crazycoolbutterfly

ABSOLUTELY! Reward yourself with what ever makes you happy: flowers, walks thru the park, a planned mini-vacation, a mother's day out without the kids or husband, clothes, massage, pedicure, manicure...i could go on and on. I'm a total believer in rewards. As for healing, definetly, take advantage of getting pampered (it won't last long) take time off, take things easy and slow, go back to clear liquids when you feel like it, buy extra pillows for yourself to sleep in a better position, invest in chewable or melt away vitamins and tylenol, invest in a nice scale, buy some bubble for the bubble bath you will be able to take after the post-op instructions say you can...etc.

Hi Kia! First of all, you will be alright. You can fast 12 hours before pre-ops and have a "last meal" the day before surgery. So if you have pre-ops Monday and surgery Tuesday you would fast Sunday night, go to pre-ops and have your last meal that day before midnight. On surgery day, you'll be fasting until your surgery. However, since you are fasting and can get into surgery that same day, I would recommend it because it's that much faster to healing and getting back to solids. GasX is for the gassy, bloated fealling you may experience after surgery. Not all people get the feeling, but most normally do. The lpre-op diet is good for your body because it is getting ready for some trauma. So when and if you have your last meal, try to keep it easy, at least not deep fried. I had a filet mignon with half a ceasar salad...so.... I figured a nice steak should carry me through the post-op diet. So far so good. Have a nice time in TJ, take some sun glasses to soak up the sun and relax, you will have a nice experience. Cant wait to read your update. Your welcome to read mine at :April 10, 2008 -newly banded :lb9:

:lb14: First of all, if she is a "friend" she would understand and try to get your perspective and your enthusiasm about choosing the lapband for a better quality of living your life. Otherwise, she is jealous or uneducated or worse ignorant. So I would just drop the conversations with her regarding it and move on with your business. NO one needs negativity before, during or after your decisions. It is your body, your life, your decision. I'm the type of person that doesn't tell anyone my business or future plans. The only person I can tell is my husband because he is always open-minded, compassionate, and will try to understand my decisions. When he doesn't agree, I sometimes feel hurt, but we agree to disagree and move on - and most of the time I go ahead with my decision, and he doesn't say "i told you so". There are alot of people out there that for whatever reason don't want people to succeed. They want them to fail for some reason. Those are the naysayers, the can't wait to say "i told you so", the ones that probably don't get to do what they when they want because of fear of change. Let those people go. You will be happier, you won't to have to prove your case to anyone, and you'll be better off. Your welcome to read my experience on this link: April 10, 2008 -newly banded... :lb4: Good luck and take care...stop stressing and forgive those who do not know any better.

I can't wait to..... (all of the above AND) NOT Worry about being rejected from a roller coaster ride at theme parks Buy and wear something that fits properly from the Juniors section (not petite and large section) Enjoy family photos (actually any photos) Look fit and toned while getting a "eyed, winked and smiled" at and admired from people Play happily outdoors with my kids -like camping, trailing, riding bikes, dodgeball, roller and ice skating) Go on a romantic vacation with my husband while being able to wear something from Victoria's Secret Etc...

You know, i was just thinking about that the other night. At this point, only TWO people know - my husband and my best friend. For some reason, I agree with the comment from armydad, I really don't think it is anyone's business. I mean, I think that the only time I would consider telling someone is if they asked my on advice about being banded. Then I could honestly give them my opinion and go from there. And, Blazn got it down right, I have to say we can honestly say that we are losing weight by limiting the amount of food we eat and by eating healthier making wise choices on food and drinks. I mean I'm sure we all have our moments, with a high calorie or sugar food, but who doesn't? And I also recognize the fact that even though I can eat a piece of that chocolate cake, I will eat a tiny piece (compared to pastlife) and not feel so bad because it's not like I eat it every week or something. I believe we have to reward ourselves while we progress with new clothes, massages, flowers, or anything you think that you would like to have or do. I guess it's like plastic/cosmetic surgery not everyone admits to it, but would gladly recommend their doctor!

