LisaVA

Hey, Angela! Its Lisa! How are you doing ?? I feel GREAT! Cant weight to chew, tho!! 5 more days for us! I got the Centrum liquid and its really not bad at all - some of them can be disgusting. I will also try the COSTCO suggestion next time. Take care! Lisa

Hi, Judy ! I arrived late in the afternoon on Sunday - and I was worried about that - but you know what? They do this 7 days a week and I believe are used to crazy flight schedules -- just make sure they have your schedule - Rene is great. Your hotel room may not be ready - but you should be able to drop your bags at the desk and walk around - -or sit out by the pool - its great ! I will def. bring a swimsuit for my fill! The pool is beautiful!! Actually - there was this looooong line at the border -- Francisco just drove up in a lane no one was using - we got out, walked thru a side door - showed a border agent our passports (they gave them a passing glance) - then we put our bags on an xray machine conveyer belt, picked them up, walked out the door on the US side, Francisco met us and we walked to where he had parked the van. Don't think you're going to be too sore or too invalid to walk - you'll feel fine. When you read on these boards to WALK WALK WALK! do it -- they cannot remove all of the gas they pump into you during surgery (its necessary because it physically separates your innards - while you are lying flat on your back, your liver, stomach, etc lays down, too! - they need to see around all that, so the gas makes everything visible to them). anyway - that gas has to come out! walking is the best thing to do -- and you will be surprised, - you'll feel like it ! I'm not kidding - I've had sinus infections that have put me down for a week - this was nothing compared to that! I'm 15 days post op and I feel completely fine and normal. I'm trying to walk 15-30 minutes a day. GREAT LUCK TO YOU!!! Please keep us posted! Lisa

You're so sweet, Angela! When I first saw you in the lobby of the hotel, I remember thinking, "she's not here for surgery!" You just didnt look big! You're a beautiful girl - and isnt this an exciting time ?? Your hubby is going to have to adjust to a new wife! I have to admit that I'm ready for real food!!! Next week ......take good care!!! Lisa

Of course you can respond! Dr Ortiz told me that I would require 2-3 fills for LIFE. I scheduled the first on with his staff before my banding surgery. The cost of that will be $100 (plus my travel). Each one after that is also $100 -- so you can budget $300 + travel past the cost of surgery. You can also ask LoriBecky - who is the patient coordinator. She is WONDERFUL and will allay any fears you may have. Best of luck to you! Lisa

Welcome, MJ ! I was banded by Dr. Ortiz on April 9th (so I'm still in the post-op liquid phase). It was the best decision of my life (I'm a 47 yof), and the best gift I've ever given myself. I'm only sorry I didnt do it sooner. I"m a few hundred miles south of you, but also on the East Coast. The only thing I felt funny about was that I didnt feel funny at all about flying across the Country to sneak into Mexico for this! I was perfectly happy throughout the whole thing. I know in my soul this was the right decision for me. Best of luck to you on whatever you decide!

Hi, Vergie ! I was banded April 9th by Dr. Ortiz (you can read my post under the newbie section). I flew across the country to have this and I felt safe and cared for the entire time. The reason most of us START to choose Dr. O is the cost - $8500 vs 13k+. Then we learn thru research that he "proctored", or taught, a LOT of the US doctors how to do this surgery. the surgery itself is easier than dental work. I could have gone back to work after 3 days, but since I'd taken the whole week off, I was lazy. I will be going back for a fill with them because I could drive 4 hours to a USAFill center, but their initial set up fee is the same as a flight to San Diego. Its going to cost me about $100 more. I want the people who installed my device to service it. This is a weird thread, as the started obviously isnt a happy bandster - but I am SO relieved that I finally have the right tools to cure my obesity. I've been heavy all my life (I'm a 47 yof). I've lost and gained the same 80-100 pounds FIVE times in the last 25 years. I'm now on my LAST 90 pound weight loss. The yo-yo is dead. I will be healthy for the rest of my life. The band is going to help me do that. best of luck to you, whatever you decide. Lisa

Hey, Annette - only 2 days left !! I went alone and was absolutely fine == they treat you like a queen, and since you'll be in the same hotel, hotel lobby, clinic - you'll get a walking buddy for the day after -- you'll be fine....I flew across the Country alone and did it (only told one person) and I was fine....you will be, too! They take such good care of you you'll forget you're alone....great luck! Keep us posted... Lisa

