NOVEMBER SURGERIES AND FILLS

[kat03]

ahhh!! so i JUST called occ and scheduled my surgery date!! i'm scared and excited and anxious...etc etc etc...

my pre-op and surgery date is wednesday, november 4th....anyone else out there gonna be there?

i wanted to get it done in early november for the reasons mentioned above....thanksgiving...christmas...new years.... feast time!!

I'm so excited for you - tomorrow is your big day! Be sure to post and tell us how it went and how you feel! My sister and I are heading down in two weeks!!

-Katrena

[bogiesmom]

Maragret,

Let us know how your first fill goes. I am axious to hear as I have been following your journey very closely. I love reading your posts. Your very insightful and a great communicator in how you effectively explain what is going on externally as well as internally.

[magkai1]

Bogiesmom, aren't you the cutest? It made me all happy inside that you like my writing.

The fill went very well. The whole process was very easy, just took some time. I parked on the west side of interstate 5 in the parking lot closest to the border ($8 per 24 hours). I walked across and into the gaggle of waiting taxi drivers. They all had the yellow shirts and lanyards stating they are the unionized cabs. I didn't even bargain. I told the guy I'd pay $5 to the OCC. I probably overpaid! It's so close!

I arrived at the building and tried to get to the second floor via the elevator but you can only access the OCC that way if you have a special key. So then I used my brain and took the stairs, where I went through the unlocked glass door. The receptionist, Melissa, looked up and asked, "Margaret?" Nice!

I was early so I sat down with a couple of other women and watched half an hour of a crappy movie.

Melissa escorted me to the x-ray/fill room where I was greeted by the gorgeous Dr. So. He is just so damned cute and full of personality. I wasn't thrilled at the idea of exposing my big 'ole belly to him but I knew that I'm just another patient to him. And the doctors there are so professional, it's pretty easy to show your bits.

The needle going into the port was barely noticeable. Dr. So pointed out everything on fluoroscopy - the band, the pouch, the barium stuff I swallowed. He had me drink a sip to see how the fluid moved through the port now, filled a bit, drink another sip, then unfilled a bit, drank another sip and then he was satisfied at the rate the barium went through the band. I wish I was "done" and had the sweet spot. It sounds like it takes 1-3 fills to get there.

Afterward he gave me a small bottle of water to take with me. Melissa called a cab for me and I was at the border in 5 minutes. The pedestrian line to cross was long.I waited 40 minutes to reach an agent. I walked over the pedestrian bridge and was in my car within ten minutes after that. The whole thing from door to door was 3 hours.

[AngieB]

Bogiesmom, aren't you the cutest? It made me all happy inside that you like my writing.

The fill went very well. The whole process was very easy, just took some time. I parked on the west side of interstate 5 in the parking lot closest to the border ($8 per 24 hours). I walked across and into the gaggle of waiting taxi drivers. They all had the yellow shirts and lanyards stating they are the unionized cabs. I didn't even bargain. I told the guy I'd pay $5 to the OCC. I probably overpaid! It's so close!

I arrived at the building and tried to get to the second floor via the elevator but you can only access the OCC that way if you have a special key. So then I used my brain and took the stairs, where I went through the unlocked glass door. The receptionist, Melissa, looked up and asked, "Margaret?" Nice!

I was early so I sat down with a couple of other women and watched half an hour of a crappy movie.

Melissa escorted me to the x-ray/fill room where I was greeted by the gorgeous Dr. So. He is just so damned cute and full of personality. I wasn't thrilled at the idea of exposing my big 'ole belly to him but I knew that I'm just another patient to him. And the doctors there are so professional, it's pretty easy to show your bits.

The needle going into the port was barely noticeable. Dr. So pointed out everything on fluoroscopy - the band, the pouch, the barium stuff I swallowed. He had me drink a sip to see how the fluid moved through the port now, filled a bit, drink another sip, then unfilled a bit, drank another sip and then he was satisfied at the rate the barium went through the band. I wish I was "done" and had the sweet spot. It sounds like it takes 1-3 fills to get there.