Thanks for sharing that with us, very informative! I'll be seeing my doctor tomorrow at 11a just to make sure for a follow up. Is your shoulder pain, like near your neck spreading toward down your elbow? Just wondering because that's what happened yesterday to me... when I was walking my 4000 steps, I got a little pain there, but then it went away. Well, I'm glad to see you are doing well, I feel so happy today, i guess it's because I finally weighed myself and saw the loss, for the first time I can say that I am estatic about a loss ------

7 Days today! Feel good, lost 10 pounds!!! since surgery date. 20 since March 15 when I started the pre-op diet!!! WOOOOOHHHHOOOOOOO! I finally weighed myself today. I think I will just weigh myself once a week. Daily seems agonizing... hope everyone else is doing well. I started back on the Optifast shakes and I only eat when I feel hungry. I'm also walking 3000-4000 steps around my neighborhood park while the kids are playing daily. I'm doing this Monday thru Friday and will rest on the weekends. I want to work up to the 10,000 daily steps that Dr. Miranda recommends. Of course, I may walk more than that daily, but these steps are totally dedicated to toning and losing. Does anyone else like follow a eating/exercise schedule or anything yet? I always look up other doctors post-op diet information, just for fun... and I notice a variety of "phases" for example, there are some docs that say you can already be eating mashed potatoes, sugar-free pudding and things like that by day 7! Also noticed that there are schedules for eating, such as every 2-3 hours, eat a serving of yogurt, protien shake, broth...etc...anyone doing stuff like this? Just asking because I find it very interesting to see that there is a variet of ways to get back into solids. Trust me, I don't even think I want solids right now. I'm totally terrified. Only because I feel pretty full with the broths and shakes now, I feel like i would be stuffed once i start solids I know, I know, some of you are thinking "CRAZY, can't wait to get to solids", but even when i start solids I am going to start with the Optifast ready to eat entrees because they are portioned, low sodium, low fat...or maybe the Smartones (from weightwatchers), either way I am not going to do the burgers, fries, pizza thing because the whole reason I did this is to LOSE weight. I think eating junk would defeat the purpose. BUT don't get me wrong, I probably will cave once or twice, but I won't beat myself about it. I even think when I cave, I will regret it because I won't feel so hot. You know like once you start eating healthy for awhile and you throw in some fat, your tummy goes wack? hahahha Well that's all for todays update. Oh and I also decided that I am going to buy myself some flowers each time I lose 10 lbs. Kinda little reward for myself...or really from my husband because he'll be paying for them. > ----------------

LOVE IT! =D> Great tool, thanks for the tip. I just saved the info on my phone! :dance4: >

Name & Location: Julie, Texas Age: 32 Gender: F Surgery Date: April 10, 2008 Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez / OCC Height: 5'1" Highest Weight: 273 (before pre op) 261 day of surgery Current Weight : 202 (Jan 22, 2009) Goal Weight: 130 Band: Inamed 9.75/10.0cm with maximum volume fill of 4.0cc {for my future reference because I'd like to track progress:)} Current weight as of 3/15/2008: 273 Current weight as of 4/09/08: 261 Current weight as of 5/10/08: 250 Current weight as of 6/16/08: 243 Current weight as of 7/10/08: 235 Current weight as of 8/10/08: 230 Current weight as of 9/10/08: 225 Current weight as of 10/9/08: 220 Current weight as of 11/29/08: 210 Current weight as of 01/22/2009 : 202 Current weight as of 02/21/2009 : 199 WWWOOOOOHHHHOOOOOO!!! 1st fill: June 16, 2008 @ OCC in TJ with Dr. Acosta, 1.6cc 2nd fill: July 30, 2008 @ Fill Centers USA in Austin, TX, .4cc (total of 2.0) with Fluro 3rd fill: Nov. 19, 2008 @ Fill Centers USA in Houston, TX .5cc (total of 2.5) without Fluro 4th fill: Jan. 22, 2009 @ Fill Centers USA in Houston, TX .5cc (total of 3.0) without Fluro >

ABSOLUTELY believe that this forum is motivating, inspiring and overall a realistic look at how others are dealing, working, and losing with the lapband. I joined for these reasons and feel like contributing and reading daily will give me something to look forward to, realize how others are doing (good or not so good) and hopefully help someone who is considering this surgery. I reviewed this forum before surgery and was very motivated and clearly understood what others were going through. I would say that because of this forum it is one of the serveral reasons I chose to go with Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez. Everyone seems to be pretty honest and well, blunt, about their experience and advice - which I LOVE and ADMIRE! :lb21: >

Hey girls! I would like to say hi to Brook, I was with you on Thu and rode the van back with you to the airport area on Fri. I'm glad to see you online :lb14: . Michelle, great topic. I set my goal at 130 because i feel it is realistic and able to achieve. I weighed 115 up until my first pregnancy at which I went up to 177 and afterwards came down to 135. I am 5'1" and probably a medium frame, with four kids so 130 would be beyond exciting! I too believe in curves, although I weighed 115 before, I was a small frame (before kids) and still had curves, you know nice top and buttocks- if i do say so myself..hahahahaha At the same time I worked out 2 hours daily, 5 days a week. That's why I didn't set my goal weight at 120 or lower because although the BMI and ideal charts say I should be 115-125, I decided on 130. I agree with some of the others as far as what is comfortable for you. <' />

