Apple Blossom

Also my question to anyone else who has had the surgery in TJ - the cost of the surgery is $8,500, but what is the cost of your airfare and travel to the closest fill location? How much is it per fill? I would think anyone considering the surgery should take that into consideration as well. For me personally, I am in Ohio and would have to drive to Pennsylvania to get a fill - not really economical for me if I wanted to have the TJ surgery.

I just finished planning my fill.

It's going to cost me $100 for the fill, $106 for the flight (Southwest summer bargain), and whatever method I decide on for border crossing, either $65 or $130, so, the cost is less than $350 and it will be under flouro by the "awesome" staff at OCC. I am doing a 1 day trip. I didn't consider a fill center simply b/c my surgery was so great that I want to return to the same place.

Judy

I am starving too. I was banded on the 9th of July. I had to fast for the 3 days prior to surgery and I just got home today and I'm sooooo ungry. I have been sippign my water and had a frozen pop and the not so yummy protien drink. Question I need to drink a total of 64 ounces a day? this is all fluids combined? I also feel like I need to rurp but nothing will come up. I wonder if I drank too much too fast. My surgery went well however...the surgeon said it was text book and of course I made them all laugh before I went under....I don't recall a thing but was told I should do stand up and a face lift does not come with the band...darn it all....guess there was no harm in asking wish I knew what else I asked for!!!!!!!.

Mona

Mona,

Your after band instructions are a little different from Dr. Ortiz's so I don't really know how to advise you there, but I was banded the same day as you and the burping is a small issue for me also. I am being very patient and not forcing anything out. I noticed that if I tip forward just a little it seems to help. They are very small though. I am feeling less pressure today so I think the gas is just about out. Remember to keep walking. I did some mild housework tonight. I feel better since.

Judy

down 5 lbs since surgery 7/9

16 since pre op diet

45-50 to go

Ok, the one thing that bothers me the most is thinking about the IV needle. Just wondering if anybody can tell me how they do it and were they might stick me. And please tell me they deaden the spot before they stick that thing in. I know I'am a big baby, you would think that after a C-Section and having gallbladder removed I'd be over it but thats the worst part for me. Please someone let me know. By the way being banded my Dr. Ortiz July 24th.

Frosty,

I hope you get a chance to read my testimonial in the July thread. I have ALWAYS bruised and have often been a muti-poke patient. My stick at OCC was the best EVER. A single try, I barely felt it and I am NOT bruised. I have the tiniest little pin prick left...4 days later. I have never had comparable treatment here in the US. The staff is very gentle.

Judy

5 lbs down since surgery 4 days ago

16 since pre-op

45-50 to go

Hi all,

I'm back home. All in all it was a totally wonderful trip as I previously posted. I am pretty tired and a bit tender tonight but I still call this a minor surgery. I watered some plants in the yard when I got home and I walked around quite a bit to try and get rid of some of the pressure in my upper stomach....gas I suppose. It's managable and not as bad as I had anticipated. I enjoyed meeting the others who were banded the same day as I was. I also met Nicole, who was on for today. I know she's in good care. Hello to Judy(lady558) and Lena! I hope the two of you made it home by now also. To those of you who have dates coming up- please look forward to them... you're going to appreciate your decision soon. If I would have known how great my care was going to be I would have relaxed and enjoyed the wait.

Oh, I got Zoom teeth whitening while I was there also, the day after surgery and my teeth are so white! There was not a sales pitch for it but I noticed the flyers on the table and another lady getting banded was a dental hygentist. When she shared the price at home... I decided to get it done.

Judy

Banded July 9

Thanks for asking! I am doing just fine, although I am NOT yet banded. I did not have the personal support that I needed. I must say that the support I receive from all of you has been wonderful and very much appreciated. Thank you.

I also caught a virus and was going to be evaluated for possible postponement upon arrival. I broke down when I tried to kiss my kids goodbye. Thankfully it was very early morning and they were still sleeping. My husband suggested I don't go and that was all it took to head back home for a personal re-evaluation period. I opted out about an hour before my plane was to take off.

