FurEllie

And people are just shocked when I say I went to Mexico, lol. I've had 2 hospitalizations since my banding that were here in the US. I swear if I could have gotten OCC to perform those procedures, I would have

One of the things I miss about my band are my fills with Darlene - she was just incredible

Great - thanks so much!! Sagging is my #1 problem. I want to lose at least 30 pounds more first (I had to have the band removed in December so it's not easy ) but even when I was 30 thinner than now I still had saggy F boobies, lol. Hopefully since I want a reduction they can firm them up w/o implants. Thanks again - you look maaaaavelous!!!

Pammie, the surgeries look great! I have to ask - how much? I'm considering doing a "Mommy Job" this fall - tummy tuck and boob lift/reduction (with possible implants, depending on how hard it will be to lift them and keep them lifted, lol). I was going to both at the same time to hopefully save some $$. I've gotten quotes all over the place - from $10K-30K! Obviously I'm going with the doctor I feel the most comfortable with and not the cheapest, but I'm just curious what you paid (you can PM me or tell me it's none of my biz - that's cool - it's a rather personal question I'm asking )

Before I had to have the band removed, I used Roswell twice. Darlene is AWESOME.

When I was overfilled I found I could get down hot chocolate made with protein powder. Yes, I had to drink a spoon at a time, but it was worth it

I have ATT/Cingular and I called them before I left to active Mexico calling. It wasn't cheap - $.60 a minute IIRC, but worth it to keep in touch. And yes, you can call like crazy on the phones at OCC to the US for free!!

Reading material - you spend a lot of time doing "nothing"

IMO, it depends 100% on the Fill Center you're using. I used the one in Roswell and she was as good (but not as handsome ) as Dr. Romero. Fluro (sp) is must, of course.

I'm not sure that's a hard variable either - I had a hernia Dr. O repaired and I had the smaller band put in.

Remember, you DID just have surgery. Your tummy has been through some physical trauma and is still healing. I would call OCC to put your mind at ease (and because I don't have any sort of medical degree ) but what you describe sounds pretty normal. I had diarrhea for several days after surgery then stopped up until I was able to start eating things with roughage again. And the gas - BEST thing to do is walk, walk, walk! Thankfully I work from home because I was pooting like a mad woman for a couple of weeks. I'd go to the grocery and RUN away from where I was standing so no one would know it was me, lol!!

I make a deal with any doctor/nurse using a needle: as long as I can look away, they can stick the needle in I am a HUGE baby when it comes to needles, though I've probably had 100's of sticks as well as 100's of stitches, lol, but the fill needles are probably the least painful of ANY I've ever had. Once or twice I felt a slight pinch, but seriously, that was it. Just don't look

Ya'll might want to call OCC and see if they have any ideas for fill doctors in your area. I know Dr. Ortiz is affiliated with Fill Centers, but if there isn't one in your area they may be able to find a doctor/PA/nurse who can do your fills

I never had a problem.

It really depends on WHICH morning you're leaving. Monday mornings I've seen be a bear because many are crossing over for a week of work. Like Sunday nights are awful because of all the tourists coming home. OCC is by far the best medical experience I've ever had - the US medical profession could learn a lot