Well hi there, I used the Optifast ready shakes, powder shakes, bars, and entrees during my pre-op diet and really liked them. They tasted better than what I expected and did the job. I lost about 12 pounds in 12 days and was very happy. Of course, it is preference so ...personally I prefered them to Slimfast and regular protein bars, also the entrees don't have to be in the freezer so you can carry them anywhere and eat which is nice because if you are like me on the constant go there isn't always a fridge to store, but there are plenty of microwaves or hot/cold water. As for the personal items, i felt completely safe at the OCC, my purse was on the bedside table the whole time and wasn't even moved/touched. As for the hotel, same thing. I left my bags and paperwork overnight while i was at the OCC recovery on the chairs of the table of the room and came back to them totally untouched. I mean everything was exactly how i recall leaving them. >

Hey Denise, I remember you and spoke with you while I was walking. Well, I'm sure I missed out on a few details, but overall i could recall most of it. I know what you mean about the "happy pill", it sure did calm me down. >

Mine were stuck too! I was wondering why the heck it was itching? It was because of the stickiness of the Iodine, I guess! SO FUNNY! <' />

Hello everyone! I did begin a topic labled Banded April 10, but i think this topic started first?? anyway, it's good to see a few familiar faces. I was in room 5 closest to the nurses area. I must say that I'm sorry to hear about some of ya'lls bad pain or swelling right after surgery, but other than a little discomfort here or there (mainly near the port site), I have felt very good. I do keep it easy, nothing strainful. Afterwards, I went into San Diego and up north to hang out with friends and hit up the casinos. Had a lot of fun! I started the yogurt yesterday and did well. However, today, i feel like there is weight on my chest. I'm sure it will pass, but feels like i drank too much or something? I only had 3 oz of coffee with nondairy cream at about 8:30a and then a light danon 2 oz yogurt about 10:45a a few sips of water here and there, but nothing else. I'm not hungry at all, I just feel full. I walked around my back yard to ease the discomforting bubble and took some GasX, but still there. Maybe i need a nap ;-) I will weigh myself sometime this week and add a ticker at that time. >

I'm so glad things went well for you! I was part of the post-op bunch and have to agree with you about Mrs. Ortiz and the experience. >

Thank you!! I feel the same way. Looks like you are doing great, good job! :cheerleader: >

