Dontondan

So many people are MORONS! I was faced with "why in the world would you go to Mexico?" questions daily prior to my surgery and I would do it all over again the same way! I can compare the care I got at OCC with the care I would get if I was some sort of celebrity!!!! I am so happy that I found Dr. Ortiz and had such a good experience with them that I would recommend them to everyone.....I am so glad that you made it clear that it wasn't complications from the actual surgery. I have heard very few complaints and so many rave reviews from people who have gone down there. I think a lot of people just have pre-concieved conceptions of TJ being "third-world"....even though it is only footsteps across the border to the US! I would much rather have a MD operate on me that does the same surgery every day for years than one that does 2 or 3 of these surgeries a month. My regular Dr. tried to change my mind before I went down there too, but I see him later this week and will let him know how great everything went. Donna

Dear Stacy, I had my band on Dec 7th and I am a huge BABY! I did great with very little minor discomfort (no actual pain) following the surgery. I remember waking up and saying something like....hurts...and they gave me something right away and then no more pain. after that. Are you going to Dr. Ortiz? I took some of the Tylenol Meltaways with me for afterwards but didn't really need them. The Gas X strips helped a lot with the pressure from the gas. I did a lot of walking afterwards and suprised myself with how well I felt. We even went shopping in TJ for a few hours after they discharged me from the clinic. I didn't think that I would be up for it, but all was fine. I wasn't even tired except for maybe a little bit after all the shopping! I go for my fill next week and am a bit nervous about the "needle". I only had a meltdown when they put my IV in before surgery and that was the worst part of the entire procedure! The anesthesiologist (Dr. Estrada) saw me crying and came in and held my hand while they worked on getting the IV in. He was so sweet and comforting, very understanding and stayed with me the entire time and checked on me on and off throughout the day. I don't think I would have gotten the understanding and comfort here in the states...they would have just gotten impatient and angry with me for being a big baby! I was so impressed by my care that I am returning for the fills to OCC even though I have a place to do it here locally. If I would have known how easy this would have been I would have done it a long time ago, but I let the fear keep me from getting it done. Hang in there! Donna

Judy, I know the feeling! I can't tolerate bread at all and am still learning the do's and don't's. Everytime I try to eat any type of bread, pasta, or rice I start to PB...hate that feeling. I am having some problems trying to eat too fast and not chewing properly from so many years of bad habits and end up in trouble (PB ing). I am still new at the game, was banded on Dec 7th and go for my first fill on Jan 17th. Can eat anything else with no probs. Any suggestions out there for slowing down...bought baby spoons, small plate, cutting up pieces micro sized, but still forget and slam things down sometimes! Donna

Hi, Having a fill in TJ on the 17th of January, anyone else gonna be down there then? I am taking the Trolley to the border on the 16th, would love a buddy. Donna

Enjoyed your description, I am looking forward to the adventure........And the shopping! I don't have too many problems walking at all and am looking forward to the adventure out on my own! Thanks for the advice and I will definitely wear my sneakers! I Am just happy to get out of the house and away from the kids for 24 hours! I think I am more worried about the needle for the fill than the travel required to get it done! OCC was great though and that made my decision to travel to Mexico again for the fill an option. I trust them and that is huge for me. Donna

Dear TAJ This is my biggest problem......I had surgery on Dec 7th and am doing okay, but I am having a real problem waiting for my water until after dinner. Dr. miranda told me I can have some ice chips during dinner and I do that when I am desperate. I also put a timer on for 30 minutes and sit and watch the clock until I can have something to drink! I feel like a little kid! Other than that things are going really well and I made it through the holidays, but am fighting hunger a lot because I need my fill. Hang in there. Donna

My glue just came off yesterday a little bit at a time. Every time I shower more of it loosens up and I had my surgery on 12/6. I had orange streaks across my chest for about a week! It will come off eventually, it is really good stuff. Mine had black under the glue, it was the scabs. They really itched until they came off. Good Luck. Donna

Maryam, I have had my band for 11 days now and I can tell you that nothing feels better than not being hungry 24 hours a day. For the first time in my life I am experiencing fullness and satisfaction after eating. It is a wonderful feeling! I am still on my liquid diet until the 27th of December, but I am so full of energy and the weight is just dropping off of me and I feel better than I have in many years. The best thing is that everyone is noticing now! Is this worth it? Incredibly so! It was my first medical experience that has been positive in my life and believe me I am a huge BABY! Dr. Ortiz and staff treated me so well and their expertise made the surgery a breeze. I know of several others who have had similar experiences and have not run across anyone who has anything negative to say yet. As long as you are willing to make the commitment to make some changes in your lifestyle and follow the rules it is a wonderful tool that I wish I would have taken advantage of years earlier. Donna

Hi, I met you and your wife while I was down getting my surgery and we talked a lot, but I wonder if you could give me some more information on taking the transit to the border crossing and the costs of this from the airport. I know you told me about this and I am interested in going down for my fill and just going it alone and it may be something I would consider. I am sure I could catch a cab to the hotel or clinic from the hotel. I think I would prefer this to spending the $150 for a ride....I could take my sweet time! Thanks in advance, by the way, I am doing great! Donna

Had my surgery on December 6th and it was a piece of cake! I am a big baby and the most traumatic part of it all was getting my IV! So for all those worry warts out there, if I can do this so can you! I am doing the liquid thing and the only problems I have encountered so far is that the food commercials on TV are driving me nuts. I have decided to record anything I want to watch so I can fast forward through those annoying commercials that put bad ideas into my head. I also really don't care for soups or broth, but I am doing this as well as I can manage and look forward to adding some yogurt tomorrow! Yippee!