Afterward he gave me a small bottle of water to take with me. Melissa called a cab for me and I was at the border in 5 minutes. The pedestrian line to cross was long.I waited 40 minutes to reach an agent. I walked over the pedestrian bridge and was in my car within ten minutes after that. The whole thing from door to door was 3 hours.

I see a Dr. locally for my fills. I go to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and let me tell ya, it's five minutes from my work and from beginning to end it takes me 2 hrs each time. Funny how you have so many more steps and takes 1 hr longer. It amazes me sometimes how it can take so long! LOL Hospitals! Geesh!

If I lived closer I would go to TJ for my fills.

[bogiesmom]

Bogiesmom, aren't you the cutest? It made me all happy inside that you like my writing.

The fill went very well. The whole process was very easy, just took some time. I parked on the west side of interstate 5 in the parking lot closest to the border ($8 per 24 hours). I walked across and into the gaggle of waiting taxi drivers. They all had the yellow shirts and lanyards stating they are the unionized cabs. I didn't even bargain. I told the guy I'd pay $5 to the OCC. I probably overpaid! It's so close!

I arrived at the building and tried to get to the second floor via the elevator but you can only access the OCC that way if you have a special key. So then I used my brain and took the stairs, where I went through the unlocked glass door. The receptionist, Melissa, looked up and asked, "Margaret?" Nice!

I was early so I sat down with a couple of other women and watched half an hour of a crappy movie.

Melissa escorted me to the x-ray/fill room where I was greeted by the gorgeous Dr. So. He is just so damned cute and full of personality. I wasn't thrilled at the idea of exposing my big 'ole belly to him but I knew that I'm just another patient to him. And the doctors there are so professional, it's pretty easy to show your bits.

The needle going into the port was barely noticeable. Dr. So pointed out everything on fluoroscopy - the band, the pouch, the barium stuff I swallowed. He had me drink a sip to see how the fluid moved through the port now, filled a bit, drink another sip, then unfilled a bit, drank another sip and then he was satisfied at the rate the barium went through the band. I wish I was "done" and had the sweet spot. It sounds like it takes 1-3 fills to get there.

Afterward he gave me a small bottle of water to take with me. Melissa called a cab for me and I was at the border in 5 minutes. The pedestrian line to cross was long.I waited 40 minutes to reach an agent. I walked over the pedestrian bridge and was in my car within ten minutes after that. The whole thing from door to door was 3 hours.

So Margaret,

Do tell! How many CC's did you get? How many CC's will your band hold total? How are you feelling right now? have you tried to eat anything yet? Are you satisfied with the amount they gave you? When are you planning to go back for another fill? How much did you pay for a cab ride back to the border?

Thanks so much for the taxi info...I will need it come late December. I plan on taking the train from Union Station to San Diego and catching a cab from the station to the border then I will have to catch another cab to the OCC but I guess it is all tax deductable so no worries.

[MommyLiz]

Started pre-op diet yesterday, not easy. Surgery date for 11/20. Looking forward to this new challenge.

Coming from Illinois w/ my mom.

[anicoler]

Hi everyone! I am new to this forum and I have been reading everyone's experiences with Dr. Ortiz. I recently spoke with my aunt who is a nurse about getting banded. Due to family history on both sides of my family of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid issues, etc. she recommended I get banded to lose weight and help prevent any of these diseases from developing in me. I am nervous and have heard good and bad things about being banded. I know if I were to get banded it would be a change for LIFE.

I am only 21 years old and have hypothyroidism, pre-hypertension, and possible insulin resistance and I know I should not have any of that at my age. I had a rough childhood growing up and was emotionally abused. This did not help with my weight. When I was in high school I was 140lbs at the max and then all of a sudden my eating habits became horrible and next thing I know I am at a whopping 255lbs! I should not be at that weight and I miss my old body!

I read good things and bad things about the band. I have heard in the long run people have erosion, band slippage, etc. I know these can be prevented given that you follow the instructions your doctor gives you and you don't eat or drink things you're not suppose to. But to me the benefits out weight the risks. If needed it can be removed.

