Banded April 10, 2008

[crazycoolbutterfly]

I believe that everything happens for a reason in life. I'm sure that all of you have heard this cliché before, however due to faith and experience, I truly believe God has a plan. I was completely terrified of being banded, especially in TJ, however I must say it was one of the best experiences in my life. I am blessed to have found and had such wonderful doctors (Ortiz and Martinez) and nurses (Carmelita, Josefa, everyone else whom I forgot your name <sorry>). Claudia, Dr. Miranda, and Dr. Ana were all great also! TJ, Mexico is unbelievably awesome!

This is a new beginning for me. Newly visited and stayed in TJ, Mexico (1st time), newly banded (4/10/08), new Continental frequent flyer (1st time flying alone w/o kids or my husband). My goal is to be at 130 pounds, I believe I can achieve it because of my determination, my wonderful husband, children and my best friend! I appreciate any advice in this endeavor from all experiences!

God Bless and :lb11: to all newly bandsters!

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[MamaMichelle]

:lb9:

Congrats on being newly banded, it's not surprising to me everyone who's banded at the OCC has such a wonderful experience....

They are the best!!

[crazycoolbutterfly]

:lb9:

Congrats on being newly banded, it's not surprising to me everyone who's banded at the OCC has such a wonderful experience....

They are the best!!

Thanks for welcoming me! I appreciate the praise :cheerleader:

[mona-camille]

Good for you, congratulations!! I have said over and over, my Mexico banding was a wonderful vacation adventure and never felt like surgery to me at all!! It was all fun!

[crazycoolbutterfly]

Today is day 5 of my new ME mission. I like to call it that because for the first time in a very long time, this mission is strictly for ME, not the kids, nor the husband or finances etc... So far so good, I am following Dr. Miranda's eating plan and seem to be tolerating it very well. I felt a little bloated, but have been taking GasX thin strips and it goes by. Last night, I bought pizza for the kids because I didn't want to cook and it smelled delicious and looked even better! BUT I knew it was "mental hunger" or temptation and I DIDNT give in. I haven't weighed myself, yet. I guess because my scale isn't working and I need to get another one, soon. But I know I have already lost weight.

I would like to let you know my entire experience so here goes:

I arrived on Wed morning around 10:30 am in San Diego and was picked up by Franc at the airport, along with other patients. My best friend (who lives in CA over an hour away from the airport) met me at the airport also and went along with me to OCC. We crossed into TJ without any hassles and to the office within minutes. Upon arrival, everyone was friendly, helpful and attentive. I met some people who were coming in for fills and others waiting on surgery that day. Everyone I met was friendly and had lots of good things to say. I did my pre-ops, saw Dr. Miranda, and decided to go to the hotel. Mrs. Ortiz drove us to the hotel and she is the most vivacious, sweet, and funniest person that I have met in a while! It must have been about 1:30p so we decided to go walk the area and have lunch. We ate downstairs at the hotel, which was excellent! Since, I could eat anything I wanted (as long as I didn’t gain a pound ;-) I ordered a salad, steak, and soup. I ended up eating half the salad, and all the filet mignon. I couldn’t eat another bite because I had been doing the pre-op diet for two weeks, so I guess I had become accustomed to eating very minimal. We headed a few blocks to Plaza Rio and shopped the entire mall area! It was truly wonderful; there were cellular centers, name brand shopping apparel, shoes, handbags, accessories – you name it and you could find it all right there. There was even a cinema. Along with that there was Subway, McDonalds, Burger King, Panda Express, Dominoes, and sooo many other restaurants!

We headed back before dark and spent the night at the hotel. We had a late dinner at the (other) restaurant in the hotel which was Italian and delicious! We split a chicken fettuccini dinner and salad while listening to a live pianist. The entire staffs at the hotel and both restaurants were extremely magnificent! Everyone seemed to go above and beyond to assist us with whatever we desired. I hadn’t packed toiletry items because I didn’t want any hassles with the airport, and the hotel provides extras for you upon request. If, you are still missing something there are shops across from the hotel that you could buy items. We felt very secure in our hotel; we loved the view, the pool, the staff, and the weather! I love the weather in CA, it is awesome! Don’t forget to pack a sweater or jacket because it does get chilly at night, but it was great! I didn’t even have the a/c on, I just left the sliding door open a little and it cooled the entire room. It was about midnight or so that I decided to close it because it was a little loud with the traffic noise, but other than that it was great! We were on the 6th floor, so I felt pretty safe about leaving the sliding patio door open.

