QueenBee

Banded 8/23 & Yeh, I am very sick of broth & jello. I was so weak from the lack of protien I had a half of a Yoplait fat free yogurt and that made me feel a lot better. I've now been having 1 a day in 2 sittings and I'm not as weak and tired as I was. I started a couple days early, but I really needed something cuz the broth just didn't cut it! I don't suggest anyone going against Dr's orders - I personally knew I needed a little more or I was going to pass out! Does your bottom tummy growl even if you feel full? I can't get over that. I feel full but my stomach's still growling for food...guess that's a mental thing? And oh yes, for some reason I have more pain in my port area (inside) then the day after surgery. It could be from running up and downs stairs at my house - I don't know, but it does hurt pretty bad at times. As long as I walk slow and sit a little hunched over it doesn't bother me. It just feels like when I was pregnant and my baby had her knee up in my ribs. If I move too quickly, I have bad pain like a ripping/burning feeling inside where my port is - I'm presuming because the internal stitches aren't fully healed yet. I'm hoping in the next few weeks after it heals inside it doesn't cause me too much discomfort...

Well, I'd just like to say I just had my surgery with Dr Ortiz and I would TOTALLY recommend him. Honestly, I did a ton of research on him before I went and knew I had made the right decision in choosing a doctor. He has been doing it longer than most Dr's in the US and he's trained Dr's in the US - so why not go to the best? I wouldn't hesitate for a second recommending him if someone has decided on having this procedure done. And I still cannot get over how easy this was and I'm really not feeling much pain now either - just a little soreness in the port area. Best of luck to you and if any questions him, just have them check out the forums and his site and consider reading his book. I ordered mine and it hasn't arrived yet, but another patient had a copy when I was down there and it was very informative and I would definitely recommend reading it!

Whoo-hoo, it's done!!! All went well & it was great to meet Carolyn and the other new Bandsters (and of course the beautiful Dr Ortiz) face to face. Thanks everyone for their support & to all of those thinking about it, it was the easiest procedure I've ever had done. Shoot, it was easier than getting my wisdom teeth yanked! Everyone in TJ was great and I think my only complaints would be that the sense of time and schedules is a little different here in the States (even here in So Cali) and I would've liked a few more pain meds to take home (the liquid Tylenol just doesn't quite cut it) other than that, it was a wonderful experience and would tell anyone thinking about it that it was a surprisingly simple and mostly a painless experience...and I would highly recommend Dr Ortiz and his staff!!! I'll keep you all updated on my progress!

Hey Carolyn! So glad you made it home safely! How are you feeling? BTW- as WBABH said, we were truly relieved when we found out you had your surgery the day b4 and were looking so great! I cannot believe how easy everything was. This liquid diet is a little rough, but hey it'll be worth it right? Well, keep us posted on how you're doing and best of luck!!!

Of course it's totally your decision to make, but definitely doing research on the percentages of risks of being obese vs the percentage of risk with the lap band made up my mind (I'm a numbers girl, what can I say?) I have a 3 yr old myself, and my surgery is scheduled this coming Thursday. I ain't gonna lie, I'm nervous but the benefit outweighs the risk for me. I want to have the energy to be able to play with my daughter and do all the things I miss doing. So do some research and this forum is an excellent place to find answers to your many questions. Once you hear from people who have had it done & all of their experiences it will make your decision much easier to make.

Well, that's good news (I won't be spending as much on liquor) but how long did you all wait to drink after you had your surgery? The carbonation isn't much of an issue with me as I drink cosmos (cranberry, vodka, triple sec & lime) and I already use diet cranberry anyways. I was just wondering how many weeks post-op it would be safe to drink an alcoholic beverage? How long was it before you had your 1st drink?

How frugal? I can recommend a few places to stay but it depends on your budget. Downtown SD is more expensive than North County (ie Oceanside, Carlsbad) but if you're getting your fill in TJ then you'll probably want to be close to downtown. The Manchester Hyatt in downtown is awesome, but it ranges from 200-379/nt ( a little on the steep side), Sheraton above Copley hall is nice too (usually $200 or under) There are usually pretty good deals in Old Town which is right on the I-5 and still in a nicer area (touristy) the Comfort Inn there is nice and usually under $100 a night. And of course, if you're very frugal there are numerous places in Chula Vista to stay in the $60 range, but you get what you pay for! North San Diego County has some pretty nice places in the $100 range but then if you're travelling to TJ it's about 45 min drive. Hope this helps! BTW- Expedia or www.hotels.com usually has the best deals.

Ok, so I'm not an alki...but I really need some input. How soon after banding to give your body enough time to heal can one have a drink? How soon did any of you consume any alcohol after your banding? Please advise!

I'm from San Diego/Riverside County. VA huh? That's a long trip. And girl, we all gonna look a mess. But we're gonna be HOT soon enough! Ha ha.

Amen sista. I can't wait to go shopping ANYWHERE BUT Lane Bryant. I think their annual profit margin will drop by 50% after I stop shopping there! I think we all share the same feelings of nervousness, excitement and being a little scared. But in the end, it will all be worth it - that's what everyone says. BTW- Welcome Wannabeabrickhouse! See ya on the 25th:)

Mine's on the 25th. Good luck to you both!

I live in San Diego and have been to TJ many times in the past shopping. I've always went during the day and never had any problems. Cab rides are a little scary - not exactly like the typical California cab ride I'm used to. Just be cautious (as you would in any large/foreign country) and you'll be fine! Just don't drink too many margaritas (or the water...ha ha) Good luck!

Thank you all, you have been very imformative and I feel more confident now that this is the right decision for me. I know I'll be in good hands with Dr Ortiz and his staff based on his excellent reputation. Thanks again everyone!!!

Sooo, you didn't have any complications? I keep on hearing about this "slipping" thing, which concerns me. And "erosion" - that doesn't sound good.

I just scheduled my surgery today with Dr Ortiz for 8/25. I have been doing a lot of research on Lap Band surgeries and Dr Ortiz, and how found very little negative comments on either. Does anyone have any advice for me or things I should know? After researching Dr Ortiz, he sounds wonderful and it sounds like I'll be in good hands. As for the surgery, have any of you had any major complications or problems?