odave

THANK YOU... You do know this posting took a huge amount of courage to print what you did for everyone to see, Print your own words out and put in on the insude of that cupboard so you can remind yourself of this event. It was just an event and not the end of your life. Get back on the horse and start riding again. Do a count down of the days to go and what the goal is. That is what got me through the first 21 days. Get wacky and creative with the juices try to enjoy them. I did sooo much soup and popsicles. I am going to get my first fill on Nov 6th. As far as the constipation, when I worked in the hospital as a nurse we gave M.O.M. every 4 hours until results... add some warm prune juice and relax... and put a heating pad on your stomach... I do feel for you on the $$$ part... I cashed out my 401K to get it done. Get into an OA meeting for more support and feel others that are in your situation and get peer support. Best of wishes and my heart goes out to you...DON'T GIVE UP!!!

Congrats... I had my GREAT experience on Sept 17... I will be there Nov 6 for my first fill... No regrets... Dave

Rose are Red, Violets are Blue I am gonna get filled on November 6... How about you? This is my first fill... I have to admit that I am glad to get this done before the holidays. Any one else getting in to SD about 11am for the shuttle or getting stuff done on that Friday?

Always remember that infection rates is based on what the hospital or provider REPORTS... there is just no way that American infection rates are accurate. Most don't report

Amazing how many nurses are getting this done... I am still waiting for weight gain becoming a work comp issue... Glad you are taking care of yourself I did ask him about infection... he said better than any place in the US... Dr. O stated NO INFECTIONS IN OVER 3 YEARS...

Hey girl... whats up... yes I was there alone. I wasn't looking forward to the broth... and hadn't tried it yet... I am doing well and looking forward to real food again. I think I am going to plan my fill the first week in Nov

When you order off the kids menu and the server asks "How many kid plates do YOU need to order" I was there when it happened to a friend that was banded in the US about 3 years ago... Needless to say we left QUICKLY

I was there about 8 am and by the time you got there I was in my room and about to head into the OR. I am doing well and drinking a lot. Glad the clear liquids are over and having soups and yogart... I am starting to get hungry now and again but just drink more. I am looking forward to the fill and getting the full sensation... you know like after I used to polish off a large pizza.

It will go by very quickly... you will be very happy when done... Thur the procedure was done and was off work Thur and Fri. I took a 1.5 mile walk on Sat and Sun and worked all this week. Recovery was rather fast... I am looking forward to getting my first fill. Also think I have gotten a coworker to discuss with her daughter and a neighbor that are really considering heading to TJ. I was just thinking about the money and taxes that have been lost... Well US healthcare... get on the ball Best Wishes and enjoy the broth.... Dave

I know I faced the same thing... even more... cause I should know better than to go to TJ for medical care

DON'T STEP.... JUMP!!!!! I am glad you are heading that way....

She didn't even know I was gone... she got to play and shop got her toe nails done and her hair done and more walks and wardrobe changes... so basically she had no time miss me.... she giggled, smiled, and wiggled when she saw me. I love being her daddy

AMAZING... love to hear what I can look forward to... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY 1 year banded.

HELLO... that is what Ia m talking about. Have no doubts... You will love it and want to go back.... I won't say good luck but will say enjoy.... Let me know!!!!

DO IT!!!!! read what I just posted "the real story"