Rhonda - how are you? You were scheduled for surgery yesterday -- how are you ? Let us know -- I'm 9 days out and am doing great ! Down 17 pounds (including pre-op diet) and feeling wonderful! Take care-- Lisa

Hi, Sally - how are you doing ?? You should be about ready for your first fill by now! Hows it going ? Thanks! Lisa Banded by the Great O 4/9/07

Angela !! Hi, baby ! I'm sorry about your tenderness - I'm sure it will go away -- mine is buried so deep a dive team couldnt find it! (not for long!!) The gas was a trip, but its almost completely gone now - thank goodness! 20 pounds! CONGRATS!!! You so deserve it! Is your hubby doing ok ? I'm glad to hear from you -- lets keep in touch -- take good care! xoxoxxox Lisa

Its like finding a wonderful secret, isnt it ?? I've lost 17 pounds already and its wonderful! Thanks!! Lisa

GREAT !!! Good luck !!! You're going to be so happy !! Let us know how it goes ! Lisa

Congrats, Jazz! The only regret you'll have is not doing it sooner. I could have gone back to work in 3 days, I chose to be lazy and take the whole week off. I'm in work day 2 and I feel great ! It really is very very easy -- just do everything they tell you. When you're in with Dr Miranda, she'll give you some paperwork with what to eat when -- take notes. She doesnt overly stress it, but the real reason for the 21 days of liquid is to keep you pouch in place and small. Your body has to get used to your "device". I know you're going to do great -- keep us posted !! Best of luck - Lisa

Hi, all! I was banded on April 9th (today is day 8). I am trying to prep for solids. Can someone tell me what a good breakfast is ? I usually eat oatmeal, but thats a mushy. The instructions say that your plate should have a protein, green vegetable, fruit, carb and fat on it. How does that work for breakfast ? I can figure out lunch and dinner. Thanks in advance ! LKT

