Hot diggity dang!

[my_friend_amber]

I did it! I'm banded! My mom and I arrived yesterday at about noon and were taken to the OCC after just a few short minutes of looking for that gold minivan w/ the OCC insignia on it! Trip was uneventful (except, that is - to see the line of cars waiting to get BACK across the border and into the US... it was literally over a mile long! Wow!! Was taken to the OCC which, by the way, is totally lovely for any of you who've not gotten to see it yet. Had my bloodwork done and my nutritional consultation with Dr. Miranda. Every single staff member here has been very, very kind. After a long day of fasting, it was so nice to arrive at the Lucerna (they tried to switch my reservation to Camino Real before I came down here, but I called Carolyn and said not to be rude, but I agreed to this package with the Lucerna as the hotel and that's the way I want it to stay - and it was done with no further questions.) I'm really glad I made sure to be put at the Lucerna, too - big difference in the 2 hotels from what I can see: no pool at Camino Real, amazing pools at Lucerna, no internet at Camino Real, free internet service at Lucerna. I've not been there myself, but some of the other folks who are staying there are saying there's just a big difference in the level of cleanliness, service, etc. too - so maybe this switch to Camino Real will be short-lived if others prefer Lucerna as well and say something about it, I don't know.

Anyway - Anita and her sis Berni, Natasha and her hubby Lyman, Matthew and his mom whose name I can't remember all got picked up from the Lucerna lobby at about 7:45 this morning and Anita had the 1st surgery of the day - I think they got her started a little before 10am. I was about the 3rd or 4th person in line for surgery, so mine was a little after 1pm ( I think...) and though I did have a bit of a hard time waking up and did/do still have some gas pains, it's really nothing too horrible.

Pretty much everyone decided to go back to the hotel tonight, but myself and it looks like Matthew and maybe one other person are going to be all-nighters here. My mom went back to the hotel and I'm sure I could have gone as well, but I just wasn't feeling up to par when the shuttle left here a bit after 5 and just opted to stick around. Besides, my private room is super comfy, has a flat-screen tv, etc, so I don't feel like I'm missing much. And with a phone right in my room to make all the calls I need world-wide, I'm in good shape.

So overall, I feel a good bit tired still - kind of that loopy tired you always have when you're coming off pain meds from the IV I guess. My tummy doesn't hurt too much if I don't cough or twist the wrong way. Definitely the port site is going to be bruised and painful for a good few days to come, but it's nothing I can't live with. I've been able to get some ice chips, some orange juice ice cubes, and am currently working on drinking a Capri Sun, which is good. Think I may go for some broth here in a few hours. Watch out!!

Anyway, I don't want to bore you all to death with a million details but the major points I want every future OCC bander to know are: even though things are run kind of different here (like no specific tight schedule where you know for sure your appointment time, etc.) it's just a difference in culture and in no way reflects on a lack of ability, concern, or responsibility on the part of Dr. Ortiz and his staff. Also, if you're like me, you've studied this thing out for a long time and poured over every post looking for something that is going to let you know exactly how things go and the truth is, this experience will not be exactly the same for any 2 people. What you need to know is that if you decide this is the tool and the place for you, that you can have total faith in the process, in the support you will get from this staff, from the people you will inevitably become friends with who are here at the same time you are, and in the lapbandforum to always provide support, encouragement, a swift kick if it's needed, and lots of virtual huggs. > Look...there's one now!

Really though, all my best to everyone. I'll be here until tomorrow morning and then at the Lucernal until Sunday morning, so any of you who are heading this way between now and then, I'm looking forward to seeing you!

With high hopes for future success and a real desire to soon be less gas-filled,

Amber

[nothereanymore]

Congratulations! Your post brought back a lot of memories, great job relaying your experience. It funny how you forget, a bit like child birth.

I wish you all the best and a happy journey! I know you’ll do great and success is just around the corner!

Get ready for the new you!

