FurEllie

I suspected there was a second story here. Thanks for the info DQ and Lori

That is correct: May 1: Primero de Mayo is the Mexican national holiday that is equivalent to the U.S. Labor Day. But it doesn't make sense that they'd make an appointment for that day.

Do you have any more info on this? I can't imagine the clinic being closed on a day they scheduled an appointment unless there was an emergency. My trips take 2 days and cost a few bucks so I KNOW I would have been calling the after hours number.

When my fill was too tight I was PBing EVERYTHING - chewing things up wasn't even an option since even water wasn't going down. IMO, it's not an "easy" barf like I've seen others explain it - it's just a regular old throwing up but IME, you just do it once and when you get whatever's stuck, that's it.

Also don't forget to bring cash for the shuttle if you're taking OCC's shuttle - and they don't seem to have change so bring some smaller bills. I tried to pay a $165 bill with 2 $100s and it was a no go If you're going to be there early, I might see you - I have an UNFILL tomorrow AM. I'm the short pudgy 40something blonde

I have NO idea if this is what you'd need, but dang, I'm sitting here not able to even swallow water, have an appointment for Monday AM in TJ and if I knew an ER could unfill me, I'd be there now. You've got me thanking myself I didn't drive to our little rural one http://www.imed.com/shop/detail.cfm/sku/K7663/rfr/NEX If that's not it, they may be able to help you. Let us know what you find out - I'm certainly not opposed to having one myself in case of emergency!!

Last meal(s)! Revolution BLVD - check into the hotel and get a cab there and go shopping. I haven't done that yet but I swear one day I won't be in such a rush to get in and out of TJ and I'll go haggle.

OK, everyone say "I told you so!!" Even clear liquids have been EXTREMELY painful since I got home so I'm headed back to TJ Sunday night, getting an unfill Monday AM, coming back home Monday night, THEN leaving for Europe Tuesday night. Oh well, I've always learned my lessons the hard way - touching the stove to make sure it's REALLY hot, lol. I'll just be doing laundry like CRAZY tonight and tomorrow so I'm all packed for Tues!

This sounds more like a public hospital than a private one like Dr. Ortiz runs and it looks like the killers are targeting people who wouldn't be crazy Amercians getting WLS http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headli...ld/4729140.html

I actuall had it on the 16th. There is a LOT of restriction right now (which is good since I had zero for the last 2 weeks). This AM I started with some cold water and that did NOT want to go down comfortably. I made some high protein hot chocolate since I've heard warm things are better in the morning and it went down fine. That was a couple of hours ago and I'm starting to get a little hungry already, lol. I actually did gain about 4 pounds from the lowest after the band until the first fill. As soon as I started gaining I KNEW I was going to get the fill before the trip. Even if I have trouble eating, it's worth it. I don't want to be free eating for a week as I could easily gain it ALL back in that short a period BTW, my fill was 1.5ccs

I'm near Duluth and IIRC, the only other Fill Centers USA was in Moultrie. Right now I'm content w/ going to TJ, but I would be interesting in your experiences with this Dr.

I have a friend who got a band approximately 4-5 years ago. She was complaining that it didn't work, she hadn't gotten a fill in years, blah, blah, blah. Well, she was a size 28 and now she "fluctuates" between a 10 and 18! And that's bad?? Different things work differently for every one. If 1 out 50 have a problem, I'm willing to take that risk to become healthier and I'm sorry it didn't work for you.

I read that you had surgery and was worried! Good to know you're healing, albeit slowly. Tell Dr. O to stop being such a slave driver Glad you're on the mend!!

Just got back from TJ for my first fill, 1.5ccs. I plan on going back there for additional fills.

I just got my first fill in Mexico exactly 6 weeks after surgery. It was 1.5ccs. Another girl who was in surgery with me got 1.8ccs. Dr. Romero is watching while he fills so I'm pretty sure everyone is different. They DO have you eat "real food" for dinner that night in TJ so if there's a problem, you can go back to the clinic before you leave for the states, but then it's clear liquids for 3 days.

I just had my first fill on Monday - 1.5ccs and I can CERTAINLY feel it. Whether or not it will stay this tight is of course another story. I'm getting ready to go on vacation next week so I'm hoping it loosens a little, but right now, liquids and VERY mushie foods are all I've been able to get down. It was exactly 6 weeks to the day of my surgery and the last 2 weeks I could literally eat whatever I wanted - hamburgers, fries, anything. So hopefully I can lose the 3 pounds I gained back after the original surgery. I have heard many people say it takes at least 2 fills to hit the sweet spot.

I just crossed back on Tuesday, had forgotten my passport (oops) and used my driver's license only - not a problem. I was with 2 other people who just used their driver's license. You can also use USD everywhere in TJ that I have tried to spend it in. One warning: We couldn't find an ATM that had USD even though some of them said they did, so if you don't think you'll be spending all your pesos (I have about 200 left over for the next fill!) then take some US cash - there are USD ATMs in the SD airport.

I JUST got back from my fill and stayed in TJ - wish I had been reading the boards, lol! There is a good Mexican restaurant kitty cornered from the Lucerne - it's call Casa Del Mole or similar. They have enchiladas, tamales and fajitas. For about $10 you get a drink (water/coke), soup, guacamole dip, a full plate of the entree, and a tamale dessert. Just having the fill I only ate some of the guac and chips and about 2 bites of the enchilada, but they were GREAT. They put out a plate for you with all the different sauces so you can taste them and find one that's not to mild or spicy Will definitely look into staying in SD next time for a change up - now you folks who are staying in SD have to scope out THOSE restos too - with a fridge and micro in the room there, it will be great to bring something back!

This is EXACTLY why I'm getting my first fill before I head out for a weeklong vacation. I so don't trust myself I would rather deal with some of the issues that come with a fill than undo what I've lost so far.

KatieB and I are headed to SD on the 16th if anyone wants to share

I'm not sure how fast they can get it to you (but you can always use it after a fill ) but unjury.com has a chicken broth with 23 or so grams of protein They also have a plain protein powder which I haven't used, but I've read others have added it to clear liquids to get your protein in. I also like protica.com - little "shots" of protein. I'd stick with clear and yogurt for another couple of days. IIRC, cream soups started at 8-10 days. I WILL tell you that the first taste of cream soup tastes like a filet mignon, lol

You're picked up at the Airport (assuming you're flying in - not sure how it works if you're not). Getting INTO Mexico is a breeze - you just drive through Coming back, the drivers know most of the guards and from what Francisco told me, they know it's a "medical transport" and won't make you get out and walk across. I didn't have to get out and he said the other 2 drives he'd made that day didn't have to get out either. From what I can tell, it's approx a block of walking? He drops you out RIGHT in front - hopefully someone who's had to walk knows

I've used GasX (the strips) and been OK and I've also heard people getting relief from walking and from a heating pad. Hope it gets better!!

It's only been 2+ weeks since I was banded but in reading here, other boards, talking to others, etc. I am SO happy I did it! Are there issues? Sure there are. I feel like a tooting engine sometimes, lol and I have more scars now than scarface. But it's an aid to help me conquer my awful addiction of food. Weigh (so to speak) the good with the bad of the band and I'm sure you'll find more good

I lost 6 pounds pre-op and 10 more pounds since my March 5 band. Scheduled for a fill on the 16th of April. I start eating "real" food next week and I'm SO afraid I'm going to put it all back on! I've bought some premade food since I don't cook that seems very well proportioned, though not cheap