Mel

Angie- I agree with Karel...I essentially had very little pain. I took liquid Ibuprofen a few times afterwards...but I never slowed down. No time off work (I am a nurse)....had an occasional tug at the incision where they put the port....that was the sorest...otherwise was fine and felt good. I just hit two years with the band. I was a size 24 and currently am a size 10. I have started running long distance now....working up to a 1/2 marathon.....need to run 13 miles, my longest run has been about 10...getting there. You are exactly right...I view my band as a tool...not at solution. It reminds me that I need to slow down and eat the right things...Still work at healthy eating as opposed to grabbing the package of Oreos..... Good luck...it works! Melissa

Hi- Just wanted all to know that working with Dr. Ortiz was a freat experience. Everyone was very accommodating and kind. You mett all the staff from the drivers to the surgeon and everyone in between. They all made time to stop and talk and explain. It was great. The surgery itself went smoothly, my worst vomplaint is that I still feel a little nauseous-1 day post-op. Pain not bad, but they medicate you with Fentanyl and TRamadol.....the hardest is to walk, walk, walk. It helps gets the gas out. The other patients that arrived were supportive of eachother and looked out after one another. Good place to be!! I did it, Melissa

I all!!! Good, I will let you know how it goes! I am HERE!! Surgery tomorrow!! Melissa

Hi all- I just read all the posts here.....BSN how are you doing? Did you get the band removed or did Dr. Ortiz fix it? I too have decided to do this surgery without telling anyone. I am a single parent and very close to my parents, but this has been a very difficult decision and a deeply personal one. When I decided to do it, it was like admitting that I had a major problem that I could not fix. I am a "fix it" person and that distresses me. Yes, I have lost my 100 lbs before, only to gain it back.....you know the yo yo. I chose to make this a permanent decision and something that will keep me under control for the rest of my life. I am scared...I go for surgery tomorrow. I fly to Southern California for school every six weeks, so I just extended my trip to include the surgery, telling all that I had to take an extra class. I feel horrible about lying, but also afraid of someone trying to talk me out of this decision, or making me feel ashamed of this decision. I want to be proud of what I have chosen for myself. I hope it goes well.....because as everyone else on this board, we have have invested a lot of time, hopes, and money into this decision. I will let you know how the surgery goes!! Melissa

Stacy and Ginger- It is our big day!!! I will be there today for pre-op stuff, guess I will meet you then. Surgery tomorrow...(gulp!). I am nervous now. Melissa

Thank you!! I go to OCC today and now I am getting scared. I looked at the pics listed on this website of the OCC from a former pt. I shouldn't have. I am a nurse, but the big needle sticking out of her stomach made me a bit queasy...... Melissa

Well, Bec- I will have to let you know how it goes...my big day is Monday!!! Excited and scared at the same time!! Melissa

Heather- I will be there on 3/11 but for my pre-op, actual surgery on 3/12..... Hope to see you there though!! Melissa

Hi- I am going for surgery on 3/12 in Tijuana. I plan on returning to work as a nurse shortly after. Am I being unreasonable? How much time did everyone take off for work? Do you have to limit activity, lifting etc? I am not one to stay still........ Melissa

Stacy- I guess I will see you in Tijuana on the 12th as I too will be getting surgery that day. I do understand the need to splurge one last time, but am so worried about losing the 5% of my body weight that I have been religious on the pre-op diet. I don't want to get there and they tell me to go home because I did not lose enough. I don't ever remember my stomach growling and hurting at the same time. The emotional component is the worst. I feel like I am losing a friend.....Dairy Queen ice cream, McDonald's, steaks...oh you know. They have been with me during all my emotionally stressing times. I am sad to see them leave me, but hope that I can replace them with the healthier me, and perhaps even enjoy hiking, swimming (and a swim suit) without being ashamed. I am looking forward to my new life! Melissa

Hi all !! My surgery is all scheduled for March 12th!!! I can hardly wait! The start of 100 pounds lighter. Melissa