dreamhappy07

Good luck Donna and happy filling! LOL You should be perfect now! Peace, Judy

Hi, I thought I would put in my fave protein shake drink. They are Muscle Milk chocolate and I sooo missed them during my clear liquid phase after surgery. Can you get addicted to something like that? LOL I love them sooo much. They only have 5g of low glycemic sugar, which means they won't elevate your blood sugar if you are diabetic. Also, just one 11oz. carton has 22g of protein. I get them in the 18 pack at Costco for $24.00. If you get them at GNC, they have alot more flavors, but for a 4-pack cost $11.00. GULP! You can also get them in powdered form, but I haven't had luck with that. Probably a cheaper way to go though. Hope this helps you. Peace, Judy

Hi samia, I have read and seen alot of people that have flown a long ways after surgery, like Florida, Tennessee, etc. Unless you have those naggy gas pains, it isn't a problem, just may be uncomfortable. So, pack up those gas-x strips and whatever else you can to keep you comfortable. Those other people said they had no problems at all with the flights other than them being long. Hope this helps, Judy

Hey all, Does anyone anywhere have any clue as to what the nagging pain or ache I have been having in the right side of my chest? It isn't constant, but it is fequent. I haven't connected it with eating too much, too fast or whatever. Sometimes it goes up to my neck. Could it be spasms of some kind? I have read something about that. I have been able to eat so far whatever I want, but totally avoid like hamburger and popcorn. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. Peace, Judy

LOL Donna...it is a rather humorous and gross subject. I tried not to be too graphic...hahaha. Makes me feel better that I probably can't slip the band that easily, but always wonder and try to be careful. I have always had problems getting regulated, but now, having the band in there, I kinda get stressed about the straining part. Thanks for the suggestion for the Colace. I may give that a try, but first need to find something to totally flush(no pun intended ), myself out. I have never had kids, and can't since I had a hysterectomy at 39 due to fibroids, but love them so much. I have four great nieces that I hardly see, but when I do see them, it's great. Too bad their parents aren't. Anyways, thanks again for the reply and suggestion. Take care, Judy

I noticed last night after I ate dinner which was a third of a microwave meal with chicken and pasta. I have a dull kinda headache in my chest and right shoulder. It wasn't too bothersome last night, but this morning and all day so far, it has been aching. At first I thought I slept wrong, but then realized it was there last night. Not sure what it could be because no food got stuck or anything wrong with eating or drinking at all. Don't have heartburn either. Any ideas? I have lost alot of weight in my upper body and my right shoulder is what I sleep on most during the night. It is just weird that it has stayed with me...probably a different pain all together because last night might be because I ate late and rather too fast. hmmmm... Thanks, Judy

Hi syndee, I was told by Dr. Miranda to lose as close to 36lbs as possible by surgery and I lost 23lbs. She was so happy that I thought she was going to do a little dance...lol I have heard of people needing to lose like 15 or more pounds and only lost a few and it was ok, but seriously try very hard to stick to the pre-op diet and be strict with yourself as much as possible to lose what you can. I think this is to show you can follow the post-op diet and so on. Good luck enjoy your experience. It will all be worth it later. Peace, Judy

Hey all, I need to ask about BM problems which I know many of us has had problems with. I am on solid foods now and am always trying to eat good balanced meal. I take narcotic pain meds for a couple of things and I know they can be constipating, but I eat fiber every day and I also have a prescription laxative syrup to help, but it hasn't this time. I took three tablespoons of it in two days and usually I would get well cleaned out, but nothing happened...no urge or anything. Well, last night I could go, but had no choice but to do some straining. I guess I have lazy bowels or something. I haven't exercised much yet and should soon. I love to walk and will be doing that very soon, once I can wear some good walking shoes. I haven't been able to wear socks or decent shoes besides birkenstocks for many years because of swelling from lymphedema. OK...my question is...can straining cause damage or slippage to the band if done too much? I tried to be very careful, but to get relief, it took some extra effort. LOL I know once I start exercising more and eating more fiber, etc., I should be ok...I hope. Thanks for any advice or suggestions to help me and hopefully others that are struggling with this same problem. Peace, Judy

