scubadottie

I'm scheduled for September 10 with Dr. Ortiz and will be staying at the Marriott until September 15th.

Hi All, I am so excited... I just finished paying my revision (lapband to sleeve) surgery off! I am a self pay and committed to do the surgery on January 24, 2012 (the day after my 52th birthday). My surgery date is September 10, 2012 with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana. And I just sent them my final payment! Plane ticket is bought! I am ready to GO! My weight in January was 297... current weight 268 and I am 62 days away from my surgery. I will be on a two week liquid only pre-op diet starting on August 27. I am hoping to lose some more weight before my date. Can't wait to get this Crapband out of me! Cheers and Good luck to all that have gone before me... I look forward to reading OUR success stories! Dottie

Hi, I am interested in liquid vitamins also. I just came across Wellesse Liquid Vitamins... they have a multi, calcium, iron, D3, and B12 in liquid form. Has anyone tried them? Cheers, Dottie

My surgery is with Dr. Ortiz in September. And I asked that question a few months ago and was told that he staples and oversews ... they say it helps prevent the stomach from stretching out too much... plus makes it more secure in regards to leaks.

Does anyone know why VSG patients have acid reflux problems after the surgery? I have never had any issues with acid in my past history... my revision surgery is scheduled for September... is this something that happens to a lot of people?

I was reading myaceinhand.blog spot.com and there was a lot of good info on the surgery and our stomachs. It says the average stomach holds 32-48 oz or 4 to 6 cups per meal. Post VSG (6 months out) holds 8-12 ozs or 1-1.5 cups per meal. And it mentions the cottage cheese test to check your stomach capacity.

Thanks for bringing up this subject... good info to know and be aware of. 70 days until surgery... yeah!

I have scheduled my Revision surgery (Sept. 10) with Dr. Ortiz and Obesity Control Center in Tijuana. His clinic has designated as an ICE (International Center of Excellence). Dr. Ortiz was selected by Newsweek Magazine as one of the top Bariatric surgeons in America. I had my lapband done with Dr. Ortiz in 2007... and was completely impressed with him and his center. My Mom went with me (she's a nurse) and she was blown away by their professionalism and first class operation. Unfortunately, the Lapband didn't work for me... so, I am choosing to have the Revision surgery to Vertical Sleeve with Dr. Ortiz also. Every question that I have asked has been answered in a timely and understandable manner. I researched and researched... and have decided to stick with Dr. Ortiz and Obesity Control Center. They might be a little more expensive than some other surgeons... but, I believe he is worth every penny. Good luck to all and I hope to meet some of you in Tijuana! Cheers, Dottie

Hi Sleevers! I am scheduled for my Revision surgery on Sept 10, 2012. I have bought my airline ticket from South Carolina to San Diego. Splurged and am flying First Class... this is the first time that I have ever purchased a First Class ticket and I am as excited about that as my actual surgery. I am a self pay and booked myself in January... so, I would have plenty of time to get it paid off before my surgery. Anyone heading to Tijuana that week? Staying at the Marriott. Good luck to all! Dottie

I think your band needs to be unfilled at least two weeks before your revision surgery?

From what I understand... when the doctors go in to do the sleeve... they are repairing the hernia that already exists. A hiatus hernia or hiatal hernia is the protrusion (or herniation) of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm.

Congrats and I am sure you will be skipping down the halls in no time! Good luck!

Hope it all went well! Please keep us up to date. I am 70 days and counting until I'm in your shoes. Good luck!

You might try the protein shakes that GNC carries... they have quite a few low carb / zero carb types and RTD's. And they have a 30 day money back guarantee. I like the Isopure Zero Carb... and they have lots of flavors. We want you to be fully satisfied with every item that you purchase from www.gnc.com. If you are not satisfied with an item that you have purchased, you may return the item within 30 days from the order date for a full refund of the purchase price, minus the shipping, handling, gift wrap, or other charges. The item must be returned, unused or used, in good condition, in original boxes (whenever possible), and with all paperwork and accessories to ensure full credit.I

I use peanut butter in my banana or chocolate protein shake for alittle change of taste... and some extra protein.

Hi, My NUT wants me to take 500mcg B12 - Sublingual, complete Multi Vitamin Chewable with 200% Iron and Calcium Citrate 1500mg chewable. I take the B12 and my multi in the AM when I awake, and take the Calcium at lunch... so the Iron and Calcium don't compete.