> I was banded on April 9th - 8 days ago. What a wonderful experience !!! I flew into San Diego on Sunday, was picked up at the airport by Francisco, and escorted to the hotel. Francisco was warm and friendly, as were ALL the staff at the Lucerna hotel. The next morning, we were met in the lobby by Mrs. Ortiz (the Docs' mom !), and she drove us to the clinic in her car! There were 4 of us, so 2 went by cab. Warning to those who travel alone: If your stay involves hotel/clinic/hotel like mine did (meaning I stayed at the hotel Sunday night, in the clinic/hospital Monday night, back at the hotel Tuesday night) : CHECK OUT MONDAY MORNING. You check out then check back in, so take ALL of your stuff with you to the clinic. Once at the clinic, I filled out my paperwork, then met with a Dr. who did my pulmonary test - blow as hard as you can for 6 seconds, asked me a few questions verifying information from your health questionaire, then did an EKG. Back to the waiting room for a few minutes, then it was in to see Dr. Miranda, the nutritonist. LISTEN TO HER. She has great advice. Then onto my blood test, which also was the set up for your IV (very nice, one stick!), then I was shown into my room. Room 5 is lovely ! There's a flat screen TV on the wall that also plays music, a love seat, side table, and a chair. Then I met the famous Dr. O. WHAT A LOVELY MAN. He's kind, funny, warm, smart, compassionate and reassuring. Once I'd made this decision back in February, I never looked back and never had a minute of doubt, and after meeting Dr. Ortiz, I was more sure this was the right choice for me. I WANT to be on his team, and I WANT him looking after me. He is the real deal. I was first that day - my lovely nurse walked me to the loo, then right into the surgery suite. I was introduced to everyone in there who would be involved. I have to admit that once I was lying there, and most of the people were busily getting ready, I started to freak out just a little. I said something witty like, "uh, could you start the good stuff ? I'm starting to freak out just a little !" I turned my head to the left, and saw the white "milk of amnesia" starting in my IV line. I felt that funky taste flood your mouth, altho this is MUCH better than any I've ever had, I said, Bye Bye ! (and they all said, "bye bye !") and when I woke up I was back in my comfy room #5. I was sleepy. They said it went well and I fell blissfully asleep. I dozed for a few hours, I think. I HAD NO PAIN. None, zip zilch. A little while later, my nurse came by to get me up so I could walk. So me, my nurse, and my IV pole went around the track (down the hall, out the door, thru the lobby, around to the other side) a few times. I still felt no pain - and at some point was given anti-nausea meds and pain killers. I've never been made nauseated by anesthesia, but some are. I felt great. I got up by myself several times more and walked as much as I could. DO THIS. When they tell you to walk - do it. It speeds healing and it reduces the gas (more on that later!). I take a very small pill at bedtime, and my wonderful nurse crushed it for me. The on duty Doc at night (altho he was there all day, too), Dr H - is wonderful!! Everyone is wonderful. You are made to feel safe and comfortable at all times. I had a great nights' sleep, woke up early the next morning (I was still on East Coast time), so I walked some more. Got some more anti-nausea and pain meds, walked some more. When my IV bag was empty, they removed it, but left the IV port there until I was discharged. When I got dressed, it was the first time I really looked at my stomach. I was a little surprised at the placement - all of it is above my navel - and the 4 little scars are really small!. The port incision is bigger, but I was expecting that. Its still all small considering what went on! (If you arent queasy, watch the procedure on the link on these boards - its fascinating, but then again I watch surgery on TV all the time) They all are closed by internal stitches, and by surgical super glue on the outside. One feels like a little bump, but I'm sure that once the glue falls off, it will smooth out. I have purchased Mederma to minimize scarring -- I have no idea if it works or not, I'll post my results later. I'll use that after the glue comes off. Once back at the hotel, I checked in again, dropped my stuff in my new room and immediately met a fellow Bandster and we walked to a grocery store (I think it was actually near the clinic). Got some Gatorade, some CLIGHT (Mexico's Crystal Light!) and some juice. Walked back, and stopped at a coffee shop (I was jonesing - I needed strong black coffee!) and sat outside enjoying the weather, talking with my fellow bandster. Once back in my room, I was a little sleepy, took a nap (I think it was almost 2 hours !). Called my walking buddy and we walked the other way for a while. Still no pain. NONE. We met Francisco in the lobby at 7 the next morning - I should mention that driving across the border into Mexico (don't blink!) was nothing. Don't be freaked out by the long line coming back into the US - Francisco is a pro. He drove us to the door, we walked into a room with hundreds of people waiting in line, we walked up to an official who looked at our passports, and we put our bags on an xray machine. We met Francisco on the other side and off we went ! Still no pain. I hate flying West to East, but it was easy! The clinic gives you 4 pain pills (no water needed, they go under your tongue). I took one the 2nd night in my hotel room, but it wasnt pain, I just couldnt sleep and didnt want to mix pain and sleep meds. I still have the other 3. I got home, slept very peacefully in my own bed. Still no pain. I took it easy the next day, took an hour long walk in my neighborhood. Friday I ran errands, Saturday didnt do much and was a complete couch potato on Sunday (my favorite Sunday activity). On reflection, I should have walked more Fri, Sat and Sun because altho I still have no pain, I do have GAS !!!! I'm sure you've read about it here before and let me tell you - WALK WALK WALK WALK WALK ! I didn't walk enough when I got home, and I have a gas bubble in my upper abdomin/chest area that is driving me nuts. Still no pain. The relief for the gas is to walk. I did buy myself some Gas-X strips and they are good, too. All in all, this was a walk in the park. I've have way more pain at the dentist! I do have a very impressive bruise on my belly (I assume its where they retracted my liver), but NO PAIN. I did have an episode of diarreah (I could never spell that) on Friday night. I think its because I did have a few little juice drink boxes without diluting them with water. I went every 20 minutes for about 2 hours. Thats okay - I want that stuff outta me anyway! I've had a few twinges of soreness, but still, NO PAIN. Today I am on protein shakes (off the clear liquid phase). 2 weeks of this then its back to real food! I don't want anything to happen, so I'll follow instructions. Dr. Ortiz told me that every instance of problems with the band - EVERY ONE - was/is preventable. My advice is to do what they tell you to do. They've been in the business for a long time, and they know what they are doing. The change inside of my head is almost as amazing at the one thats taking place in my body. I am optimistic, hopeful, happy, excited, relieved! I look at all the diet "crap" out there - TV commercials, newspaper ads, and where I used to pay attention to that stuff (even if it was just "oh that crap doesnt work!!"), I don't even listen to it anymore -- altho I admit they now make me smile, glad I don't have pay attention or even need it anymore. I realize that this band is a tool, but I am so committed to making this work that I have no doubts that this monkey thats been on my back for almost all of my life is now gone. What a relief !!!! Its made me almost giddy! I've solved this problem ! I'm so sorry I didn't do it sooner. I should mention that I have only told one other human being about my journey (my beloved brother). It was a personal choice. The only reason I told him was because this IS surgery, and while very very easy, its always a risk, and I thought one other person on the planet should know I flew across the Country to have this surgery. By the way, there's a phone in your room and you may make unlimited calls to the US (in the clinic). I'm sorry this is so long, but I promised myself after I read all the posts before my surgery that I'd come right back and post my story -- all of it. I didnt sugar coat this report -- its 100 % true and accurate. There just wasnt anything bad or negative to tell ! (Except for the gas - walk!) I started my journey at 241. (I'm a 47 yof, 5'5"). I weighed 228.5 just prior to surgery - 227.5 when I got home 3 days later, and today, on day 8, I weighed in this morning at 224. Thanks for everything to everyone at the OCC. What a class act ! I'm so happy !!!!!!!!! Lisa

