The biggest surprise for me was the wonderful 'thong' disposable underwear they ask you to wear . It covers the appropriate parts properly, but never before had I seen this paper garment. My RN friend that accompanied me works in an active med/surg hospital, and has never seen the underwear either. Just another testament that OCC follows the newest, most sterile surgical protocols. The post-op diet is easy for me to follow. You will find it much easier than the pre-op diet, as you can actually experience flavor, and at least for me, there is no hunger. I have been drinking chicken and beef broth, juices (no pulp), sugar-free jello (I am diabetic), gatorade, and of course, water. I have no hunger, but want to stay hydrated. Across the street from the Lucerna are a few places of interest. The first is a 24 hour convenience store (named Extra I think) that sells juices, gatorade of various flavors, and all of the other c-store items you would expect. Much less expensive than getting all of your fluids from the hotel. There is also a restaurant called "Casa de Mole". They do not speak any English, however the menu has english translations on it. I found their food to be much better and more reasonably priced than the Aquaduct Restaurant at the hotel. Consider it for your 'last meal' and for your companion to dine the evening you are are recovering at the clinic. They seemed thrilled to have 'gringos' as customers, and even brought us dessert after the meal free of charge. Lastly, there is a pharmacy named "Farmacia Especiales" next to the restaurant. I asked Dr. Martinez, and he vouched that it is a good pharmacy, with quality medicine and fair prices. I purchased some antibiotics and some extra Toradol (pain medicine) to bring home with me. Note, however, you CANNOT get narcotics or other addictive medicines at a Mexican pharmacy without a Mexican prescription. The accounts of crossing the border with Mexican medications vary, but in my experience, it has never been a problem. And one last note about going across the street; it may look impossible to cross with all of the traffic. It is, however, very easy. Scary as it may appear, once you step onto the crosswalk, the cars WILL stop. You should walk briskly, but Mexican drivers are used to stopping for pedestrians. The penalty for hitting a pedestrian in Mexico is harsh. I crossed perhaps 8 times in during my short stay, and did not have any problem. Good luck to all, and if I can answer any other questions, feel free to ask. Greg

Don't give up! It is surprising how much weight you can lose in the two days before surgery. I added chicken boullion to my pre-op diet, and it helped lots! Only 5 or 10 calories, and full of flavor. Greg Well, I am now officially banded! I am here at OCC, and all is well. The facility is clean, the staff professional, and the DirectTV is great. I did end up with the VG band. Actually, Dr. Ortiz said even the VG band was too tight, but he made room by cutting some fat from my liver (I am only the second patient he has done this with). I feel great, except for some gas pain. Take care everyone, and be assured, the OCC and Dr. Ortiz are extremely professional. Greg

Handbags are not so important to me either. I do, however, like to see postings from patients regardless of what surgeon they used. I would estimate, however, that 90-95% of the postings here are from OCC patients.

I arrive at 9:40 am, so we will probably be riding together to the clinic. See you there, and try to stay calm. Greg

I have wondered, is the "VG" just an abbreviation for Vanguard, or does it indicate something else different about the larger band?

Quite an interesting story. So much is familiar to me. I get the same impression, that average weight persons think I sit watching TV with pizza and ice cream and a 2 liter of soda to wash it down. While I certainly am able to eat a large meal, it has never been a daily practice. Also, I found it interesting that he paid $15,000 for the whole package, including a 3 day hospital stay. I wonder if he negotiated a fixed price, or if he was given a discount in return for publicizing his experience. Greg

Kelly, you will be having surgery the day I arrive in SAN for my pre-op screen. Perhaps I will see you at the office. Oddly, I do not have any pre-op jitters. I seem to be getting more and more comfortable about the surgery as the day approaches. I had some second thoughts a couple of weeks ago, but reading others' experiences has helped a lot! Researching Dr. Ortiz also has been reassuring, as I find he is more experienced with the procedure than any doctor in my area. I am confident that if I follow the post-op requirements, I will be successful. I have a slight concern about slippage or erosion, but know the risk is low. I am wondering how CALKEV is doing, however, as he has not posted for several days. Hope he is doing well. Greg