Here is my story…..My name is Dave and I had the Realize gastric band placed with a BMI of 35 heading into this process. I was clinically obese and frustrated with the cost and lack of Blue Cross willingness to get this done. I figured it out and with all the appointments, time off work for appointments, and having to pay all the appointment co pays and having to pay deductable of two years it will actually cost less going to OCC. And will be able to deduct this expense on my 2009 taxes. I arrived Wed night and as greeted the exit gate at the San Diego airport by a warm smile and a driver that talked to me. I arrived at the hotel which looked great and got great service. My only issue was at this start... Somehow the hotel did not have my reservation. Mind you that this was about 930pm and the hotel took my credit card and said that they would call the clinic in the morning and work it out. Well of course I freaked out and I called the 800 phone number as soon as I got up to my room. I honestly had a call back from Rene within about 2 minutes and a call from the hotel within another minute that it was all worked out. I woke up on Thursday and went to the lobby and with the clinic’s arrangements; I took the shuttle service to OCC. I filled out a couple of pages and was in the waiting room, maybe 20 minutes. The nurse took back and took her time to draw my labs and started my IV. I am a hard stick and she did it first time, all with a smile and kind words. Then went back to the waiting room and got to talk to a few people. Two that were there for fills, one for a next day recheck, and another that was going in right before me. The ones that were there before me said it was a cake walk not a big deal and said they would do it all over again. Dr. Ortiz actually sat in the room with me before the procedure for about 25-30 minutes just shooting the breeze, they we talked about the expectations and the procedure. Really Nice guy and confident in what he does. Dr. So came in and talked about fills and future, again, another really nice guy. Both were very approachable and pleasant. I kept thinking… Are these people for real? Are they going to ask for more money or is there a catch? Nope just everyone doing their job with a smile and seem to enjoy it. I arrived about 745 and in the OR about noon and out and walking the halls about 2:30 and took the shuttle back to the hotel at 430. I just really did not want to be there all night, not because of the anything they said, did, or any issue with the facility, but I’d rather be pitiful and alone as I am not a good patient. I did a little walking that evening and a long walk in the morning and had the BEST broth from the hotel Lucerna that I have ever had. I asked for it to go and drank it in my room. As I did not want to sit and drink it in the restaurant watch people eat real food and they were happy to accommodate me. FYI there is a Starbucks across the street from the hotel and they accept Starbuck’s gold card so I did not even carry any cash. This was an A class operation and system. There were no donkey rides in, no shady deals, no shacks, coat hangers, dirty instruments, candles burning or anything questionable. There were no back alleys, no burrows as transportation, not even cash passed at the US-Mexican border, and no scars on my sides or back so I still have both kidneys. I feel like I can truly comment on this as I have been an Emergency Room and Intensive care Registered Nurse since 1993 and a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner since 2002. I have seen and worked many ER, clinics, and hospitals that could use some lessons from this group. I am talking about patient treatment, staffing, and cleaning. If I was asked if I would redo this again from this point in my recovery, I would get back on the plane today. This is a new tool in my weight management tool box. I had a little more bruising than I thought I would or should have, and yes, I did I call Dr. Ortiz about 945 on a Friday night. I got called back within about 2 minutes and he actually listened to my voicemail and ready to address my concerns. This was caused from the jerky plane landing. I would encourage everyone to ask for the pillow and use as support during takeoff and landing. Plain and simple... I am impressed I sent an email to requested documentation and receipt to submit to my insurance… well again they exceeded my expectations as I got the info in less than one business day. Beat that... I don’t think that my experience was unusual. If you are considering it…GO FOR IT!!!!. I have no regrets and would do it again without hesitation. If after reading this you have more concerns that the center can’t answer and you want to talk to someone that has gone though it… please ask the center to contact me and I call or email you. I have nothing to gain, but knowing I have helped someone make a choice to take control of one part of your life and live longer and healthier. Best of wishes Dave Sacramento, California

I don't want to mess things up... I just had it done on Sept 17 not really hungry but drinking a lot of liquids broth and clear liquids... can I drink as much as I want... I dont want to stretch my new upper pouch... Have I have already done dammage?

You are almost at your goal wt..... horrray I am trying to model... in fact I still make all of her food... she has not had anything for a jar or package yet... Thanks for the encouragement and you are right food is not entertainment... nor is it social... I need to eat to live and not live to eat BIG KISS.... Dave

Those are the cutest damn pictures.... Too funny. She was the final straw to get this done. I want to be here for her and even more important to be part of her life... to play and interact. Thanks for your encouragement.

And why do we have to travel to Mexico for this.... This is sooooo what the US needs to do for us. Funny thing I called a couple days ago and realized it was after hours and hung up... The Doc ACTUALLY called me back. They wanted to make sure that I wasn't a pt that was having troubles... How freaky is that. They called to check up... I am glad things went so well and feeling more and more secure that this is the right way to go... I guess I could spend an extra year trying to get it approved by insurance.... NOT Nice that Mom was there for you...

OMG you survived... the trip, the procedure and away from the kids.... So how was it...

Well today is Saturday and I am doing my preop diet.... Hate Hate Hate this. I know it is the first step. I arrive on Wed eve and do preop on Thur am and then get banded in the afternoon. Anyone else going to be there on the 17th? I am looking forward but nervous... I just want to get it done. I am SOOOO tired of hearing all I need is the stick to it, a good diet, and exercise program. Yeah that has been working for almost 40 years Why didn't I choose better parents that had the skinny genes? I am still having issues with leaving the baby.. She will turn 10 months when I am gone.,, this is the first time that I have spent the night way from her. Dave

Just a couple more days... congrats I wish I was heading there this week... Best wishes

Looks like I am arriving on the 16th and getting banded on the 17th I am a single father with a 9 1/2 month old and this will be the first time she will not sleep under the same roof as me. I know this is worth it as it will prolong my life to spend with her. But I know I am gonna cry.. odave@wavecable.com