dreamhappy07

Hi, Sounds like you all are doing great! Way to go! Don't worry about little cheats. We all have been there. As long as you realize that they are bumps in your pre-diet road and get back to watching yourself, then you will do great! I too was sick of food and am a smoker. I quit about a week before the surgery and continued after. That is NOT the way to do it, but some are in the same situation and some were able to completely quit and never go back. I never had a food addiction, but just made really poor choices in food. I am not a heavy or moderate smoker. I maybe smoke less than half a pack a day depending what I am doing. Let me tell you that it is SOOOO exciting when you know you can't eat very much food anymore and the weight starts coming off. Since my last(second) fill, I can eat very little and have to be careful what I eat too. Take care and good luck on your weight loss journeys! Peace, Judy

Hey, I had a REALLY bad PB episode this morning and refused to allow myself to throw up. I survived and knew I shouldn't probably eat anything for the rest of the day. Well, when I try to drink some water or even a protein shake, I still have some upset and burning in my throat and most of all still feel pressure when it goes slowly down. I understand that there is probably alot of irritation in my esophagus(since the food tried to come up), and my pouch is probably a bit swollen, but didn't think it would still be bothering me this long. My question that I regret having to ask or do is should I take one of my Prevacid that I have left over from before surgery or just take a tums? I haven't needed it since surgery and was happy, but I don't like this burning upset feeling anymore. Thanks for any help or advice in advance. Peace, Judy

Hi Paula, My mom went with me on my journey to TJ and we left about 2 or 3 US dollars each day for the maids. We tipped our driver(Francisco) from the airport to TJ - $5, and the really sweet and helpful doorman(forgot his name), $5 before we went back to the US. It is totally up to you, but some others may have other ways they tipped to tell you. Good luck with your experience. Peace, Judy p.s. remember the US dollar is worth alot over there, so I guess think that way when you tip. ?

Hello, I was going to post a new post when I saw this one already going so figured I should just post here. My esophagus and tummy are really sore right now. I was out with my friend earlier this morning to get Starbucks(my love), and knew I was hungry and got a toasted hawaiian bagel w/cream cheese. I knew I couldn't eat anything that heavy in the mornings, but would try to at least eat half of a half. Well, I was really hungry and was taking bigger bites than I should and by the third bite, I KNEW I should have stopped because it was starting to slow way down when I swallowed. But, I took the last couple bites and that about did me in. I started to get pain and burning and never got to touch my nonfat coffee. I got the pain in my chest that poked in my back and I got out of the car and spit and walked around. MY friend was so worried about me, but she totally understood what was going on because I had told her everything about the band and restriction etc. I should have let it come up, but refused. As we were on the freeway to an appt. that I tagged along on, she asked me if I was ok. Well, I was and wasn't and then, I started shaking and almost hurled in her car. But, I made it without having to do that. I know that I should have but really was scared to. About slipping the band and any other damage I could do. Now I know that most people cannot eat breads or pasta, etc., but that has never been the case for me. I know how to chew really well, but since my last fill a couple weeks ago, I am still learning. THE HARD WAY! ugh! I NEVER EVER want to experience that again. The first time was a few days after knee surgery and was so hungry that I tried to eat a half a PB sandwich. I was laying up in bed watching tv. Yeah, I took a couple bites and jumped out of the bed because my mouth was watering and the pain was awful. That really scared me, but I got nowhere near throwing up that time. This time was SO worse. So, mental note - no bread or undertoasted bread too early in the morning. Probably nothing else either until later. Take care all, Judy

Everything can be paid for in American money. It is king there because of the value compared to pesos. So if you are ever given change in pesos(unlikely), then you might want to just lose it because of the low value compared to the US dollar. Hope I made some sense here. Anyway, just use US dollars everywhere because it is accepted everywhere there. I don't know what one thing you should bring home except for little souvenirs. I managed to get some cheap mini-sombreros and pottery things, but that's about it. lol I guess thinking about it, I would have liked to get that tequila for a friend at work, but not for myself. Take care. Judy

