JuliaA

Hey Lynn, I don't believe I met either on of you. I had preop on the 3rd and surgery on the 4th. So, today I am one week out. I have lost 11 pounds so far! I feel pretty well overall, except for the gas pains. It's not even like being regular gassy, because it just won't go anywhere...it sits there and makes me uncoomfortable. I too have found GasX to be my new best friend! But, all things considered, that is my only complaint. I am very excited by my progress so far and found the staff and the facility very nice. I am glad to hear that you are both doing well too. Keep us all posted! -Julia

Hi Jas, I was banded on April 4th. To answer you questions... They do put an IV in before surgery as well as giving youa couple of oral medications to calm you down. The surgery only takes about 20-25 minutes! The anesthetic that they use has you up and awake very quickly. I was on the phone with my dad in under 30 minutes. I did not have any bad side effects or nausea from the anesthetic. Hope that helps! -Julia

Just a quick note...NSAIDS are actually Non Steriodal Anti Inflammatory Drugs. The "N" stands for "Non". -Julia

Hi Tina, I just had the surgery done on April 4th. I had the same reaction from most of the people I told..."You're going where?!?!" I have already lost 5 pounds! The hotel was very nice (altough I agree probably not a 5 start by US standards, more like a 3.5 or 4), the grounds of the hotel were very pretty, Dr. Ortiz and his staff were SO nice and their office was beautiful. I am still quite sore in my abdomen, but did go out shopping the day after surgery. It gets a little better every day. I'll be posting updates on my success here just as others have. I hope that will alleviate some of your fears. I look forward to hearing about yours as well. Best of Luck, Julia

Dear Lynn, I am so glad your surgery went well. I was banded a couple of days before you on April 4th and am home recovering. I have already lost 5 pounds!! I am quite sore in the abdomen. I described it the same way you did...it feels as if I have been hit in the stomach. Each day gets a little better though. Our trip was great and I found the staff at Dr. Ortiz's office to be so lovely. The only thing I wish was different is that the beds at Hotel Lucerna were a little softer. I like a firm mattress, but whew! Those beds are rock hard. Good luck to you and those of you that have been banded recently or are scheduled to have it done soon. I will keep you posted on my progess and look forward to hearing about yours. To those of you that have been worried about having surgery in Mexico...NO reason to worry. The hotel was very nice, Dr. Ortiz's office was VERY nice, the staff were wonderful and the surgery was so quick. I know it was a scary decision for me, but I would do it all over again without hesitation. Best of Luck! Julia

Thanks Jenna I am happy at the prospect of a pound a week...it's the folks talking about really long plateaus that had me kind of worried. I'm in for the long haul! Thanks Again, Julia

This is kind of freaking me out. I'm hoping that since I am sstarting with a higher BMI, that my weight loss will be a little more rapid. For those of you that have had low or no weight loss, are you following pre and post op diets strictly? It seems to me that the simple switch from "normal" eating to liquid only will cause some weight loss...as I have already lost weight in my first weeek of pre-op diet. I'm so excited about surgery next week, but this topic has me a little nervous. Anyone have anythign additional? Thanks! Julia surgery date 4-4-06

For those of you that have already been banded, can you tell me a little bit about what to expect for my pre-op work up? what types of tests are run? what happens if you lose weight, but not 10% before your surgery? anyone had problems quitting smoking? Just curious... Thanks for your help! -Julia surgery date 4-4-06

Hey Kim, I have surgery scheduled for April 4th! I am so excited I can't stand it. My step mom and I are traveling from Georgia. Hope to see you there and I wish you good luck on your surgery. -Julia