Hi Juli, I have found lots of good snacks on dietdirect.com They have protein pretzels, chips, bars, etc. One of my favorites is the Ostrim Meat Stick Snack... a combo of lean beef and ostrich. 80 calories per stick, 1.5 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbs and 14 grams of protein. A great pick me up. They come in four flavors... I have tried natural and pepper... with pepper being my favorite. I have to lose 32 pounds before my revision surgery in September. I have been doing protein shakes for breakfast and lunch... and one or two meat sticks when I need a pick me up. I have lost 23 pounds so far with 9 more to go before my surgery. Cheers, Dottie

Hi Goddess, I am having Revision surgery (band to sleeve) in September. My surgery date is Sept 10th. I am having the surgery in Tijuana and will be there a week... from Sept 9th to Sept 16th. Good luck with your surgery! Cheers, Dottie

Congrats! It makes my decision going to Dr. Ortiz that much more positive. Thank you for all the great info! I have my Revision surgery scheduled with Dr. Ortiz on September 10th. Good luck and keep us posted! Cheers, Dottie P.S. My Mom lives in Myrtle Beach and that is where I will be doing my recovery time until I fly back to the Cayman Islands.

Amazon.com carries all the mocktail flavors... Margarita, Mojito, Appletini, Pomtini and Peach Bellini. All are delicious! My favorite is the Mojito... I take a container of it with when I go out to a party...and sip my Crystal Light not missing a thing.

Crystal light has some "mocktail" flavors that are really good! I have tried the Margarita, Mojito and Appletini. They are very tasty. I just ordered the Peach Bellini and Pomtini flavors... can't wait to try them. When I go out with friends... I take a container of my mocktail and have it served in a frosted martini or margarita glass and it is delish and makes me more comfortable standing around with my friends that are drinking. Good luck!

I use Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder... two scoops has 50 grams of protein. I use skim milk, almond milk or soy milk (Silk) and 4 ice cubes. Plus, I peel and freeze bananas wrapped in foil and then put the frozen banana in my blender with the milk and powder.... makes the shake much more creamy and satisfying. And if I feel that I need just alittle more flavor... I add a spoonful of creamy peanut butter for some extra protein. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water also. And I have a frozen banana when I am craving something sweet for dessert... eat it like a popsicle. Hope this helps. Cheers!

Hi Everybody, I know this might sound silly, but.... I have my Revision surgery (lapband removal & vertical sleeve) scheduled for Monday, Sept 10, 2012. I will be flying into San Diego on Sunday, Sept 9th early afternoon and departing on Saturday, Sept 15th early afternoon. The surgery center will be picking me up at the airport and driving me down to Tijuana for my surgery and then a 5 day stay at the Marriott Hotel. I couldn't ask for a better surgeon or center and I implicitly trust my doctor (Dr. Ortiz) and surgery center (OCC) ....but, I have been feeling anxious about being alone for my surgery and then 5 days at the hotel by myself. A good friend of mine has volunteered to go with me... I didn't ask, but I think she knows that I need/desire the moral support. She just told me that she wants to go with me and I am feeling so much better and feel alot more relaxed about my upcoming experience knowing that I will have a friend to hold my hand if I need it. The only hiccup is that her husband is worried about her traveling to Tijuana. I have had no such qualms... but, would love to pass on some positive feedback on how our safety is not an issue. Any suggestions or thoughts... I would greatly appreciate them! Thanks for listening.... Dottie

I am having my Revision surgery with Dr. Ortiz in September. I had my LapBand with him in August 2007 and my Mom went with me... she was very impressed with the Clinic and Dr. Ortiz. He is a extremely excellent surgeon and that is why I am going back to him. He has had zero leaks with his sleeve surgery and has implemented some new procedures that other surgeons are following. He was also named in Newsweek Magazine as one of the Top 15 Bariatric Surgeons in America.... and he is a cutie! Good luck!

I knew I needed to do something about my weight... when I had to return a rental car because the seltbelt wouldn't close. And I am tired of asking for a selt belt extensions on the plane. I am looking forward to my panties falling off me! My surgery is scheduled for September 10, 2012.... 109 days to go! Cheers, Dottie