Emi

I still have one week exactly before I can eat real food. I'm so hungry!!!! I have been naughty and have had a small milk shake from McD's for the last three days because I'm so sick of soup and the shakes really fill me up. I looked up the calories today 440 for a SMALL!!!! I won't be going back there. This is really hard!

Hello anyone reading this. I was really scared to go to TJ and get banded but all has been well. Here's my story: Thursday 08/30 I had my last meal about 12:30 (In & Out burger protein syle). Oh I'd kill for one of those right now... anyhow that's off topic. After work Francisco picked me up (he's wonderful!!!) and drove me to the clinic. I checked in and did my various tests. All tests went well and I was put into a room to wait for my surgery time. I was given something to help me "relax". Well, I relaxed so well that I fell asleep off and on. The next thing I knew I was being taking into the OR. I don't even remember getting anestesia because I was already so sleepy I think I fell asleep on my own once I was brought into the OR. I woke up briefly (I swear I was being stiched still). I tried to ask if they were stitching me because it hurt. I suppose I had something in my mouth because I couldn't speak and everything must have just sounded muffled to the surgeons). It all happened for a moment and I was sleeping again. I woke up in recovery and was able to call my husband and walk around a bit. The next three days were painful off/on. Especially the gas pain. It nearly brought me to tears at times. After day 4 things were about back to normal. Please note, I did NOT use the pain meds. I am nursing my son still and didn't want to prolong nursing any longer. I'm sure I would have been in less pain if I'd taken the meds. Even without them it wasn't too bad and I was able to walk around TJ the next day. Also, the Lucerna Hotel was way beyond my expectations. The room service was great, the food was great (my hubby says) and the pool is very nice. I hope my story helps someone out there checking into Dr. Ortiz.

Hello anyone reading this. I was really scared to go to TJ and get banded but all has been well. Here's my story: Thursday 08/30 I had my last meal about 12:30 (In & Out burger protein syle). Oh I'd kill for one of those right now... anyhow that's off topic. After work Francisco picked me up (he's wonderful!!!) and drove me to the clinic. I checked in and did my various tests. All tests went well and I was put into a room to wait for my surgery time. I was given something to help me "relax". Well, I relaxed so well that I fell asleep off and on. The next thing I knew I was being taking into the OR. I don't even remember getting anestesia because I was already so sleepy I think I fell asleep on my own once I was brought into the OR. I woke up briefly (I swear I was being stiched still). I tried to ask if they were stitching me because it hurt. I suppose I had something in my mouth because I couldn't speak and everything must have just sounded muffled to the surgeons). It all happened for a moment and I was sleeping again. I woke up in recovery and was able to call my husband and walk around a bit. The next three days were painful off/on. Especially the gas pain. It nearly brought me to tears at times. After day 4 things were about back to normal. Please note, I did NOT use the pain meds. I am nursing my son still and didn't want to prolong nursing any longer. I'm sure I would have been in less pain if I'd taken the meds. Even without them it wasn't too bad and I was able to walk around TJ the next day. Also, the Lucerna Hotel was way beyond my expectations. The room service was great, the food was great (my hubby says) and the pool is very nice. I hope my story helps someone out there checking into Dr. Ortiz.

Hello. I live in San Diego and have spent a lot of time in TJ. The shopping isn't that great. I do like going over there for purses (or other leather items. I wouldn't worry aboout bringing things back across the border and you won't need a passport. When you come into Mexico you just drive right thru unless you have something to declare. Leaving Mexico is what takes forever. The line at the border is usually about two hours long. There will be "starving" and "dirty" people knocking on the window trying to sell you things. I usually just don't look at them and they walk right by. The first time to TJ makes you feel bad for the people. After umteen trips to Mexico I now see these people are making a lot of us suckers. Anyhow, when you leave Mexico they just asked what your nationality is and to look at your ID. Also, they sometimes ask what your purpose for being in Mexico was and if you have anything to declare. Just don't bring back any fruit/flowers and you should be fine. Good luck!

How is everyone doing the preop diet? I have tried starting it for the last two days and am just starving. It's so easy to say okay grab something to eat... this just sucks. Does anyone have any advice? I only had 10 to lose before surgery and actually gained 7. Now I'm down to 2 weeks and have to lose 17 pounds. OMG... I don't think I can do it.

I am going in on the 31st. I am having such a hard time getting started on the diet because I feel like I will never be eating (at will) again once I get the surgery.... I am going out of town this weekend and when I get back it's time to get motivated. This is sooo scary and so exciting!!!

I did Atkins for almost two years and lost a lot of weight and at first the products do taste pretty chalky. As I dotoxed all the sugar from my system the Atkins products begin to taste sweet to me. It's the same as switching from regular coke to diet. It takes some getting used to. I like the Atkins drinks because they have around 15 grams protein and lots of vitamins. Good luck to you!

I am scheduled for 08/31 and will probably have to go alone. My hubby is staying home w/ our baby. I saw someone is trying to quit smoking, I quit last year when I discovered I was pregnant. This August will be a year. Man it was HARD and still is sometimes. Just think about how good you'll feel to breath again!