I found out since my second fill that I am not getting enough fluids in me. I am not thirsty usually, but when I do get really thirsty, I know I am in trouble because my body needs the fluids and I cannot drink or chug water like before. About two or three sips and I have to wait till it goes through. I didn't waited long enough once and it almost came back up. It is so important to get your fluids and I have been really bad at that lately. I am risking dehydration and so on. So, the more hydrated the better, but be careful because when you are on solid foods(this is where I get in trouble), you can drink up to a half to an hour before meals and then about an hour after. Never drink with meals. Now I have been good with that part. Sometimes I get really thirsty right after a meal, and I have to wait and suffer before I can drink a little. It's very tricky getting all your fluids in sometimes, but I guess I need to do what some people do and drink as much as possible between meals and not graze or be tempted to snack much. I guess that is what you are supposed to do, but I usually don't. Ok, enough rambling. Good luck and take care. Judy

Thank you so much for starting this post! Everyone needs to know this. I remember when I was there last May and coming back over the border. There were a few people that went way overboard with luggage and all of it had to be checked, so Francisco had to take bag after bag into the security check and had to make several trips. He was really flustered because we were already running a bit late and some of the passengers had to catch planes very soon. We were able to go through the express lane at security, because otherwise there was several long lines of cars and people. At least one person that I know of missed their flight and didn't get home till the wee hours the next day. Francisco was really sweating and stressed, but most didn't know what the situation would bring with all the extra bags. He told us next time to please pack lighter. Now we know. My mom and I only had our purses and one shared rolling bag. That was probably too much too. You are so right when you say only there for a few days, so one big bag for two people should be enough, but I forgot to mention I had one extra bag with my CPAP machine in it. Really wish I could have left that one home. Take care and thanks again! Peace, Judy

Hi all, Just to put my two cents in...I am really sorry about your disappointing experience. When I had surgery last year, it was AWESOME! Really great experience. BUT...there was a woman amongst us from Florida that had a great figure and maybe needed to lose about 10 or 20 lbs if that. We never gave a second thought about OCC going after the almighty dollar, but pretty much all looked at her like is she NUTS?! She said there is diabetes in her family and that she doesn't want to risk getting it. Sorry, but you can be a toothpick and develop diabetes if you have a strong family history of it. Also she said she couldn't digest protein very well and we felt kinda sorry for her, but WHY was she getting the band?!!! She came by herself and pretty much was non-existent except for the walk around the floor the night of surgery. She kept to herself I guess. We hardly saw much of her, but hope she is doing well. She isn't a member of this forum either. Kindsa wish she was, so could kinda find out how her life has changed. I guess what I am trying to say is, everyone and every experience is different. They all want the band for the same reason. To lose weight and become healthier. I guess maybe some people need further psychiatric evaluation if they aren't considered obese. Hope your weight loss journey is successful and happy. Peace, Judy

HI DARLENE, SORRY YOU ARE GOING IT ALONE, BUT YOU WILL MEET OTHER BANDSTERS HAVING SURGERY AT THE SAME TIME YOU ARE AND YOU MIGHT HOOK UP WITH THEM AND HANG WITH THEM. I HAVE READ AND HEAR AND ALSO EXPERIENCED THAT MOST PEOPLE ARE REALLY FREINDLY AND YOU WILL PROBABLY END UP GOING SHOPPING WITH THEM AND WHATEVER ELSE THERE IS TO DO. I LIKE TO SHOP TOO, BUT DIDN'T DO MUCH EXCEPT FOR WALKING TO THE MALL AND AROUND. WHO KNOWS, YOU MIGHT END UP GOING TO PLACES I NEVER WENT TOO. YES, THE HOTEL KEEPS YOU STOCKED WITH BOTTLED WATER. YOU DEFINITELY DON'T WANT TO DRINK ANY TAP WATER JUST TO BE SAFE. YOU CAN BRING BOULLION CUBES TO MAKE YOUR OWN BROTH OR THEY HAVE A RESTAURANT THERE THAT YOU CAN GET SOME. I READ AND HEARD SOME PEOPLE CALL IT TORTILLA SOUP, BUT YOU CAN HAVE IT ORDERED AS JUST BROTH AND IT IS DELICIOUS. FROM WHAT I HEARD ANYWAYS. I NEVER HAD IT MYSELF. WISH I WOULD HAVE TRIED IT. YES, BRING GAS X STRIPS JUST IN CASE. THEY DO HELP. AND MOST OF ALL, TRY TO KEEP MOVING WHEN OR IF YOU FEEL GAS PROBLEMS. TAKE CARE, JUDY