I felt the same way over this past weekend. I also have the VG band and it seems to be wide open to take food in. But, I make sure if I eat a meal, it is on a little plate and not a full plate. So far so good. But, I unfortunately found myself grazing a little which I felt bad about. I live with my mom and brother and they are not obese and can eat whatever they want, so there are cookies and cake around at times. I have read over and over again that the junk food seems to go down easy and yes, I had a cookie or two, but no cake or other junk food. Still testing the waters with nutritious food. Need to start on those veggies too. Yes, I am worried about gaining any weight back. So, I try very hard to make good food decisions which isn't always easy with the foods you used to love are staring you in the face. Can't wait for that good restriction that will surely help me behave and be stronger over which foods I want to eat.

I wanted so badly to have my first fill at OCC with Dr. Romero, but since it is the high season for flying anywhere, then I just couldn't afford to go for my first fill. Hopefully the second or third, if I need it. Right now I have an appt. with a local fill doctor who takes Mexico patients and she charges $180 for first fills and $165 after that. She doesn't have flouro, but is highly recommended by Dr. Ortiz as a local aftercare and fill doctor. That makes me feel good, but then without flouro on the first fill makes me really nervous. Have a great week all! Judy

I was wondering about salads and what people put in them and if they are easy to tolerate if chewed well. Also, what is put in them and which salads are best? Like iceburg, romaine, etc. I like salads, but not sure about eating them and what to have in them. Thanks for any suggestions and advice about this topic. Peace, Judy

Hey all, I did try solid foods a couple days ago starting with a mashed baked potato w/cheese...ummm, yuck. Took about 4 or 5 bites and tossed it. I didn't season it, so it was thick and bland. Went down fine though. Didn't eat anything else that night, but had my protein shake. Since then, I have had some very moist deli roasted chicken and mac and cheese. No problem. I really needed to get my veggies in, but since I am starting out with the solids, I will work up to those. Not sure what I should try first...I love broccoli and carrots, etc. I got some bananas and I am hoping I can mush those down and eat them. I even ate one of my flax seed/fruit/granola bites that I had on my pre-op diet. My mom and brother freaked because they thought those were going to be too dry, but I chewed to mush(thank God for good saliva glands...lol), and it went down with no problem. YAY! So, this has been my experience so far. I am happy but still scared of certain foods. I really want to eat some toast, but afraid to because of many posts I have read about breads getting stuck. Maybe my success so far is because of my VG band. Bigger empty band so stoma more open? Not sure. Well, good luck to all with your weight loss and eating journey. Peace, Judy

Hi Rachelle, Now I am freaking out and want to stay on liquids forever! You got tight THREE months after a fill?!!! I really don't understand how that could happen. Scares the wee out of me! What can cause that? WHY?!!! I never heard of that before. I want to lose weight so bad to a new slimmer me by this time next year. I can't imagine going through what you did and not wanting to completely give up. I was banded on May 21st and am not even close to my first fill yet, but now am dreading it like in time it will backfire on me and the same thing will happen. I know noone ever wants to have an unfill, but it does happen, but THREE months after and getting tight. Sorry, but that freaks me out! Ok...gonna take some deep breaths now and hope and pray I don't ever go through the same thing...LOL Peace, Judy