Hi, Donna! I was banded last Monday (8 days ago!) and I have exactly the same thing ! Pressure dead center in my chest every 20 minutes or so. Its GAS. Walk on a treadmill and you will instantly feel better. Getting the gas out is the only remotely negative thing about my whole experience !! I walked a lot the day I went home (I was the crazy lady at LAX who walked in circles for 2 hours waiting for her plane!!!) - then slacked off a little the next few days -- just walked a little == big mistake. I have been eating Gas-X strips like crazy, and am going in search of a peppermint (the other post suggestion - thanks!) It really takes a long time for all that gas to come out !!!!

Hi, Angela! I, too am scheduled for next Monday (4/9) - which I have started to think of as my second birthday! I am from the DC area - flying in on Sun via Chicago - hope to see you there!! We're gonna do great !! I'm 5'6, 230 - hope to get to 150. LT

You'll be just fine, Me !! Break a leg !! We look forward to your report! =D>

Lori - I had no idea! I'm very sorry to hear about your surgery and I hope you heal very quickly !! Take good care of yourself. We've missed you!! Lisa

Ouch, Tom !!! (funny, tho!!)

=D> Hurray to you is RIGHT ! Congratulations !!!! That is such a wonderful accomplishment ! You should be extra special proud of yourself - and I loved the story about the leather jacket - you just know your grandma is in heaving nodding her head - knowing you'd do it!! I really really appreciate your "newbie" posts -- I have a much clearer picture of whats ahead of me (surgery date 4/9!) I hope to continue your tradition and post my experience, too. Congrats on your weight loss !!!!! You SO deserve it!! Lisa

Kelly -- cant you take them with you? Or is that just too much trouble?? Some hotels will allow it - ?? Maybe your friend who can't come can watch them? Good luck !!!

I'm from Virginia and I'm going next month. I cannot weight !!! (ha ha) I'll have my first fill in TJ, but there's a FILL CTR in NJ thats only 150 miles away. I'm sorry I didnt do this years ago ! All the research points to Dr O. Go on the website and email Lori, the Patient Coordinator. with any specific questions -- she's wonderful! Good luck to you, whatever you decide ! LT in VA

Congrats, Kelly! I'm at the beginning of April, so we'll pass each other - but I'm very excited about this! I'm going solo to the surgery - I have decided to keep this to myself. I find the older I get the less I want to confess everything! Best of luck to you! Lisa

Hi, Rhonda ! Ive been so obsessive about this, that I thought I'd wait until I got there for the surgery to ask about the first fill - If left alone, I'd book airfare and hotel today! So I'm trying to wait and see what they recommend. We'll keep in touch so we can coordinate! There's a large Washington state contingent on the boards - they are even scheduling an outing ! Have you found them yet ? I'm in the "other" Washington! Take care -- CANT WAIT !!! Lisa