Can you guys give me some kind of encouragement about what I should do. I am about to have a semester off in college come Dec. and that is the best time for me to get it! Does anyone have hypothyroidism but still has been able to lose a good amount of weight? And has it gone away once the weight has come off.

Needless to say I need some cheering on! I am going to start seeing a counselor this week to help work through some of the things I have been through but I think the band is my only option.

If anyone also could give me details from scheduling your surgery with the OCC all the way down to the pre-op diet, travel plans, etc.

I am really inspired by you all!

[bogiesmom]

Hi everyone! I am new to this forum and I have been reading everyone's experiences with Dr. Ortiz. I recently spoke with my aunt who is a nurse about getting banded. Due to family history on both sides of my family of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid issues, etc. she recommended I get banded to lose weight and help prevent any of these diseases from developing in me. I am nervous and have heard good and bad things about being banded. I know if I were to get banded it would be a change for LIFE.

I am only 21 years old and have hypothyroidism, pre-hypertension, and possible insulin resistance and I know I should not have any of that at my age. I had a rough childhood growing up and was emotionally abused. This did not help with my weight. When I was in high school I was 140lbs at the max and then all of a sudden my eating habits became horrible and next thing I know I am at a whopping 255lbs! I should not be at that weight and I miss my old body!

I read good things and bad things about the band. I have heard in the long run people have erosion, band slippage, etc. I know these can be prevented given that you follow the instructions your doctor gives you and you don't eat or drink things you're not suppose to. But to me the benefits out weight the risks. If needed it can be removed.

Can you guys give me some kind of encouragement about what I should do. I am about to have a semester off in college come Dec. and that is the best time for me to get it! Does anyone have hypothyroidism but still has been able to lose a good amount of weight? And has it gone away once the weight has come off.

Needless to say I need some cheering on! I am going to start seeing a counselor this week to help work through some of the things I have been through but I think the band is my only option.

If anyone also could give me details from scheduling your surgery with the OCC all the way down to the pre-op diet, travel plans, etc.

I am really inspired by you all!

Hi,

I am scheduled for banding on 11/13 (this Friday) and the one thing that I would advise you to do that REALLY opened my eyes is to attend a free consultation provided by a Lap Band Surgeon in your area. If you go to the Lap Band web site there is a section where you can find a qualified Surgeon in your area to schedule a consultation with. This will give you the opportunity to learn about what is involved and you can ask all the questions you want. This is where I started and the information I got from my consultation was a starting point for me to do more research until I found the OCC and learned more about Dr. Ortiz.

They will try to hard sell you at the consultation but you can always stand your ground by stating that you have not made a decision yet and are there for information only. There is a lot of factors to take into consideration such as insurance requirements, out-of-pocket expenses, financing, change in life-style (eating habits), what the band will help you with, what it will not help you with, so-on & so-forth.

The Doctor I had my consultation with in Beverly Hills was very up-front and blew my mind away when he dispelled the myths and assumptions that I had about the band. I really liked it when he said "The band by no means is an exact science." And I was like "What the hell?&*$@?" All this money and your a BH Doctor with a PHD from USC and you are telling me this is not an exact science? I walked out of there thinking I really got to do my homework on this and figure out what I am getting myself into.

I also suggest that you get a head start by trying to eat like you are already banded even tough you are not. Smaller portions, balanced meals and plenty of water. Try keeping a journal of everything that goes into your mouth including calorie intake. It always helps to start thinking and acting like you have the band even though you don’t. This is something that will be a part of your body for the rest of your life (under ideal circumstances) and your very young so start making the changes you will have to make for the rest of your life beginning with you next meal. The hardest thing I had to wrap my brain around was the thought of no more Diet Coke for as long as I live and in my mind that is HUGE. Personally speaking having Weight Watchers under my belt for awhile has helped me to the point (no pun intended) that I now live in the WW Matrix...other people see food and all I see are points

There are other things you can start making habits of now that will help like start counting how many times you chew every bite of food you take. A co-worker of mine said you should try to achieve 32 chews per bite of food. I mention this b/c after you are banded chewing will become your only means of keeping a meal down from what I know. Another great, great practice technique that I discovered is to eat your meals without allowing yourself a beverage with them. When you are banded you cannot eat and drink at the same time. You will have to choose one or the other. What I have found is that by NOT allowing myself a drink with my food I actually eat less and become fuller with less food! Maybe b/c the food is just sitting there without anything to wash it down - no longer a bottomless pit? Or maybe I become so thirsty that my thirst outweighs the sensation of felling like I am starving to death? Fantastic!!! The best secret ever kept!! All of a sudden I am acutely aware of when I am hungry and when I am thirsty and I do not confuse the two! This is something that my WW instructor warned me about a long time ago (confusing thirst for hunger) and I never got it until now!

