housecatgirl

I found the gas X strips at Walmart. It seemed to be the only place that had them. After I got them someone mentioned that they weren't as effective as the chewables so I got a box of each...just in case.

OMG, I do remember that Bug's episode.=) It sounds like you were feeling pretty good by that point....wheeee...stick to stretchy comfy pants. Talk to ya soon, Laura

I've heard the gas X chewables work better. I'm bringing both...just in case.=) Thanks for your reply. Laura

Thanks for your reply and advise! Laura

I felt the same way about Mexico but then when I saw Dr. Ortiz beautiful office and met him and his staff I felt MUCH better. You feel like you are at an office in Newport Beach. Dr. Ortiz Mom is so sweet and Rene is a real gem. Dr. Ortiz himself was so honest and I felt so comfortable with him. I can't wait to go have my surgery!! I also felt like...do I really need to do this? I decided I really do because I know as I get older this weight is only going to get worse and consequentially I will have other health problems. After all the research I have done and knowing my family history, I have no doubt that I am absolutely doing the right thing at the right time in my life. I guess I could have done it sooner but I didn't know about it until about a year ago. I did alot of research before I made my final decision. It may not be the right thing for everyone because it still takes motivation to work with the band but I am motivated to be healthy and look good. I love this Board because I think we can all keep eachother motivated.

I am scheduled with Dr. Ortiz on June 28th and I was wondering if anyone else on this Board will be there that week or maybe just before me?? I would love to chat here and then meet up there.=) Laura

Wow, that's amazing news!! So glad to hear your glucose is normal!

Hi Jennifer: WOW, you are soooo close to me!! I am very close to Murrieta. I am actually in Canyon Hills across from Canyon Lake off Railroad Canyon. You are almost two months ahead of me though since I am being banded June 28th. Please keep me posted on everything and I would love to come visit you when you are back home and ready for a visitor. <3,Laura

Hi, my date is June 28th. Please keep us posted.=) Laura

Hi Dreamer: I was asking if you live locally because I live only about an hour and a half from the border. This year the whether in So Cal has been weird and unpredictable but I'm having my surgery in late June so I imagine by then I will only need a sweatshirt for at night at the most. Keep us all posted. Laura

Thanks sooooo much!!! I love when people give all the details so I know what to expect. How was the shopping close to the hotel? I'm not sure I will want to take taxi's all around.

Thanks Dreamer!! How are you feeling? Did you stay at the Lucerna? How was that? Do you live locally? I can't wait, I am counting the days until June 28th!!! But, I am happy I have time to coorespond with people that have recently been banded. I feel the more I know the more I will be prepared when it's my turn and then I can help the newbies get through it....

Thanks!!! I went to Wal-mart and sure enough they were there.=) I have been told on another Board that the strips don't work as good but isn't it the same active ingredient?

My surgery is actually June 28th. I posted the wrong date. Thanks for the reply Arnold and congrats on your sucess! Laura

Is there anti-biotics and pain pills? Which ones? Should I bring any over the counter medicine?

I want to start preparing so I went to two drug stores looking for gas x strips and all they had was the chewables. Where do you find them?

I am going to use the slimfast high protein formula. Laura

The price in Mexico between surgeons isn't a really big difference. I went with Dr. Ortiz because when I met him he seemed to answer all my questions honestly and took as much time as I needed to make me feel comfortable with him. I am having my surgery at the end of June. I believe if you book before the end of this month he is offering a $1000. discount. You should also get his book. I find it very informative. Good Luck deciding and keep us posted, Laura

How are all you recent banders doing? Update please.=) Laura

The instructions say clear liquids for first week. Does that mean anything clear? I am confused between the difference between the 2nd and 3rd week... Are you not supposed to add protein until the 3rd week? Thanks, Laura

I don't want to bring my laptop just to e-mail my husband to tell him I am fine after surgery. I tried to call out on my cell at my consult the other day and it didn't work. It seems I can receive calls though. Does anyone know if they have a computer available for e-mailing? I called them but the person that answered didn't seem to know. Thanks, Laura

I met with him yesterday and he answered all of my questions. I am very excited. Can anyone tell me what I should do to prepare and what to pack? Someone mentioned packing clear liquids. Any suggestions on what kind of clear liquids? Any suggestions at all would be appreciated. Thanks! Laura __________________ Laura Dr. Ortiz BMI 33/168/Surgery scheduled 6/27/06

Hi, I would love to hear from anyone that has had their surgery with Dr. Ortiz. I have alot of questions that I plan to ask him and I just joined this group so I will look for the answers or feel free to post answers for me here. Thanks so much in advance. This seems like such a great group. I am a 34 yr. old 5'0" female that has been overweight for at least 10 years. I yoyo between 168-190..I am around 168-170 right now but struggling to keep that weight with diet pills that keep me up late and make me very grouchy. Anyway, here are some of my questions: Are the incision scars very noticable over time? Should I be worried about slippage or erosion? Do all doctors stitch around the band now? Is it common to get dehydrated after surgery and not be able to keep fluids down? As you reach your goal weight does the port become visible under the skin? What should I plan to bring with me besides slippers, robe, pj's, clothes, etc.? Has anyone gone by themself? My husband probably has to work and I don't really want to tell my friends or other family until I get back...Any feedback would be appreciated!! Thanks!! Laura