I do not expect much from a post-op check. When my gall bladder was removed, post-op was a simple "Any problems?" and a release to return to work. I did not even see a doctor, instead meeting with a PA. I have not been banded yet (will be next week), but will consider my first fill appointment to be a post-op appointment. Seeing the band will give me peace of mind about placement and slippage risk. Also, it will be an opportunity to ask questions. My previous post is with that perspective, and is my opinion. I do hope your fill wet well. Greg

There should be no dilemma. The initial appointment is a post-op follow-up. In addition to checking your restriction level, they will be looking at band placement, wound healing, etc. A fill would only be done if needed. You should verbalize your uncertainty about needing a fill when you go to the clinic. However, the value of observing your band under flouro is important. Also, the goal for restriction is being able to eat a third of your pre-op food quantity. If you are able to eat half, you could reach a point where weight loss stops. But again, that is why the clinic encourages the post-op band check. Why take a chance? In my opinion, you risk more by not going, and should definitely keep your appointment. Greg

Yes, Kevin, I am hoping to lose more than the 20 lbs pre-op. Our height and weights are similar, so I have watched with great interest your reports and progress. I agree that I will most likely end up with the VG band. So, right now you are my lap-band 'hero'---- until I get one of my own. I admire your determination and focus, and hope your weight loss experience continues to be a positive example. Greg

Change my city to Omaha----Denver is only a stop over to meet up with my friend, who is an RN. She graciously volunteered to accompany me, and help me with my first week post-op. She is a post-op (2 years) Roux-n-Y bypass patient, so is familiar with the dietary limitations. Also, just told my regular physician about the surgery. He showed very little reaction, other to state his concern regarding reported erosions. I think, however, he is somewhat happy for me, as he wants to see me 4 weeks post-op to check up on my progress. I think he was hestitant to endorse my decision due to mal-practice liability, but not once did he try to dissuade me. Also, I am his first patient to self-pay for any WLS. Hope everyone is doing well, either recovering, or starting the pre-op process. I had to quit smoking, and give up my occasional cocktail, but have lost 11 of my 20 lbs. required for the surgery. In a few days I will start my Adkin shake diet, so the other 9 lbs will melt away easily, I hope. Take care everyone.... Greg- Omaha, Nebraska

First, Happygirl, are you being strict on the liquid diet? And what shakes are you using? Second, have you called or emailed Dr Miranda? She should be able to help get the weight coming down. I am sure you will be able to go forward anyway.....while losing a few pounds pre-op helps, your BMI is not so dangerously high as to be as risky as some of us. But keep at it, don't give up.....attack the first 5lbs,l when those 5 are gone, then worry about the next 7.

So far, three of us with Nov 14th surgery date. Liz, I am flying in from Denver. I live in Omaha, but am going to meet up with my private nurse, who lives in Denver. She will be accompanying me for my procedure, and will assist me in the days after. Where are you girls flying from, Kristi Ann and Liz? .

Just curious: what did the endoscopy find that ruled you out as a candidate for the lap band?

Here is my experience with soda carbonation: often times I only drink 1/2 of a soda (I am pre-op; surgery Nov 14th). When the other half is warm, but still carbonated, I place it in the freezer. If the soda totally freezes, when defrosted, there is no carbonation. Thus-- open a can of diet soda, pour a little out, freeze the rest, then defrost. The defrosted soda will no longer be carbonated. This will only work with an open soda-----the freezing causes the carbon dioxide to escape from the opening. Caution--- trying this with a sealed can or bottle will cause the container to burst. Remember, contents are under pressure, and liquids expand when frozen. Greg

Hello all! I am new to the forum. I am flying to San Diego Nov 13, for a surgery on Nov 14 also. So, Kristi Ann, I'll see you at the hotel. Greg