Dontondan

Glad things went so well for you. Now for the "hard" part, the post op diet. Keep us posted!

Try different brand of the shakes, they are all different in taste and texture.....I actually like the Kirkland brand from Costco, and the Safeway brands as they are lower in calories, and not as thick. Can only stomach the chocolate ones. I would also blend in a small amount of frozen fruit with them to make them taste better and make them slushy. Read the labels though......they are all different! My least favorite was the Optifast shakes that I ordered online, very expensive and horrible texture!

We have all gone through the mental hunger part.....that is so hard! I really had a tough time too.....I had a worse problem, I hate soups and broths, but I stuck with it and also drank the "Slimfast shakes, when I was really hungry and they seemed to take the edge off for me. I was also preparing regular meals for my family (teens) so that was difficult, but it is mostly "mental" hunger. Keep writing and use the boards to vent, this is very theraputic! Walk, take up knitting or do something to get away from the food. It does eventually get easier, but it can be a really bumpy and rough road so hang in there. I am three months out and now I dread going out to eat iwth my friends, cause I am still learning what works and what doesn't, and sometimes I have to excuse myself from my table. It is hard! No one ever said it would be easy. Hang in there!

I never got a basket from OCC to take back to the hotel......I had my band in December. Unless this is a new thing they are doing now I have never heard of this. I brought my own stuff. I had some protein shake mix and some boullion packets and Crystal Light in my luggage just in case. I really wasn't hungry post op, so mainly to keep myself hydrated. I had some of the soup from room service and it was very good, but pricey. I also had some chicken soup at the airport and just ate the broth while waiting for my plane. I also packed my "shaker" cup for my shakes in the hotel so it wouldn't be clumpy! There was a fruit basket in my hotel room when I arrived that my daughter enjoyed since I couldn't eat any of it!

My first "meal" was on Christmas day and I ate normally, however a LOT LESS! Couldn't handle the bread and stuffing, but had turkey cut into really small pieces and mashed potatoes and gravy and a salad and it all went down fine. It is pretty much trial and error at first. You will know right away if something is going to not work out then STOP!!! You cannot continue to eat things when your body tells you no! After a while you can try something else to eat. Just be sensible and eat slowly (this is my hardest part) and chew, chew, chew. Bread is still a no-no for me and rarely I will have a slice of toast.....I have problems also with chicken if it is dry, raw veggies if I don't chew enough. I can't handle sandwiches at all and end up eating the insides and leaving the bread, but don't seem to have a problem with crackers instead. When I do have problems, I go back to soups and mushy foods for a few day and try again. Hope this helps, everyone will be different, so mostly it will be trial and error. I switched to a dessert plate instead of a dinner plate and use small utensils, that I purchased at IKEA for kids so it takes me longer to eat! Donna

Yeah, I had my surgery by Dr. Ortiz. Most of my cravings are gone, but I still occasionally have to have potato chips! I am surprised that I don't crave fast foods. My band is much tighter during my time of the month and I really almost have to go on liquids, soups and mushy stuff during that time. I guess that is a good thing cause I used to always crave things then and now I can't tolerate things during that time! I am also tight in the mornings and have to eat soft stuff then.....I usually have yogurt or oatmeal anyways. You have to relearn your body and what you can do and not do. I haven't had a soda since November and I don't even miss it! I do have a hard time not having anything to drink with my meals and that is one of the hardest things for me. Now I have a glass of water before I sit down to dinner and I can wait until after for another glass. Also I was a fast eater, still am and this causes problems sometimes and my body tells me to SLOW DOWN! Upside is my teenagers can't keep up with me in my water aerobics! I have so much more energy and can do so much more without getting winded and exhausted.

If you can manage the cost.....go for it! Mexico is about half as much as the US even with the airfare! I had to self-pay and took out a loan, but it was worth it. My insurance would pay for a full gastric bypass, but not the band......have you ever heard something so stupid! I am a chicken, so didn't want to go that route. If you are interested go to the Obesity Control Center website and inquire about the surgery and they can tell you what you need to do to get the ball rolling. Pretty easy if you ask me. Donna

Congratulations! Glad to see your post. I had similar experiences back in December. I had trouble with the IV and the Anesthesiologist came in and held my hand and comforted me the entire time the nurses poked at me! I am a big baby and I was taken good care of there. I remember Dr.'s singing....did you hear them sing? I am not sure which one it was but it was a lovely voice!