You are quite welcome Donna. It will actually be both because in that short of time frame between surgery and getting back to work, you will still be on clear liquids, so make sure you drink as much broth as you can and if your work has a freezer, then maybe get some popsicles to munch on too. Of course, drink like crystal light or other juices when you can too. By the end of the week, you can start having the protein shakes and that should give you a boost too in fighting that physical and head hunger. My surgery was on a monday and I went back to work the following tuesday because the monday was memorial day. I felt like I could have gone back to work sooner, but I came back from TJ on wednesday evening and the week was almost over anyway. Everyone is different, so take it day by day. You should be fine, but you never know. Since it isn't an open major surgery, then the pain is minimal, with mostly soreness. Unless you get those awful gas pains people talk about. Make sure you do ALOT of walking and that will surely help. Take care, Judy

Yes, it is to prepare you for after and trust me, it will be rough at first, but you shouldn't be weak or light headed unless you are not getting enough protein and fluids in you. After surgery you will have to deal with head hunger and that is pretty tough, but it will get better. I was so excited by the 6th day when I could have my protein shakes again. It will get better when you get to softer foods and then to solid. But, you don't get to that point for three weeks, so prepare and plan now, so it will help. I confess being in tears because I was so hungry during the liquids phase, but kept posting here and got alot of support and encouragement. I even was told to take that bite of food for the taste and chew it up and spit it out. Only did that a couple of times and didn't get into the habit, but felt so much better. You can make it! If I can, anyone can, cuz I am super weak and give up too easily. Especially on diets. But I was determined to take care of my band and hope to never PB or throw up. This isn't a diet, it's a tool to help you change your life and lifestyle to become healthier and happier. Some people take a multivitamin or some kind of supplement like a chewable kids or liquid vitamin, but I have never taken anything like that and don't want to have to either. Good luck! Peace, Judy

Hi, I had GERD really bad too and was taking 15mg of Prevacid every days for years. Since being banded, I have never taken or even needed my medication once. Only once I took a tums, but that was because I ate too fast and/or too much and had slight reflux. Most people do at one time or another, but it is nothing like GERD was. After taking that one tums, I have never needed it again. Hope this helps because I, too was really worried about the reflux from the GERD totally ruining my band, but it seems to have been cured. Take care and good luck on your weight loss journey! Peace, Judy

Thanks Clynn. Figured it was something like that, but haven't had any pain, just some pressure like instantly feeling kinda full like I just ate or something and that explains the pressure of needing to burp, but not an intense feeling, just that airbubble kind.

Hi MacKenzie, I was told by Dr. Miranda to lose as close to 36lbs as possible on my pre-op diet. Not sure how much you are supposed to lose, but I was on the same diet as you with the two shakes and lean cuisine for lunch. Yes, it was really hard, but I had a couple of slip ups too. Needless to say, I lost 23lbs by surgery day and Dr. Miranda was really happy about that. Just don't drink soda if you usually do. I found out that when I totally gave up anything carbonated, the weight came off quicker. I stayed away from sweets, but if I had to have something, I had sugar free cookies. If really helped alot. I was worried also about being turned away, but if you lost at least half or so of the weight you are supposed to, then no worries. I have a friend that had surgery a week before me and she thought she lost 12 lbs and when she got to OCC, she had only lost 2, according to their scale. Hers must have been broken or something was off, but she had her surgery with no problem. Hope this helps you less stress about what will be a totally great experience. Peace, Judy

SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR PAST PAINFUL EXPERIENCES WITH LAP SURGERIES. NOT GOOD. WELL, I NEVER HAD THE GAS PAINS THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE AND I BELIEVE THAT ALL THE WALKING I DID THE DAY BEFORE, RIGHT AFTER SURGERY AND THE DAY AFTER HELPED TREMENDOUSLY. MY SURGERY AND PRE-OP WAS ON A MONDAY, AND WE ARRIVED ON SUNDAY MORNING. MY MOM WENT WITH ME AND WE MET UP WITH A COUPLE OF SISTERS THAT WERE THERE FOR ONE OF THEM HAVING SURGERY SAME DAY AS ME. WE WALKED OVER ACROSS FROM THE HOTEL TO A MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND HAD SORT OF A LAST FULL MEAL. IT WAS AUTHENTIC MEXICAN AND SOO YUMMY. THEN WE TOOK A TAXI FROM THE HOTEL TO REVOLUTION AVE TO SHOP AND WALKED ALOT MORE. I COULD NOT HANDLE THE AGGRESSIVE VENDORS THERE AND YOU REALLY HAVE TO BE FIRM AND NEVER GO ALONE. THERE ARE SOME SHOPS THAT YOU CAN BUY STUFF FROM THAT HAVE PESO AND US MONEY NOTED ON THEM. THEN CATCH A TAXI BACK TO THE HOTEL. MY MOM AND I JUST HUNG OUT IN THE ROOM AND SO THE NEXT DAY MRS. ORTIZ PICKED US(THE PATIENTS)UP AND BROUGHT US TO OCC. SHE WENT BACK TO GET THE LOVED ONES AFTER ALL PATIENTS WERE AT OCC. AFTER SURGERY AS YOU SAW IN THE VIDEO, WE WALKED THE HALLS MOST OF THE TIME, BUT RESTED AFTER SEVERAL TIMES AROUND THE PLACE AND THEN GOT POPSICLES AND WATCHED TV. WHEN WE WERE BROUGHT BACK TO THE HOTEL THE NEXT MORNING, I FELT GREAT AND JUST A LITTLE SORE(MAINLY AROUND THE PORT AREA BECAUSE IT IS THE BIGGEST INCISION). THEN THE FOUR OF US GALS WALKED AGAIN AND I AM SURE WE MUST HAVE WALKED ALMOST A2 MILES BECAUSE WHILE TWO OF US WERE AT OCC, MY MOM AND THE SISTER WENT TO A MALL AND WE WALKED THERE AND BACK. COULDN'T BELIEVE I MADE IT, BUT IT WAS REALLY NICE. YEAH I WAS HUNGRY AT TIMES, BUT DRANK MY CRYSTAL LIGHT PACKETS IN THE HOTELS WATER BOTTLES AND HAD BROTH, ETC. IT WAS SUCH AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE! DID I SAY THAT BEFORE?...LOL TAKE CARE, JUDY

HI DARLENE, THIS WAS SHORTLY AFTER I WOKE UP AND FELT REALLY GOOD AND NOT GROGGY LIKE AFTER SOME OTHER SURGERIES I HAVE HAD. THEY USE A DIFFERENT KIND OF ANESTHESIA THAT MAKES YOU FEEL THAT WAY AND I GOT UP AND THE NURSE WAS THERE AND GOT ME UP AND MOVING. I FELT LIKE I COULD HAVE WALKED BY MYSELF, BUT THE IV WAS STILL ON SO THE NURSE HELPED ME TAKE MY FIRST WALK. A LITTLE LATER I WALKED THE HALLS WITH THE OTHER PATIENTS AND THE NURSE BROUGH US POPSICLES. DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TIME IT WAS BUT IT WAS GREAT! BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY AND HAVING AS GREAT EXPERIENCE AS I DID. PEACE, JUDY

Just in case anyone wants to see a really short clip of what happens after surgery and the special individual care each patient receives, here is a clip of me after surgery and taking a walk down the hall with the little sweet nurse. My mom was going to take a picture with my new digital camera and hit video instead...lol She told me that each patient has a nurse stay with them until they wake up and the care begins to get walking and then they bring you popsicles and broth or whatever. Side note - this walk took place after I changed back into undies from the little paper panties they give you...lol http://s188.photobucket.com/albums/z63/luv...nt=S6300041.flv Hope it works! Peace, Judy p.s. sorry it is so short, but something to see, especially for the newbies.

