FurEllie

And people are just shocked when I say I went to Mexico, lol. I've had 2 hospitalizations since my banding that were here in the US. I swear if I could have gotten OCC to perform those procedures, I would have

One of the things I miss about my band are my fills with Darlene - she was just incredible

Great - thanks so much!! Sagging is my #1 problem. I want to lose at least 30 pounds more first (I had to have the band removed in December so it's not easy ) but even when I was 30 thinner than now I still had saggy F boobies, lol. Hopefully since I want a reduction they can firm them up w/o implants. Thanks again - you look maaaaavelous!!!

Pammie, the surgeries look great! I have to ask - how much? I'm considering doing a "Mommy Job" this fall - tummy tuck and boob lift/reduction (with possible implants, depending on how hard it will be to lift them and keep them lifted, lol). I was going to both at the same time to hopefully save some $$. I've gotten quotes all over the place - from $10K-30K! Obviously I'm going with the doctor I feel the most comfortable with and not the cheapest, but I'm just curious what you paid (you can PM me or tell me it's none of my biz - that's cool - it's a rather personal question I'm asking )

Before I had to have the band removed, I used Roswell twice. Darlene is AWESOME.

When I was overfilled I found I could get down hot chocolate made with protein powder. Yes, I had to drink a spoon at a time, but it was worth it

I have ATT/Cingular and I called them before I left to active Mexico calling. It wasn't cheap - $.60 a minute IIRC, but worth it to keep in touch. And yes, you can call like crazy on the phones at OCC to the US for free!!

Reading material - you spend a lot of time doing "nothing"

IMO, it depends 100% on the Fill Center you're using. I used the one in Roswell and she was as good (but not as handsome ) as Dr. Romero. Fluro (sp) is must, of course.

I'm not sure that's a hard variable either - I had a hernia Dr. O repaired and I had the smaller band put in.

Remember, you DID just have surgery. Your tummy has been through some physical trauma and is still healing. I would call OCC to put your mind at ease (and because I don't have any sort of medical degree ) but what you describe sounds pretty normal. I had diarrhea for several days after surgery then stopped up until I was able to start eating things with roughage again. And the gas - BEST thing to do is walk, walk, walk! Thankfully I work from home because I was pooting like a mad woman for a couple of weeks. I'd go to the grocery and RUN away from where I was standing so no one would know it was me, lol!!

I make a deal with any doctor/nurse using a needle: as long as I can look away, they can stick the needle in I am a HUGE baby when it comes to needles, though I've probably had 100's of sticks as well as 100's of stitches, lol, but the fill needles are probably the least painful of ANY I've ever had. Once or twice I felt a slight pinch, but seriously, that was it. Just don't look

Ya'll might want to call OCC and see if they have any ideas for fill doctors in your area. I know Dr. Ortiz is affiliated with Fill Centers, but if there isn't one in your area they may be able to find a doctor/PA/nurse who can do your fills

I never had a problem.

It really depends on WHICH morning you're leaving. Monday mornings I've seen be a bear because many are crossing over for a week of work. Like Sunday nights are awful because of all the tourists coming home. OCC is by far the best medical experience I've ever had - the US medical profession could learn a lot

I always had them use the Fluro. It's when you drink some contrast liquid and they use and xray machine to see your band. They can see better if you have enough fill or not (and hit the port easier). JMO.

Are they asking questions? Heck, I got back one time w/o them even looking at my ID. Someone posted a while back that Toradol can be bought w/o a prescription and there's a pretty liberal amount about how many you can bring back. Try a search on it. As far as drugs that need prescriptions, they are cheaper, not easier to get, in Mexico. IOW, you will still need a prescription for your friends unless you see it on the shelf. That goes for things like Viagra too

This is 100% normal. SOME people feel restriction before their first fill, but not many. Your body is still healing. You HAVE had surgery Just hold tight - things get better. You might even take more than 1-3 fills before you find your "sweet spot". Don't be in a rush, your time will come

I don't think that's what they are talking about. VGB: http://www.weightlosssurgerycoach.com/faqs.shtml#SurgeonDo

Yes and if you have any questions, just ask Dr. Miranda. She is more than willing to help

I wonder if we overloaded them

It was strange they talked down on TJ but then hardly showed how glowingly clean the OCC is. If I didn't know better, I'd still think they went to some hack doctor because the FDA hasn't approved the band for kids yet.

I loved how this brilliant Dr. Oz kept saying the band wasn't reversible, lol. And he made the band look like it's about 3 inches in diameter. Their illustrations also didn't show the pouch the band made. It was a good show. For selfish reasons I wish they had focused more on OCC but I think the overall feel for the show was that the parents were doing what they felt was right for the health of their children. Back in the 70's there was a family of 3 girls who lived across the street from us. They were all born with the most ENORMOUS noses you have ever seen. Their 14th birthday present for each of them was a nose job. And having a big nose isn't even unhealthy What I wish they had addressed is that for many of us, and I'm sure the teens since I felt it as a teen, food is an addiction. I have NEVER felt full in my life. Ever. I love food and will eat and eat until the food is gone. Then I will get into a car and drive and buy more food Unlike drugs and alcohol, you cannot completely remove food from your life. The band FORCED me not to over eat. If I did, it came back up. Simple. Like someone on the show said, forced behavior modification. I had to have the band removed 2 months ago today and I STILL will try to get another one put in. Great show Cassie and Mom!! :) :)

I have my TiVo set up and ready to record Monday's show - congratulations!!

1. There are 4 (or 5) teeny tiny scars. I think the largest is about 3/4 of an inch. 2. Don't know about this 3. Inside 4. The syringe is inserted through the port and the fill put in. The better fill folks use fluoroscopic methods. In 4 fills (2 in TJ, 2 at Fillcentersusa) they hit the port the first time! Please feel free to ask about anything else and good luck