vangirl

I was there last week and no violence whatsoever. I was told beforehand that I'd see military people around, but I didn't see any. My mother and I walked to the pharmacy across the street the day I got back from surgery. We also walked to the mall the evening before my surgery. The scariest part as Cottonwood said was crossing the streets, those roundabouts are crazy! I found the Mexican people to be friendly and helpful, especially considering we hardly knew two words of Spanish and needed information on directions, prices, etc. I felt very comfortable at the shopping plaza (I think it's called Plaza Rio Tijuana), and we were easily able, with some directions from someone, to find a taxi stand at the street by the Plaza to get back to our hotel. Just use common sense, don't go out by yourself at night, keep your purse and belongings close to you, and stay in well-lit areas. The driver also told us that the violence happens in a different part of the city.

I hate the pizza and fast food commercials too! Everywhere I look, I see a burger. I also bought some protein powder to mix into my drinks, to get in my protein. Amanda2008, I know what you mean about the first week being a glimpse into the future. It was such a wonderful feeling to not be hungry those first four days, especially when on the clear liquid portion of the post-op diet. I mean, it felt like freedom, and I thought, if life with the band is like this, I'm set! But I figure, if I could get through the pre-op diet, I can get through this. And also, my fear of wrecking my band and throwing away the good money I spent on it is deterrent enough to not cheat. Although, I'm sure it's easier said than done, as I'm only on day 6. Let's see how I feel on day 10, lol!

Thanks for the advice! I too thought that blended/pureed was not ok, so was wary about the possible soups that could be considered to be such. I'll strain out my soups just to be on the safe side.

This is probably overly obsessive-compulsive, but I want to make sure I do everything correctly post-op. I start creamy soups in a couple of days, and I'm relying on Campbells and other store-bought soups. I went shopping and came across a number of things that looked like creamy soups: cream of broccoli and cheddar, cream of potato, creamed butternut squash, etc. However, I was wondering if some of these qualify more as the pureed type rather than the creamy type. What types of soups did you buy while on the creamy soup stage? I'd love to try out some of the vegetable 'creamed' soups, but don't want to risk messing up in case those are considered pureed or have little bits of vegetables that are not totally creamed (e.g. broccoli bits). I know, obsessive-compulsive...

Today, I felt real hunger for the first time, and real cravings for food, where I'm affected by seeing food around me and on the television. The honeymoon is over! Tomorrow I'm starting the protein drinks and cream soups/full liquids, which I'm looking forward to. I'm able to take more liquid at a time now, which has corresponded with the increased hunger. But it's a good thing, because I wasn't drinking enough water before, and now it's easier to get it down. I'm finding it so hard to sip the water slowly. This is a totally new thing to learn. I've always guzzled water and drinks down, and so I get really impatient! This really is an experience of having to get to know a new body and new ways of doing things. I wonder how long it will take for the old habits to die.

Based on how I felt yesterday on day 4, I would have been able to drive, but not do the other things on the list. Day 4 was worse than Day 3, partly because I wasn't on painkillers, but also because the gas bothered me more that day. I'd be concerned about sitting for that long a period of time (getting up and walking frequently is important for the gas) as well as the talking. I find that I get winded easily due to my diaphram and lungs being affected after the surgery. My job involves a lot of talking and mental concentration, where I have to be 'on' for an hour at a time and completely focused on someone else. For this reason, I am only doing a very graduated, part-time return to work starting on Day 8. I am actually concerned that that may be too early, but it's only for one hour on Thurs. and one hour on Fri., so I should be able to get through it. However, I can only speak from my experience. Yours may be different.

LOL!!

Thanks everyone! It helps to know. I'll leave them alone. It's so great to have this place to ask questions that come up. I don't know what I'd do without the support and advice here. And LOL about the boobies. Same thing happened to me. Thank goodness for the soft cotton half-tank/sports-bra-like thing I brought with me beforehand. Really helped once I got them unstuck. My mother had to help me.