I love my lapband, was banded in December and am finally losing some weight. I also have a family that I cook for every day and enjoy cooking and eating. I can't eat the same things that I used to now and my portions are much smaller. I do have to watch constantly what I put in my mouth though as I will have difficulty with a lot of things, but it is well worth it. I wish I had the opportunity to do this a long time ago (I am 49), as this seems to be the right thing for me. Just do your research and keep an open mind, there is some changes that you have to make in your lifestyle and it is not for everyone or a quick fix by no means.....mostly just a tool. I was not expecting miracles, but people are starting to be shocked when they see me as the weight is coming off slow but sure. Most of the people on this forum had their surgery from Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. It was a wonderful experience for me and I had to self-pay by taking out a loan, but it was well worth it. I am saving so much in other ways......I share an entree or make several meals out of it, I am starting to be taken off of medication I was on for health problems that are now resolving, my food bills are lower, and I never drink soda anymore. This is quite a difference in my budget. I don't obsess about food and it doesn't control my life any longer. I am not hungry all the time and I actually feel full for the first time in my life. My biggest difficulties are eating slowly and chewing my food, this is a learning process that will take me a while to master. I still have a lot of junk food in my house (I have 3 teenagers and friends over all the time) but I no longer graze all day long, I don't crave the stuff anymore and if I do I can have just a little and then quit. I wish I had done this a long time ago, that is my only regret.

Just wanted to let you know that I have Verizon and had a lot of difficulty using the cell phone there. At the clinic you will have a phone you can use (free of charge to the states) while you are there. My cell worked on and off at the Lucerna--got cut off a few times, but got a few calls through. There is a computer that you can use at the hotel if you need to use the internet. I also had difficulty using my cell phone in San Diego! "CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW!" LOL!

I was banded on Dec 7 and I have to say that I do enjoy food more as I am taking a lot more time to eat it now! I was so engrossed in stuffing my face before that I didn't really taste anything. I am pretty much forced to slow down and savor the flavors. I also cannot tolerate a lot of foods that are bad for me so I avoid them (breads, pasta, rice). If I do eat them it is in miniscule amounts and very slowly. I have always been a very fast eater and would eat and eat, but now I have to take my time or I end up miserable and PBing which can be a bit embarassing when out with friends. I usually end up taking most of my meals home with me in doggie bags, the kids love the leftovers. I have only had one fill last month of .8 cc, but so far that seems to do the trick. You have a rough road ahead of you though as you have not gotten to eat solids again. I went through a rough time (bandster-hell) until I got my fill. I was so hungry and eating around the band as it was empty. At that point my head was playing tricks on me and thinking that the band failed when it wasn't in working mode yet. Now I am pretty tight in the mornings and can only handle semi-liquids until after noon when I can resume eating normally. This is working well for me. I still struggle sometimes with old habits from the past, but now my body is telling me to STOP OR ELSE! I am losing weight slowly, but steady which is what I desire....I am trying not to get impatient, which is hard because some people lose a lot very quickly, but this is healthy for me. Donna

Dear Jennifer, I had my daughter with me for moral support with me when I went for my surgery and she is 20. She really enjoyed the hotel, there is a beautiful pool, though it was cold when we were there. She stayed at the hotel alone while I had surgery and the next morning I returned to the hotel and she was still in bed sleeping! I woke her up and we went out shopping at Revolution. She totally enjoyed the trip, but knew she would be at the hotel by herself for the night and brought stuff to do and enjoyed her time alone. The hotel is really quite nice and I felt totally safe there, but with common sense I wouldn't have wanted her venturing out on her own. They also have cable TV with some american channels and also a computer for use in the lobby. I hope this helps. Donna

First off, No plant here, had Lapband with Dr. Ortiz on Dec. 7 and it is wonderful and the experience was fabulous. I did my homework first and I was so impressed with the care and professionalism with the clinic. The patients who have gone there rave about it and a lot of them I met down there in the clinic and hotel as well as some that live nearby me. My insurance said they wouldn't pay, but I still have filed a claim with them to try to recoup some of the cost. I am hoping.....but even if they don't pay I would have to say it is worth the cost! I feel great, am down 40 pounds already and am looking a lot better and my attitude is so much better about myself. I am eating less (saving money), have been able to reduce my medications I am on (saving money), if I go out to eat I can order something small and be totally satisfied (saving money). Would I do it again......in a heartbeat! I did my pre-op the day of my surgery---I got in too late in the day to have it done the day before. Just talk to them and let them know of your flight plans and they will be able to work with it. If you are worried about safety, travel with a partner. Tijuana has changed a lot since the 70's, and has turned into a more modern and bustling city. I was so surprised by this, I took cabs when I went shopping and did this during daylight and in well populated areas. Just use common sense. Everyone is different with recovery, but I went shopping at Revolution after being discharged from the clinic and walked about 2 miles with no problem. I was surprised by how easy things were. I just used Tylenol meltaways for the pain and it was adequate for me and I used the Gas X strips which really helped me. As far as packing you will need a light jacket in the evening, but just comfortable loose clothing. I took a small pillow in my carry on for the airplane and put that across my tummy for comfort. Comfortable shoes is a must. Other than that I was back to normal activities in about 3 days with no problems. My family was amazed as I was expecting the worst and they were prepared to care for me!!! I was at the spa getting a pedicure and manicure the day I returned home! Hopefully that will give you an idea of things. If you have any questions feel free to ask away, that is what we are here for.

