emmasmom60

My pre-op diet is a minimum of 12 days of 2 Protein shakes/day, plus one lean cuisine and all the (green only) salad that I can stand (with low-cal dressing of course). I can drink 'diet' drinks - Water, soda, but not too much. Half a day down, eleven and a half to go. The hardest part is preparing my daughter's meals...and I don't even like Spagettios Good luck everybody, Laura

Hi Caroline, I am a Canuck, too. I live in Victoria, BC and I am going to have surgery by Dr. Ortiz in May. I'd be happy to help you any way that I can. Cheers, Laura

Thanks Jack, but I already know what I will be eating for my first supper post-op (jello and broth - body willing). I don't really have 'last supper syndrome', I'm just looking for a nice place to eat. Cheers, Laura

Hi, I am going to TJ for my band in May and I was wondering whether anyone could recommend a good restaurant near the Hotel Lucerna for my 'last supper'? Thanks, Laura

:roll:Wow, who knew that South Beach works?? Lots of folks obviously. I have a surgery date with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico on May 23rd, and I decided that I would get a jump start on my weight loss (so that the last two weeks isn't so horrifying!). I started South Beach last weekend, and I have actually lost 5 lbs! Yay! Thanks to all on this forum for all your collective wisdom! Oh by the way - for anyone who travelled with their CPAP machine...did you take it on the plane as your carry-on or did you pack it in your luggage? Cheers, Laura

Hi, For those of you that went to Mexico for your band...what did you bring with you in terms of cash/travellers cheques? Did you leave it in USD or change it to pesos? I am going in May and I thought I should take some spending/tipping money, but I don't want to take too much. Do many shopping places have debit machines? Did you have any problems using it? Thanks, Laura

Now what do I do? I was all psyched up to go to Dr. Ortiz in Mexico in May. Then, I was talking to a person (not really a friend, but more than an acquaintance?) who had a band done here in Victoria and has done really well. She thought I should talk to her doc (I didn't think he was taking new patients, as he is getting close to retirement) and their office happened to call her on Monday and she spoke to the doc's assistant and asked whether they would take me (oh, and I am a recovery room nurse in the hospital in which this doc operates) and they said he probably would and I should call. So, I called yesterday and he will take a few lapband patients, and since I work at the hospital and etc., and now I have an appointment for a consult with him. My dilemma (and it really is a bit stupid I think, maybe) - I am mentally prepared to go to Dr. Ortiz and have a date that they figure they can work with. The lapband here costs 15000 Cdn, and in my machinations with the band in Mexico, I had planned on a little vacation in San Diego before the band with my 6 yr old and my hubby and the cost for banding in Mexico, plus another flight to TJ for my first fill, a consult with a doc that is a couple of hours away for follow-up and fills would still only come to 16000.00. I am very keen to take my daughter to SD and I really like Dr. Ortiz's stats. Am I being too short-sighted? Is local better because of the 'what ifs'? You folks are so good at helping with perspective, etc., so I am hoping that y'all can offer some sage advice. Thanks Laura

Danielle, I am a pre-bander too, and I was scared about the changes that this will make in my life, but I don't think this is the easy way out. NatalieC said something that really sums it up well - something that every young woman should get printed on a card or tattoed on their forehead so they can see it every morning...'Do what you need to do to make yourself happy and healthy and leave behind those who would have you settle for otherwise.' Truly great words! Good luck Laura

Hi folks, I am planning a vacation/lapband trip to Mexico. Pre-banding, my husband, 6 yr old daughter and I will be staying in San Diego for a bit of sightseeing (SeaWorld, the Zoo, etc). Can anyone suggest a good place to stay? I don't think we will be renting a car, so something convenient to transit, and maybe with a pool would be great (I am leaving my dh and daughter in SD while I go to Dr. Ortiz). We'll be there for about 9 nights in total. Thanks, Laura

Hi Paulax, I think I will go back to Mexico for my first fill, then if all goes well, I will either go to Dr. Woodhead or to Arlington, Washington where a nurse practitioner does them (assuming my port is not hard to find). I am keeping my appointment for April 1, 2008 with Dr. Amson (just in case, or I will throw myself on his mercy one day when I see him at work). I liked your post about joining the gym/hiring a personal trainer - you are very funny, and I'll hold you, if you hold me (in a support forum, long distance way, of course) Cheers, Laura

Hi all, This forum has been a fabulous source of info and I want to say thanks to all. I think I am going to book my surgery today with Dr. Ortiz - now I am very nervous! Neenagh, you get to hang on to your Dr. Mumford action figure because I think I will go with the guy from Mexico who looks like the star of a Mexican soap opera...:clap2: (that doesn't sound very respectful, does it?) Cheers, Laura

Donna, I have sent you an email. Cheers, Laura

Hi, I live in Victoria, and Dr. Amson is maybe a tiny bit cheaper than Toronto, but he has a looooonnggg wait time. I saw my GP in January and I got a referral date of April 1, 2008. Dr. Leung in Surrey is cheaper than Dr. Amson, about 13000.00, but I'm not sure how long the wait is - I am waiting for a referral to him, but I haven't quite heard yet. I will be talking to my GP's office tomorrow, so maybe I can give you more info tomorrow. Cheers, Laura

Andrew and Becca, Hope all goes well for you in T.O.! Laura