About 7:45a Thur, Mrs. Ortiz picked us up at the hotel and headed to OCC. Upon arrival, I visited with the cardiologist, hooked up to the IV and was “checked” in to my private suite. It was nice. A nice sofa with fluffy pillows, DirecTV cable for entertainment, a phone to use at my discretion to call the States at anytime without charges, and a nice comfy hospital bed that moved to accommodate your position. Peaceful. While waiting, I met up with someone who had surgery the night before and was headed home. He felt great and seemed extremely happy. It was very reassuring to see someone right after their surgery and before mine because I had been extremely nervous the whole time. I guess because I consider all surgery risky and several outcomes are possible, good and bad. <Thank you for stopping off and telling me your experience before heading back to Florida; you really helped calm me down.> I went in to “OR” about 1p and came back by 2p! It was that fast. And I woke from the anesthetics without any pain, or fear. I was totally aware, comfortable and relaxed. I was up and walking by 4p. I was told that the more you walk, the better it is for you. I walked on and off until about 10p. Nothing extreme, just started with a nice stroll and by the end of the night it was a brisk walk. Not painful, or stressful at all. I met a few others who were also recovering and seemed very positive and pleased. The staff was exceptional, the doctor checked in on me, and by the time I knew it was bedtime. I slept very comfortably. Woke up Fri morning about 8a, walked around some more and it was time to go around 11a. Went back to the hotel to pick up my items and strolled around when I decided to see the dentist Dr. Ana before I left. I was taken back to OCC, received a deep cleaning and headed into San Diego to visit with friends. Franc drove me and a few others into San Diego and dropped my off at the trolley station which is directly behind the airport. I didn’t check out of the hotel because I wasn’t sure if I was going back or not. I wanted to visit San Diego and have the option of coming back, but I did bring my small luggage bag just in case. But the option was there. I ended up staying with my best friend and her family. We even hit up the casinos that night and I was comfortable walking around. Sat morning flew back to Texas. The flight was comfortable and no one could even tell I had surgery less than 48 hours earlier!

I know this a lot for reading, but I wanted to let everyone know that my experience was awesome. I tried to make this a short as possible, but there were some details I just couldn’t leave out. I was absolutely terrified of traveling alone, having surgery in TJ, and of course the outcome of the whole procedure, treatment, and situation. I would happily recommend Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez to everyone who is considering lapband. I had considered surgery for over 5 years and I am glad that I decided on lapband, and was able to performed by a caring and experience doctors. Although, I live in an area where there are several experienced doctors and plenty of treatment centers, I decided to go to Mexico because of cost. I looked up all references, forums, and researched OCC as much as I could. But you can only go with your instincts in the end. I know that it was very risky, but it was well worth it. I’m happy that God united me with OCC and that my best friend was there for me during this time in my life (which was totally unplanned, it all came together in the end). I hope not to disappoint myself or God for this opportunity of a lifetime.

Good luck to all and God Bless. >

[crazycoolbutterfly]

Good for you, congratulations!! I have said over and over, my Mexico banding was a wonderful vacation adventure and never felt like surgery to me at all!! It was all fun!

Thank you!! I feel the same way. Looks like you are doing great, good job! :cheerleader:

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[The Redhead]

Hi Crazycoolbutterfly... I was there with you last Thursday. I am amazed at your great recall of the day and was happy to read your story because I think I missed out on quite a bit. The 'happy pill' they gave me absolutely sent me for a loop. I keep asking my boyfriend about time frames of that day but I'm wondering if he got a 'happy pill' too because he doesn't recall a lot about when things happened. I have no idea what time I went for surgery. LOL

But the important thing is... we did have it and now we have a chance to start life anew. :lb16:

Denise

[Allcdngirl]

Thanks CCB.. it was a pleasure to read your story. I am going by myself on May 14th from Canada, and am feeling more and more comfortable each day I log into the forum. Not one negative comment about the surgery, the stay, anything. Again.. thanks for taking the time to write this for all.

[mlgpdx]

thank you for posting your experience!

:lb13:

[crazycoolbutterfly]

Hi Crazycoolbutterfly... I was there with you last Thursday. I am amazed at your great recall of the day and was happy to read your story because I think I missed out on quite a bit. The 'happy pill' they gave me absolutely sent me for a loop. I keep asking my boyfriend about time frames of that day but I'm wondering if he got a 'happy pill' too because he doesn't recall a lot about when things happened. I have no idea what time I went for surgery. LOL

But the important thing is... we did have it and now we have a chance to start life anew. :lb16:

Denise

Hey Denise, I remember you and spoke with you while I was walking. Well, I'm sure I missed out on a few details, but overall i could recall most of it. I know what you mean about the "happy pill", it sure did calm me down.

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[Kris_TX]

Congratulations and welcome!

[Kim2BSlim]

Congratulations to you!! Isn't the experience awesome??

