Banded on 3-24

[apple]

Well since all the 3-24 bandsters have posted I figured I should too!! I arrived in San Diego around 8:30pm and was met by someone other than Fransico or Rene and was a complete accident I even found him. He had a piece of paper with a hand written (VERY lightly)"Dr. Ortiz". We had to wait for another passenger which I assumed was another patient...to my disappointment he was not, but just some man from Boston who was there for business and just staying at the Lucerna. He turned out to be friendly but completly annoying! I went by myself so this part of the trip was by far the worst. I was so scared I got in the wrong van or something but thank goodness that part turned out ok!

We arrived at the Lucerna and I checked in. The bellman took me to my room turned on my tv, the lights and I was truly amazed! Since the Holiday Inn is about the nicest hotel I've been in imagine my surprise. I immediatly open the curtains and checked out the view from my balcony. WOW I took some great pictures from there! I looked at the room service menu since I hadn't had anything to eat since that morning, didn't know the peso ratio so I ate a banana!! Needless to say I was starving the next day because I had been in "fasting" mode for awhile!!

The next morning I waited with the other lovely ladies awaiting the arrival of Mrs. Ortiz. She had a small car so could only take 4 at a time. I was in the 2nd group. The OCC is just like the web site portrays. Very clean, nice, & professional. Filled out paperwork and visited with the other patients while waiting for our turn to see have the dental check, ekg, etc...Then we got to go our rooms. I was in #4. Got my gown and the great paper panties (en experience all its own!!) and got the stockings on. While I was waiting for my turn Mindy's mom came and sat with me, then Steph, Kari's friend, came and watched some TV with me. If there was any doubt about traveling by myself it fizzled that morning!! Everyone in the group was fantastic and I didn't feel by myself or scared once I gat there!! Then Dr Ortiz came in to chat. The best thing about the conversation was when he told me how guys differ from gals when being banded. He said guys just fart if they have to. Well so do I! I use discretion when needed but better out then in!! Well I don't remember much about going into the OR. They wheel you in and you get on the table and I think I took my own gown off and I might remember talking to the anestesiologist...who knows. those guys are all so good looking I may have proposed to 1 or many, I couldn't tell you!!! Before I knew it I was back in my room, then walking the halls...soon I was having popsicles and visiting with Mindy, Evettes mom & boyfriend. I think I slept and walked the rest of the day.

The next morning one of the Drs came to talk to me (I don't remember which one) I had some broth, got dressed and went out to the waiting room where the tuesday bandsters were waiting. I talked to them and one women wanted to see my incisions so I showed them all! Having kids in my opinion equals no modesty at all!! I waited a few more minutes and then went back to the dentists office and had my teeth Zoom whitened.

Then it was back to the hotel to shower and then SHOPPING...which wasn't bad at all. All the walking did me great. Thanks again to Kari for letting me have one of her protein water packets. Note to self-don't rely on husband to put your beverage supplies in your suitcase even after you've placed it in his hand. It was on the bathroom counter when I got home...I didn't even ask!! Then it was sitting by the pool, walked to the pharmacy to get some flavored water & a popsicle, checked my email in the lobby, talked with the ladies, then just hung out. Next day I met the driver in the lobby at 5:30am Mexico time and off the the airport. I was REALLY nervous about getting through the border on time but it wasn't bad at all. I showed the guy my drivers license and birth certificate. I was expecting him to say something like what were you here for, what did you buy he just looked at me and said "GO" so I did, quickly!! I made it to the airport safe and sound. flew back to Denver and was met at the gate by my hubby who had a dozen peach roses for me. I wasn't so upset about the beverage incident after that. All in all it was a fantastic trip and I would change my decision!

[jktbnelson]

Well since all the 3-24 bandsters have posted I figured I should too!! I arrived in San Diego around 8:30pm and was met by someone other than Fransico or Rene and was a complete accident I even found him. He had a piece of paper with a hand written (VERY lightly)"Dr. Ortiz". We had to wait for another passenger which I assumed was another patient...to my disappointment he was not, but just some man from Boston who was there for business and just staying at the Lucerna. He turned out to be friendly but completly annoying! I went by myself so this part of the trip was by far the worst. I was so scared I got in the wrong van or something but thank goodness that part turned out ok!

We arrived at the Lucerna and I checked in. The bellman took me to my room turned on my tv, the lights and I was truly amazed! Since the Holiday Inn is about the nicest hotel I've been in imagine my surprise. I immediatly open the curtains and checked out the view from my balcony. WOW I took some great pictures from there! I looked at the room service menu since I hadn't had anything to eat since that morning, didn't know the peso ratio so I ate a banana!! Needless to say I was starving the next day because I had been in "fasting" mode for awhile!!

The next morning I waited with the other lovely ladies awaiting the arrival of Mrs. Ortiz. She had a small car so could only take 4 at a time. I was in the 2nd group. The OCC is just like the web site portrays. Very clean, nice, & professional. Filled out paperwork and visited with the other patients while waiting for our turn to see have the dental check, ekg, etc...Then we got to go our rooms. I was in #4. Got my gown and the great paper panties (en experience all its own!!) and got the stockings on. While I was waiting for my turn Mindy's mom came and sat with me, then Steph, Kari's friend, came and watched some TV with me. If there was any doubt about traveling by myself it fizzled that morning!! Everyone in the group was fantastic and I didn't feel by myself or scared once I gat there!! Then Dr Ortiz came in to chat. The best thing about the conversation was when he told me how guys differ from gals when being banded. He said guys just fart if they have to. Well so do I! I use discretion when needed but better out then in!! Well I don't remember much about going into the OR. They wheel you in and you get on the table and I think I took my own gown off and I might remember talking to the anestesiologist...who knows. those guys are all so good looking I may have proposed to 1 or many, I couldn't tell you!!! Before I knew it I was back in my room, then walking the halls...soon I was having popsicles and visiting with Mindy, Evettes mom & boyfriend. I think I slept and walked the rest of the day.

The next morning one of the Drs came to talk to me (I don't remember which one) I had some broth, got dressed and went out to the waiting room where the tuesday bandsters were waiting. I talked to them and one women wanted to see my incisions so I showed them all! Having kids in my opinion equals no modesty at all!! I waited a few more minutes and then went back to the dentists office and had my teeth Zoom whitened.

Then it was back to the hotel to shower and then SHOPPING...which wasn't bad at all. All the walking did me great. Thanks again to Kari for letting me have one of her protein water packets. Note to self-don't rely on husband to put your beverage supplies in your suitcase even after you've placed it in his hand. It was on the bathroom counter when I got home...I didn't even ask!! Then it was sitting by the pool, walked to the pharmacy to get some flavored water & a popsicle, checked my email in the lobby, talked with the ladies, then just hung out. Next day I met the driver in the lobby at 5:30am Mexico time and off the the airport. I was REALLY nervous about getting through the border on time but it wasn't bad at all. I showed the guy my drivers license and birth certificate. I was expecting him to say something like what were you here for, what did you buy he just looked at me and said "GO" so I did, quickly!! I made it to the airport safe and sound. flew back to Denver and was met at the gate by my hubby who had a dozen peach roses for me. I wasn't so upset about the beverage incident after that. All in all it was a fantastic trip and I would change my decision!

Hey Girl,

I tried calling you a couple of times, but it wouldn't go through. Can you email me your number? I would love to chat with you.

Thanks, Kari

[mlgpdx]

Hey Amber.. I wondered what happened to you! I forgot to give you my card/number. how are you doing/feeling??? Let me know your e/mail or contact info, I'd love to chat w/ you.

xoxox

Mindy