dreamhappy07

Thank you for answering that for me...I am kinda doing this on my own and it's been a difficult decision because most of my family is non supportive. Although I did break the news to my husband (he had said previously that I could not do this) and he handled it quite well and very supportive to my surprise....so now I am excited that I have him on my side. I also have two awsome freinds, one of which is doing the liquid diet with me so that I am not alone. I have found this website to be very comforting and enlightening. I believe good or bad I will not have any regrets. Thank you all

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

I took a taxi and went shopping the day after surgery.

No basket of liquids was provided to me. I walked across the street to the c-store across from the hotel (Extra is the name) and bought my gatorade and beverages there.

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 I thought that this info was a bit outdated...lol I have read alot about people having jello and to me, it seems that would be a NO-NO.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

:-h :-h

May 21st is when I am going to have mine. I will be flying in on the 20th. Has anyone been to the aquarium, if so how was it?

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

I thought I would jump in and share my experience. I was just banded on April 26th by the same Dr as Connie. My sister and I arrived at the airport on Thursday at 11 am. There were 4 other girls that arrived around the same time. I would try to pack as light as possible. The driver was there with a sign with my name on it. We walked to the van. They drive a little crazy but I am use to that from growing up in CA . We were taken straight to the clinic were we started pre-op. You will fill out a few forms in the waiting room. There is nicy comfy places to sit but this can take a while so I would suggest bringing something to do while you wait. You will have your blood taken and you will have your ekg done, dental exam and then you will talk to Dr. Miranda. YOu will have your blood takesn ( I Had my IV put in at this time) She will weigh you and go over your diet for the next 3 weeks. After all this was done for me they had an opening and I decided to do the surgery the same day. Everyone else went back to the hotel. I will tell you about my surgery and then the hotel. They took me back to my private room which had a flat screen tv and two chairs. Most rooms had a comfy couch in them. I changed into the hospital gown and some wonderful (LOL) paper underware which was like wearing a thong! The nurse will them put your white stockings on to help your blood circulate during surgery. Everyone is very nice. Everyone came into my room to introduce themselves. You will walk into the surgery room and be taken back to your room where your mom will have waited for you. My sister was on the phone with my mom and the Dr. got on the phone with her and put her to ease. I slept a lot and had something to drink and the nurses came to check on me. The only complaint I had was when I woke up in the middle of the night my IV bag was empty and blood was going up the tube. I called the nurse who came and took my iv out. I was released at aprox 10 am the next morning and they took me to the hotel and I went to my room where my sister was. The restraunts were nice and so was the room. My sister and I took a taxi (the front desk got us on) and we went to shop! make sure you bargain for your prices. We were gone for about 3 hours and came back. I ordered chicken broth for lunch and then we went back to our room. The grounds are really beautiful. We walked around for a bit and I was bushed so we came back and i went to bed.

Everything was really nice and I felt really safe. Your mom will only be alone when she leaves you in the clinic overnight until you get to the hotel the next morning.

If you have any more questions please email me at childrensgarden2@aol.com.

I lost 22 pounds pre-op and am down 10 pounds since surgery........a total of 32 pounds

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

I am reading several topics and discussions where 'p-bing' is mentioned. I don't know what that means. Is that a reaction from eating w/out chewing? HEEEEEEELP! What can I do to avoid this issue also? Gimme ALL THE INFO BANDERS! Thanx all........ I am so excited. I even have my first fill scheduled in July............ after my May 16th band w/Ortiz! Yay!

talk to you all soon,

Cheryl

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)

Hello all of you fellow bandsters!

Yesterday April 30 I was banded by the Great Ortiz. It has been the most pleasant experience I have ever had medically. The people were so nice, fun, happy, and helpful. Anything at all we wanted, they got for us. I wasn't nervous at all. I slept well after surgery and was very comfy. We had flat screen tv in our room, a comfy couch for our guest, ect... so neat, so incredibuly clean.

Thanks to every one at the center for being so nice.