[The Redhead]

Hey Denise, I remember you and spoke with you while I was walking. Well, I'm sure I missed out on a few details, but overall i could recall most of it. I know what you mean about the "happy pill", it sure did calm me down.

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Hi again Crazycoolbutterfly,

How are you doing? We're now at 7 days post-op!!!

I really feel awful because I can't remember talking with you when we walked. The day seriously was a blur after getting that pill. I do remember you and your friend in the waiting room prior to the surgery though. We talked with your friend while you were having your pre-op tests. I can recall a few other things but not too much about that afternoon. I remember waking up when the nurse was handing me a lime popsicle and I was thinking, 'but I really wanted a pink one but I'm glad it's not orange'... lol. I can also remember saying hello to Brooke because she asked if I was The Redhead. (She's very tall and very pretty). And I remember looking in on Bernice next door to me when I walked past and her looking a bit out of it but still waving at me. (Very nice lady).

I'm wondering how Kendra is doing. She was there with her mom. She was such a little cutie. Hope she's managing ok.

It's funny. It seemed like I waited for that day to come for sooooooo long and then everything happened so fast once we were there.

[4mygirls]

I totally agree with you Denise about waiting and waiting and then everything going so fast! Specially for Sara and I because we had it done the same day that we got there. I am so thankful that they let me have the surgery on Thursday instead of Friday. Even though when I seen the ladies the next morning waiting for us to leave I thought.......I wonder what they ate last night........BAD I know. I have had a love affair with food for so long it's kind of hard not to think about it all the time. But I am loving it!!! I made the tortilla soup for breakfast and LOVED it!!! I feel so good today! I can't believe that it has been 7 days!!!

Be Blessed !!! :-h

Brook

PS Thank you for that wonderful compliment "Redhead" I felt like an idiot right after I asked that.........

[crazycoolbutterfly]

7 Days today! Feel good, lost 10 pounds!!! since surgery date. 20 since March 15 when I started the pre-op diet!!! WOOOOOHHHHOOOOOOO! I finally weighed myself today. I think I will just weigh myself once a week. Daily seems agonizing... hope everyone else is doing well. I started back on the Optifast shakes and I only eat when I feel hungry. I'm also walking 3000-4000 steps around my neighborhood park while the kids are playing daily. I'm doing this Monday thru Friday and will rest on the weekends. I want to work up to the 10,000 daily steps that Dr. Miranda recommends. Of course, I may walk more than that daily, but these steps are totally dedicated to toning and losing. Does anyone else like follow a eating/exercise schedule or anything yet? I always look up other doctors post-op diet information, just for fun... and I notice a variety of "phases" for example, there are some docs that say you can already be eating mashed potatoes, sugar-free pudding and things like that by day 7! Also noticed that there are schedules for eating, such as every 2-3 hours, eat a serving of yogurt, protien shake, broth...etc...anyone doing stuff like this? Just asking because I find it very interesting to see that there is a variet of ways to get back into solids.

Trust me, I don't even think I want solids right now. I'm totally terrified. Only because I feel pretty full with the broths and shakes now, I feel like i would be stuffed once i start solids I know, I know, some of you are thinking "CRAZY, can't wait to get to solids", but even when i start solids I am going to start with the Optifast ready to eat entrees because they are portioned, low sodium, low fat...or maybe the Smartones (from weightwatchers), either way I am not going to do the burgers, fries, pizza thing because the whole reason I did this is to LOSE weight. I think eating junk would defeat the purpose. BUT don't get me wrong, I probably will cave once or twice, but I won't beat myself about it. I even think when I cave, I will regret it because I won't feel so hot. You know like once you start eating healthy for awhile and you throw in some fat, your tummy goes wack? hahahha Well that's all for todays update. Oh and I also decided that I am going to buy myself some flowers each time I lose 10 lbs. Kinda little reward for myself...or really from my husband because he'll be paying for them.

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[LoraLW]

I think it is awesome to hear all of the wonderful things from everyone. I have been taking it slow and drinking my meals as suggested. I have noticed something really weird and was wondering what others thought, when I am drinking my soup or yogurt if I happen to be leaning to my left side I feel bloated right away verse if I am sitting straight up. I realized this tuesday evening when my stomach was bothering me and so I paid more attention to it yesterday and today. Any ideas?? Other than the fact that the port is right there?? By the way thank you for all the yummy recipes I have a grocery list together so I can cook all weekend!!

[The Redhead]

I totally agree with you Denise about waiting and waiting and then everything going so fast! Specially for Sara and I because we had it done the same day that we got there. I am so thankful that they let me have the surgery on Thursday instead of Friday. Even though when I seen the ladies the next morning waiting for us to leave I thought.......I wonder what they ate last night........BAD I know. I have had a love affair with food for so long it's kind of hard not to think about it all the time. But I am loving it!!! I made the tortilla soup for breakfast and LOVED it!!! I feel so good today! I can't believe that it has been 7 days!!!

