dreamhappy07

That is wonderful that you have such a supportive friend and husband. My best friend, my mom(who is coming with me), and my brothers know about this. My uncle(who paid our airfare), and a close co-worker know too. I am not telling my boss, supervisor, or other co-workers about it, but will have to eventually I am sure. If I may ask, what airline are you flying in with. We are taking Alaska and arriving around 9:10am. Ask away anytime. If you want to email me happycats2@comcast.net is my email addy. Peace, Judy

Well, I am supposed to stop smoking by now. Surgery May 21st. Can't seem to get my act together. Oh yes! I know it is necessary to help with lung function and breathing before, during, and after surgery. I am going to quit, but with my weight loss so far, and stopping smoking...kind of a super tough situation. I don't smoke that much. I have cut way back actually. But probably doesn't matter because it isn't quitting. :-? Any suggestions or advice or whatever support here would be much appreciated. Peace, Judy

That's exactly what I want to do as well...go shopping the day after. Didn't you get some pain meds over the counter there as well Greg? I am going to try to get the liquid Lortab from my doc here, but thought maybe I could get something just as good there, providing I can safely bring it back over the border. Did you pay in US dollars for your stuff at the store across the street? That would be cheap I would think. Thanks for your replies. Always welcome! Judy

Thanks all for your replies. I thought that this info was a bit outdated...lol I have read alot about people having jello and to me, it seems that would be a NO-NO. It can't be chewed well and you can easily swallow a chunk and wham! Ouch! It has to dissolve before being a liquid. The basket of liquids would be really nice though...especially if they were liquid gas relief stuff, pain meds, etc. I totally can't see myself taking a shower though...lol Take care all...my day is coming soon. May 21st...woohoo! Judy

I copied and pasted this from OCC website. Are these things still true now? Would be nice if it is. I haven't read many posts from newer banders that have explained this in their experiences. Day 3: Recovery The morning after the procedure, it is frequent that the patient has fully recovered, is walking and has taken a shower. Clear liquids are started and a discharge from the hospital to the hotel is usual soon after. A recovery period of an additional 24 hours at the hotel is recommended. There, our nursing staff will attend to your needs if necessary. We will provide you with written instructions from our Nutritionist and Surgeon along with a basket of approved liquids, oral medication for pain control and an acid blocker. You are encouraged to relax by the pool, walk around the grounds and enjoy your surroundings during your recovery. The hotel restaurant is also accustomed to providing our patients with approved clear liquids as well. You will be able to enjoy clear broths, Jell-O and juices from the restaurants with your companions. Peace, Judy

Thanks so much for the sweet words of support. I do feel much better now. luv2dive...I chose to have my surgery with Dr. Ortiz and this forum because this is where his patients are and also his totally awesome qualifications as a lap band surgeon. He is so much more experienced than any US doctors. I feel very confident in going to Mexico for this surgery. Lori and everyone here has been super supportive and kind. Also, in answering any and all questions I have. Thanks, Judy

Hey luv2dive, My surgery is scheduled for May 21st also! What time are you coming in to San Diego? Where are you coming from? I am in Portland, OR and coming in around 9:10am Sunday May 20th. Sorry, don't know anything about the aquarium. Never been that far south in California. I look foward to meeting you on the 20th. There are a couple others arriving that day also. Peace, Judy

#-o Hey all, I have been having weird dreams that I am sure are related to surgery coming up on the 21st of this month. The last one made me freak because I had some bloodwork done on Sat. morning, and for some reason, I think I am dreaming about bad news. Last night I dreamed that I was told I had a tape work or something bad like that in my body. I know that is just a dream, but that would keep me from having surgery. Then, as I thought more about it, I almost had a panic attack thinking that maybe I shouldn't do this. It's bad for me and I will have all kinds of problems, etc. Then, losing all the money I fought so hard to get, plus having the plane tickets already and so on. This was before I had to leave before work this morning...lol By the time I got my coffee and had a smoke, I was thinking better and thought...NO! IT"S JUST A DREAM! Anyways, as the morning went on, I felt better, but there is still some anxiety there. Anyone else out there having those strange dreams to the point of almost canceling out on the whole thing? Peace, Judy

[Thank you Connie! Sounds like alot of fun and not too much stress and boredom for our family members. Did Mrs. Ortiz have a van or a car? Just wondering as to what to expect getting in and out. I am so looking forward to my minvacation/surgery for sure and I hope my mom has a good time as well instead of thinking she has to take care of me all the time. I forgot to ask about the room service at the hotel. Do you think ordering room service is better or eating at the hotel? Did you have room service? If so, how much was it and how was it? Are there places to go near the center in case my mom wants to smoke? We are both smokers, but of course I can't, but she will definitely need too. Peace, Judy

Wow! What a wonderful experience you seemed to have had. Thanks so much for explaining alot to me about what to expect. So, when I go in on Monday morning, will my mom be going with me and then will they take her back to the hotel later when I am in surgery? I am hoping that someone will be with her so she doesn't have to go hungry by not knowing where or what to eat. Good luck and congrats on your continued weight loss! Judy

Thanks so much for all your very good advice. I was thinking that probably around 195-210 would be best, but being at 357 now....that won't be a strong focus at first after being banded because it would not be realistic to me. Dieting over and over the years past, I get too ahead of myself. Then I fail. I'm glad your suggestions agreed with my research. Thanks!

