Trav Posted October 22, 2008 Report Share Posted October 22, 2008 Experiences thus far: Hotel Lacerna, everyone was very nice. Of particular interest. Vincento (bellman), is a wonderfully helpful and friendly person. Daniel (waiter), takes pride in his work, and does it very well and professionally. At the clinic: Myself, "Cindy", and "Sherry. who also has a really nice daughter (and cute haha)" I was slated #1, but some mixup, I still had to talk to the anasthesea doc. Cindy went first, she was all worked up. But as she was coming out, I was going in. She changed her toon. "Everything's great..." Nurses, they're sticks are excellent, bar none. I'm a former phlebotomist, and I consider myself to have the best stick west of the Mississippi, and I would say the nurse who did mine did it equally or better than I could've done. Mamma Ortiz, very sweet to me. Dr. Ortiz, to the point, "guy version" of the "speech" is short and sweet. "Use it as a tool, don't lean on it, you'll do fine." Dr. Martinez, very nice, thoughtful, and calm soul. Gabriella, (nutritionist, and forgive me if I spell it wrong.) Very pleasant to talk to, she enjoyed my "Hank Hill" impression immensely. Wheeled into the room. Got on the table. They kinda shanghai'd me on my anesthesia, wanted me to pick out some music, got it chosen, but they had already shot me up. I felt like I was havin' a beer buzz ---> passout episode, so I was fighting it. (then I felt it go up my arm and asked them if that's what they did.)...fought it a lil' more, and then woke up. Something weird about my experience, I lost the weight they called for, (and then some.) 325, the goal was 309, and dropped to 301 day of, but my liver was still pretty big. Apparently if I understood correctly, because I had gained the majority of my weight this year, I had a really fatty liver, and it hadn't had time to stablize, so the pre-op diet wasn't as effective as it should've been, still, don't let that discourage you, I'm sure I'm a special case. Surgery went off without a hitch, 4cc band wouldn't fit, so we had to go with the 10cc band. all in all, I haven't had much more than bruising at the port site, and everything else isn't more painful than a papercut. The lateral trochar site on my right side about 10cm down from my right nipple, is a bit sore, but everything else is fine. Hurts to cough, but I handled broth just fine. still kinda gassy from the CO2, hasn't settled in my joints thankfully...walked to the convenience store across the street and got some gatoraide and water. No issues...just taking it slow. On a side note, I'd like to send a special thanks to "Themelena" (if I spelled that correctly). Your 3yr post-op video was the deciding factor in choosing Dr. Ortiz. (that and you made me laugh about the "skinny b*tch" comment), I had a similar experience when I tried atkins and got down 'round 200, so it really touched home. Anyway, I've this plastic in my gut, let's hope for the best! -Trav Tulsa, OK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann Posted October 22, 2008 Report Share Posted October 22, 2008 Experiences thus far:Hotel Lacerna, everyone was very nice. Of particular interest. Vincento (bellman), is a wonderfully helpful and friendly person. Daniel (waiter), takes pride in his work, and does it very well and professionally. At the clinic: Myself, "Cindy", and "Sherry. who also has a really nice daughter (and cute haha)" I was slated #1, but some mixup, I still had to talk to the anasthesea doc. Cindy went first, she was all worked up. But as she was coming out, I was going in. She changed her toon. "Everything's great..." Nurses, they're sticks are excellent, bar none. I'm a former phlebotomist, and I consider myself to have the best stick west of the Mississippi, and I would say the nurse who did mine did it equally or better than I could've done. Mamma Ortiz, very sweet to me. Dr. Ortiz, to the point, "guy version" of the "speech" is short and sweet. "Use it as a tool, don't lean on it, you'll do fine." Dr. Martinez, very nice, thoughtful, and calm soul. Gabriella, (nutritionist, and forgive me if I spell it wrong.) Very pleasant to talk to, she enjoyed my "Hank Hill" impression immensely. Wheeled into the room. Got on the table. They kinda shanghai'd me on my anesthesia, wanted me to pick out some music, got it chosen, but they had already shot me up. I felt like I was havin' a beer buzz ---> passout episode, so I was fighting it. (then I felt it go up my arm and asked them if that's what they did.)...fought it a lil' more, and then woke up. Something weird about my experience, I lost the weight they called for, (and then some.) 325, the goal was 309, and dropped to 301 day of, but my liver was still pretty big. Apparently if I understood correctly, because I had gained the majority of my weight this year, I had a really fatty liver, and it hadn't had time to stablize, so the pre-op diet wasn't as effective as it should've been, still, don't let that discourage you, I'm sure I'm a special case. Surgery went off without a hitch, 4cc band wouldn't fit, so we had to go with the 10cc band. all in all, I haven't had much more than bruising at the port site, and everything else isn't more painful than a papercut. The lateral trochar site on my right side about 10cm down from my right nipple, is a bit sore, but everything else is fine. Hurts to cough, but I handled broth just fine. still kinda gassy from the CO2, hasn't settled in my joints thankfully...walked to the convenience store across the street and got some gatoraide and water. No