Connie Gist

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

aww your welcome ....just wanted ya to know you have at least one supporter on your side so anytime you need to chat im here

> 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

Judy,

You are on track for success. Only rely on your scale. You can't do better than that. Make sure it is calibrated per instructions that came with it and keep making it happen.

You are an inspiration to us all! Congratulations on your continued loss and your decision to enter the lap band lifestyle!

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 only lost 8 pounds pre op and should have lost 25. They were ok with that. I even treated myself to a nice dinner the night before the surgery. My LAST meal. Julie

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

your welcome and keep up the good work...im routin for ya!!!! if ya need me im here ill chat any time ya need to

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

yea im not sure why they want ya to lose more than the 5% either its something youd have to ask them unless they did some calculating wrong lol...which could happen but anyway losin more than the 5% is a good start and gets ya there that much quicker and your doin such a good job too....just keep up the hard work itll all be so worth it in the end.

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

> Thank you OCC! I am so very very happy to have this procedure done! I am 275 right now at 5'8" and begin my 15 lb loss MONDAY! I was denied my gastric by-pass AFTER completion of all the nutrition/psych eval and classes etc. here in Pdx Oregon. NOW I see, it was meant to be. It has been over a year since then, and I got so depressed and wanted to continue with my journey. Who CARES about money? I AM WORTH IT, WE ALL ARE!!!

Anyhoo............Glad that the LapBand will be my choice after all the research I continued during this year of 'insurance rejection'..... I am disabled due to a severe lung condition, (Never smoked) so I feel the LapBand will assist better with my disease than the 'other method'. wink.

Carolyn is a blessing too! Love talking to her! She is awesome! I will be flying in on Mother's day, 05/13 to kick it in TJ for a few days before my surgery on 5/16! My 38th Birthday is the day after.........WOOT WOOT! I am so excited and just purchased our round trip tickets, and made the deposit online, last night. I have never flew first class. But I was paranoid with my size, that folks would be crawling over me in the isles on the flight home, so we are paying the higher costs to 'live it up' this one time!!! Flying back home on 5/18......

I need some Band Buddies on here, so add me if u feel like it, k? ANY INFO and SUGGESTIONS you can offer me would BE WONDERFUL!

ANY DO'S AND DON'TS you have, send them to me!! NEED TO HEAR whatcha all know out here in LapBand world!

So so so so happy! talk to ya soon!

Thanx!

Cheryl

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

YAAAAAAY JUDY!!!! im so proud of you 17 lbs is awesome....especially in 9 days just think youll be at your goal in another week or so if you keep up that good work...i know your sick of the fruits and veggies but keep it up your doing so good and who cares what the weight loss they gave you if you keep to it youll not only lose what they told ya to but will lose even more and thats better for you when you go in thats why i started already to lose as much as i can b4 the surgery. i know you can do it i have faith in you ...maybe try some new fruits and different veggies or something to mix it up...i dont know if you like frozen peas but i take the bag of peas outta the freezer and will thaw them out in a strainer under warm water and snack on them if you get the baby peas they taste like they are outta the garden...haha can you tell im a veggie lover...my whole yard would be a garden if i could but i dont think my kids would like to play in a garden unless it was just full of tomatoes...again good luck and good job judy =D> im proud of ya!!!!

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.

yep i hear ya on the greasy foods and stuff that your bodys not used to anymore. i had a few bites of popcorn with some flavoring on it and i thought i was gonna end up in the bathroom...i didnt thank god but it was the weirdest feeling ever....it was like my body was rejecting certain foods now even the smell of certain things just make me sick to my stomach. my weight loss started to slow a lil bit at 11 lbs i was stuck so i went back to eating a normal balance for a couple of days and now im back on it and down to 17 lb weight loss....im so happy to hear you are down 15lbs.....go Judy!!!!! =D> thats so awesome. keep up the good work...sorry ive not been on here in a lil while ive been packing we are moving from NY to SC....warmer weather hear i come whooo hoooo ....lol i cant wait to be near the beach lol. not too sure ill miss all the snow we get here either and surely will not miss the cold weather.

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