stacy16

Since it bascially takes 2 days for me to get to TJ and back, I've considered staying a day or so enjoying the city that so far, except for a business trip several years ago, I've only seen the airport of.

I saw on the TV that there are some casinos in SD - has anyone been to one? Any recommendations?

Or I could save my money and just visit the zoo or something

Obviously I'm looking for something that's a quick cab ride from the airport - I don't want to rent a car.

Ideas?

There are a few nice casinos in San Diego, but they are not a cab ride away. They are about 45 min from the airport off of the 8 east freeway past El Cajon. I love the zoo.

Stacy

Hi. I was aondering if anyone has stayed at the Best Value Inn in San diego, the hotel that Lori told us about. I have reservations to stay there in May when I go for my fill. I would like to know you've stayed there and if you felt safe and if its in a decent area. I'll be traveling alone so I just want to feel safe and I'm beginning to have seconds thoughts about staying there.

Hi. I live in the area near the Best Value Inn. The place looks ok, not great just ok. The area near is just ok also. You should be safe. I have lived in the area for 9 years and have never had any problems. San Ysidro is a very small town and very low crime area for San Diego. I'm sorry I can't tell you more about it than that.

Stacy

Usually people with complications are the first to speak up. Obviously there are not too many people with these kinds of complications. Not everyone throws up. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Did you go to Dr. Ortiz?

My surgery was 3/16/07 and I am down 32 lbs!!

Stacy

That is great to hear that if you don't do too well on the tests, they make sure they take care of you to get through the surgery and be ok after.

Thank you! I feel better now and a bit more confident.

Greg, did you quit smoking two weeks before or several days before? I smoke also, but not more than half a pack a day. I could probably handle quitting for about a week before, but two is stretching it. Of course, if absolutely required, I will definitely do it!

Judy

Judy,

I did not quit smoking at all. I smoke about a pack a day.

Stacy

What's happening March 16th bandsters? How is everyone? Dr. Miranda told me not to exercise for three weeks, but I am kind of really needing it right now. Should I wait?

Stacy

I have the same fear. I smoke and I am going to stop on Tuesday. I hope I will be able to pass the lung test. I hate to go all the way down there and end up not getting banded because of my smoking habit. I will keep you posted on how it goes.

I smoke and I passed the lung test. It was easy. Don't worry too much about the tests, they are a breeze.

Stacy

Yo...it's E...

Vons has cream soups in their "signature soups" deli area that eat like a meal...YUM!

>

The tortilla soup was awesome!

Stacy

Thanks for the info E. I am so tired of soups and need to get creative.

Stacy

Wow, fellow March 16th bandsters...I haven't even moved into the creamy soups phase...still on protein shakes, liquid yogurt, and clear liquids. You aren't scared to jump ahead? How did you make the decision to move into creamy soups and the other stuff? I'm always so scared to break the rules.

E >

I don't follow rules very often. I just tried things and they went down ok. I am really trying to stick to soups, but I am so sick of it already.

Someone else mentioned that your companion could not stay the night at the surgery center, and would be sent back to the hotel. Was this true for you, or were they permitted to stay? Just wondering if I will have to spend the night alone.

Donna <-------Big Baby

I was surprised, but yes you will spend it alone. There were 5 others banded the same day as I was(I think) so I wasn't totally alone.

Stacy

hey I think you were the "other" lesbian geting surgery the day after my partner and I did. We met while you were....walking around, literally I am starving. I moved onto a little bit of mashed potatoes today. It was delightful. I am only on day 10. I have felt goodother than that. How are you healing? My port insision is still open and seeping where as my partners is all healed up. Any insight on that?

Well I am glad to hear I am not the only one moving on from something other than soups. How did the mashed potatoes treat you? I have not had a problem getting anything down. I am so hungry as well. I am healing great and my incisions were never really open, maybe you should call about that. Where are you and your partner from? Keep in touch and let me know your progress!

Stacy

Hi, since you two were newly banded, could you elaborate on your trips/surgery experiences? I'm going in next Monday for pre-ops, and surgery on the 3rd. Gettin a little nervous. Since it's fresh on your mind, could you give any details? :-?

Thanks,

Donna

It was a really good experience for me. The pre-op stuff only took maybe an hour. No big deal there, just a lung test and EKG. I also met with Dr Miranda. The next morning was a little nerve racking for me. I had never had surgery and was really nervous, but the staff was great and really caring. It was over before I knew it and was up and walking. The procedure was quick and not bad at all. The doctors are really sweet. Dr. Ortiz is the best.

