LoriBecky

Hi there, they give you Supradol - which is their version of Ketorolac (an NSAID). its a sublingal (melt it under your tongue) pain reliever. I brought gas-x strips with me for gas pain. If you have any prescription medicine that you need, you should bring it with you and talk to the doctor at the clinic. I brought my robe with me and my slippers (for those walks around the clinic) and your toothbrush & toothpaste and any toiletries you might want. My suggestion would be to bring loose or elastic waist shorts or pants for your journey home, you will be a little swollen and still "inflated" from the gas. You'll want to be very comfortable especially if you have a long journey. Please feel free to email me if you have any other questions.

Hi Trizzy, you might want to show your friend Dr. Ortiz' qualifications, I think that might change her mind! If you have any questions, you can contact me at Lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com

Ok... they do have wireless internet access at the clinic - so you can get access from your laptop. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know.

The clinic does have internet access, they have a computer there you can use. I don't know about wireless access, but I will find out and let you know. The Hotel might have a safe you can store your laptop in, their phone # is 1-800-LUCERNA - you can ask. I'll post back here when I find out about the wireless connection.

Hi Chelley - so glad mom & sis are doing well, too! Are you planning on heading back to TJ for your fill or finding someone more local? As for the job, right place, right time. I was SO impressed with everyone associated with Dr. Ortiz that I wanted to work with him and they needed someone. I'm working with Carolyn and Sandy and everyone here knows how great they are! I'm still learning, but really enjoying it. If anyone has any questions they want answered and don't want to post them here - you can email me at Lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com

I also like to brew a batch of decaf tea for iced tea. I put 1/2 iced tea and 1/2 batch of crystal lite lemonade in a glass. It makes what they call an "Arnie Palmer" its yummy!

YES! i did. I would say for the first week I had to be really careful of that area and my skin around that area was very irritated as well. Even now, 2 weeks after, if I sit at my desk for too long, especially if I'm leaning over my computer, it gets tender. The port area does take a little longer to heal. I would say at this point its more of a "i'm here... notice me pain", rather than a true pain. I did end up taking a tylenol yesterday because I over did it and my port site was bothering me. Your body is recovering from wounds, and the port site is the largest of those, so it does take some time. I'm sure by next week you'll be lots better.

Hey Chelly, so sorry to hear about your wasp sting! Glad you are healing well and getting things back on track. I was curious to know how your mom & sister are doing. I think its great to have so much support. I still haven't told many people in my circle of family and friends about my surgery - I really don't want to be "watched" in these first few weeks. But as people notice my weight loss (almost 20 pounds so far) then I tell them. The only real support system I have right now is all of you guys and Sandy & Carolyn from OCC, but you know, that's a LOT

Hi it must be very frustrating to be losing weight so slowly. I think one of the most important things Dr. Miranda said to me was the band helps with quantity, but you still have to pick quality foods. This is a tool and only a tool, you still have to do the hard work. Are you drinking while you are eating or soon after you finish eating? That is a sure fire way to negate the benefits of the band. If you are eating in smaller quanities, quality foods and avoiding high calorie liquid foods, then you might need to inquire about another fill. It might help to write down what you are eating and drinking and take a look at it after a week. Dr. Miranda is always available by email or phone if you have questions or needs suggestions. Good Luck and keep us posted!

Hi Laura, CONGRATS!!! I had that pain - like a pulled muscle almost everytime I sat up - I found it best to roll to my side and then get out of bed. Doing better, but today my skin is very irritated - like where my pants ride. Although I do have very sensitive skin so I could be reacting to something they used to clean/disinfect before surgery, or it could be from the pushing/pulling during surgery - it feels bruised or burned but I'm sure that will pass. Everyone heals differently, but after 2 weeks my port pain is better unless I overdo. Take care and keep us posted! By the way... I think we need a new name - like Princess Bandsters or Bandster Sisters.