Today is day 5 of my new ME mission. I like to call it that because for the first time in a very long time, this mission is strictly for ME, not the kids, nor the husband or finances etc... So far so good, I am following Dr. Miranda's eating plan and seem to be tolerating it very well. I felt a little bloated, but have been taking GasX thin strips and it goes by. Last night, I bought pizza for the kids because I didn't want to cook and it smelled delicious and looked even better! BUT I knew it was "mental hunger" or temptation and I DIDNT give in. I haven't weighed myself, yet. I guess because my scale isn't working and I need to get another one, soon. But I know I have already lost weight. I would like to let you know my entire experience so here goes: I arrived on Wed morning around 10:30 am in San Diego and was picked up by Franc at the airport, along with other patients. My best friend (who lives in CA over an hour away from the airport) met me at the airport also and went along with me to OCC. We crossed into TJ without any hassles and to the office within minutes. Upon arrival, everyone was friendly, helpful and attentive. I met some people who were coming in for fills and others waiting on surgery that day. Everyone I met was friendly and had lots of good things to say. I did my pre-ops, saw Dr. Miranda, and decided to go to the hotel. Mrs. Ortiz drove us to the hotel and she is the most vivacious, sweet, and funniest person that I have met in a while! It must have been about 1:30p so we decided to go walk the area and have lunch. We ate downstairs at the hotel, which was excellent! Since, I could eat anything I wanted (as long as I didn’t gain a pound ;-) I ordered a salad, steak, and soup. I ended up eating half the salad, and all the filet mignon. I couldn’t eat another bite because I had been doing the pre-op diet for two weeks, so I guess I had become accustomed to eating very minimal. We headed a few blocks to Plaza Rio and shopped the entire mall area! It was truly wonderful; there were cellular centers, name brand shopping apparel, shoes, handbags, accessories – you name it and you could find it all right there. There was even a cinema. Along with that there was Subway, McDonalds, Burger King, Panda Express, Dominoes, and sooo many other restaurants! We headed back before dark and spent the night at the hotel. We had a late dinner at the (other) restaurant in the hotel which was Italian and delicious! We split a chicken fettuccini dinner and salad while listening to a live pianist. The entire staffs at the hotel and both restaurants were extremely magnificent! Everyone seemed to go above and beyond to assist us with whatever we desired. I hadn’t packed toiletry items because I didn’t want any hassles with the airport, and the hotel provides extras for you upon request. If, you are still missing something there are shops across from the hotel that you could buy items. We felt very secure in our hotel; we loved the view, the pool, the staff, and the weather! I love the weather in CA, it is awesome! Don’t forget to pack a sweater or jacket because it does get chilly at night, but it was great! I didn’t even have the a/c on, I just left the sliding door open a little and it cooled the entire room. It was about midnight or so that I decided to close it because it was a little loud with the traffic noise, but other than that it was great! We were on the 6th floor, so I felt pretty safe about leaving the sliding patio door open. About 7:45a Thur, Mrs. Ortiz picked us up at the hotel and headed to OCC. Upon arrival, I visited with the cardiologist, hooked up to the IV and was “checked” in to my private suite. It was nice. A nice sofa with fluffy pillows, DirecTV cable for entertainment, a phone to use at my discretion to call the States at anytime without charges, and a nice comfy hospital bed that moved to accommodate your position. Peaceful. While waiting, I met up with someone who had surgery the night before and was headed home. He felt great and seemed extremely happy. It was very reassuring to see someone right after their surgery and before mine because I had been extremely nervous the whole time. I guess because I consider all surgery risky and several outcomes are possible, good and bad. <Thank you for stopping off and telling me your experience before heading back to Florida; you really helped calm me down.> I went in to “OR” about 1p and came back by 2p! It was that fast. And I woke from the anesthetics without any pain, or fear. I was totally aware, comfortable and relaxed. I was up and walking by 4p. I was told that the more you walk, the better it is for you. I walked on and off until about 10p. Nothing extreme, just started with a nice stroll and by the end of the night it was a brisk walk. Not painful, or stressful at all. I met a few others who were also recovering and seemed very positive and pleased. The staff was exceptional, the doctor checked in on me, and by the time I knew it was bedtime. I slept very comfortably. Woke up Fri morning about 8a, walked around some more and it was time to go around 11a. Went back to the hotel to pick up my items and strolled around when I decided to see the dentist Dr. Ana before I left. I was taken back to OCC, received a deep cleaning and headed into San Diego to visit with friends. Franc drove me and a few others into San Diego and dropped my off at the trolley station which is directly behind the airport. I didn’t check out of the hotel because I wasn’t sure if I was going back or not. I wanted to visit San Diego and have the option of coming back, but I did bring my small luggage bag just in case. But the option was there. I ended up staying with my best friend and her family. We even hit up the casinos that night and I was comfortable walking around. Sat morning flew back to Texas. The flight was comfortable and no one could even tell I had surgery less than 48 hours earlier! I know this a lot for reading, but I wanted to let everyone know that my experience was awesome. I tried to make this a short as possible, but there were some details I just couldn’t leave out. I was absolutely terrified of traveling alone, having surgery in TJ, and of course the outcome of the whole procedure, treatment, and situation. I would happily recommend Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez to everyone who is considering lapband. I had considered surgery for over 5 years and I am glad that I decided on lapband, and was able to performed by a caring and experience doctors. Although, I live in an area where there are several experienced doctors and plenty of treatment centers, I decided to go to Mexico because of cost. I looked up all references, forums, and researched OCC as much as I could. But you can only go with your instincts in the end. I know that it was very risky, but it was well worth it. I’m happy that God united me with OCC and that my best friend was there for me during this time in my life (which was totally unplanned, it all came together in the end). I hope not to disappoint myself or God for this opportunity of a lifetime. Good luck to all and God Bless. >

Thanks for welcoming me! I appreciate the praise :cheerleader:

I believe that everything happens for a reason in life. I'm sure that all of you have heard this cliché before, however due to faith and experience, I truly believe God has a plan. I was completely terrified of being banded, especially in TJ, however I must say it was one of the best experiences in my life. I am blessed to have found and had such wonderful doctors (Ortiz and Martinez) and nurses (Carmelita, Josefa, everyone else whom I forgot your name <sorry>). Claudia, Dr. Miranda, and Dr. Ana were all great also! TJ, Mexico is unbelievably awesome! This is a new beginning for me. Newly visited and stayed in TJ, Mexico (1st time), newly banded (4/10/08), new Continental frequent flyer (1st time flying alone w/o kids or my husband). My goal is to be at 130 pounds, I believe I can achieve it because of my determination, my wonderful husband, children and my best friend! I appreciate any advice in this endeavor from all experiences! God Bless and :lb11: to all newly bandsters! >