Hi and WELCOME to this forum Angels. To answer your questions from my own experience being banded May 21st, you will more than likely meet other people who are being banded the same day as you. Mrs. Ortiz will pick you up from the Lucerna or another driver. They will take the patients first and then their loved ones. Later in the day, they will be taken back to the Lucerna unless they decide to take a taxi back. My mom made a friend and so they took a taxi back and did some shopping. They also had dinner. It is too far to walk to Revolution Ave. and OCC. There is a wonderful, friendly and sweet doorman at the Lucerna that will get a taxi for you and make sure you are not ripped off. Usually all good taxis are $5.00 US no matter where you go. They are usually the blue or red/white taxis. We had a meal at the La Casa De Mole which is kitty corner to the Lucerna. Very good authentic Mexican food. The doorman will direct you if you aren't sure where it is. It is a bright yellow/orange building kinda hidden around from behind the walk up pharmacy. I walked all the way to a mall with my mom and friends and back the morning I was released from surgery. It was great and felt good. Fun too! I did alot of walking the day before surgery too. I arrived on a Sunday morning and surgery was Monday morning. One thing to know though. If you go shopping on Revolution ave., please be aware and prepared that alot of the shopping is great, but the most of the store people are aggressive and some more than others. I bought some things, but not as much as I would have liked because I couldn't handle the haggling and pushiness of the store salespeople. I guess I am just too nice and am not strong enough and feel guilty about making them take less money. LOL Even though it is the way it is there. If you can make your way to the malls, then you could find some great things there. Another thing is everyone takes US money everywhere. It is usually $1 to $10 of theirs, and sometimes $11. Hope this answers some of your questions. You will do great and have fun! Peace, Judy

Thank you for your reply to my question. I do have the VG band and feel since all this week I have no restriction or much anyways. There are so many foods I would love to dig into, but I know not to push it and will take care when deciding to eat and swallow anything.

That is why I always drink my coffee with non-dairy french vanilla coffee mate creamer in the morning like I always have, but less of it. I even have my little 8oz starbucks coffee sometimes. I used to only drink a grande two pump nonfat mocha, but can't handle a grande or a tall anymore. Dr. Miranda told me about drinking the coffee w/non-dairy creamer or tea in the morning to open things up some. So, I knew then I could still have my coffee but less of it, of course. I need to get that book too NoWorry. Did you find it online or at a store? Thanks, Judy

Hey all, I was wondering if it really would hurt me if I tried to eat a little solid food this weekend to test things? My actual 21 days isn't until Monday, but before I head back to work for the week, I would like to have an idea of what would be good to eat and healthy as well. I really don't want to start eating solid food on Monday being the first day of the work week and have something get stuck and be embarrassed and sick from it. I have already accidentally eaten a piece of soft chicken and it stayed down...LOL Any advice or suggestions would be great! Thanks, Judy

Thanks so much all! > You are so good to me! I never PB'd and hope to never do. Cheryl, I tried calling you last night when I was freaking out, but you weren't home or available and I survived...LOL To be honest, I almost wanted to push it a little more since I didn't PB, but my solid food date isn't until next week, so NO WAY! I did eat some SF applesauce today though. So, all is well now and I can't wait to see what else I can eat. hehe Donna, I will have to remember that golf ball feeling you mentioned. I was actually waiting for the pain in the middle of my chest like I have read about. Never happened, but as freaked out and scared as I was, I probably could have made it happen...LOL I shouldn't be afraid of eating I know. Banded, Thank you so much for that article. Every time, which was only a few times, that I chewed on something and spit it out, I was really starting to think that if I kept doing that, would I ever swallow food when the time came that I was supposed to. I also started thinking about this not being a healthy way to satisfy your taste buds. I was heading down an unhealthy way of eating and that article woke me up fast with a reality check for sure. Thanks again. Katie, thanks so much for your concern. You were right that if it didn't happen in 10 minutes, it wasn't going to...LOL Thank you all for your replies and help to me when I was so scared. > Peace and Big Hugs, Judy

I knew I couldn't trust myself yet. I have been good about chewing on something and spitting it out, but tonight, I took a soft piece of chicken in my mouth and chewed it up and it nearly melted in my mouth and I swallowed it by accident. Talk about stress and panic! If I was going to PB or worse(vomit), when would that happen? It has been about 10 minutes now and my stomach just started growling real loud. LOL I am 5 days away from getting on solid food. OOPS! I am freaking out here! Any advice or suggestions would be great to ease my mind. Thanks! Peace, Judy

