Dontondan

I think the business from Oprah show has taken it's toll on the OCC! Maybe they need to hire some more drivers for pick ups and drop offs. So sad to see this happen. I was fortunate to have a good experience, but I too waited my fair share, but dealing with military hospitals and clinics for the past 30 years has made me an expert on "hurry up and wait"! I would have panicked if I was left at the border, especially after surgery! Glad you made it home though.

Well, I thought I would be giving up everything I enjoyed in life pre-band, I do enjoy an occasional pizza, but am now content to stop after a slice and I even leave the crust....for some reason the crust with all the goo on top I can handle.....You will definitely enjoy those treats a lot more after and savor every chew.....there will be a lot of them!!!

First thing, CALM DOWN! Usually they are closed on Sunday, so just plan on it being closed and do what you were instructed to do. Have an enjoyable dinner! I had my preop done the same day as surgery as I arrived too late the day before, it was no big deal at all.....they took it in stride. I imagine they are quite busy with all this Oprah stuff going on still. I think that is why I am seeing more posts about problems. That will happen to any business with a big boost in business. They are more relaxed and flexible at that clinic then any other medical facility that you would visit in the states which will make your experience so much better. You will laugh about your "nerves" after it is all done. See you on the other side!

I had GERD for years and years and took Prilosec every day and I had my surgery in December and stopped my medication in January and no more heartburn!!! Dr Ortiz thought I might have a hiatal hernia (he checked and would have repaired it while I was in surgery, but I didn't have one). This is the first time I have been off of medication for GERD in 30 years!!!

I had my daughter come with me for "moral support" when I had my surgery in December. I really didn't need anyone though as it was so easy and it was pretty boring for her except for the shopping before and after surgery! Enjoy you little vacation, you will meet up with others at the hotel and at the OCC and I am sure you can find someone to pal around with down there and go shopping with. Have fun!

I took a lot of smaller bills, 1's and 5's. There is no one that will cash Traveler's checks....even the Lucerna. Small bills were great to have on hand for tips and cab fares and I don't pay much for anything.....bargain, bargain, bargain and make them vendors chase you down the street!!! Never take their first offer and start low...they will come down usually half the original price or more....if not try another store! It is a pain, but can be a lot of fun too. Some of the shops even have things priced in American dollars and that makes thing easier for the people who aren't comfortable with the aggressive shop keepers! Most shops can handle credit cards, used my debit card at a local bank to get more cash....but don't forget you get peso's!

I ran into problems where there was no room in the overheads and I had to sit with all my stuff on my feet! I guess you could check your luggage or get a seat at the back end of the plane and then you load first and there will still be room. Just something to think about....

you have to sit up for the flouro with the needle sticking in your port and sip the barium......this was too much for me and I almost passed out! Didn't hurt though, just don't like needles. Dr. Acosta was very patient with me though and very supportive and comforting through the whole procedure and that helped. I hope I can do it without getting woozy next time!

I had my teeth done when I went for my first fill.....my teeth were very sensitive and I had to use tylenol for about a week until the sensation went away, but my teeth came out beautiful!

I had a very similar experience there......Great! I am glad that you had such a positive experience and that you have joined the team Lapband!

Wow! You look great!!! You should pat yourself on the back for a job well done. How brave it was to move to a new country and start over...... =D>

I had my fill in TJ with Dr. Acosta and it was a pretty good experience. I flew in from Seattle so had to pay for a flight, and took the trolley to the border and then a taxi to the Lucerna where I spent the night. The flouro was done and Dr Acosta was wonderful and of course, handsome! He was so patient and informative and since I am a big baby and pass out with needles he was extremely patient with me. I have weighed the benefits and drawbacks and decided that I will be getting my fills in TJ at least the next 2-3 times and then I will switch to someone up here. The cost is around the same or a little more if I spend the night in TJ, but I could do it all in one day if need be, but I like to shop and get away from the kids for a night. (about $250 for flight, $100 for flouro and $80 for hotel and $20 for transportation costs). To get the fill here with flouro is $375 plus a tank of gas! Donna PS I wouldn't have a blind fill as I want to know things are getting through. I only needed .8 cc the first time and I am sure I would have had to have an unfill if it was done without the flouro.

Just remember it is not your "last meal". You will be able to eat again and eat healthy and feel satisfied! I had that mind set too.....that is the food addiction talking, always worrying about your next meal. I still do that occasionally, but deal with it much better since being banded.