Since then, we went on vacation and I decided to reschedule. I WILL be banded on July 9, and I won't be going alone. My Mom is supportive, especially since having been diagnosed with diabetes this past month. It is disappointing news, but the timing of the diagnosis it intriguing to me. I discovered that I was not quite as independent as I thought. I don't have a huge amount of weight to lose so I was in some denial of the necessity. My Mom's diagnosis reminds me of reality. She has never been more than 30 lbs overweight. I have yo yo'd much more than she has. I have a better mindset now.

Judy

To be banded July 9

Haha Kevin....I should have thought twice about "ladies" when I typed it! Thanks for jumping in and offering support. Feeling empowered will be a very welcome change. I had a good cry this morning and poured my heart all over my husband....he's so great. I am as ready as I wll get. My flight leaves at 7 in the morning....

Judy

Hi Judy,

I'm not a "Lady" but wanted to jump in on the topic. The toughest part is over. Making the decision to be banded is the changing point. Life is only going to get better and you will feel good about yourself. You have plenty of courage to go this far and this choice will amplify your quality of life. You are not alone in how you feel. Most of us feel or have felt as you do. The key is you are resolute to make your food habits manageable. The band will empower you deconstruct obsessive behavior that has sabotaged you in the past. Your banding experience will also change your heart and view of your life. Be open to the teaching to come and use that strong determination to make

Aww, Kimber, I'm sorry about your sister. I am so happy for you having having a friend and being banded together. I'd love to meet up. I need to figure out the private message deal. I'll try and figure it out.

Judy

To be Banded June 6

I am pretty much going through the same thing you are with my extended family! My girlfriend and I will be there on the 7th for pre-ops, so we hope to meet you! Only my hubby and few close friends know about this. To top it off, my sister who is a surgeon was nosing around through my stuff and found my paperwork on this! She totally flipped out and has me pretty nervous about this! I had to lie to her and tell her I wasn't getting it done, because I am stressed out enough about this, I don't need her causing me more stress, ya know? I feel your pain, but I am right there with you!!!!!!!

Good for you Rachelle. Keep yourself first and don't let your faith lessen. Turn the other cheek on his inability to understand the grief of weight. Great job on your loss also! =D>

Judy

To be Banded June 6

I relate to going it alone. Only my husband and my pastor know that I had the surgery (I was banded Sep 2006). In the past, my family has mostly been critical of my weight-loss attempts that aren't main-stream (i.e. going to Overeaters Anonymous). I have failed at so many weight-loss programs, and I have wasted so much money, that I want to at least wait to see if the LapBand is a permanent success before I tell my family.

To top it off, my pastor told me NOT to have the LapBand surgery because God could heal my overeating problem! I was devistated!! I have been struggling with my overeateing problem for thirty years, and I have tried everything, including countless attempts at faith healings. I believe in the power of God, and His ability to heal me. I told my pastor that God created the intelligence gene pool, and the intellingence gene pool is where medical miracles come from, and the LapBand is a medical miracle . . . so God is giving me His miracle healing through the LapBand!

My pastor has no experience with overeating problems whatsoever. His entire family is rail thin. He never would budge on his position that I shouldn't have the surgery, so I finally boldly told him that unless he is a medical doctor, it is inappropriate, and dangerous for him to be giving me medical advice. It was hard for me to say this to him because I know he only had my best interest at heart, and that he was sincerely trying to be helpful. After my paster reacted in such a negative way, I have felt extra fearful about telling anyone else. I feel embarrassed enough that I ever got myself to the point of needing weight-loss surgery. I like what Clynn said, though. I do believe that having weight-loss surgery is a sign of strength, not weakness. I am fighting to live a healthy life, rather than throw-in the towel and give up because of all my failed attempts. I am willing to go to any lengths for good health - for myself and for the people who love me. Rachelle

I'm sorry Pammie. This battle is very very emotional. You haven't caused this problem. It sounds like she's going to need more support than ever in the next few months. Thanks for the reminder also.