This is becoming very long winded so I guess the take home is get a consultation, do more research from all angles and finally start making lifestyle changes now in preparation for these changes being with you the rest of your life.

[ladyhart77]

Hey Everyone! Hope all is well! I am getting ready for my trip! I fly out tomorrow and will enter bandland on Wed. the 11th!!! WOOHOO! Although, I will be the first to admit I am a little nervous about the trip and even more about making sure I have everything ready for the kids while I am gone!! I am gonna bring my little netbook.. so I will do my best to keep everyone informed about my trip and surgery!! Talk to you all soon!

[AngieB]

Hey Everyone! Hope all is well! I am getting ready for my trip! I fly out tomorrow and will enter bandland on Wed. the 11th!!! WOOHOO! Although, I will be the first to admit I am a little nervous about the trip and even more about making sure I have everything ready for the kids while I am gone!! I am gonna bring my little netbook.. so I will do my best to keep everyone informed about my trip and surgery!! Talk to you all soon!

Awesome! You are going to love it! I'll be looking forward to hearing from ya! Enjoy the time as it goes by so fast!

[bogiesmom]

Hey Everyone! Hope all is well! I am getting ready for my trip! I fly out tomorrow and will enter bandland on Wed. the 11th!!! WOOHOO! Although, I will be the first to admit I am a little nervous about the trip and even more about making sure I have everything ready for the kids while I am gone!! I am gonna bring my little netbook.. so I will do my best to keep everyone informed about my trip and surgery!! Talk to you all soon!

Hi Ladyhart,

I look forward to meeting you! I will be taking the train down from Los Angeles on Thursday 11/12 for pre-op work and I get banded on 11/13 (Friday). Maybe we will run into each other. I am very nervous!

[ladyhart77]

Hey! I am here now! It was awesome.... such a breeze... I was the first banded today with 3 others right behind me! Everyone here has been sooooo great just like everyone had said!! I will post more later from the hotel room when all my loopiness is gone! Hopefully we can meet you tomorrow or friday!!

Hi Ladyhart,

I look forward to meeting you! I will be taking the train down from Los Angeles on Thursday 11/12 for pre-op work and I get banded on 11/13 (Friday). Maybe we will run into each other. I am very nervous!

[Littleroo27]

We're leaving in the morning!!! Is anyone else going to be at the Lucerne Hotel? Mom's surgery is Friday, but we get in tomorrow afternoon.

Best,

Littleroo27

[AngieB]

We're leaving in the morning!!! Is anyone else going to be at the Lucerne Hotel? Mom's surgery is Friday, but we get in tomorrow afternoon.

Best,

Littleroo27

Have fun!

[ladyhart77]

Hey beth! We are staying at the Lucerna.. it is beautiful and the people are great! We wont be leaving until Friday morning so hopefully we can meet tomorrow evening!!

We're leaving in the morning!!! Is anyone else going to be at the Lucerne Hotel? Mom's surgery is Friday, but we get in tomorrow afternoon.

Best,

Littleroo27

[Littleroo27]

Hey beth! We are staying at the Lucerna.. it is beautiful and the people are great! We wont be leaving until Friday morning so hopefully we can meet tomorrow evening!!

we’re on our way to the airport now! How did your surgery go?

beth and wilma

[ladyhart77]

My surgery went great!! Everyone is awesome... I came back to the hotel last night and we are getting ready to catch a cab over to revolution avenue for some shopping! I am definitely sore but not that bad at all! Have a safe flight and hope to see you this evening!

we’re on our way to the airport now! How did your surgery go?

beth and wilma

[Littleroo27]

we're heeeeeere! 5th flr of hotel lucerna.