Had my surgery on Thursday and here it is on Saturday and I am doing really well other than the nasty gas pains. Walked my butt off yesterday and did some Christmas shopping while I was down here. The Doctors were so pleasant and comforting. I was very pleased with my care at the clinic they take care of every need. I am a big baby so this is important to me! Going home today to show off my scars! Donna

I am scheduled on December 6th and incredibly am not nervous or scared, but am very calm and excited. I know I am in the best hands out there and am ready to start my new life. Donna

I am scheduled for Dec 6th and will be down there on the 5th. I will see you down there probably. Take it easy. You will only make things miserable for yourself. I am looking forward to getting this done and over with and start my new journey. Just hang in there. Will see you on the flipside. Donna

Hang in there! This is the start of a whole new chapter in your life. Tomorrow is the big day! I can't wait for my date in 3 weeks. Gonna hate the liquids, but will be too scared to mess up. You can do it........Good luck tomorrow. Donna

I am so inspired by what I am reading here. Everything is so true. I am scheduled next month for my visit to Dr. Ortiz. Amen and Hallelujah, but I am also used to protecting myself and hiding behind a layer or two of fat. I am uncomfortable getting compliments and I am worried how guy attention will affect my husband and my marriage. He is a great guy and doesn't care one way or the other what I decide to do. You do know who your friends are when you are fat.....they accept you regardless. Something to ponder........ Donna

Oh Brenny! Hopefully this pain will take care of itself soon. Hang in there! Sounds like you are doing well otherwise, at least you are on your way now. Just take it easy for now and don't over do things. Donna :-?

Cheer up Brenny! Good luck on your surgery... >

Dear Frances, I am scheduled for Dec 6 and I too am really worried about the 5%. I have failed at sooooo many diets and this terrifies me too. I think though that the thought of all the money that I am putting into this and I am trying to prepare mentally for this that I can do it. I am also visualizing my new wardrobe for next Spring/Summer to help me. Having the holidays right there will be a tough one though. I also am afraid of any complications during the surgery. I am one who never feels "full" and the hunger pangs are incredible so it will be a rough ride for my friends and family too. Nothing like a fat, mean, premenstual woman who is incredibly hungry! Try to keep busy though....it helps. I am also visualizing the fatty slime cruising around my belly making the surgery more difficult and complicated because they have to keep cleaning the lenses on the instruments....pretty picture, huh? I am going on a cruise right before my date and was told to take shakes for 2 meals a day and eat light.......ON A CRUISE! The no alcohol I can do easy, but missing out on the great food on the ship is going to be the pits! Maybe I will have to figure out how to use all that gym equipment that they say is onboard. UGH! If you need any moral support, send me a message.......at least I can make you laugh about it! Donna

Hey Stacy, Well, I hope that you won't have to change your date. I know where Astoria is. Drove through there once going down the coast with some friends on a spur of the moment road trip a few years ago. I live in Bremerton and it is a total Navy town (my husband is retired from the Navy). I just got done making airline reservations for one of my "daughters" to accompany me so I don't get "into trouble". This way I will have someone "fun" with me that won't limit me to the hotel and grounds! I want to explore TJ as much as I am able while I am there, maybe pick up a few Christmas presents too. That way Crystal can carry my bags! She will love that! I know what you mean about having things up in the air, I am a control freak and have to have every last detail worked out before I can relax. I have already ordered my pre-op meals, gotten my liquid vitamines, and tylenol and Gas X strips for the trip home! I am so ridiculous about that kind of stuff. It is driving me nuts waiting for my loan to be approved and yesterday was a holiday, so it will take a few days extra....

Yay Stacy! A buddy at last! Hope to see you there. Where are you from? Donna

Dear Singer, You have a few really good tips that I wouldn't have thought of as I am trying to "practice" eating slower and chewing more before hand (surgery is not until Dec.) The baby utensils is a good idea that I will try. Thanks, Donna

I am so sorry you had such a bad time after the surgery with the nausea, but was happy to hear that they did take good care of you down there. I am not scheduled until Dec 6th and am right now deciding whether to take someone with me or not. You may have made the decision for me (just in case). Hopefully by now you are feeling better and on the way to your goal Donna

Dear Brenda, I know how you feel, I am scheduled for Dec 6th and will be on a cruise/vacation from 11/15 to 11/28. Now I am worried about the pre-op dieting. I am going to have to do liquids when I am on my cruise to the Carribean, but I also cleaned the closet today and put away all of my summer clothes and thought that next year I will be able to get a whole new wardrobe and buy them in "regular" stores instead of big women's shops! That got me all excited. I will probably do the liquid thing for a week before the cruise and then eat sensibly during the cruise and go back on liquids when we get off the ship. I am already worried about feeling deprived before the surgery, but also that time after when all the Christmas goodies are around. My hubby thinks he will start dropping weight because I won't be cooking as much after I have the surgery. I am such a food junkie sometimes, and I love my own cooking.....bad combo! Well, I look forward to hearing more from you on how things are going for you with your journey to skinny-land! Who ever thought that I would be excited to have a surgery? Hang in there, Donna

Dear Twigs, That's what I figured would happen with me, my husband is the worry wart and I will be nervous enough without having to have him hovering about! Donna

Thanks for the info....will let my hubby know that I won't be alone. He is needed at home more than I will need him, besides that he will drive me crazy!