Heather228

E-- That is a VERY good idea. I'm sure I spend at least as much, since I eat out for lunch at work almost every single day, and where I work, it's very expensive just for a sandwich! Question for you...what do you think you spend now?

Thank you, Kevin. You actually brought tears to my eyes with your eloquence. I also feel like I HAVE to make this work. I'm afraid of failing for my family's sake for a number of reasons. I know I can do it, but also sort of feel like Lucy Ricardo here with another hair-brained scheme...

I'm with you Judy. I posted on a different thread on how I feel guilty spending this much money. I know it's something I need to do and want to do for myself, and while DH supports me, I know he'd rather I not do this. He would never say so, but I see his face when we talk about it. So damn it, this better work! and I don't want to have to explain PBing to anyone, either. I have prepared DH for it, but I'm not telling anyone else but him, my niece about this and two of my friends.

I'm two weeks away from my surgery (2 weeks tomorrow!) and I'm having second thoughts because I feel like I'm being so selfish for doing this, and taking $8500 from my family. I tell myself all the reasons why I'm actually doing it for them too (better health, more energy, etc...) but I still feel guilty. Then comes the shame part of not having ever been able to keep the weight off on my own. If I only I were___________. Fill in the blank...stronger, more disciplined, blessed with a better metabolism. The fat person's mantra that always ends in with thoughts that if I were any of those fill-in-the-blanks, I'd be a better person, more lovable, more worthy, blah blah blah. Anyone else feel this way before surgery? After?

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!!!

Today sucked with the non-smoking! But, I have persevered so far. I hate it, I hate it, but I want the surgery more. So, I hope y'all don't mind me bitching about not smoking until I'm banded! I don't plan on starting again, but for now I'm telling myself it's just 3 weeks...

I am on my second smoke free day. I'm not doing too badly, but chewing a lot of gum. I had an episode last night where I thought I would lose my resolve, but my husband helped me through it by reminding me the urge would pass. (He gave up smoking a year ago, so he's a big inspiration and a lot of support for me.) It's not so bad since I'm not also putting any restrictions on my food this week. But next week when I start the pre-op, it may get more difficult. I sure hope not, though!

If you like to bargain, Avenida Revolucion is the best time. Once a year, some of my girlfriends and I head down there for a shopping excursion. I always load up on blankets and pullovers for the kids. There's always a deal to be made!

Wow, that does sound stressful. Well, I can tell you what happened to me in October. I had to have a lymph node in my neck removed, and no one mentioned to me that I should quit smoking. The surgery went fine, but I did wake up hearing them say...she's a smoker--I guess I was coughing or gasping or something. Anyway, when I fully came to, I had an oxygen mask on my face. They took it off, but the nurse told me that I wasn't breathing well enough and that I had to take very deep breaths and concentrate on it. The more I came to, the better I was obviously, but my lungs did hurt. So, while I don't know your medical history or not, or how much you smoke, but it does affect your ability to breathe while you are out. I am not a heavy smoker, about half a pack a day unless I'm stressed. Nevertheless, the experience I had is enough to give it a real good try this time around. If your stress is really bad, maybe you could talk to your doctor about a short course of anti-anxiety meds? I had to take them for my MRI and the night before surgery and that really helped me. If I had more time, I would try that new Chantix anti-smoking medication. I hear it's really good. I may still try my treating doc this week to see if I can get some. Also, maybe some of the respiratory exercises will help? I know that Dr. Ortiz recommends an incentive spirometer, but I've also read that blowing up 30 of those small party balloons daily is good exercise too.

I haven't quit yet since I'm about 3 weeks away, but since I just opened the last pack in a carton, I figure that I will stop when the pack is gone. I decided to do it early because the idea of quitting AND going on the pre-op diet sounds like pure hell. What are you finding the most difficult? I've always relied on the nicotine in times of stress... Here's hoping that the next three weeks are not too bad stress wise. Any support I can give you, I'm here for you!

Hi there, Only Me. I am scheduled for the 6th, but would like to have a bandbuddy, especially since I am coming alone too. I can call to see if I can move up a day so we can go together. I will be taking the Amtrak down since I'm only a few hours away. What time are you coming in on Wednesday?

=D> Excellent! I'm really excited to have mine done, but I have my moments where I scared to death. I'll have to remember about the jello!

Hey FurEllie! I have been waiting for your post!--Not that you have any clue who I am! I've just been following yours since you were so close to having surgery when I signed up here. So, give us all the details! I'm glad everything went well! Heather

=D> Happy Birthday, Jen!

Bummer! Well, we'll have to find each other when we're in TJ, if only to say hi! Are you bringing a buddy, or are you going it alone?

Hi Michelle, I have not been banded yet, but I thought I'd write since April 6 is my surgery date too. What sort of meds do they have you on for PCOS? Just curious, since I was diagnosed in 1989, and there were no meds at that time other than fertility drugs for those who wanted to conceive at that precise time. (Which incidentally, I took without success.--10 years later, I had a spontaneous pregnancy, and my body sort of figured out what to do from that point on, and most--not all--of my problems resolved.) Just curious, and I hope I'm not prying. At any rate, I just thought say Hi since we will probably cross paths on banding day!

Thanks, Capt B for the info. It really helps. I have actually been over the border quite a bit, so I am accustomed, although always amazed, at the crappy drivers in TJ. Taking a cab is always a prayerful endeavor... Pammie--thanks for sharing your pics. I'd actually seen them before in my research through these boards and cracked up at how happy you both look during the process. It was a comfort to see how relaxed it can be. Although I have to wonder to took the picture of the woman (you?) on the table... I'm hoping it was a nurse or doctor...

I just picked 4/6 as my date!

Thanks, Teri. This morning I have definitely made my decision, for sure, and believe I can convince my husband. I went to the Website for the American College of Surgeons and printed out the verification of his status as a fellow, and then printed out all the requirements for Fellowship. Hey--this is as good as it gets for surgeons in the U.S, right? And since the College actually investigates the surgical practices of the applicant's, what more can one expect, right? I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have often wondered how I can be reassured that the cleanliness, etc. is comparable to US standards, and here it is right in my face. He has been inspected by a U.S. entity that is the epitome of safety and quality--or am I reaching here?

Wow--booties to draw blood? That actually turned my head. I will definitely have to share that one with my husband. Truth be told, I think I have already made my decision. Now, I just have to keep my husband from having a nervous breakdown until it's over--lol. He will be coming with me when I do this, so hopefully meeting everyone will help him with his fears. I actually speak Spanish, so the language barrier is not an issue for me. But short of bring a microscope with me to examine the floors and the surgical tools...I'm not sure how to reassure my husband! Thank you everyone for responding--please keep them coming so I can show DH! The more the better.

Hi everyone, I'm new here as you probably can tell. I have been researching lap band surgery, of late I have been researching having the procedure down out of the USA as I am a "light-weight" with a BMI of 35.7. I'm looking at MX, Germany and France. I am concerned about going to Europe because of the flight home. I don't imagine flying so far a few days after surgery to be a good idea. I live in Los Angeles, so getting to Mexico for the surgery and for fills would not be a huge or expensive ordeal for me. I have discussed this with my husband, and explained that Dr. Ortiz is my first choice and why (mainly his experience...followed by all the good feedback I've read about him online.) Our primary concern is the sterilization techniques used in any foreign country, but especially with MX. It's sad that when you say "I plan to have surgery in TJ", everyone imagines a back alley abortion with a rusty butterknife...but such is the stigma. How can I find objective documentation regarding the sterilization practices Dr. Ortiz and his staff use, and how does it compare to U.S. standards? Any help would be appreciated!