[newbie]

Hello. I am scheduled for surgery on Nov 27. I am super excited and super scared! Anyone out there scheduled for the same day?

[Littleroo27]

Bogiesmom where r u? I am in waiting room with mom. Wearing pink cardigan coat and jeans. Mom in black jogging suit. Com say hi when you can.

[Littleroo27]

found bogiesmom! she's doing well post-op. walking the halls and all.

Mom is still sleeping off the drugs from surgery. I think she was 4th out of 5 for the day.

I posted this in the fill forum, but thought I'd drop a note here too. Had my band checked out while I was here, cuz I thought I was too lose. turns out I was too tight, and my stomach had stretched. Poop.

They had to take all of the fluid out in order to let my stomach shrink before my band slips. 1 week of fluids, a few days of mushy foods, and being VERY CAREFUL over the holidays. Glad my momma will be there to keep me in line while she's healing from her lap-band surgery! when she comes down for her first fill, I'll come with to get mine checked out again, and hopefully re-filled.

[CxJx]

Hey! I am here now! It was awesome.... such a breeze... I was the first banded today with 3 others right behind me! Everyone here has been sooooo great just like everyone had said!! I will post more later from the hotel room when all my loopiness is gone! Hopefully we can meet you tomorrow or friday!!

Congrats!! I fell asleep a while before my surgery and all I remember was waking up and it was over!! I was released a day early because I was doing so well! They forgot to give us a ride back to the border, but the drivers at the Lucerna had no problem taking us there instead! It was awesome!

[ladyhart77]

Hey! Thanks! I went back to the hotel the day of the surgery, and we ended up catching a cab to the border early yesterday to spend the day with my hubbys cousin. I feel pretty good.. still sore and gassy! LOL!! Will keep everyone posted.. How are you doing?

Congrats!! I fell asleep a while before my surgery and all I remember was waking up and it was over!! I was released a day early because I was doing so well! They forgot to give us a ride back to the border, but the drivers at the Lucerna had no problem taking us there instead! It was awesome!

[ladyhart77]

Hey Beth! Glad to hear everyhing went well with Mom, but sorry to hear about your band!! Take it easy and hopefully they can get it straight.

We left yesterday and went to San Diego to see hubbys cuz... then had to catch the redeye last night to come home.. just got here a few hours ago... I am exhausted but feeling pretty well!! Hope to talk to you soon.. it was great meeting you guys!!

found bogiesmom! she's doing well post-op. walking the halls and all.

Mom is still sleeping off the drugs from surgery. I think she was 4th out of 5 for the day.

I posted this in the fill forum, but thought I'd drop a note here too. Had my band checked out while I was here, cuz I thought I was too lose. turns out I was too tight, and my stomach had stretched. Poop.

They had to take all of the fluid out in order to let my stomach shrink before my band slips. 1 week of fluids, a few days of mushy foods, and being VERY CAREFUL over the holidays. Glad my momma will be there to keep me in line while she's healing from her lap-band surgery! when she comes down for her first fill, I'll come with to get mine checked out again, and hopefully re-filled.

[Littleroo27]

Hey Beth! Glad to hear everyhing went well with Mom, but sorry to hear about your band!! Take it easy and hopefully they can get it straight.

We left yesterday and went to San Diego to see hubbys cuz... then had to catch the redeye last night to come home.. just got here a few hours ago... I am exhausted but feeling pretty well!! Hope to talk to you soon.. it was great meeting you guys!!

I'm mostly glad that I had it checked out instead of going back to my new band doctor and having ANOTHER fill! I could have really messed things up and had the band slip. At least this way, I just need to be super careful and kinda start over.

We went to the mall today and walked around for a bit, but mom is still feeling a bit tired and sore, which is the same way I was. Not nearly as "perky" as some of the people racing up and down the halls yesterday!

Glad you got home okay. I ended up not going to see my own friend in chula visa, deciding that when I come back in 2 months for a re-fill, I will arrange to stay with her for a couple of days before flying home. much better than running across the border for a short night.