kathlnc

I went to Tijuana alone for surgery with Dr. Ortiz, and I had absolutely no problems. I met a couple people in the van on the way from the airport, and a couple more in the hotel (post-op), and we bonded quickly. Everybody was totally supportive, and I had no complications. Surgery 5 months ago, down 50 pounds (BMI was 36.6 at time of surgery). K

I personally believe that exercise is crucial to MY success. I lift weights with a trainer three days per week, and do cardio for an hour for three days per week. I don't think a treadmill is necessary. Treadmills do help you burn more calories, but they don't do much for upper body strength. But you know your situation better than we do....if you live where winters are snowy, or if you won't get out and walk/run at night, then a treadmill is probably a good idea. Good luck, and keep moving! Kathy

Hey, Mike. Congratulations on your decision to be banded. I was banded by Dr. Ortiz on July 5, 2005, and these answers apply to me, but may not turn out to apply to you. I didn't have a pre-op diet, so didn't follow one at all. As for the post-op diet, I followed it to the letter. I figured that since I was spending all this money on a lap-band, I might as well do it the right way. Nothing unexpected happened to me. I anticipated the entire scenario. I took Gas-X and a heating pad with me, but didn't use them. I had no major post-op pain (the meds provided took care of it) and everything went according to plan. Advice: I didn't know that the Hotel Lucerna had jello. The chicken broth there is excellent, but it would have been nice to have jello for a change (it's not on the menu). The major piece of advice I can provide is about CLIGHT, the Mexican Crystal Light powder. You can get it at the supermarket that is close to the hotel, and it costs about 30 cents per package, which makes 1.5 liters. They have more flavors than Crystal Light, and it's cheaper. I bought $10 worth of Clight when I had surgery, and more when I went back for a fill. My BMI was 36, and I probably lost a little slower than those with higher BMI. But I'm almost four months away from surgery, and so far I've lost 44 pounds. Not bad, if I say so myself. Good luck. Take something to read, because you spend a lot of time waiting. Kathy

I'll be happy to give you my opinion of the facilities, but I don't know which facilities you are curious about. Overall, I'd say all the facilities were adequate, clean, and comfortable. Kathy

I think you should call back and talk to Dr. Martinez. You sound like you might be a smidge too tight. You aren't drinking for an hour after eating, are you? That can cause you to PB the solids also. Good luck! Kathy

Hi, Sonia! I've just had my lapband for seven weeks, and am not close to goal yet. But I can tell you that I absolutely will not have my lapband removed when I get to goal. Why? Well, I've gotten to goal before....it's what happens after goal that worries me. Obesity is not curable, only treatable. I want to be sure that my little lapband is gonna be there for me as long as I care to use it. Kathy

Transportation is $65 each way from the airport in San Diego to Tijuana. I just got back from there last night, and had my first fill. Kathy

It could be a lot of things. The pain medicine may not agree with your stomach. The gas may make you feel nauseated. And it's possible that you aren't getting enough calories or fluids. Have you been drinking clear liquids with some calories, like Gatorade, apple juice, or similar? Are you sipping throughout the day? Kathy

I went to Tijuana alone for my surgery, but I would have no problem taking my family, from a safety standpoint. The Lucerna hotel is very nice, and has a nice pool, so there is something for the kids to do. There are some channels on television that are in English. I took taxi rides wherever I wanted to go, and had no problems whatsoever. Just use the same safety precautions that you would use when traveling in any big city. Does your family include small children? I guess my main question would be WHY you want to take them? Even though my surgery recovery was extremely easy and fast, I was happy to be able to hang around the hotel after my discharge from the hospital, and not worry about anything except myself. And when I awoke several times that first night, I just turned on my room lights and walked around the room until I got sleepy again....may not be so easy if you had small children sleeping in the room. Feel free to write if you have additional questions. My trip and surgery were both extremely positive experiences. Kathy

I would recommend choosing loose clothing for immediately after banding. For one thing, you're going to be lounging around, and for another thing, your stomach will still be puffy from the gas and surgery and IV fluids. Think in terms of elastic-waist shorts/capris and a loose t-shirt. You may find that your bra (particularly if underwire) irritates the incision that is highest, usually in the center at your xyphoid. I wore a sleep-bra home on the plane, but I didn't wear a bra again for three or four days. You are going to be so happy you did this! I have never regretted it for a single minute. Good luck! Kathy

I'll be there on August 21/22. Would be willing to share a hotel room. E-mail me. K