DonnaC

Not sure there is a normal here - but typically the diet depends on your current BMI and needs. I know that you will need to do a pre-surgery type diet a week before to help reduce the size of the liver and prep you for surgery -but that also depends on the doctor. (that said the OCC docs do put you on a pre-surgery diet at least two weeks before any type of weight loss surgery). Hope that helps. Donna

Aw we will be pliation sisters lol. I am having mine on July 1st with Dr O. You will be fine...and I know Dr. O is a great teacher....keep in touch. Donna

thanks for all the great inforamtion. I am in the pre-surgery diet liquid stage and leave for TJ Thursday morning at the crack (and I mean crack) of dawn. So ready to get this done... Also - got the special on the Botox and am having that the day after surgery - so yippie...that's my treat while I am down there.. I know when I got banded = I was not in any pain and had the same type of issues getting water down...but as they say "it gets better"...

thank you so much. I know it's in it's early days but it seems like such a logical way to go - especially for me with a lap band revision. I am getting nervous...but so ready (for anything to get off this liquid diet lol)... Donna

Totally agree. We are lucky as there are alot of great Plastic Surgey options in TJ as well and we can meet them when we are down for our weightloss surgery. I will be down this week and will meet with Dr. So on Sat for Botox ...let me know if you have any questions for them!! Donna

I'll be posting on Youtube and send you the link so you can see everything... DonnaC

great information. I will see if I can get the docs in TJ to get me a script...and I bet it's a bit cheaper down there. Donna

hey there - I am having my surgery for Plication on the 1st of July. You know I am struggling with the same issues and decided to attack it this : I only had to lose 5 lbs - I am a revision surgery so my BMI is alot lower this time: 1. I started the diet plan 3 weeks before surgery and on week 1 - tried to just not eat between meals and work out every day. I lost 5 lbs and it wasn't too hard. 2. Second week (this week) I went to liquids for two meals and either a salad or a low fat meat and veggie for the 3rd meal with all the vegies I can eat. I am down another 8 lbs. so far with another 3 days to go. 3. The final week I will stay on this diet until Tuesday and then go to full liquids. Is it easy - nope. Have I cheated -sure. When I cheat - I work out an extra hour. I figured it's only 3 weeks and I am (to quote my friend) bullying the weight off at this point. Also I know I don't have to do this long term, thank god. I think the two key points are: water - lots of water - it helps me feel full excerise - just walking is great and will be good for you long term - I like Zumba on my xbox.. You are doing the best you can - don't beat yourself up...each day is a new day...you will get there...even if it's on the last 3 or 4 days when you go to liquids.. As to what it means for surgery - here is my educated guess. The reduced weight helps reduce the size of the liver and makes the surgery much easier for the surgeons and on your body. But if you walk and do the breathing excerises, that is also really great for you too! DonnaC

I will be done by then, but I always go alone and meet the most wonderful folks there. I could be there virtually for ya!! webcam lol. You are going to be fine. I have been going to TJ since I got my band in 2003 and love it there. Went alone for my plastic surgery as well... They will take excellent care of you...and I am sure you will get someone who is going to be there from this post. Also there are typically 4-5 other folks getting surgery the same day and you all stay in the same hotel so you get to support each other.. DonnaC in Seattle

Hey there - Wow can you believe we are almost there! If you are there early - ask to go to Revolution Blvd to shop. It's a short cab ride ($5 or less) and very safe..great way to spend an afternoon. There is also a great mall close to the hotel. (can you tell how I spent my spare time every trip down there) Also don't forget to look at teeth whitening and botox...both great deals down there...might as well leverage the trip right? Don't worry about packing any food - they have everything there. There is a little bodaga (shop) close that has some nice clite (crystal light) if you want to get it down there cheaper with more flavors. There is a great resturant for your husband called Los Arcos that is close -I love the grilled lobster (if it's in season)... I always travel with a small makeup kit - as it makes me feel better...but truthfully it's up to you (not like you are going to run into anyone you see down there anytime soon right) I am so ready to be off this pre-surgery diet - I hate dieting but it's only for a bit and then hopefully it will be easier again! Hope it is going good for you...see ya soon. You will be an old timer by the time I get there on the 30th. Please make sure you either post or email me with updates...I fly on Thursday the 30th. Hey wanna be in my youtube video when I get there??? DonnaC in Seattle

Okay - I know there are six of us coming to TJ for surgery on July 1st - looking forward to meeting you all. Donna