Stacy

Hello everyone It is now 8 days post-op and hunger is starting to set in. Juices are just not doing it. Does anyone else have any reccomendations as to what to eat? cream soups are a little liquidy. Hpw about jello and chocalate pudding? Something salty? Is sour cream OK? Please advise

How are you doing? I have been a little hungry and soup is not doing it either. I have had pudding and it was fine for me. I also have a a small amout of thin frijoles with some melted cheese(very small amount). Other than that just yoghurt and soups. I can't wait till this phase is over.

Stacy

I got my protein drink mix at Costco and its not bad at all. I always like the vanilla because I can mix in bananas or strawberries with a little ice. I've heard people mix in coffee and other stuff, but I haven't tried it.

Stacy

One of the last things on my instructions is if you can't drink it, don't eat it. I am having a difficult time with the clear broth and popsicles because I am hungry and I am only 5 days post-op. I drank a yoghurt this morning and I feel much better and a little more full. Plus broth has no protein or anything else for that matter to help me not feel so tired and weak. Dr. Miranda said for me not to drink protein shakes until day 10. Did anyone start them earlier than that? In think the earliest she said was day 7 or 8. Thanks for the support!

Stacy

Hi E,

I was with you on the 16th. I'm glad to hear your doing ok. I am too, but the gas pains are killing me. I can't walk enough. Isn't Dr. Ortiz cute? That's coming from a gay women! I loved him though.

Stacy

Hi to both of you...it's Eleatrice (E)...I was there the same day. I came home Saturday night...didn't feel like being in the hotel another night either. All is well for me, I hope for you both as well. Question...I thought we didn't add vitamins in until week 2? No?

To tell you the truth I can't remember. All I know is I am already feeling kind of weak and feel I need something to get me going a little. I'm glad to hear you are doing ok.

Stacy

Hi Stacy this is Mitch I had the surgery the same day as you I was in the room next to you. I purchased the centrum liquid it is good. How are you feeling?

Hey Mitch I feel pretty good. I can do without the gas pains but other than that no problems. The liquids are going down fine. I went home the next morning because I didn't think being in the hotel another night would be very comfortable. How about you? Do good I hope!

Stacy

What is a good liquid vitamin to get?

Hi,

I am a couple of weeks away from getting a lap band. I weigh over 400 pounds. After reading through the various topics on this website I feel quite discouraged. There are a number of people who have lost no or minimal weight despite weeks of being on liquids, others who feel strong chest pains and wish they had known before they took the plunge. Maybe the forum by nature brings out more negative experiences as people express their stories and troubles. Are these kind of experiences normal, or rare? Do most people have a relatively trouble free experience and lose significant weight?

Looking forward to some encouragement!

Paul

I can't tell you about weight loss as I was just banded, but the surgery itself was a breeze. I do have gas pains but very minimal. I feel pretty good!

Stacy

Thanks so much for the needed advice! I'm home now and very comfy. Not too sore at all. Has surgery yesterday.

Stacy

I am scheduled march 30th,just starting my preop diet , did you lose the 5 percent weight as recommended before surgery??How is the hunger pains ...do you have any ???Keep me posted

Thanks in advance and congradulations !!!!

Redrose

I did lose all the weight I was suppose to. It was not easy and I did do the best I could on the diet. I did cheat a few times. I love sushi and could not resist myself. I do feel hungry and I think it's all in my head. I'm bored and a little sore. So far I have had veggie broth, 2 popcicles and coffee. I missed not have a coffee for a couple of days. This surgery is a breeze and Dr. Ortiz is the sweetest and greatest guy. The other doctors are awesome too! Good luck!

OMG--Stacy! Didn't you just have surgery yesterday? I'm glad you came through well! I was just on the other board, and noticed yesterday was your day and wondering how you did! Congratulations!!!

I did great! I was freaking out and so scared, but everything went just awesome. I was up within an hour and probably could have walked sooner. I love this doctor. He's cut too! I'm gay and he's still cute.

Stacy

OK, so can we have a last meal? I am wondering? I really would like to. I have been unbelievably adherent to this pre op diet of protein shakes and lean cuisine. The 4lbs of green veggies I am allowed each day has saved me. Although, I have yet to eat 4 pounds in a day, it does help with the hunger. I've lost 6 pounds in 6 days. Crazy! Anyway, has anyone been told that it's ok to have that last meal that is not part of the preop diet?

I was told I could have lunch and a light snack because I made my weight.