You should always remove nail polish so that the anesthesiologist can see your nails as it is an indication of if you have enough oxygen when you are under! If you have to wear some put clear on. I had acrylic nails, but still took it off prior to surgery.

Ditto on your experiences. I had similar experiences and was very happy with the outcome. Definitely a good decision to go to Dr Ortiz! Not one regret!

I had "Gerd for many years and had been on a variety of medications to control it prior to banding. When I went in for my fill Dr. Romero asked me about my medications and I told him I was takingNexiumand he told me to try to stop taking it and see what happens.........I am GERD free! This is the first time in over 25 years that I have not been on something for GERD! It has been a whole month now without it! WOW!

Hi Clynn, Really am interested in the Port Orchard group....need to know where they meet at, how long are the meetings, etc. Still learning loads about my band every day. Thanks, Donna

Calicat-- There is a Dr. in Olympia who will do fills for patients from Mexico. I have his information, but decided to go back to Dr. Ortiz office for my fills---I trust them but I have a few friends that have gone there. It is Dr Neal or Dr Ogle at Pacific Surgical Weight Loss Center. They charge $375 for the fill and if they have to re adjust it is $150. They do flouro with the fills. Hope this helps. Donna

Hi, I am from Bremerton, I had my band done Dec 7th. I would be happy to talk with you about any questions you might have or if you want some support. You can email me directly at Dontondan@msn.com. My insurance didn't want to pay either, but I am still trying to get them to pay for it since I had diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and high cholestrol and GERD. My Reflux is gone now and I have already been able to ditch the meds for that and I will probably be off of the others soon! It is worth it! My health is returning, I have more energy and my outlook on life in general has improved vastly. There are more perks than just losing the weight! Hope to hear from you soon, Donna

Well, I commend you on your decision! I was banded on Dec 7th and am soon approaching 50 and felt so old and was on so many medications for various obesity related conditions. I am down about 40 pounds now and have been able to stop taking medication for my GERD, which I have taken since in my 20's, the Dr. is talking about discontinuing my medication for Diabetes and Hypertension already as things are looking so good. The fill was a piece of cake! Uncomfortable, but not really painful (I am a big baby). I chose to return to Tijuana for my fills....I trust them completely! For me it is only a day trip from Seattle area. You only need to get the fills as you need them, some people need more than others to find the "sweet" spot to get the right amount in the band. If you read past posts there is tons of information there. I think Cassie is amazing! Her Mom is incredible too, and I wish I had a Mom that would have done this for me when I was younger. Unfortunately there are a lot of ignorant people out there that are criticising them......probably never had a weight problem or an overweight teen! Best Wishes. Donna

Marcy, Good tips....I just returned from getting my fill and shopping and I would recommend to only do the shopping stuff during daylight hours and stay on the crowded main drag....don't be tempted into the alleys. I went alone and dressed "down". Left all jewelry at home and my designer bags and luggage. Next time I think that I will just bring a backpack instead of pulling my little carry on bag as there was no room on the plane in the bins and I had to ride with it on my feet because of overcrowding on the plane. Besides dragging it around Tijuana. I wasn't crazy about waiting in the line at the border to leave Mexico as I was in line about an hour to get through, but it wasn't too horrible and there were a lot of people and police around all over there and also on Revolution during the daytime. If you use common sense you should be fine. I too am a military wife and have traveled foreign countries and love the adventure, but I was a little nervous to go out after dark there. Donna

Dear J girl, I felt great coming home on Saturday, I had my surgery on Thursday. Take some gasX strips for the discomfort and you should be fine. I went shopping on friday after getting back to the hotel and was fine, but got a little bit tired after a few hours. You might be a little uncomfortable, but it is pretty minor. Good Luck. Donna

Dear Helena, My saviour was sugar free popsicles! They took me a while to finish them and the sweet taste really took care of my cravings. Also yogurt drinks if you want something more substantial and filling. Donna

Stacy, You sound like I did about 2 months ago. Keep the excitement for your new life alive and work it for all it is worth. If you have any worries feel free to email me at Dontondan@MSN.com if you like. Always happy to have a new band buddy to share stories with. Donna =D>

Stacy, You are in good hands! They first tried to put the IV in my arm, but no luck and then they went to the back of the hand. It would have been easier, but the nerves and fear of needles makes me shake and panic. Once the IV was in the rest of it was a breeze. No complications either and I am diabetic (bad about checking that, because I don't like to stick myself) and hypertension. Hopefully soon I won't have either! I pass out and get panic attacks every time I have to get blood drawn! I am also in the medical profession! I don't let anyone know what a big baby I am either. Last time I had to have surgery it took 2 Doctors and I made the nurse cry when they had to take the 3 sutures out! I also had a panic attack and had to breathe into a bag and my husband was so embarrassed as there was a 10 year old in the next room that didn't make a peep, oh and I was sedated prior to my visit!!!! If I could do this, you can too. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I probably wouldn't if they put stitches in though LOL! Hang in there, how are you doing on the pre-op diet? Donna