lovesMaui

When you exit Interstate 5, turn left and go over the overpass. Turn right at the first light. Park at the first lot you come to on the right. This lot is easier to access once you exit the border (pedestrian) checkpoint, and you won't have to fight traffic later going over the bridge to get to the freeway. The first light when you exit the parking lot will be the 5 freeway. Easy! The fee will be $6.00. Walk across the street to where the train depot is and there you will find a walkway to Mexico ramp just to the left of the border crossing pedestrian exit doors. Cross the bridge until you are on the other side of the highway. You will find pedestrian turnstiles to the right. Pass through the first set and you are in Mexico. Walk down the corridor to the right and pass through the second set of turnstiles. You will then be on the street. Cabs line up there at the curb to take you wherever you want to go. It is a short ride to OCC. The cab ride should only be around $5.00. Cabs returning will drop you off in line to go through the border checkpoint coming home. Just tell the cab driver "border" and he'll know where to go. The line can be long, so be patient.

Lindsay, I'm sure you are right about the fill centers and her financial situation. I was only going by my own experience with a Family Doctor in my town. It had nothing to do with getting a fill, but this doctor worked with me financially. We no longer had medical insurance and money was tight at the time. I was sick, needed to see a doctor, so I called and explained my situation. This doctor gave me a discounted cash price and then gave me samples from his office so I wouldn't have to pay for an expensive prescription. That's where I got the idea from, but you are right, getting a fill would not be the same thing.

Paul, I hope I can have soft tacos! You are extremely lucky that this is the first time your stomach is growling. As I've shared with you, mine has been growling since surgery! Heck, it's growling right now! But you are talking about prior to surgery, how you never let yourself get to the growling hunger stage. It does make one a little cranky! I always get hungry at around 10pm too. You have great will power to just drink water and go to bed. You have been so strong and so determined throughtout this process. I am inspired.

Can you call the doctor where you get your fills and explain your situation? Maybe they can help you or offer a discount or work out a payment arrangement. I personally, don't think you should ruin your credit by not making the payments to get your fill. Could a relative help out or what about having a garage sale to earn money toward it?

Oh I can imagine how frustrated you must feel but I just know the weight is going to come off!! Be strong and hang in there because one of these mornings you are going to get on the scale and BOOM, you will have dropped pounds! I'm dying on this liquid thing too. You are not alone. I fantasize about what food tastes like. I would have never stuck with this before, just like you said. I admit, I wasn't a very strong person before, that's how I got to be my previous weight. I would give up and give in to food. Food always won. I have a new mind set now and I'm so proud of myself for not giving up. Everyday I face cravings and those urges to eat and I don't give in. I'm sticking with my liquids. I am stronger than I thought and that's a good feeling. If I can do it, you can too!

Dwayne, I was wondering why solids weren't as great as you thought they would be after a over month on liquids? Also why over a month, isn't it 21 days on liquids?

damalove, All of the fill info. is so interesting and confusing at the same time. I guess I won't fully understand until after my first fill. I feel for you and the frustrating feeling of being stuck at a certain weight. However, I'm so proud of you for not giving up. I've been where you are at in the past and I would give up too. Now, with the band, I'm determined not to. Hang in there and the pounds will drop! You can do this!

Erin, I'm cracking up over the "yummy mug of broth" comment! So glad to be moving on to creamy soups! Kim, You always give such good advice. I needed to hear what you said. Thanks. You are inspirational.

Jenny.....like minds......I was totally thinking the SAME thing!!!!!

You have me cracking up!!!! The driver is such a nice man too!! I'm glad you had such a good experience. I'm on day 14 of liquids and for me, it's been very hard. The cream soups are better than the broth that's for sure. I will never have broth again even if I have the flu! I never got the lump in my throat feeling but I am still burping alot! Sounds like you are doing well and I'm glad to hear it!

Erin, I'm on day 14 and I have mostly experienced burping not gas. Everyday I can hear the gas rumbling through my stomach though. It especially happens after I've drank something or had my soup. Everyone must be different because I did/do feel hungry all the time, and the only BM I've had is like water. My friend Robin had gas like you after surgery though, maybe she will respond on here. Best wishes!

Wow, I didn't know that about the eggs. I was thinking scrambled eggs would go down easy. I hope I am like you and can tolerate things in small bites and chewed well. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you jhawkchick. I find your pictures very inspiring. You are looking fantastic!

Good question Angie. I was wondering the exact same thing. One awful day, before I was sereious about having surgery, I went out to eat for lunch with my daughter and dinner that evening with my husband. I must of ordered all the wrong things that had way too much sodium intake. Later, I was horrified at how much water retention I had. My legs, ankles and feet were huge. I got on the scale, and I was the highest weight I have ever been!! I started crying and called OCC the next day. I knew I had to change my life. ( It wasn't that whimsical, I had been researching it forever and saving my money) I have been going by that weight as my highest weight.........but maybe it wasn't really accurate?

Thank you Widdlee for your response. I don't want my food to get stuck. I'll be sucking on those ice cubes!!

Thank you very much Lisa, Erin and Kim. I appreciate you answering. It's so nice to have others to turn to through this process.

I have read all of the "Ouch" foods to avoid that Dr. Miranda wrote on my paper but I was wondering.......when she says no flour tortilla, does that mean I can never take a bite of a burrito again without consequences? She says no bread, so does that mean never again will I have a piece of toast, a sandwich or my husband's famous french toast for breakfast? (Without pain) What about a baked potato? Also, I don't fully understand what drinking with a meal does to us. Can someone explain it to me? Why is it so bad and what are the consequences? Thank you in advance for the help!

Christy, I agree with you on a couple of things you mentioned. First, weekends suck on the liquid phase! I really struggle mentally. Also, I could gain 5 lbs. of water weight from a meal high in sodium too! I hate having nothing to look forward to, day in and day out, except drinking my meals. I am so tired of everything liquid. I'm only on day 12 too. The good news is that I've lost 16 lbs. post op. I complain, but I've stayed so strong with following the program. Jenny, I know it's hard not to watch the scales. I think you are doing great, so hang in there!

Protein Water

Thank you Kim and Valleygirl! Kim you make me smile because there's no way my scars will be exposed to the sun. What I mean is, I'm not showing off my stomach girlfriend! You, on the other hand, look fabulous in your bikini!!! Congratulations!

Momof4, Hey little brave mama! I'm wondering how you are doing too. Can't wait to hear about your Mexico experience!

During the liquid phase you are allowed more than 4 ounces at a time. Make sure you are getting enough protein per day.

Nice rack!!! I'm with Erin on the pain thing. I don't know how you did it. The size of the incision looks unbearable to me. You are very brave and you look FANTASTIC!