dreamhappy07

Wow! Thanks so much for all the info. It's a great help to hear about others experiences and to know how to deal with things after surgery. I definitely will not drink the tap water and for sure stay away from "mineral water"...lol Too bad I would have to just have tortilla soup broth, but it sounds yummy. Back in the 70's when I went to germany with my family, we had a layover in London and were so thirsty. We ordered a ginger ale and it was super spicy. Live and learn I guess...lol

You all are great! Thanks!

Judy

Hi all,

I was thinking about people always saying "don't drink the water" in Mexico and I have been wondering if that is true. Is the water safe to drink? Even bottled water? I saw one member on this forum that had a parasite infection after traveling to TJ for banding. Kind of been on my mind since I read her post. Scary.

Also, how do you get enough water to drink after surgery when you are back at your hotel and then heading for home?

Thanks for any advice or help on this subject.

Peace,

Judy

You should probably start 3 weeks pre-op. What is more important, however, is that you do not gain any weight before starting-- that will make it that much more difficult. Enjoy the food you want, but start cutting portions now. And remember, even after banding, you can still enjoy most of the foods you enjoy now; just smaller portions.

Well, she said about 4 weeks before surgery, so since I am scheduled for 5/21, then I can start next week? I don't plan on gaining any weight before i start, but I do want to enjoy one last chinese food meal, and one more pizza, etc...lol j/k I don't eat much lately...my appetite has slowed in the last couple of months. Probably due to medication or something.

I noticed you lost 21 lbs pre-op. How did you do that Greg? That is awesome! I was told to buy the optifast from the OCC e-store. Yeah, well, if I had and extra $300 lying around, then maybe.

I have read that alot of people do the shakes for breakfast and lunch, and a lean cuisine for dinner? I would starve to death...lol

Thanks for your info and reply. Always appreciated.

Judy

Hi everyone I am scheduled for 4/9/07. I am very excited but also nervous. I dream about the procedure evry night, but its the craziest thing every time I tried to loose weight prior to the pre op I was unsuccesful. Now on the pre op diet I lost 11 lbs. I am thinking oh now you want to come off after trying for 5 years.It's like my body is trying to talk me out of it. I know that trick. I am not listening because I am looking forward to the weight coming off for good.

Hi angelav,

How are you doing? How was your experience? We all need details when you are up to it. did you have company like others bandsters with you? I hope you weren't all alone.

Take care,

Peace,

Judy

Hey all,

My surgery is scheduled for May 21st and I got an email from Dr. Miranda that I need to 18 plus lbs before surgery. I know that is over a month away, but didn't want to have to start now, so I can enjoy some of the foods now, that I will have to avoid after being banded.

I wrote her to find out how and when I need to start losing. I'm thinkin now or really soon.

Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks,

Judy

From my experience, the gas in your abdomen from surgery does not enter your digestive tract. In fact, your digestive tract is rather empty after surgery, so flatulance is not really an issue. I did get relief from frequent belching, however.

I believe the walking instead tends to distribute the air around in your torso, thus relieving the shoulder pain from the post op gas. The air (gas) slowly absorbs into your system in a few days.

Thanks Greg! Duh! I should have known that because I had a hysterectomy five years ago and it was done laparoscopically. Gas pain wasn't fun then either...lol I totally don't mind belching. That feels good. ; )

Judy

This has been making me think alot lately about after surgery when everyone says to walk, walk, and etc. Around the halls and out in public and so on.

Does that mean that noone is embarrassed about letting her rip to get relief? Are they quiet bombers or silent? Sorry about the strange question, but it's just been kinda on my mind. :-?

Peace all,

Judy

Hi Judy!! I'm doing the 12 day diet. SO my start date will be April 30th. Including protein shakes and Lean Cuisine. I have to lose 13.5 pounds. And I paid $8,500 for the surgery plus air fare for me and my hubby so around $9K. After all the Easter Candy, I will probably need to lose more pre-op. We'll see. UGH!! I'm still looking for a May 11th surgery buddy! So how much are you paying? The same I hope. Take care!!

Cool! Thanks for the info. Yeah, the price is right. Was hoping it was still the same. I will probably have to lose more. I am scheduled for the 21st so far. Gotta send in the deposit. Then I am set.

Good luck with your diet. You can do it!

Take care,

Judy

Could someone please let me know what the process is from the time you know what date you want and the process leading up to surgery?

I know what date I want, but don't know what to expect after that. I am sure there are papers to fill out and all that, but do you get a call from Lori, or the nutritionist(Dr. Miranda) before or after the papers, etc.?

Thanks all for any guidance and help possible.

Peace,

Judy

I am banded!!! April 6th was the day. We drove home to Arizona on the 7th and I had to make it through 4 hours of a family gathering (my brother's birthday) while they ate fruit, chips and lemon cake, yesterday.