Hey Lindsy, I will miss ya - but watch for my youtube postings...I am going to do pics of the process - hospital - docs ect... Donna

this topic has been around for a bit - actually one of the reasons they think the sleeve works well is that it removes the gerlin producers in the stomach (supposedly). I know they are still researching the hormonal imbalance as well - as many of us don't have an off switch for eating as we are either not producing the hormone or the receptor is missing. They now have a synthetic hormone but nothing for those of us missing the receptor...that's why the restrictive process works for us - as it physically limits us... Great topic DonnaC

congrats...not cheating will become more and more normal for ya...it was one of the best things about the band when it was working...not having to battle hunger and food. DonnaC

thanks Lori. It makes sense. But for me - I really don't want to lose part of my stomach unless I have no other choice. I am willing to take that chance. I know that for some folks, if the stomach swells alot during the plication surgery, there is a chance that you will have to come back to get it tightened...I can live with that...and it makes sense. Lori - do you have the plication or band?? DonnaC

I felt the same way - so I called OCC and ask to speak with a Doctor. Dr. So called me back in a couple of hours - took time to explain everything and answer my questions. Call them - don't wait for them to call you. Make sure this is right in your mind - it's your body. I know that after speaking with Dr. So - I am happy with my decision and ready to move forward. Good luck... DonnaC

Great question. For me it was a couple of things. One - I am doing a revision from a band and I can do plication and band removal at the same time. That might not be possible with the Sleeve. Also I don't want to do anything that permanently removes part of me. I know - Plication is not really reversable after a bit - but atleast it's all still there. Also for me - I have a smaller amount to lose (about 37 lbs) so I didn't need to consider the Sleeve or bypass. Hope that helps. DonnaC

For me - this is a revision surgery. I only have 37 lbs more to lose (the pre-surgery diet worked great and I am down 13 lbs and probably lose 5 or more in the next two weeks). My goal is to get back to my lowest weight and stay there. The band was wonderful when it worked but with a stretched pouch - it isn't doing such a good job. I spoke with Dr. So today and feel much more comfortable about the surgery. As for deleting posts from this forum - i will talk to them while I am down there. We need to hear the good, the bad and the ugly - and there will be some of each - that's life. What we want to hear is that they learn from any mistakes, respond to any patient with issues and are up front about it...that's what makes a great forum. Truthfully I have not seen alot of super negative stuff on plication with the exception of two folks - one by Dr. Ortiez and one by Dr. Watkins. Both were learning experiences - as this is a new procedure - and hopefully those of us following them will benefit from this... Thanks everyone, DonnaC in Seattle (who rode in the Fremont bike parade last Sat naked/but painted this year - yeah me)

wow - any plication folks out here? It sure is quiet on this forum. Thanks Donna

Hi there, Just wanting to get some feedback from all of you plication folks. If you could go back would you still choose Plication or would you go with a Sleeve? I am set for Plication on July 1st but still have time to consider a sleeve. All feedback appreciated. If you want to contact me off board - claras_attic@hotmail.com will work. Thanks - can you tell I am gettng nervous? DonnaC in Seattle

loose fitting what ever you bring is a great idea. Don't bring too much as you have to carry it potentially if you are flying. Here's what I pack: nightgown jersey slip on slippers or socks one or two yoga pants and tops comfortable slip on shoes easy jacket or hoodie one or two of those insta hot packs - they are great for traveling basic makeup ect - but don't forget lip balm, water bottle and breath mints (I just like having them) that's about all you will need. They will pick you up at the airport, whisk ya away and bring ya back. make sure you ask for a couple of anti nausea patchs just in case - it never hurts to have them. Please let us know how it's going. I am right behind ya - get in on the 30th so I might just miss ya... Donna

I like him and his office. Have not had work done but alot of my friends have and love him. I did find that his costs were a bit higher but the work is beautiful. DonnaC

which surgery did you have? Hunger is usually not an issue - especially that soon as the stomach is still a bit swollen.. DonnaC

wow great thread! Plastic Surgery - if a PS is saying they will do all those at one time - run the other way. Way too much for your body to handle - trust me - had lips/tt/ba at one time and it was almost too much. I did not have to get an unfill either. Fills/Unfills. Okay - first I may be a bit over careful as I have a stretched pouch but get as few fills as possible. Don't monkey around with the fill. Get to a good spot and manage it. If you are too tight - take care of that but otherwise - let it be. If you are at goal - you should be able to eat a bit more and it will help you maintain. The band is an amazing tool - when it works it is the greatest thing in the world. Donna C in Seattle