Well, I have another question about weird stuff that goes on since my banding last year. You would think I would be used to all it's quirks and such since having it for this long...lol I have been sneezing a few times in the last few days and every time I do, shortly after I hiccup and/or feel like I have to burp, but nothing happens. Kinda scary? OR is it just another quirk. I am hoping I am not hurting the band or moving it or whatever. My band and I plan to spend the rest of our lives together, so it better behave and I am forever trying to keep it that way. What are your thoughts? Thanks, Judy

From what I remember, I thought all the rooms were private(mine was), while I was walking around and around with the others that night. May not have paid too much attention if there were any semi-private rooms. Concentrating on walking and keeping any gas pains away for sure...lol

Thanks so much Lisa! I will knock off the beating myself up words and such as well as trying too hard to have my own little pity party. You are so right on about it all and I thank you so much for the awesome pep talk! That includes Lori too! I love you guys. Feeling better now. I guess I just see others that have struggled as well as those that have had great success and their huge change in their bodies by their pics, that I want to be there too. Of course, I have more to lose than most, but will get there with great support from you and everyone on this forum. It will take time and I just need to focus on my goal and eating habits. I love cereal and oatmeal, but the sugar content is what I don't want to drag me down. I have some Special K w/strawberries, but have been afraid to eat it just yet. I love their crunchy bars though, but wasn't sure about eating them since this last fill. I guess if I can still chew down and swallow chicken, then the cereal should be ok. I like oatmeal, but again the sugar content. I was thinking the packets and I love cinnamon, but will have to check and see what's out there. Thanks again Lisa! I will definitely keep in touch about my journey. I need to post a new avatar, but photobucket isn't helping me get my password yet. I look much lighter now than the one I have on. Peace and hugs, Judy

Hey all, I feel really stupid about this, but I need help and suggestions for the best foods to eat to continue my weight loss. I just had my second fill and have pretty good restriction. I still have my coffee in the morning and try to eat some good protein at lunch and dinner. I haven't figured out what to eat for breakfast yet. As with many of you, mornings can be rough when trying to eat something because of morning restriction issues. I have tried cottage cheese, but found out the hard way that it has alot of sodium in just half a cup and I swell easily in my legs and ankles. Btw, I found out that mashing a banana with the cottage cheese helps alot with bowel movements. lol ; ) I used to eat that when I was little. Very good as a mushy food. So, if anyone out there has like an easy diet plan I could follow, mucho appreciation would be given. I really need to make the right choices and determine all over again what is head hunger and actual hunger. Peace and thanks! Judy

Hi, I just had my second fill today after 6 1/2 months from my first. All I can suggest is if you are just having liquids and feeling this tightness in your throat, you might want to consider getting a slight unfill and see if that gives you any relief. I know about that tight feeling when I have good restriction. It makes me slow down drinking and eating for sure and let the feeling of it passing through or getting to my pouch and then I burp or gurgle and then I know it's safe, but I know I have had enough if it takes too long for that tightness or relaxed feeling to go away as quick as it usually does. I hope you get relief soon because that feeling really doesn't sound good or healthy. Good luck. Peace, Judy

Hi, I am having my second fill in 6 1/2 months this Sat. 2/9. I feel so disgusted that I let my weight stall for so long. I gained 7lbs and lost 5, then gained 2 more, etc. I made it through the holidays without gaining alot more, which I should be happy about, but nonetheless, I have made some bad food choices and have gotten back to some bad eating habits. I am confident that with this fill, I start over and have to make better food choices and possibly not be able to eat some of the foods I have eaten in the past months since my first fill. This has to work for me. I am determined! I have been beating on myself the last few months for not doing things(fills and eating), right for my band and my weight. But, I am thankful that I have not gained alot more back than I could have. Just needed some encouragement and hopefully no scolding(which I deserve because I know better than to eat around the band), to support me as I get a slow start back to the right ways of weight loss with the band. Thanks all in advance. Peace, Judy

Thanks for the info. I have it ready to record on my DVR since I don't get home from work until about 15-20 min after it starts. Did they show anything familiar in TJ? I would hope they would have filmed around OCC and Lucerna. I think OCC is in a strange area because I have no clue where it was because of being driven there by mama Ortiz. I only saw a couple pics from what my mom and her new friend took nearby. Thanks again! I will surely put in my two cents after I watch it too! Judy

Hi, I am in Portland and I get my fills from Dr. Kelly Fitzpatrick in Milwaukee. She also has an office in Eugene. She charges $185 for the first fill and $170 after that. Her website is www.gastricbands.com . When she is in Portland, she is usually only here for Fri. and Sat. appts. I have my second fill scheduled for Sat. the 9th of Feb. She is great, but doesn't have flouro yet. My first experience was great! I got my fill standing up with no problems at all. You can read up about her on the website. Good luck! Judy p.s. I REALLY want to go back to TJ and have a fill some day...hopefully this year.