I've been getting up and walking periodically throughout the day, but no success at all in getting the gas to go down. ( It just continues to collect in a ball in my stomach. Last time I passed any gas was a little this morning upon waking. Constipated too At most, I've been able to consume something like 3 glasses of liquid today, which included my water, liquid vitamins, chicken broth, and a bit of gatorade. That was all my stomach could handle. It just hurt too much otherwise, and I'm afraid of stretching my pouch. A catch 22 situation, as I know I need the fluids to help push the gas down and get the bm going. Not to mention, to hydrate myself, but the gatorade has been helping with that so far. I am really looking forward to feeling normal again!

Hello support team I was wondering about the fresh incisions. They are glued shut, and I've been able to shower without difficulty. Should I bother with doing anything with them? Am I supposed to remove them at some point, or will the glue fall off on its own? Is there a maximum amount of time that the glue should be on for? Thanks! -Vangirl

Thanks Julie! I'm going to aim for more water, but man, it's hard to drink anything! I feel so bloated and full, with all that pressure in my chest and stomach. Today is not a great day for me, painwise, compared to yesterday.

This is really interesting. I'm 5'0, and my pre-op weight was around 251. Dr. Miranda told me she wanted me to get down to about 160-170, which I thought was high. For my height, I've always thought I should be around 115 or less, but the point about bones, frame size, etc. is a really good one. It's frustrating that people in the weight loss industry rely solely on BMI and don't consider these things that makes weight loss an individual thing. I'm a naturally curvy and likely heavy-boned person, so I probably never would have been able to be at my 'ideal' BMI weight.

I'm back home now, but when I was there, it was rainy and not very warm, which is not usual. I'm glad I wore a jacket on my flight there. I'd suggest wearing layers when you fly in to San Diego.

I'm the same way, in that I tend to overpack wherever I go. This time I did not, and that really helped me with transporting my stuff around. I'd suggest taking one change of clothes in addition to the ones you're wearing on the day of travel, change of underwear/socks for the number of nights you're there, easy-to-slip-on shoes, nightwear, toiletries, reading material, a heating pad/hot water bottle, Gas-X strips and other medications you're on, and a blanket if you get cold at the airport (like I did). Don't take a hair dryer, as they have them in the hotel. As for communication, I found it best to just ask the drivers or whoever was at the clinic about what times we'd be picked up, dropped, etc. We were picked up at 7am at the hotel the morning of the surgery, which I think is the standard time they pick people up. If there's not enough room in the van for everyone, then they send another one. When the driver picks you up from San Diego airport, just ask him and he'll tell you, likely it will be 7am. If you're going with a spouse/family member, the same van will drive them back to the hotel from the clinic at around 4-5pm the day of surgery. They will come and call you, and it's a small enough area that you won't get lost or confused. It's not at all big and chaotic like a regular hospital. The day after the surgery, they will wake you up and tell you to get ready, which will be sometime that morning (I can't remember the time, it might have been around 8 or 9am). I totally understand where you're coming from, as I had all of those same questions. All I can say is that the experience went smoothly, and if there were any areas of confusion or uncertainty, they were minor and easily dealt with. You will be fine! Always happy to answer questions, so don't hesitate to ask if you have anymore. -Vangirl

Hi all, I am on day 4 post-op, and blessed to have little to no hunger. However, I do have some feelings of emptiness or pain in my stomach which I can't decide is due to hunger or gas pain. Haven't figured out the signals yet. Anyway, I have consumed very little in the way of water or any other liquid since having my surgery. Is there a minimum amount of intake I should be aiming for, in spite of not being hungry? E.g a certain number of glasses of water, a certain amount of broth, juice, etc.? As much as I'm grateful for my low appetite (how often in life have I experienced that), it's causing me constipation and low blood sugar, and I want to give my body optimal nutrients for its healing. Or am I being overly obsessive? Thanks! -Vangirl

The pre-op is really quick. I had it done the same days as surgery. First, filled out some paperwork. Then got my iv port in. Then meeting with the EKG doctor. Then meeting with the nutritionist and pre-op weigh-in. Then some more waiting. Then taken to the patient room and got into the hospital gown and paper underwear. Then drugs, ativan, and IV tube attached. Because I've had vertigo before, I was given Dramamine in addition to the other drugs to prevent nausea. Then Dr. Ortiz comes to talk to you. Then wheeled into surgery. Then recovery, and a lot of walking!