Best,

Lisa

[bandgroupie]

CONGRATS AMBER AND WELCOME TO BANDLAND!!

SEE YOU SOON!!!

I did it! I'm banded! My mom and I arrived yesterday at about noon and were taken to the OCC after just a few short minutes of looking for that gold minivan w/ the OCC insignia on it! Trip was uneventful (except, that is - to see the line of cars waiting to get BACK across the border and into the US... it was literally over a mile long! Wow!! Was taken to the OCC which, by the way, is totally lovely for any of you who've not gotten to see it yet. Had my bloodwork done and my nutritional consultation with Dr. Miranda. Every single staff member here has been very, very kind. After a long day of fasting, it was so nice to arrive at the Lucerna (they tried to switch my reservation to Camino Real before I came down here, but I called Carolyn and said not to be rude, but I agreed to this package with the Lucerna as the hotel and that's the way I want it to stay - and it was done with no further questions.) I'm really glad I made sure to be put at the Lucerna, too - big difference in the 2 hotels from what I can see: no pool at Camino Real, amazing pools at Lucerna, no internet at Camino Real, free internet service at Lucerna. I've not been there myself, but some of the other folks who are staying there are saying there's just a big difference in the level of cleanliness, service, etc. too - so maybe this switch to Camino Real will be short-lived if others prefer Lucerna as well and say something about it, I don't know.

Anyway - Anita and her sis Berni, Natasha and her hubby Lyman, Matthew and his mom whose name I can't remember all got picked up from the Lucerna lobby at about 7:45 this morning and Anita had the 1st surgery of the day - I think they got her started a little before 10am. I was about the 3rd or 4th person in line for surgery, so mine was a little after 1pm ( I think...) and though I did have a bit of a hard time waking up and did/do still have some gas pains, it's really nothing too horrible.

Pretty much everyone decided to go back to the hotel tonight, but myself and it looks like Matthew and maybe one other person are going to be all-nighters here. My mom went back to the hotel and I'm sure I could have gone as well, but I just wasn't feeling up to par when the shuttle left here a bit after 5 and just opted to stick around. Besides, my private room is super comfy, has a flat-screen tv, etc, so I don't feel like I'm missing much. And with a phone right in my room to make all the calls I need world-wide, I'm in good shape.

So overall, I feel a good bit tired still - kind of that loopy tired you always have when you're coming off pain meds from the IV I guess. My tummy doesn't hurt too much if I don't cough or twist the wrong way. Definitely the port site is going to be bruised and painful for a good few days to come, but it's nothing I can't live with. I've been able to get some ice chips, some orange juice ice cubes, and am currently working on drinking a Capri Sun, which is good. Think I may go for some broth here in a few hours. Watch out!!

Anyway, I don't want to bore you all to death with a million details but the major points I want every future OCC bander to know are: even though things are run kind of different here (like no specific tight schedule where you know for sure your appointment time, etc.) it's just a difference in culture and in no way reflects on a lack of ability, concern, or responsibility on the part of Dr. Ortiz and his staff. Also, if you're like me, you've studied this thing out for a long time and poured over every post looking for something that is going to let you know exactly how things go and the truth is, this experience will not be exactly the same for any 2 people. What you need to know is that if you decide this is the tool and the place for you, that you can have total faith in the process, in the support you will get from this staff, from the people you will inevitably become friends with who are here at the same time you are, and in the lapbandforum to always provide support, encouragement, a swift kick if it's needed, and lots of virtual huggs. > Look...there's one now!

Really though, all my best to everyone. I'll be here until tomorrow morning and then at the Lucernal until Sunday morning, so any of you who are heading this way between now and then, I'm looking forward to seeing you!

With high hopes for future success and a real desire to soon be less gas-filled,

Amber

[God4me]

Celebrate you girl! > > > >

Runway.......here you come

Enjoy your journey

Monet

[Paula Bee]

Celebrating for you .. Hot Diggity Dang