Sunshine1

I had the band 4 yrs ago and had a revision surgery to a sleeve 3/13/13. I was unsuccessful w the band & I'm so happy it's out of me! if I had to do it over I would never never never have gotten the band... and I was self pay! I could have used that money for some amazing trips around the world! Lol or for the sleeve and had a great trip! the removal of the band plus the sleeve surgery all in 1 was still cheaper than what I paid for the band 4 years ago. Good luck in your decision!

1. I had a drain too but it was taken out before I left the hospital. I've read others too went home with one to get it out a week or 2 later. 2. Try adding Mio flavor enhancer to ut Isopure. I tried the Alpine Punch & added Target brand flavor berry pomegranate. Then I was able to drink it. I heard Unjury chicken broth was not bad(the hospital where I work pharmacy sells it so yours may too if u wanted it quicker than buying online). Go to GNC & ask what they may offer for clear. Be advised that the protein shots are not a favorable option as it uses a protein not absorbed by the body. Be sure to get 'whey isolate'. Get Isopure unflavored 0 carb powder add it to water and ice in a blender and add flavor enhancer. Add to broth too but not hot hot or it clumps & you end up having to strain it. Good luck!

Look on the Mexico self pay forum!

$5000ish. Mine was $4700+$500(lap band removal). They required an upper GI & endoscopy too. Since I had the upper GI in the states I saved $50. I had the endo there so I had to pay an extra $300. So my particular surgery was $5500 total plus you have airfare. I used miles but paid extra to upgrade to first class on my way back for $100. My deductible if I had qualified in the States would have been $5000 anyway but I would have been self pay to have the Lap Band removed (approx $20k) because insurance didn't cover that part. I went with Dr. Fernando Garcia, & used Ready4AChange coordinators. Great experience!

Get the plain Chiobani Greek yogurt & mix with sugar free Smuckers jam and a little Splenda. it has 18 grams of protein in the lowest sugar that I could find of the Greek yogurts. then add vanilla or unflavored protein powder to get additional protein in. I add a little of my Sobe yummy berry pomegranate with it to liquify a little bit just so it's not so thick. Yummo! this is what my post op doctor ordered for me and no milk for 10 days. my first day with protein shakes using milk I ended up in the bathroom all day so I'm taking probiotic pills. Good luck!

Opps sorry! My phone is wacko!

I actually felt pretty good once I got to hotel. There were others staying there too so we checked on each other & you just called 0 to get broth, Water or popcicle. They send you to hotel with a goodie bag of drinks & meds. It's not like you cant get up, walk around the hotel or call Dr. Luna the f/u dr. I even went on a long walk w/ another sleever there alone outside the hospital up towards the Caliente casino. I live alone at home in Fl & have had no help...except the bf vaccumed my floor since I was told not to. I wasn't in any pain, just back pain from laying in the bed... my heating pad was a life saver! I used it the entire time in the hospital and in the hotel room... so much that it died and I had to buy a new 1 when I got home. Ask any questions you want! I'll be happy to ease your fears, nerves etc. I can give u a play by play & if you want to talk on the phone I'd be glad to. Just message me!

I just had surgery last week 3/13 with Garcia & I traveled alone. Was great experience, met some others there alone & some not. We all bonded & looked in on each other. You will be just fine!

Right now my meals are only drinkables.

It was actually chilly when I was there but they said it was a cold spell. Reminded me of home in Orlando with the fluctuations. it was the plane ride that did me in! I too upgraded to 1st class & they still had no blankets! Guess my body was in freakout mode but I was 3 days postop from major surgery. Best wishes on ur long flight home!

It was actually chilly when I was there but they said it was a cold spell. Reminded me of home in Orlando with the fluctuations. it was the plane ride that did me in! I too upgraded to 1st class & they still had no blankets! Guess my body was in freakout mode but I was 3 days postop from major surgery. Best wishes on ur long flight home!

It was actually chilly when I was there but they said it was a cold spell. Reminded me of home in Orlando with the fluctuations. it was the plane ride that did me in! I too upgraded to 1st class & they still had no blankets! Guess my body was in freakout mode but I was 3 days postop from major surgery. Best wishes on ur long flight home!

It was actually chilly when I was there but they said it was a cold spell. Reminded me of home in Orlando with the fluctuations. it was the plane ride that did me in! I too upgraded to 1st class & they still had no blankets! Guess my body was in freakout mode but I was 3 days postop from major surgery. Best wishes on ur long flight home!

Ahhh the moment we waited so long for.. the ice chips! Hope ur leak test goes well!

Ur not alone...remember that you could be losing inches...dont fret! And only weigh 1x a week or you'll drive urself bonkers! Hang in there! I decided to contribute my slow loss to that time of the month. I too am 1 week post op. I'm still swollen too esp the large incision where the removed my band port. I am praying to God it doesnt stay that puffed out! 2 incisions in same spot=big scar tissue buldge. Baaaah

I'm there with ya girl! You are SOOO NOT ALONE! I've heard similar things myself & know all too well about confidence thing...we will be confident, strong, sexy, amazing women in no time! Stay positive sweetie! Hugs!