housecatgirl

I am so glad they didn't do it the original day. You would not want to put yourself in risk like that!! I know if must have been so hard to hear you had to wait though. I am NOT a smoker and the breathing part was a hard recovery for me so I can imagine it would be harder for a smoker. I'm so glad your lungs are healthier now and good luck with your upcoming surgery! BTW, have you quit smoking for good?

I had the same problem (see my chest congestion post). I think it's the gas still lingering in your chest is irritating you. Give it a couple of days...IT SHOULD get better every day. If it doesn't call or e-mail Dr. Ortiz.

I just wanted to say I feel alot better today. Hardly any chest congestion anymore. I'm not really sure if I was describing it correctly anyway. It was kinda like years ago when I would smoke once in a while with a glass of wine. The next day it would be kinda hard to take a deep breath. I don't smoke at all anymore, that was just the only way I could describe it. Not so much pain, just tightness. At any rate I really think it was the gas because it's almost not there anymore...just a little now at day 12 since surgery. I still feel the port but not so much pain just weird lumpy like feeling. Do you ever get to the point where you don't feel it anymore?

Thanks Barbie, was it Dr. Romero?

Hi, I know he uses floro but does he check to make sure the band is in place, etc. Can you see things on a screen? Do you drink the barium first and then he checks or after to see if you can swallow? Just wondering about the process, etc. Thanks!

Hi, I e-mailed Rene and he told me he talked to Dr. martinez and I should stop worrying. The chest congestion is better today...still there when I try to take a really deep breath though. The port area feels alot better...I almost didn't notice it today. I guess I'll take it one day at a time and we'll see. I appreciate your concern and I'll keep posting. Maybe it's just gas in my chest.

Port pain feels alot better today other than it hurt this morning. My main complaint now is chest congestion...feels like I can't get a deep breath in. Also, pain in my chest when I burp. Is this normal???

Thanks Lori, I appreciate your response!!

I just had my surgery on Weds. with Dr. Ortiz. Absolutely flawlwss experience....everyone was exceptional. My only complaint is the port area (largest incision) hurts alot more than I expected...kind of a burning. I'm not sure if it's the actual port or the incision. Anyway, I went back on Thurs and they told me it's fine I just need to heal. Anyone else experience this kind of pain?

Hi Kelli, I heard the average for a desk job is 4-days. However, It could be as much as 3-weeks if your job is more labor intense and it sounds like it might be. I have a horse and I was told no horseback riding for 3-months. I just had my surgery on Weds and the only pain I have is the port area (largest incision) is very tender and burns at times. I met people at Dr. Ortiz office that had absolutely no pain. Hope this helps. Laura

Yes, same day surgery. I live locally so that's why. There is internet and computers available to patients.

I am an official bandster!! Got here at 7:30am and was banded by 2pm. Feeling a little dizzy and queezy. Also, pain in my port area but otherwise ok. Hurts only when I walk around. I hope it gets to the point that I can walk around more without all the pain in the stitches. Right now I don't really feel like walking more that maybe 10 minutes. It hurts especially when I get up or down in bed or reach for something from my suitcase. Is this normal because someone else here says she doen't have that tight pain? I am able to get some liquids down but feel some gas...not too bad yet though. Also, I highly suggest packing something warm for the clinic I was feezing last night. Thanks for all the support bandster friends!!

Hi all, Well I arrived early this morning to Mexicoach (last exit before the border) My husband dropped me off and Mrs. Ortiz picked me up shortly after. As soon as I got here I met with Dr. Miranda (nutritionist). She was great and answered all my questions. Then I met with the cardiologist, got blood drawn and spoke with the anestithiologist(sp). Everyone including nurses are nice. Got my surgery and now I am trying to walk around. Feeling tired so I am going to go back to my room. I'll write more later.

All of your options seem expensive. Have you checked with Dr. Ortiz? I asked him how much it would be if my band slipped and I think it was alot cheaper than the initial $8500. I would call his clinic ASAP if it were me.

Glad to hear some news on Darrin. Please ask him to post his experience when he feels up to it.

Good luck Darrin! I probably won't see you Junebug 'cuz I'll be at the hotel and you'll be getting your sugery...well maybe if you check into the hotel on the 29th. Are you having your surgery same day? I will probably be somewhere by the pool. Thanks for filling me in on your experience CutieCathy, I hope I have as good of an experience. It's so good to read all the positive posts on here!!

What a great idea!! and no mess!!

Wow... Maybe you got the original rough draft. That might be worth something someday. I got mine within a couple of days form Amazon, cover and all and no noticable mispellings.

Thanks so much! I love reading these detailed experiences.

I will want to know where that pharmacy is because my pain tollerance sucks and I want to be feeling good for the first few days. BTW...does it make you feel like a Super Doll?? LOL

Hi Pammie: I have a lower BMI...around 32. Anway, Dr. Ortiz said I am getting a size 10 which is suitable for most people unless the BMI is very high.

Hi, I know you're worried about debt but I would be more worried about health. If I were you I would try to get a credit card. Then just put a little on the card each month and pay it off each month to show the creditor that you are good for it. It may still not be enough since your first one proabably won't have a high enough limit but if you start building your credit you can ask for an increase within a few months. You sound like the type of person that will be careful not to get yourself in debt. Just remember that your goal is to get banded and that should be enough will power not to let yourself get in debt. If you don't want to do that...what about close family or friends. I know alot of people including myself that have a family member willing to help. Good luck,

Haha! taptap...testing, one ,two... Actually, I don't think it works for most people until you've had a fill. I think you can get your first fill at 6-wks post op. Keep me posted...good to hear from you.

Thanks all you June Bandsters for replies!! Most are before me so PLLLEAAASSSEEE post here how everything goes. I love reading the surgery stories. Laura

Good luck!!! Be sure to post to us all how your surgery goes.