Thanks MamaMichelle, This is a great post. You are so good at researching this stuff! I have been having some issues with hunger and eating too much and will give this a try, maybe it will kick start me losing again! Worth a try anyways.

> Dear Paula Hope you have a good time and good weather in San Diego. Good luck with your surgery and welcome to us bunch of "losers"! I really love that name now! Donna

The best thing you can do for yourself is walk, walk, walk, even if you don't want to. That will help with the gas and make you feel better in the long run. My stomach gurgles a lot too, but it is not used to being so empty! Sounds like you might need a laxative to "help" you move a little, LOL! We can all relate....been there, done that! We called them "barking spiders"!

CLynn, You look awesome~~~~~~what an inspiration!!! =D> Donna

Sorry Hanna It is Sedgebeer. I couldn't add yours either! That is how my day has been today! Donna

Yeah been there done that! I did the chew something and spit it out period! You are in what is called "Bandster Hell". My mind hunger was horrible and I used the Slim Fast shakes and it helped at some times, but not all then I moved to the Creamy soups and that helped a lot as I hate broth! I had a lot of sugar free popsicles and yogurt drinks too. Was too afraid to cheat though....until 2 days before I was able to eat real food (it was Christmas day) and I had some mashed potatoes and some turkey and gravy! It was like heaven! Until I tried to eat some stuffing........then it got stuck! Didn't cheat much after that! Hope you can get through the tough time......there is no "magic bullet" you just got to weigh the consequences and try to stay sane.

I am just the opposite, I told everyone and have gotten nothing but support from those around me except for a few ignorant people who I tend to ignore. I am 3 months out now and am down from size 24 to 18! My kids are noticing and they say my legs are especially skinny! I am losing very slowly (I want it this way) and am doing water aerobics for 45-60 minutes 4-6 times a week. I don't want a bunch of saggy skin so the slow loss is letting my body adjust to the new me. I expect to meet my goal in another year or so.....no hurry! It didn't come on overnight! My increased energy is really noticable now and I am trying to be patient and persistent, but still have some problems with controling my eating habits.....eating too fast and too much. I have a constant reminder, thank God! I have never ate normally in my life until now....so life is good! Post op is a great time to educate people use it to your advantage. :-?

I would love some new myspace friends! myspace.com/love_my_pets

Well, I will keep you in my prayers and hope everything works out well for you. >

I also had Nexium, but didn't have any problem with taking them as they were small enough.....I was on Metformin and they are huge and I had to cut them into fourths to get them down, I would definitely check with the pharmacist as a lot of times they can change to a liquid form or can give you advise on taking the medications. I didn't quit my Nexium until a few weeks after my surgery......I was afraid, very afraid as I hadn't been without heartburn for over 30 years, but it worked! I have been off of it for over a month and no heartburn! YAY! I really didn't have any problems with capsules as they soften as they go down I guess. I only had problems with the tablets as they are chalky and stick going down, and would have some discomfort down in my chest until they dissolved sometimes. Hope this helps.

I am a Pom mom too! Was horrible leaving her home, she is my comfort! Well, look forward to little pom kisses when you come home, just watch out for little pom feet on your port scar! The pre-op diet will keep you busy until you go and all the prep and reading the posts every day. That is what I went through....it sure is hell waiting......but worth it! Once you get down there you will be so impressed with everything from the hotel to the personnel at OCC. I am a huge chicken and this surgery was a breeze, just the waiting is hard. I felt a sort of "peace" inside when I entered the clinic and all the people who had surgery the day before were up and walking around talking to everyone who was waiting for that day. They all looked a tad pale, but otherwise pretty good! Have an incredible journey! :-h

I too was a food junkie! I was banded in December and went through the withdrawals and feeling "deprived". It was mostly emotional, but I lost my BEST FRIEND! It has gotten easier with time and now I don't think about food nearly so much, but I do have my times when I have difficulty. My whole life revolved around the next meal......now I still kind of do that, but am thinking on terms of how I will get around eating the next meal.....I have to actually have a "game plan" to get myself to slow down and chew. I am enjoying my food much more, actually tasting things and the cravings are slowly dissapating. I can be satisfied with just a small amount if I do have a setback, and can recover quickly because of adverse effects on my body, PB ing or sliming! Yucky and embarrassing. Just hang in there, it will get better!