issues...just taking it slow. On a side note, I'd like to send a special thanks to "Themelena" (if I spelled that correctly). Your 3yr post-op video was the deciding factor in choosing Dr. Ortiz. (that and you made me laugh about the "skinny b*tch" comment), I had a similar experience when I tried atkins and got down 'round 200, so it really touched home. Anyway, I've this plastic in my gut, let's hope for the best! -Trav Tulsa, OK Excellent post, Trav and I'm glad you are well! That's not the guy version. I basically got the same one liner before Dr. O. bolted. Take good care! Jann Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kittycat Posted October 22, 2008 Report Share Posted October 22, 2008 Congrats Travis!! Welcome to bandland! You have done amazing so far, I look forward to seeing your progress....get some rest!!! Take care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhawkchick75 Posted October 22, 2008 Report Share Posted October 22, 2008 Congrats!!!! Im glad to hear it went well and hope it continues!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaGreen Posted October 22, 2008 Report Share Posted October 22, 2008 CONGRATULATIONS!!! Hope to see you around here more often! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsParris Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 Glad to hear all went well. I am scheduled for Nov. 20th. Keep us posted on your progress. Kimberly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SValentino Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 Experiences thus far:Hotel Lacerna, everyone was very nice. Of particular interest. Vincento (bellman), is a wonderfully helpful and friendly person. Daniel (waiter), takes pride in his work, and does it very well and professionally. At the clinic: Myself, "Cindy", and "Sherry. who also has a really nice daughter (and cute haha)" I was slated #1, but some mixup, I still had to talk to the anasthesea doc. Cindy went first, she was all worked up. But as she was coming out, I was going in. She changed her toon. "Everything's great..." Nurses, they're sticks are excellent, bar none. I'm a former phlebotomist, and I consider myself to have the best stick west of the Mississippi, and I would say the nurse who did mine did it equally or better than I could've done. Mamma Ortiz, very sweet to me. Dr. Ortiz, to the point, "guy version" of the "speech" is short and sweet. "Use it as a tool, don't lean on it, you'll do fine." Dr. Martinez, very nice, thoughtful, and calm soul. Gabriella, (nutritionist, and forgive me if I spell it wrong.) Very pleasant to talk to, she enjoyed my "Hank Hill" impression immensely. Wheeled into the room. Got on the table. They kinda shanghai'd me on my anesthesia, wanted me to pick out some music, got it chosen, but they had already shot me up. I felt like I was havin' a beer buzz ---> passout episode, so I was fighting it. (then I felt it go up my arm and asked them if that's what they did.)...fought it a lil' more, and then woke up. Something weird about my experience, I lost the weight they called for, (and then some.) 325, the goal was 309, and dropped to 301 day of, but my liver was still pretty big. Apparently if I understood correctly, because I had gained the majority of my weight this year, I had a really fatty liver, and it hadn't had time to stablize, so the pre-op diet wasn't as effective as it should've been, still, don't let that discourage you, I'm sure I'm a special case. Surgery went off without a hitch, 4cc band wouldn't fit, so we had to go with the 10cc band. all in all, I haven't had much more than bruising at the port site, and everything else isn't more painful than a papercut. The lateral trochar site on my right side about 10cm down from my right nipple, is a bit sore, but everything else is fine. Hurts to cough, but I handled broth just fine. still kinda gassy from the CO2, hasn't settled in my joints thankfully...walked to the convenience store across the street and got some gatoraide and water. No issues...just taking it slow. On a side note, I'd like to send a special thanks to "Themelena" (if I spelled that correctly). Your 3yr post-op video was the deciding factor in choosing Dr. Ortiz. (that and you made me laugh about the "skinny b*tch" comment), I had a similar experience when I tried atkins and got down 'round 200, so it really touched home. Anyway, I've this plastic in my gut, let's hope for the best! -Trav Tulsa, OK Fantastic, Trav!! Good on you! I'm having my band done on Nov. 4. I'm anxious but not at all fearful. Thank you for sharing your play-by-play. I look forward to posting a very similar story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CindyLou Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 Glad to hear all went well. I am scheduled for Nov. 20th. Keep us posted on your progress.Kimberly I just changed my surgery date to November 20th!!! Travis, Thanks for the posting, I really puts me at ease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trav Posted October 24, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2008 Glad to help. I'm a big sissy when it comes to needles, and it really wasn't a big deal. Once you make your date, it all happens really fast, so be prepared for a little shock once you're there. It's normal and natural. They're all pros there, and it goes very smoothly from start to finish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlgpdx Posted October 25, 2008 Report Share Posted October 25, 2008 welcome to the "other side" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now