Judy

To be Banded June 6

JUST MY POINT OF VIEW:

GOSH, WHERE DO I EVEN START THIS EVENING? AS A LOT OF YOU KNOW, I WAS BANDED WITH A GIRLFRIEND IN AUG. 2006. I WAS THE ONE THAT LOOKED UP ALL THE INFORMATION FOUND THE DR, DID ALL THE EMAILING, DID ALL THE HOMEWORK ETC, SANDY WAS JUST ALONG FOR THE RIDE. OH YEAH, SHE WANTED THE LAPBAND AND ALL BUT I GAVE HER ALL THE INFORMATION I HAD AND SHE RAN WITH IT.

Hi Kimber,

I'm going in on the 6th. We'll pass at the Hotel on the 7th. Maybe we can meet for a cup of water lol.

Judy

To be banded June 6

Anyone going in on June 8th? My girlfriend and I will be there... Getting very stressed about this! Has anyone had any complications?

Thanks Pammie!

Looking forward to the results. So far so GREAT!

Judy

To Be Banded in 3 days

I JUST SAW JUDYS POST ON ANOTHER THREAD ABOUT POPCORN AND I THOUGHT I'D PUT IT TO THE TEST, THANKS JUDY

Update, update on the liquid vitamin supplement I "thought" would be good. Lifetime, Life's Basics. I tried it yesterday. I wanted to make sure it was tolerable. First off, it was green, like grass and a tiny bit clumpy. I figured, oh well, green is healthy. It didn't smell too good, but I figured oh well, it's vitamins. Down the hatch. Whoaaaaa-Wow-Ding-Ding-Ding. I thought I was going to thow up. It was positively the foulest substance that has ever touched my mouth. My face must have been something to see! I could not get the stinking flavor out of my mouth. I drank water, rinsed my mouth,drank more and rinsed more. I finally gargled with Scope, but I was still breathing the stuff for many minutes. Blech. I have since ordered the Bariatric Vitaband wafers. They won't get here until I'm in TJ, but they will be here when I return. Maybe my husband will try them for me first...lol. I'm thankful I tried the Life's Basics it ahead of time.

Thank you so much for the protein shake recommendations.

Judy

To be banded in 3 days

Welcome Linda. I understand the sadness. I hope you come across my message about it. I can relate. Hugs to you. I cannot speak from experience since I am not yet banded, but I have read message boards across the internet every chance I get and I have found that these foods are out for sure in the beginning, but as time goes by and you get used to the band, maybe a year or so, some of these are fine so long as you've learned how to properly chew and not over eat. The one I believe I'll miss the most is popcorn. I love it and I have't found anyone who can tolerate it (nor have I asked in specific) I've read of many who eat potatoes and breads that aren't too soft. Everybodys list seems to be a bit different on what "they" can or cannot tolerate. Congratulations on losing 23 lbs on your own so far. Keep up the great work.

Judy

To be Banded June 6

Ahhh, the liquid diet. I LOVE how the weight if flying off. It's really not as tough as I thought it would be. I have hunger pangs through the night and in the morning, but the day time is okay. Thanks for the Congrats.

Judy

To be Banded June 6

Congratulations on getting banded June 6. You will do great. The process is simple and nothing too it. Just stay conscious of what you are doing especially when feeding your body and how you eat. I am not trying to have any PB or slips of the band. So far everything is going good for me and I get around like a champ. Hopefully I will be going zydeco dancing here real soon. =D> By the way, how are you liking the 10 day liquid protein diet?

Karmel

Hi Fortune,

I will be banded on June 6th. I feel confident that we are going to be in good care. That doesn't completely take away my fear of surgery just because it is surgery and it's not "down the street". I hope you make some calls and do some last mintue checks to put your mind at ease. I called Inamed not expecting to get much if any information from them, and to my surprise, I learned quite a bit about Dr. Ortiz's qualifications. They do not give referrals, but my mind is at ease.

I'm not sure if we will pass each other or not since I'll go back to the hotel as you go to the hospital, but I look forward to meeting you if we do. I'm planning on using message boards for support. Best Wishes!

Judy

To be Banded June 6

Surgery scheduled for June 7th with Dr. Ortiz and getting very nervous. I have not received any messages from them since making the deposit. Is this normal?