Hi Anne, We each had our own rooms, and they were tastefully decorated, not like the cold, sterile hospital rooms that I've come to know and detest. I felt that the staff there were professional, efficient, and friendly. I especially liked the nurse, Carmelita, she is such a sweet lady. And Dr. Acosta, what a handsome young thing! At the clinic, I took some PJs, change of underwear, slip-on shoes, hairbrush, and toothbrush/toothpaste. And some reading material and Gas-X strips. I ended up not needing the PJs at all, as I just wore the hospital gown while I was there. It was comfortable and securely fastened, so your modesty is protected . When I was discharged, I just changed back into the clothes I wore to the clinic. I would also recommend a heating pad, but they will provide you with a hot water bottle for the gas pain if needed. Also, if you're large-breasted like I am, it might help to have a soft cotton sports bra (no underwire) to hold your breasts up or at least separate the underside of them from the scars. The scars were higher up on my stomach than I expected, including one in between my breasts, so it really helped to have the sports bra to prevent the undersides of my breasts from rubbing against the incisions. After I was discharged from the clinic, I wore the cotton thing over my regular underwire bra and tucked the bottom of it underneath the underwire to prevent it from irritating my incisions. It wasn't difficult to carry stuff, as most of the incisions were to the left part of my stomach, so I just lifted things with my right hand. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I did the same when I was pre-band, and it helped me to know everything ahead of time. Also, don't compare your experiences with others. Everyone is different. -Vangirl

This is such a great article. Thank you for posting it. I just got banded a few days ago, and am in the no-hunger phase. I love how this normalizes your experience, no matter what it is. I've been worried because I feel like I'm not getting enough nutrients or water in, and of course this is not helping my constipation. It sounds like this will pass and I'll be able to drink more as time goes. Although, a huge part of me is loving the fact that I'm not wanting food. I mean, how often do I get to experience that?

Well I'm back in town, and have made it home in one piece. Even drove myself home from my mom's place 45 minutes away, where I'd parked my car. Thankfully the pain lessened from yesterday night. I almost called the clinic because I was so concerned about the pain I was having. I had a reasonably good sleep and was able to move around more easily today, although I did get winded easily with overexertion. The long walk from the plane through Customs and Immigration and to the parking lot nearly wiped me out! Sometimes it's hard to know when to push myself with the walking and when to take it easy. Honestly, it feels like having a brand new body and getting to know it from scratch. Sitting stationary there's little to no pain. I mostly feel gas bubbles and a pressure in my chest and mid-back. Getting up from a seated position or sitting down and various maneuvers can trigger the pain, much like recovering from a car accident. But it has gotten better, so that is good. I made the mistake of getting on the scale and saw I had gained seven pounds in three days! Wah! But logically I know I haven't put on any fat. I mean, how can you with little sips of liquid here and there? Anyway, just chilling at home now and getting to know my new body and life with the band. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed! Thank you to everyone for your replies. It REALLY helps to know that I'm not alone in my experiences. Sabrina, thanks for the pm! I'll try and get some of that broth. And don't worry, you'll be fine. I had a really good experience at the OCC, and would recommend them to anyone.

I am definitely looking forward to a new life. Already it has started, as I'm having to figure out a whole new body. I drank too much water following a dinner of a half-bowl of chicken broth and am now paying dearly for it! I admit I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself that I'm still feeling so much pain, but I have to remind myself that everyone is different. Hopefully I will not be feeling like this a week from now. I'm wondering about the paranoia. Everytime I feel the pressure (that I think is coming from the band after drinking too much or not taking small enough sips) I'm afraid I'm wrecking the band or my stomach. Is this normal? Or am I just being overly obsessive?

