Kittycat

Hi Chinamom, I can appreciate your husband and family's concerns, I have heard fabulous things about the OCC and Dr. Ortiz, I would have had no problems going there, but my husband would never let me have surgery out of province, let alone out of country (Canada). So we compromised, I stayed here and paid for it here (15K). I realize it's a huge amount of money, twice that of the OCC, but I wanted this more than anything in my life. I am thrilled with my decision and the results so far. I felt as you did, I saw a stranger in the mirror and now I see someone else. A thinner, happier person and I have alot more to go yet. Everyone will tell you the OCC is great and the decision to get the band was the right thing!!! Good luck to you!!

I have 145 lbs to lose and so far have lost 43 lbs in 3 months...I am on the way!!! Best of Luck with your surgery!! You may want you big last supper on Wednesday instead! My surgeon did not recommend my eating heavy the night before. Don't you worry about a thing, you will do great and be sure to let us know how you are doing!

Oh yeh!! How could I forget to mention Nip/Tuck...love it!!!!

Thanks Donna, I wil update everyone when I return later this afternoon.

Thanks Kimmie, I will...my appt is at 3:30...I will update you when I return. Have a great day!!

Not at all, you don't even know it's in there....you will feel port tenderness for the first 4 weeks around your largest incision, but other than that, you wouldn't even know you have a foreign object inside. Stop worrying...you will be fine!!! Don't over think it. Deep breath and relax okay!

In the summer it is Bachelor/Bachelorette and Big Brother. In the fall/winter it is Desperate Housewives, Criminal Minds, CSI Miami and Vegas. Of course I am also addicted to the Y & R.

My surgeon only uses fluoro if he cannot find the port..it would require an appt at the hospital, as he does not have the equipment in the office. He actually withdraws the fluid in the band to ensure he's in the right spot and also to check if it's all in there (leakage). So far so good.

Just sometimes...I know I need one. It comes and goes!

I have my fill at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon (EST). I am going to take Kim2Slim's advice and not mention restriction at all!! Wish me luck!!

Feel better soon, after my major episode last week, I went on creamy soups for the rest of the day, just because my tummy felt upset.

I'll join you Erin, we're gonna need some sleep!! LOL!!

Best of Luck Jessica, have a safe trip and be sure to let us know how things go!!! I can't believe the date is almost here already, time really does fly by!!!

Feel better soon...it's important to get the help you need!!

Do you find a food diary helps you lose weight faster? I haven't been counting calories at all since surgery. I eat the portion size recommended and mostly protein and veggies. I do snack from time to time, all snacks are either 50 or 100 calories. I counted calories on Weight Watchers and really didn't want to have to do that again. So far portion control is working. Can you recommend an easy to use, on-line food diary?

Congratulations to both of you!!! That's amazing!!! You will be able to support one another through this life changing experience which is a huge bonus. Keep in mind, men tend to lose weight faster than woman, so don't let that frustrate you. Best work of advise, be prepared for the life style change, it's not easy, there will be struggles, but it's so worth it!!! Good Luck!!!

I am sorry you had to endure that...working with women can be brutal. I work for a large insurance company and it's full of women, they gossip, they back stab, they are caddy. I can totally understand why you were upset. You made a mistake, you admitted it, you realized why and moved on...good for you!! You are doing great Julie, don't let those b*ches sabatoge all of your hard work!!! Give then h*ll!! Just know that we love you here!!

I know!! I have to re-enter all of the information everytime I lose a lb..not sure why that is...it takes my password, but nothing happens.

Oh how I remember those days...my boys are 11 and 16 now...but I do recall getting teary eyed when I brought them to school on their first day...cherish these moments, time goes by so fast!!

Well the key is that you realized it, that's huge!! My husband is not one to say" should you be eating that" because he knows I'd hit the roof,but sometimes you do need a hawk! This time you did it all yourself and you should be very proud! Set a goal and treat yourself to Mexican once you've reached it!! Keep up the great work!

Hi Vix, I wanted to wish you well before you fly off the land of sun and fun, paper panties and hunky doctors!! I am beyond thrilled that all worked out for and you will be an official bandster this week!! Safe travels to you and your hubby and be sure to let us know how you are doing!! We'll be thinking of you!

Glad you are feeling better and ready to eat!! Enjoy your dinner and take care of yourself!!

I totally agree, my friend had a major stomach infection which resulted in 3 additional surgeries and 6 weeks in hospitial. She had her gastic bypass surgery on May 29th, was home for 10 days and then was rushed into the hospital, she just got out this past Friday. She has a pump in her incision to ensure the infection does not re-occur. She has to have this in for 2 more months...I would do the band all over again, before having to endure what she went through!!!!

Hi there, no the diet plan is completely different. They actually get to eat more and sooner than banded patients. I am assuming that their new digestive system plays a role in the faster weight loss. My friend has the duodenal switch surgery (similar to gastric bypass) performed one week before my surgery and to-date she has lost 100 lbs. However, she was also hospitalized for 6 weeks due a stomach infection as a result of this surgery. I researched both and here in Ontario, Canada, we have provincial coverage for Gastic Bypass, I opted for the band and paid for it myself (15K). I absolutely refused to have such an evasive procedure, only to have it fail years down the road. The difference being, that once you've had the Gastic bypass and your stomach pouch is smaller, you will lose weight, but gradually over time, if you overeat and stretch it, there is no means to reduce it again. With the band, we have fills to tighten things up when the band gets lose due to weight loss or a slight stretch. I hope this helps answer your question.

Oh, I am sorry to hear that..glad a new one is one the way, hang tough!! LOL!!!