Linda in Enumclaw

LMK how this "in a day" works for you. That's what I'd like to do too.

The bus/trolley ride/taxi worked just fine. Just make sure to leave yourself a minimum of 90 minutes. I missed the bus by about 30 seconds, so had to wait for the next one, then just missed the trolley, so I had to wait another 15 minutes for that one. It ended up being 90 minutes from the time I got off the plane to the time I arrived at OCC. The trip back took a little longer, as I had to wait about 20-25 minutes to walk through customs. (That was on a Thursday afternoon -- I'm sure the wait is much longer on weekends.)

One important thing: Make sure you have cash or your checkbook for the $100 fee at OCC for the fluoroscopy. I (erroneously) assumed that they'd take a debit or credit card, since that how I'd paid for my surgery. Ooops! They only accept cash or a check and I didn't have any checks with me. I had to run down the street to the bank ATM. The really bad part, though, was that the woman at the front desk miscalculated how many pesos I'd need to take out (she added an extra zero), so I ended up removing something like $700 instead of $100 from my checking account. When I went to exchange the pesos back to dollars at the border, I got a crummy exchange rate and lost a bit of money in the process.

Yikes, I'm starting to worry about whether this was a good investment or not and need some input from others. I lost 14 pounds on the pre-op diet, was banded by Dr. Ortiz on 1/26, lost four pounds the first week while on clear liquids and have gained back the four pounds.

My concern is that I'm going to be one of those people for whom the band doesn't work. I have absolutely no restriction and eat just as much as I did before surgery. I'm going to TJ for my first fill on Thursday, 3/8, but I'm afraid that since I haven't done well so far, it's not going to make a difference. I keep reading everybody's success stories and it seems like those that lost a lot before their first fill are the ones that continued to lose after their fill(s).

My question to the forum is, "Did anybody who didn't lose weight between the time of their surgery and their first fill lose a significant amount of weight after getting their first fill (or second) " Or am I doomed?

Hi, I am scheduled for banding on 3/22. I am a little concerned about the recovery time. I am a business owner andI have a pretty narrow window that I can be away from work. I was wondering how long others took off work? If I get banded on a Thursday do you think I can be ready to go back to work on Monday? I have a fairly sedentary job. Mostly computer stuff and a little walking around. I have a pretty high pain tolerance.

Marsene

Hi, Marsene -

I got banded on a Friday and I went back to work on Monday. I'm not sure what others' experiences were like, but for me it was no problem.

Good luck!

Linda W.

I'm scheduled for my first fill on 3/8 at 11:30 a.m. I arrive in San Diego at 9:34 a.m. and depart at 3:21 p.m. I was planning on doing the bus/trolly thing, if for no other reason than the adventure, so if anybody wants to join me, just let me know.

I can't wait to get my fill. I have no restriction whatsoever and can drink a lot of creamy soup and still be hungry. Hopefully, I'll feel at least a little different after my fill.

Hi, Hopeful -

I did the Slim-Fast for breakfast and lunch and the Lean Cuisine for dinner. Knowing that I had dinner to look forward to (and something to chew) definitely made it easier to get through the day. I liked the Slim-Fast Optima High Protein French Vanilla shakes. When you put them in the freezer for an hour or so before you drink them, it's almost like a vanilla milkshake. I'm a real chocoholic and their chocolate flavor was kind of gross to me. The twelve day got a little long near the end, but you do get to eat a light meal the night before your surgery, so that's something to look forward to.

I lost 14 pounds doing the pre-op for 12 days, so it does work.

Linda W.

first of all, thanks to all of you for the help with foods to stock up on. You guys are so helpful. Now, I have another question...the pre-op diet. Did anyone here do the slim-fast for breakfast and lunch and lean cuisine for dinner? I already feel like I will starve to death. I've read so much about the different things people eat, that I get confused...it is just slim fast for the pre-op right? not the protein shakes i hear about...those come after surgery right? I am just getting a little anxious as my date is nearing...and I am one of those that wants to do everything right...thanks again!

Thanks, everybody, for sharing your experiences and words of encouragement. This week, I'm feeling much more secure in my decision to get banded and am no longer feeling emotionally traumatized by having done it. I lost 14 pounds on the pre-op and have lost 5 pounds so far since surgery (1/26), so I guess I'm doing ok as far as weight loss goes. I feel like I could eat a ton of soup if I let myself, so I don't think I have much, if any, restriction without my first fill. I'm thinking that I'd better schedule mine for right at six weeks because I'm afraid I'll go out of control when I get to solids if I don't have a restriction.

Did anybody gain weight between the time they started solids and had their first fill? That scares the you-know-what out of me.

OK, I'm going to stick my neck out on a limb and hope that nobody will think I'm a freak for posting this, so here goes. I was banded on Friday, January 26th by Dr. Ortiz. Everything went well for the most part, but when I woke up yesterday morning and thought about the fact that I have a band in me, I became really anxious and wondered if I had done the right thing. It's so strange to think that I have a foreign object in my body and that it was my idea to have it put there. I find myself thinking, "What in the world have I done?" and "Why did I do it?" I'm really anxious to have a big ol' piece of plastic or silicone or whatever suddenly inside me.

Has anybody else ever had second thoughts, despite a lack of complications? Maybe I felt that way because I came home from Mexico weighing exactly what I weighed when I went down there and I expected to drop several pounds since I went a few days eating (drinking, actually) so little. Or maybe I didn't give it enough thought and rushed into it. So far I've not had any problem sticking to the liquid diet (but I sure can't wait to get to actually chew something!), but I'm just feeling really anxious.

Is this normal? Am I freaking out for nothing?