Hey all, How do you get the pics or cute things under your name? For example, the big heart, or your pic? I think it's about time for me to put one up there. Thanks for any simple instructions. lol Peace, Judy

Hi Cheryl, From what I have read, PBing is Productive Burping when something gets stuck and wants to come back up. Almost and possibly to the point of throwing up...YUCK! I never want to experience that at all! Especially at work...yipes! Hope this helps clear it up for ya! Judy(your fellow PDX soon-to-be bandster friend)

Congrats Connie! That's great about your pleasant experience being banded and the care you received. Could you possibly detail your experience a bit further about the hotel and your guest and so on. You arrived on Sunday, right, since your surgery was scheduled for a Monday? Mine is the same. I arrive with my mom on Sunday May 20th, and pre-op tests and surgery on the 21st. What time did you arrive on Sunday and how did things go from there? Sorry about all the questions, but I want my experience to be as wonderful as everyone elses, and I know it will be, but I want to know of some things to expect. I also want to make sure my mom isn't alone much. Hope you have an easy and speedy recovery! Judy

Hi all, I have been really thinking about being heavy and tall most of my life and going to be banded May 21st. I have seen alot of weight loss tickers that show what your main goal weight is, and I have been wondering about how do you know what your real weight should be? I am 6'1, and weigh 367, down from 375 since starting the pre-op diet a couple weeks ago. I am big boned and cannot see myself in any way (Thin). Thin to me sounds anorexic. Now Slim-n-Trim sounds better and healthier. How do you know what you really should weigh? And being realistic about it. Thanks for any replies. Judy

> Thanks! I am so glad I have a great supporter here. My family isn't used to minimizing their food at meals and such. I was always the one who would finish the leftovers. My mom and brother are still making big meals for dinner and sometimes(depending on what it is), will eat the leftovers. I tried to tell them that Judy is no longer there to finish the leftovers, so if you make too much, you eat it. They are always saying that I need to eat something else and Saturday night I did, but a very small plate. I felt bad, but it was a very small portion. I usually say no, but my eating schedule is bad on the weekends. Take care my friend and talk to ya soon. Remember, I am there you also. Judy

Thanks so much Kevin. I figured that is all I can do, but don't want to be scolded when I get there if their scale shows less weight loss. But, you are right. I can only rely on my scale, which right now is showing me I am doing well. Super Congrats to you also for your weight loss! That is awesome! =D> I don't intend on slipping back to my old eating habits, keep pushing on to keep losing. Thanks to all the support I have had on this forum. It means alot to me and helps to keep my mind and eyes focused on the prize...a better, healthier life! Take care, Judy

Ok...So as some of you may have read some of my posts already, I am supposed to lose as close to 36lbs as possible before surgery. I am doing very well so far, but have slowed down. I have lost 18. Now, I read somewhere that their scale read differently than one that someone had at home and the weight loss was not as much as the person had said it was because the scale at OCC was different. So, is this true that their scale might read totally different than what our scales at home read? Could be good or bad depending on the difference in scales I would think. What has any of you experienced scale and weight wise between what you know as weight loss and what their scale showed? Thanks for any replies that would explain. Peace, Judy

Hi, I am worried as well about what if I don't lose the 36lbs they want me to lose. I have 3 weeks to go and have lost half(18) of the weight so far. I am not cheating terribly, but I have a SF cookie once in a while, but am usually very good. The weekends are close encounters of the bad kind in ways I want to snack on whatever is around if I don't keep busy. Reading that they were ok with a small drop in weight makes me feel a bit better, but I am going to continue to try and keep losing so that I am more than ready. But...36lbs??? I don't see it. Good luck all, Judy

You are so sweet...I will surely be there for you too my friend!

Could it be body shape and the way a person loses weight or where they carry it? My friend reminded me of that. Makes sense, but still not fair...lol Of course, they have never seen me before...lol Don't worry. With the support I am getting from you and my friend, I am not letting go. I am keeping with it. I went to Costco today and got the EAS powder for lower calorie shakes and some red grapefruit cups, mixed veggies, and some healthly choice fudge bars. I am still serious, but getting more variety and reading labels. Thanks again my friend, Judy

Hey all, I have posted before about drinking the Muscle Milk protein shakes as part of my pre-op diet. Well, I had to get some more at Costco today and was thinking that it is kinda high calorie and expensive in the long run. I saw a bag of EAS protein powder that I have read about people drinking and is lower in calories, higher in protein, etc. My question is if anyone is drinking this, if they like it, and what is the best way to mix it? With milk or water? I am hoping I didn't buy the 6lb bag for $25.99 for nothing...lol Thanks for any suggestions. Judy

Hi Cheryl, I am in PDX Oregon also. My surgery is scheduled for May 21st. Wish we could have been band buddies, but yours is almost a week before mine. Congrats to you on your surgery date and decision. That is so awesome. I am on my second week of the pre-op diet. I am supposed to lose as close to 36 lbs as possible. I am 6'1, and started the diet at 375. Down 18lbs now. Good luck to you and I will talk to ya later. Judy

Awwww...thanks so much! I have slipped and slowed this week, but not really bad. I found out some fruits make me retain water and some veggies either I started to hate really quick. Thanks for the peas idea. I am definitely gonna try that.

Wow...that's great to hear you are escaping the cold weather. I rather like it since I swell easily in hot weather. Of course, where I live, we have such a mixture that I would love to move to Alaska...lol Thanks for the praise on the weight loss. It has been so rough this week. I have eaten a little different food, but still healthy of course. Unfortunately it slowed me down with the steady weight loss, but I am also down 17 also. Congrats on your 17 loss also! That is great! =D> GregNE wrote a reply to another post I wrote about being bummed since I have to lose so much before surgery. He couldn't understand why so much. It should be only 5%. I agree and I have no idea why I have to lose so much. But got a good start anyways. Take care and good luck with the move. I will be looking for ya and thinking about ya too! Peace, Judy