I loved Dr. Ortiz and his staff, and really the women I met while there were amazing. Everyone was so supportive and friendly. "Hi!" April 5th and 6th bandsters.

Michele

(320/308/?/160)

(highest/surgery day/today/goal)

That is so awesome Michele! Congrats! Sorry you had to suffer through the birthday celebration, but hopefully you weren't hungry. Wow! That's amazing they let you go home so fast.

Did you arrive the day or night before and had tests and surgery on the 6th? Or, did you have everything done the same day? Just wondering because I am waiting to hear from Lori to schedule for a Friday May18th, or Monday May 21st.

Best wishes and Good Luck on your band journey!

Judy

Hey Judy!

I am finally back home after a 9 night trip and almost 25 hour day. But I made it!

I don't use a CPAP and don't recall seeing anyone there with their little portable machine. I believe this is something you may want to discuss with the doctor. However I can't think of any reason why they would not allow you to use it.

Right before the surgery, you are asked to change into large comfy hospital gowns and a paper-type panty. For the first few hours after surgery (and right before bed), we all roamed the halls in the hospital gowns. (I have to admit the first thing I did after coming to is to remove the awful paper panty.) We saw quite a few patients from the previous night roaming the halls in their house dresses, workout type clothing etc.

The staff is there to help you feel comfortable and make sure that you are doing well. If you ask, I'm sure they will let you change into something different. (Although the hospital gown was great, no restriction, flowing with every movement, etc)

Good luck with your surgery.

PS: And yes, I am 1 pound heavier today than surgery day.... darn IV fluids! But there's hope... I know I will be on a losing streak soon!

Thank you so much Onlyme for your info reply. But, why 9 nights? I thought you are usually only there for 3 nights or days total. Glad you made it ok and back home now. How is the pre-op diet working for you? Do you have restriction?

Thanks also for your best wishes for my surgery. It means alot. I am waiting to hear back from Lori for a date in mid May.

Take care and good luck with your band journey.

Peace,

Judy

Hi all,

I am excited that I finally got my 401k check in the mail today, but also it hit me that the reality has come to have my lapband surgery with Dr. Ortiz. I got really nervous that this could acutally happen. I have read so many posts about the wonderful and not so wonderful experiences people have after being banded. But, I have Dr. Ortiz book and that should get me through ok.

I am waiting to hear back from Lori about a date for either May 18th or 21st. I hope this all works out for me. I have been ready to do this for months now, but financing just didn't happen for me. But now it looks like it is finally meant to happen.

Peace,

Judy

Aww man! I am May 11th. It woulda been nice to finally find someone for the same day! Oh well. I'm sure I will eventually find one person. I am so freakin excited. Almost at the one month countdown mark!! YAY!

Hi Queen,

Congrats on your band date! I would like to have my surgery then, but will probably have to be a week later because of work timing. I guess people want to take vacations now, and lucky me being the back-up for their jobs. lol Oh well.

So when do you have to start your pre-op diet and how much you need to lose? Just curious. Also, may I ask how much you cost is for the whole experience?

Thanks and good luck for a great experience.

Judy

They are totally on top of things. You will have to nurses and quite a few doctors checking in on you. Depending on your needs/symptoms, they will order extra tests as necessary.

That's good to know. I know that after some surgeries I have been so thirsty and dry mouthed. Do you use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea and if you do, do they let you use it right out of surgery? I know you won't probably get this until later, but one more question in regards to the gown and panties...can you wear panties, and what kind of gown should you have in case you want your own to roam the halls? LOL I want to be able to walk, walk, and walk very comfy like.

Peace,

Judy

The entire process from pre-op to post-op was excellent. I am still in Dr. Ortiz's clinic, until I get released later this morning. Each patient has their own individual room. The rooms are in great shape, comfy and modern. I drank water sometime last night. I cant really say how many hours after surgery, but I was given a small cup of chicken broth and water. It felt nice to have the warm broth.

Yes, you can get away with wearing your own PJs instead of the hospital gowns... some took the gowns off a few hours after surgery. Just realize that you will be really FOGGY for a while. Don't try to do too much on your own.

I am not currently on any medicines, but the hospital staff checked on me 24/7. I even had an episode of high sugar that required medication... all of which Dr. Ortiz's great staff was able to take care of.

Waiting for check out time.... I'll post more tonight.

=D> Congrats Onlyme on your surgery! Now you move forward to a new and different(for the better) life with your band.

Just one question in regards to your post...do they constantly take your blood to see any problems, like when you mentioned a high sugar problem that needed meds? Sounds like they are totally on top of everything.

Take care now,

Judy

I thought maybe we could have a support group for those of us who have to lose weight before surgery. I have to lose 30-32 pounds and am really nervous about it. I have followed my diet to a T for the last 11 days and have lost 13 pounds. I have stalled the last week. Looking for support!!!

Shannon

Surgery date 4/27/07

Hi Shannon,=D> Congrats on losing as much as you have so far. That's alot of weight to lose in 3 weeks time. Why so much? I have never heard of someone having to lose that much before surgery.