Linda W.

Great idea re the calling cards, Michele! Thanks for the idea. I totally forgot about those things.

Good luck with your fill tomorrow!

If you use the phone at the hotel from your room it is VERY costly. My one call home to Seattle was $20!!!

Try this....go to a gas station or convenience store and buy a phone card! I'm not sure how they work but I think you use a pay phone. Remember calling cards from the "old days?" I think it's like that. I got one for the last time I went down and forgot to use it but it was only a $10 investment and that reminds me...I need to grab it tonight and take it with me because my fill is tomorrow!!!

If I remember, I'll post and let you know how it went.

I stayed in San Diego so my cell phone worked great.

Good luck!

Thanks, Clynn -

I appreciate the response. One more question for you or anybody who knows: Will my Verizon cell phone work in Tijuana (from the hotel)? I was hoping that since it's close to San Diego it might still work.

I'm not a nurse but I'll answer as best I can:

1) I would think they would want you to take your contacts out of the actual surgery. I'd be concerned about my eyes being open a bit and then they would get dried out. I'm sure you it would be ok for you to wear them before and after but depending on how much vision correction you need, you should probably bring your glasses no matter what (stuff does happen after all).

2) When food gets stuck, it doesn't actually get stuck to where it cannot move at all, it just moves past the band very slowly or not at all. Drinking water will only make the situation worse. Walking around until the food either moves past the band or comes back up does the most good.

3) I'm not sure what tipping etiquette is in this situation as it changes from country to country. A quick Google search shows that tipping the driver for a complimentary shuttle service is around $1-$2 per bag. For a paid shuttle service it is 15% plus $1-$2 per bag. If you are going down for your surgery then the shuttle is complimentary. I guess it comes down to whatever you are comfortable with. Fransisco is a sweety so I gave him $5.

4) If you are taking the shuttle back to the airport, the clinic will tell you what time they'll pick you up to catch your flight. They do it often so they have a pretty good idea of how long it takes on what day. If you're taking the shuttle back you get to do some major cutting in line but if you are walking you have to stand and wait a bit. Saturdays seem to have longer waits than weekdays.

Hey, All -

I'm one week away from pre-ops and starting to wonder about the little things I hadn't thought of yet. I have a few questions, if anybody would like to respond:

1. Do I need to take my contact lenses out for surgery? I hate wearing my glasses, but will bring them if necessary. I had laparoscopic surgery for infertility a few years ago and they made me take out my contacts before the surgery. I was a little worried they were confusing my eyeballs with my ovaries, but I guess my 3-year old son is proof that they knew what they were doing.

2. I've seen a lot of posts about food getting stuck if you don't chew enough or eat too fast. Obviously, I'll try to avoid that, but what do I do to dislodge the food if it does get stuck? Drink water to try to push it through? Lay down and wait for it to pass? Stand on my head and hope it comes back out?

3. What's customary for a tip for the OCC driver? I know what goes for a taxi driver, but I'm not sure what's appropriate for a driver that works for the clinic.

4. Has anybody had a problem getting back through Customs to catch their flight in time? Rather than worrying about the surgery, I find myself concerned that I'll be stuck in line at Customs and miss my flight. And given the fact that I'll be recovering from surgery, pole-vaulting over the border to bypass the line just isn't an option this time.

Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.

Linda

Thanks for your replies, everybody! It does seem that it's different for everybody.

I should have asked this question a long time ago, as I'm reading the responses while on the pre-op liquid diet and starving! Reading about different foods (that I can't have for a while) is torture!

I'm scheduled to be banded on 1/26. Some days I'm totally nervous, others perfectly calm. But reading this board and all the posts really helps. I really appreciate everybody taking the time to write about their experiences and support others. You guys are the best!

I live in Bellingham and will be banded the 25th. Perhaps we will meet each other in passing? I'm going alone, so I would sure enjoy another person's company, and especially from Washington!!! Are you going with someone or alone? Nervous? I had a few days where I was nervous but now I think I'm pretty much at ease with the whole ordeal. I guess the only day we'd both be at the hotel is the morning of the 27th before I fly home. There may be a possibility we cross paths while you get your pre-op tests done the day I'm having surgery. I guess we'll have to wait and see! I hope your experience goes well...Good Luck!

Hi!

Yes, actually I am coming alone. My hubby was going to join me, but we decided it would be best if he stayed home with our 3-year old. He's going through a clingy phase. (My son, not my husband!) I, too, was nervous, but I've calmed down and am totally excited about it today. Of course, tomorrow may be another story. I hope we run into each other in TJ! I hope your experience goes well, too!

Linda

Is anybody from Washington getting banded on 1/26?

Did any of you who are banded suffer from RLS (restless leg syndrome) prior to surgery? I'm scheduled to be banded on 1/26 and wondering if the band has any effect, positive or negative, on RLS?

Thanks!

Linda W.

Hi, Everybody -

I'm scheduled for surgery with Dr. Ortiz on January 26th. I'm curious to know from those of you that are on solid foods post-op, what do you have trouble eating? I've read that steak and rice are tough to deal with, but have you had problems with any other foods? I'm just trying to prepare myself ahead of time.

Thanks!

Linda

WELCOME LINDA

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I'LL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO HELP, I'M RIGHT DOWN IN LITTLE OLD AUBURN

Hi, Pammie -

Thanks for the welcome! I had no idea I'd find somebody so close to home that has had the surgery. Did you have yours locally or south of the border?

Linda

Hi, Everyone -

I'm a new member to the forum and am considering surgery with Dr. Ortiz at OCC. Does anybody know how long the wait is for surgery?

Thanks!

Linda in Enumclaw (WA)