I very curious to know what you were eating previously if you started eating protein and solid food to gain strength. Doesn't sound like you were following the diet recommended by Dr. Miranda. There are some terrific protein shakes out there if you feel the need to supplement. The one I bought at Costco comes in powder form and has 27 grams of protein per scoop. Makes it easy to supplement if you find you aren't getting the recommended 50-60 grams per day. I hope you find a solution that works for you and isn't too expensive. I think talking to Dr. Ortiz before you do anything would be a very wise suggestion. Good Luck

Hi karen, I find myself having cravings, but not the draw i had to them before, nor have I had the hunger or nausea I inevitably had with "diets". What hunger I do have is easily satisfied with water or tea or diluted juice and especially with a small cup of chicken broth. I have to admit that I have licked my fingers on a few occassions after preparing a meal for my family (bacon fingers in the morning, chicken fingers in the evening hahahaha). I also took a small nibble of milk chocolate and SLOWLY let it melt in my mouth - it was a very small bite but it was satisfying just to have the taste... satisfaction from just a taste and not an entire bar - WOW! Karen - I can't imagine ever doubting the surgery once you have it and won't regret the money you spend on it. I can already see big changes, physically and emotionally as I break the strongholds that food has held over me for so long. Good luck!!

I wasn't told diet popsicles and diet jello, I was just told to water down juice or gatorade so you don't get so much sugar in a liquid form because that is easy to 'down'. If you want to make sure you can call the OCC and speak with Dr. Miranda. She is very helpful

Hi I live near Fresno and would be interested in information on fill doctors in this area of California. Any information you have would be apprecited. I was just banded on June 15th and plan to have my first fill in TJ, but would like to have a more local doctor in case I need more frequent fills. Thanks!

Hi, once you get there, you won't really feel alone, except at the hotel, but there's lots to do there, I sat out by the pool. There' s a nice restaurant (ready with chicken broth!) There is also a bar (armed with bottled water!). While you are at the clinic, everyone is SO nice, and there are always other bandsters ready to share their experience. I chatted it up the whole time I was there while my husband watched the world cup soccer game. Since everyone stays at the hotel, if you let them know you are there alone, you can probably meet someone for a lounge by the pool the day after surgery. I have had several surgeries in my life and have NEVER experienced the warmth, compassion and professionalism of this clinic. I would do it again in a heartbeat and have and will continue to recommend Dr. Ortiz and his staff to anyone that is interested in lapband surgery oh... and if you have a costco membership - they have one there! hubby went and bought flavors of crystal light i had never heard of before... YUM

Hi Lanie, I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Dr. Ortiz and my experience in Mexico! The Hotel was wonderful, everyone I encountered was just terrific. NO COMPLAINTS (except that my port site is still sore... I had surgery a week ago) Good luck to you Lori

Hey guys I did it! Got banded on June 15th. I'm pretty sore today, I think I really overdid yesterday - lifted something I shouldn't have. Hoping I didn't do anything tooooo bad! My question is... did anybody else have tummy rumbles - like being hungry? I really started getting those yesterday. I'm not feeling overwhelmingly hungry, but I thought I wasn't suppossed to feel any hunger this first week. Maybe I'm not doing enough broth/juice/popsicles, etc. I do feel better after the broth so maybe I should do more of that. i'm very anxious for the yogurt and protein phase! Any suggestions (and sympathy ) would be appreciated! By the way - if anyone is wondering or questioning going to Dr. Ortiz.. put your fears to rest - the staff is amazing, the clinic looks like something you see on TV for people going to posh Beverly Hills Clinics! I was nervous, but the moment I entered the clinic my fears were calmed. Everyone is wonderful!

Chelly, I just have to say thank you thank you & thank you again! Your posts are so comforting and informing! I'm having my band put on a day earlier than expected (6/15) and I'm so excited... and a little nervous. But I'm ready! Please keep me posted on your success! If you'd be willing, I'd love to keep in touch with you privately too - so I could ask you questions and maybe exchange successes too. Let me know

Hi Chelly, How did you fill go? I know its really early, but can you tell a difference? I was scheduled for surgery on Friday, 6/16, but they just bumped me up to Thursday 6/15 - woohoo

I'm curious about the port site. I'm a left side sleeper, will it be a problem? Can you feel it through your skin? Can you see something is there? If I decide to have tummy tuck later, will that be a problem? Thanks )

Good Luck to all 3 of you Hope they are able to get it right for you the first time!! I'm anxious to hear more updates

Hey Deb, I'm so glad to meet you - even if its through the computer. You'll know me by my big curly blonde hair. I really look forward to meeting you and hopefully we can help calm each other's nerves!!! Lori P.S. Today I bought GasX Strips and Liquid Tylenol. Does anyone have any other suggestions about things that are good to bring with... for the trip home? I have at least a 6 hour drive back. Thanks!

Chelly, I just want to thank you for your great post and all the details you provided about your experience. I'm scheduled for surgery on June 16th. While still a little nervous, you have really calmed my nerves about going to Mexico. Thanks again! Lori