I don't have a date soon since I am waiting for money from my 401k to get to me. I hope I don't have to lose that much before surgery. I was told you usually have to lose about 5% of your weight before, but that would be less than 20 I think.

Good luck with you weight loss and surgery. You can do it!

Peace,

Judy

I

> Welcome back Lori! we all have missed you too I'm sure. I know I have.

So glad you are back and are able to help us with questions again and problems. But don't be overwhelmed with everything now. Just one at a time, like one day at a time.

I hope you are feeling much better even though you are certainly still healing.

Take care.

Judy

Well, af,ter reading alot of posts about what the pre and post-op diets are like after LBS, I am feeling like I can handle it no problem. I just had two teeth pulled(one on each side), so that leaves me with even fewer to chew on for right now until I heal up those holes in my mouth. I have to eat or slurp and swallow very soft, mushy, or at first liquidy foods. I have also come down with a very nasty cold as well, so my appetite is way down. So, since I can't chew too well right now and not having a big appetite is making me realize what to expect with the diets to come after being banded...lol

I haven't got on the scale, but I know for a fact, I have lost at least 5 pounds or more in the last 5 days. Alot, to my surprise is the excess fluid in my legs and ankles from my lymphedema. Feels very good, so now I know I am so ready to follow the rules and lose weight the right way, hopefully soon in the near future.

Peace,

Judy

I HAVE FAMILY IN NE PART OF TOWN OR HAD. I HAVE A BROTHER THAT RIDES AT THE HORSIE TRACK, AND MY AUNT WAS A NEW REPORTER FOR KOIN TV, ELAINE MURPHY, BUT JUST QUIT TO GO LIVE ON THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS FOR A FEW YEARS. (NOT ALL MY FAMILY IS HEAVY LIKE I AM, I THINK I GOT THE SHORT END OF THE STICK LOL)

THAT IS SO COOL! WHAT A SMALL WORLD...LOL I TOTALLY KNOW ELAINE MURPHY FROM CHANNEL 6. I WAS WONDERING WHAT HAPPENED TO HER. SHE WAS SO GOOD ON THE NEWS. I ALWAYS LIKED LISTENING TO HER REPORTS.

YEAH...I AM THE ONLY HEAVY ONE IN MY FAMILY WHICH I AM SURE IT CAME FROM MY DAD'S SIDE. HE ALWAYS STRUGGLED WITH HIS WEIGHT. MY GRANDMOTHER WAS HEAVY TOO. I HAVE BEEN HEAVY ALL MY LIFE.

MAYBE WE CAN BE ON EACH OTHERS FRIENDS LIST OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE, WE COULD KEEP IN TOUCH BY EMAIL?

MY EMAIL ADDY IS happycats2@comcast.net .

THANKS PAMMIE. TAKE CARE.

JUDY

JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY JUDY, DO YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN THE NE PART OF TOWN?

YES PAMMIE, I AM IN NE PORTLAND. WHY?

HI JUDY,

I THINK THEY TOLD ME TO QUIT 2 WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY IF I REMEMBER RIGHT

WHEN I SCHEDULED MY SURGERY, THEY HAD PICTURES OF THE CLINIC UP ON THE OCC WEB SITE BUT I JUST COULDN

I QUIT 4 or 5 DAYS BEFORE SURGERY, I SMOKED MAYBE 1/2 A PACK A DAY FOR 30 YEARS. ONE OF THE REASONS FOR ME HAVING THE SURGERY IS I WANTED TO TRY AND QUIT WITHOUT GAINING WEIGHT AND JUST BE A HEALTHIER ME

That's great Pammie! Do they tell you to quit a certain amount of time before surgery, or is it up to you?

Also, I saw your greats pics on Webshots of when you arrived there and had your surgery. They were great and it looked like everyone was so easy going and you enjoyed your whole experience. Do they let you do that any time or were you just special? LOL

Thanks,

Judy

That is great to hear that if you don't do too well on the tests, they make sure they take care of you to get through the surgery and be ok after.

Thank you! I feel better now and a bit more confident.

Greg, did you quit smoking two weeks before or several days before? I smoke also, but not more than half a pack a day. I could probably handle quitting for about a week before, but two is stretching it. Of course, if absolutely required, I will definitely do it!

Judy

Hey all,

I hope to banded soon, like in the next month or two and one thing keeps making me stress. It's the tests they take on your blood, lungs and heart. I have no problem with any of these, but was wondering if any of you were stressed about the results of these tests?

I keep thinking about passing all the tests and going all that way and then having to turn back because they wouldn't do surgery on me b/c of something found in the tests. I am positive I have nothing wrong in any area of testing, but it's just been bugging me.

What exactly are they looking for other than a good heart and lungs, and what else?

Thanks for any replies in advance.

Peace,

Judy