Well I've finally joined the ranks of the banded. I had my surgery yesterday, spent the rest of the day and night at the clinic, and then came back to the hotel this morning. Not gonna lie, there was PAIN! And there still is pain, both from the incisions as well as the infamous gas I've heard so much about. It's been getting better slowly, and I've been forcing myself to walk a lot, which helps with the gas. I haven't been hungry, but it's hard to recognize my body signals now. Sometime I feel my stomach is empty and needs something, and other times, I'm wondering if it's the gas pains. Psychologically, I'm not feeling deprived of food. Can't take more than a small amount of liquids at a time. Had maybe a couple of juice boxes, a cup of coffee, and half a cup of broth so far. If it weren't for the fact that I've had surgery and the pain, I'd never know there was a band inside me. There have been a couple of times when I may have drank too much juice or water at once, or had bigger gulps than I should have where I felt some strange pressure. Again, hard to tell if it's the band or gas. Everything here was done professionally and efficiently. The doctors and nurses were great, especially Carmelia (such a sweet lady) and the young handsome Dr. Acosta. Man, the doctors were a good-looking bunch, including of course Dr. Ortiz. I've worked in several hospitals, and never have I seen such caring and attentive behaviour from medical personnel; I felt treated like person, not a patient. It's the little things like a warm demeanour, a friendly smile, and asking how are you that can make all the difference. Excellent place, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend OCC to anyone else. More to write, but I'll finish later. My stomach hurts!

Update: I got a reply from my email to Dr. Miranda this evening. I have instructions on certain foods to eat tomorrow, and hopefully this will help. Otherwise it might be a virus. I'm PRAYING it's not. I want to have the surgery next week! I'm really impressed with how quickly she got back to me with advice. I felt very reassured, which psychologically, is very important going into something major like this. -Vangirl

I posted this on another forum, and you are the second person to tell me this is not normal and to see my dr. asap. I sent an email to Dr. Miranda, which hopefully I'll get a reply to tomorrow. I'm on pre-op diet option #2 (two protein shakes, lean cuisine, and green veggies for hunger). My weight loss on it has been disappointingly slow as well, considering how little calories are being consumed. I'm about 2lbs away from my pre-op weight loss goal, and so am afraid to go off the diet, as I don't want to ruin my chances of having the surgery. What worries me is that my surgery is supposed to be next week, and with the weekend coming, I won't be able to get in to see my doctor (he only works Wed/Thurs). I'm not as worried about the increased diarrhea (I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, so am kind of used to it) as much as I am about the vomiting. It happened out of nowhere, and I'm scared of it happening once I'm banded. I am better now, but my stomach still feels sour and acidic.

I've been on the pre-op diet for a little over three weeks, and have one more week to go. I've stuck to it faithfully with no cheating whatsoever, but to be quite honest, it has been extremely difficult. Headaches, lightheadedness, weakness, and exhaustion, to name a few. And also recently increased diarrhea and stomach pain from the feeling of emptiness in the stomach. Anyway, this morning, I woke up with more of that sour/empty painful feeling in my stomach than usual, and went to have my usual morning medicaitons with my daily vitamin/mineral supplements, taken with about two glasses of water (my usual intake). I'm a water-guzzler, so am very used to taking a large amount of water at a time. Anyway, shortly after, I had the urge to go to the washroom, and at the same time I'm experiencing diarrhea, I suddenly noticed increased saliva and an urge to throw up. I began mentally telling myself, "don't throw up, don't throw up", but my stomach started heaving involuntarily a couple of times, as though to throw up. Through just the power of my will, I managed keep it all down, and the feeling eventually subsided, though it is still there to a small extent. This actually freaked me out because it's extremely rare for me to throw up. I'm not sick with the flu and haven't eaten anything that would give me food poisoning (and I know it wasn't food poisoning, because I've had it before). I feel like I need to eat something to put something into my poor empty stomach, but I've been so faithful to the pre-op diet and don't want to go off it. I'm also afraid of this being a sign of things to come after the band. What I'm nauseous and vomiting after the band? Has anyone else experienced this? Is this normal or something I should be concerned about? Please help! Thanks! -Vangirl

Reading this thread reminded me about something someone suggested to me when I announced I was going to Mexico for my surgery. I don't have immunizations for Hepatitis A or B. Do you think this is necessary? My surgery is coming up soon, so one of those vaccines (Hep I think takes some time and multiple shots to completely take effect. Do you think I should bother with it at this time?