Thank you Lori. I have definately learned that about you and Carolyn. You're great!

Judy

To be Banded June 6

Hey Judy,

you can call or email me anytime with questions! I'll be happy to help any way I can.

Good Luck on your surgery. I bet you'll look marvelous!!! Congratulations.

Judy

To be Banded June 6

I COULD NEVER GET THEM TO ANSWER ME SO I JUST BOOKED LOCALLY. IT REALLY WASN'T TO BAD TO HAVE IT DONE IN TOWN, COST WISE AND I COULD CHECK REFERENCES EASIER. I DIDN'T FIND ANY POSTING BOARDS FOR PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD PLASTIC SURGERY IN MX

GOOD LUCK TO YOU

What's your favorite brand and flavor protein drink? There are so many to chose from! I bought a couple different packets at the health foods store today and my husband already has a bucket of Apex high protein drink mix from the gym. A single scoop of that has 23 g protein- mixed w/1 cup milk it's 215 calories. It's vanilla and better than I expected, but I think there's still better out there. I'd like to discover the best tasting drink pre-op so that I'm not experimenting post-op!

I also bought a liquid vitamin. Lifetime Brand called Life's Basics. It has many, many nutrients in it, but it was very high in C & B vitamins. I'm feeling the urge to get everything bought so I can pack and do a whirlwind cleaning of the house. It's like nesting! I was thinking to myself as I shopped about how horrid Geritol used to taste as a child!!! I decided on pineapple coconut flavor.

I also remembered a field trip w/my sons class to a local science center . They did an experiment eating Jelly Belly's with their nose plugged. It was impossible to know what flavor was in your mouth. This lesson might come in handy <g>.

Getting back to topic...do you have a protein drink or vitamin recommendation?

Judy

To be Banded June 6

Bless you for your kind words! Perspective is so versatile. I need to remember that. Thanks.

Judy

To be Banded June 6

You're not alone hon, we're all right there with you. You'll meet the other people getting banded the same day as you and get plenty of time to talk while you're staying in the clinic and the hotel afterwards. They'll understand what you're going through better than anybody.

The best thing you can do right now is not look at this as a symbol of your failures, but as you taking control of your life and your body. You are not here because you are weak, you are here because you are strong. Weakness is continuing to go through life doing nothing to make it better because it is too hard/painful/frightening/ etc.

Good luck to you, and you can always come onto the forum to talk to those of us who have been there.

Congratulations Karmel. It sounds like you are doing so well! Your faith is strong.

Judy

To be Banded June 6

Hi Ladies,

I'm feeling isolated right now. I read about so much excitement over the surgery and I understand it. Success will be a dream come true. Sometimes for a brief moment I feel it too, but I know the feeling is the feeling of hope. I am expecting a long adjustment period and I am scared of it. I don't want to PB, vomit or get something stuck. I'm afraid of slippage or erosion, yet I want to go through with it because I have yo-yo'd massivly for 20+ years now. I am sick and tired of the cycle.

I cannot tell my family outside of my husband. It would be far worse to tell than not tell. I wish I could. My children are young. I want them to know how to be healthy because of my example. I have shown them yo-yo'ing instead. (

I am just so darn sad. My husband is staying behind to work and I got my babysitter for the kids while he is at work since this has to be confidential. I have a very dear friend who had gastric by-pass surgery and she is unable to go with me. She is the only single person outside of my husband who will ever know of this surgery....if I can pull it off. I feel so disappointed in myself that I have been unable to conquer my weight battles. I have tried many times to accept myself the way I am and I cannot. I MUST be thin. I hope and pray that this will be the tool to control my hunger and master healthful eating without taking all enjoyment of food away. My determination is strong. My emotions are weak.

Anybody else feeling this way?

Judy

To be Banded June 6

Hi Ashlee, best wishes to you. My date is June 6th. Is there anyone else with this date?

Judy

Judy,

Thank you very much for the link and access code to this video. It was great. It clarified several questions I had and helped me compile a list of questions I still want answered. I appreciate you sharing your journey. It's helpful to me.

Judy -great name