Hi Lili, Thanks for the suggestion and the concern. I didn't need the med post-surgery, but I don't check my blood sugar much and when I have, it is well within range at the bottom end. So, I guess I don't need it. I was thinking that taking because I thought I should made my pancreas become upset or something and that was causing the pain. I did stop taking it and the pain pretty much went away, but last night I had like a dull ache in the same place, and wasn't sure why, but it never got bad and then was gone. Yes, I guess I should consult the doctor, but would that be my doctor or Dr. Ortiz? Not sure. Peace, Judy

I was just thinking about my first solid foods and especially my fave foods which I know should be in limited amounts if at all eaten. I love pancakes, cheese, and chicken. I have read alot of different posts on chicken, but I thought maybe if I have it really moist like marinated or something, it would go down ok. And pancakes too if they were kinda moist with SF syrup or something like that. I really have always loved cheese. How does everyone do with that food? Does it go down ok and digest ok? I won't indulge in too much of cheese or pancakes, but just daydreaming of eating them again. LOL Thanks for any replies and/or suggestions. Peace, Judy

Dear PAMMIE, I am so sorry for your grief about your friend. It's not your fault. You did talk to here about the wrong choices she was making, but it is up to her to follow your advice AND the rules of the band. It is so sad that someone has to lose their band in this way. But, her life was more important if there was a choice between that and the band for sure. This story and situation opens my eyes for a couple reasons. One being when someone I know and tell about the band and my experience at OCC that I'm concerned whether or not that person is serious enough about changing their life and eating habits to make it all worth it if they consider having the surgery. Second, I am one week away from starting solid foods and even though right now, given the chance at times, I could eat out of control, I am still scared about that first(whatever it may be), morsel of food that I have chewed to mush going down my throat. I know it will be trial and error, but I will always be reminded about the sad and scary stories people have told about their experiences with solid food. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I know it was hard for you, but you already knew that people need to know. Peace and hugs, Judy

Hello, I was reading the posts about the Lucerna and I must admit that I have not travelled much in my life, but have stayed in many hotels. To me, the Lucerna probably wasn't a 5 star hotel to many in the US, but in Tijuana, it definitely is one. When comparing what all of Tijuana was like. the Lucerna stood out like a castle. But, that is my opinion. I felt so important and special when I stayed there. Don't get that feeling much in the US. Hope this makes sense. Their ratings on excellence are probably different than here. Judy

#-o Well, updating my post from earlier about the sharp pain in my upper left side is finally diagnosed from myself. I think it's being caused by the medication I started taking a couple nights ago for my diabetes. I usually was taking one Metformin 500mg at night. I haven't taken it since my surgery day which has been two weeks now. Well, that sharp pain, thinking it was a misplaced gas bubble went away and then came back this morning. I believe it has something to do with that medication. It is the only thing I have taken or done differently since surgery. I will stop taking it and see what happens. I sooo wish I could stay regular with my bowels though...that is still bugging me and I don't want to have to take that dumb laxative syrup so often. Will it get better when I am on solids? I hope so! If anyone else has suggestion or replies, I thank you! Peace, Judy

Hey all, I have been in alot of pain in the past few hours with a sharp pain in the upper left side under my left arm/breast. I have never had any problems with gas pains cuz(not to be gross), I get relief quite often. lol The last thing I ate was a creamy potato ready to eat soup from Campbells. It has little chunks in it, but I had one before and made sure the pieces were mashed down before swallowing. I have read alot about things getting stuck and I know that isn't the problem either because usually the pain is in the middle of the chest, which isn't where my pain is either. Hmmm...strange. Maybe it is gas, but not sure. Strange place for it to be anyways. Thanks for any replies and suggestions. Judy