My Experience

[Alana]

Well, I'm back home (finally!) from being banded. I got in pretty late last night, but it was so wonderful to be in my own bed.

The flight over from Florida was pretty miserable. After fasting for so long, I became extremely nauseous on the plane, all the smells and people really got to me. I had a headache like you wouldn't believe! We met Fransisco pretty quickly at the gate, but ended up waiting at least another 35 minutes for another couple that was late. We were just driving around, which didn't help my disposition. We finally ended up transferring vans and driving into Mexico with another driver. He got us into TJ pretty quickly and to the center, which is gorgeous. Unfortunately, I felt the wait time for my blood tests was abnormally long, we were waiting at least another hour and a half and by the time they finally got us back to the hotel, I was light headed and sick. It didn't seem to matter how many times I mentioned to Claudia that I was feeling ill, my blood tests were always "just another few minutes". I guess that would be my main complaint for the trip.

Back at the hotel, my mom and I went downstairs and had dinner with Charlotte and her fiancee, Mark. They were both very nice people, we enjoyed spending time with them. I had my "final" meal at the hotel restaraunt and it was pretty good. Our waiter, Pedro, was very nice and he was banded 12 years ago and said it changed his life. He looked great!

The next morning, we were picked up about 45 mins later than they told us to be in the lobby (seems like a trend!). After getting to the center, I had my breathing and heart test, which both checked out great. I got called back by Dr. Romero pretty quickly after that and he was incredibly nice. Made my mom and I feel very much at ease. The hospital room was gorgeous, comfortable, and very accomodating. My mom got pictures with me and all the doctors. Dr. Ortiz came in and spoke with us and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I did not enjoy speaking to him as much as I thought I would. Maybe I was just too nervous, but he was extremely intimidating. After leaving, I relaxed and watched "The Holiday" with my mom until they called me in. It went so quickly! The next thing I knew, I was laying on the operating table, breathing into the mask and talking to the anesthesiologist. He must have sensed I was nervous and he kept talking to me about my beautiful blue eyes. Then I was suddenly back in my room! My mom says I slept for about 20 minutes and then I was up and walking the halls. I cannot stress enough how much better I felt when I was walking around than laying in bed. I was very surprised at how little the other patients walked around, but I guess they didn't feel great. I was up every chance I could and I think that's why I feel as good as I do. We stayed an extra night at the hotel, which I was thankful for as it made the long trip home just a bit easier. They took us to the airport at 7am for an 11:40 flight, which I thought was odd. It was a little miserable waiting in the airport for that long. I got nauseous again on the flight every time we took off or landed. The gas is pretty painful, haven't felt it too much in my shoulder, thankfully. I only feel it when I need to burp and that can be difficult and painful. Thankfully, I've had a few bowel movements, so I'm ok in that department. Today is day 4 so I can incorporate some yogurt, which I'm sure will help. I don't feel hungry, but I have to remind myself to drink. I'm fine with the sipping and haven't had any bad experiences with that. My incisions look great, the iodine is almost all gone, yet my stomach is still sticky even after showering each day.

All in all, I'm glad I did it. It has been a surreal experience. I started researching the Lap Band back in July of last year and now I'm banded! For those who didn't see the post about naming your band, I've decided to name mine Chuck Norris, since it will be the enforcer.

I hope everyone I shared this experience with is home and doing well. Hopefully they'll all post their own experiences as well!

[LoraLW]

Thanks for updating us Alana. Sorry about the headache, I had a severe migraine this past wednesday after getting a bagel n banana stuck...lol my own fault. Keep us posted on your post op and with Chuck...hehehe Lora

[Alana]

I am glad you are feeling good Alana!

It was nice to see a familar face in the waiting room Saturday. I wish you a fast and smooth recovery!

Evette

It was great to see you, too, Evette! I was so excited to see someone I recognized from the forum. You look great!

[punkigurl91]

HI!!!

its lauren, your lapband neighbor!

i didnt get to say good bye to you before we left. I got home yesterday around 1 and the flight was not as fun as i wanted it to be lol. Im staying home from school today because im pretty sore. im actually in a bit of pain. I have alot of gas and i havnt been able to burp yet and man does it hurt. Im also alil concerned because ive had no bowl movements since friday... but im gonna call the clinic today just to make sure everything is ok.

we should plan to go back around the same time for our fills. it would be fun to go shopping and actually get to experience tijuana while we are down there.

it was nice to see your up date!

keep me posted and if you would, i would love your e-mail.

[Blazn]

Well, Alana, I am so glad your experience was great!! And may I officially welcome you to "Bandland"!! Keep us posted and good luck.

[Alana]

Hey Lauren!

I'm sorry I didn't get to say goodbye to you, too! I'm sorry you're not feeling well. I have been able to burp, but it's pretty painful. Are you drinking enough water? Definitely call the clinic and see what they recommend.

I'm not 100% sure I'll be coming back for my fill. I would like to, but it's a really long trip from Florida, not to mention expensive. I'd have to take off more from work. If I can make it work, I'd love to coordinate with you guys!

My email is apk726@hotmail.com - email me anytime!!

**Thanks for the all the welcoming comments, everyone!

[Allcdngirl]

Congratulations Alana... I only have 3 more sleeps until it's my turn to join Bandland! I was wondering about the chicken broth. Everywhere I look it's so very high in sodium. This can't be good for you. Is there something I'm missing? Thanks!

[Dontondan]

Alana, Thanks for the update. Welcome to Bandland! You will have a few tough weeks ahead of you, but stay in touch with the forum to help you through the rough spots.

[Alana]

Tell me about it, Dontondan - I was feeling great earlier, went on a walk, took a nap, and now I feel like crap. Really nauseous and some sharp pain on my left side. Anyone else feel this?

[bandgroupie]

Welcome to Bandland Alana

[punkigurl91]

Congratulations Alana... I only have 3 more sleeps until it's my turn to join Bandland! I was wondering about the chicken broth. Everywhere I look it's so very high in sodium. This can't be good for you. Is there something I'm missing? Thanks!

with the broth part of the post op diet, ur not drinking much of it. I actually felt pretty full for the first 4-5 days. After being banded u eat broth and popsicles for like 4-5 days and then u can have a drinkable yogert. after 7-11 days you can work in drinkable soups. and believe me when u get to have soups it tastes SOO good lol. so im on the soups stage and the 31st i get to have regular food!! But the broth is high in sodium, but because ur not eating much of it or much of ne thing else it tastes really good and it cant be that bad for u.