Be Blessed !!! :-h

Brook

PS Thank you for that wonderful compliment "Redhead" I felt like an idiot right after I asked that.........

Oh Brook, your comment about wondering what the Friday surgery people had eaten the night before made me laugh. When you told me that you were supposed to have surgery on Friday and were bumped up my first thought was, oh poor girl, you missed out on your pre-op meal. LOL. I think a LOT of us have that same 'love affair' with food. It is usually foremost in my mind and I'm hoping someday that will change.

And you shouldn't feel like an idiot for asking if I was The Redhead. At first I wondered what you meant (the drugs remember...LOL), then I was VERY flattered that you asked. When you walked away I thought... gee she has a great memory. And I was also thinking... what a pretty lady... she looks great now... wonder how fantastic she will look after. Also, your husband seemed so attentive to you. It was really sweet. I was impressed with that too.

Good luck on your journey.

[mona-camille]

Oh Brook, your comment about wondering what the Friday surgery people had eaten the night before made me laugh. When you told me that you were supposed to have surgery on Friday and were bumped up my first thought was, oh poor girl, you missed out on your pre-op meal. LOL. I think a LOT of us have that same 'love affair' with food. It is usually foremost in my mind and I'm hoping someday that will change.

And you shouldn't feel like an idiot for asking if I was The Redhead. At first I wondered what you meant (the drugs remember...LOL), then I was VERY flattered that you asked. When you walked away I thought... gee she has a great memory. And I was also thinking... what a pretty lady... she looks great now... wonder how fantastic she will look after. Also, your husband seemed so attentive to you. It was really sweet. I was impressed with that too.

Good luck on your journey.

And I just made an appointment for my first fill back to the center on 5/26 and am flying in 2 days before hand so I can eat some real Mexican food. Yup, I am hoping my love affair with food with be worn out by the time I get my fill!

[4mygirls]

I do have a wonderful husband......I am so glad that he was there with me! I felt bad because after I got out of surgery I started waking up a little hysterical and couldn't really focus on him for a little while. After I finally came to I walked one lap and got really light headed and went back to my bed and was out for the night. He said he stayed there for like 3 hours and then finally went to the hotel....

[LoraLW]

I think having support at home as well as the forum helps more than we realize. Mona-Camille GO FOR THE FOOD!!! lol I'm originally from Colorado and we have real good mexican food up there but now that I'm in Arizona I personally feel it sucks, so please enjoy a bite and think of me...hehehe Brook I agree with the other ladies on how beautiful you are just wait it won't be much longer and the modeling scouts are gonna be knockin your door down...those long legs, cute hair style and beauty all in one. Also congrats on your total weight loss to date.

P.S. I'm down 10 pounds total since my surgery date one week ago.

[4mygirls]

Good Job Lora!!! That is great! This is the first morning that I didn't lose. I stayed the same.....You are too kind Lora! Thank you. I don't think that modeling agencies like kids and mom's with stretch mark on their bellies! But it makes me feel good just the same.

God Bless!

Brook

[Tatts]

Well hello ladies,

I was banded on 4-10 thursday also!! i was suppose to be banded on 4-11 friday, just like brooke! Just a little update all is going great! i have lost 10 lbs since surgery and i feel great. I am having trouble with the soup stage because of the fact that I JUST DONT LIKE SOUP!! hahah so i am watering down flavored instant mashpotatoes to a creamy soup consistency and that is what i eat and my shakes and yogurts and popsicles. But all is well here in my little world!!

Cant wait to see you guys when we get our first fill!!! yeah i cant wait!!!

Laters

Sara

[The Redhead]

Lora - Congrats on your weight loss. You're doing great.

Sara - Good to hear from you. I'm like you about the soup. The broth was ok but the cream soups make me want to gag. I HATE instant potatoes too so I think I'll experiment with some protein shakes.

I'm scheduled for my first fill on May 29th.

[Paula Bee]

Congratulations on your banding and success so far. I love reading people's experiences... it is uplifting and encouraging to me.

Keep us up to date.

[crazycoolbutterfly]

Well hello there Sara! I was wondering about you and how you were holding up. Glad to see things are going well for you.

Good to see you too 4mygirls- your husband was great I noticed that he did stay with you after you were out for the night because I was walking around doing my laps and later on the computers which were located right across from where you were.

Has anyone heard from Kendra or her mom? Just wondering because I haven't heard from her? :lb21: way to go on everyones weight loss so far! I know the creamy soup stage is a little difficult. I think because people normally don't eat soups unless they are sick or it's winter... But so far so good. Keep in touch!