lins12

Kellie, You look fantasitc!!!!! What a difference. Instead of saying you have a long way to go you should say, "Look how far I have come!". GREAT job!

Penni, I mean the method to your madness? Any tips??? Lindsay

It is so funny. Everytime someone posts "I have a date" I am thinking I am going to hear some great dating story. Congrats on your date!

My doc told me I could swim after 10 days. I have been swimming many times sinmce the 10 days and my incisions look great!

How fun! I love karaoke!!!

It took me, unfortunetly, about three weeks to relieve all the gas and I did a lot of walking. It was such a yucky feeling but it does pass! Good luck to both of you.

YEAH MICHELLE!!!! You can do it!

I am down a pound. 206 Penni---what did you do happy girl?????? Please share...

June 7th bander. No restriction at all. Can't wait for my fill in early August!

I was banded on June 7. I am at five weeks. I feel normal. Not much restriction at all. I am SO ready for my first fill. I am down 16.5 pounds.

Nita, Are you doing yoga since surgery? I want to go but am a little nervous with all the streching. Thanks, Lindsay

I was banded June 7. I have been on solids for almost two weeks. I had a little binge today--ice cream. I know I should not be eating ice cream. I just got in that zone where I was hungry and my unhealthy mind won the battle. I had a lot of ice cream. The good news is that I have done really well for 5 months. I can't wait to be filled. I know this is normal...as far as not being restricted but it s*cks. Can't wait for my first fill! Thanks for letting my hijack for my confessional. TOmorrow is a new day.

I also heard a rumor about Anna Nicole having gastric bypass. Hum...

I had the same thought about the spell check button. Recovery time--every one varies. For me three days was all I needed. I had mine done on a Tuesday and by the weekend I was mall walking and taking my puppies out. It really varies though I have not heard of anyone who needed over two weeks. I know your fears about posting. It can be such a big step. I applaud you for taking that step. It really can be so theraputic. And everyone here is great. I just posted my picture/avatar this week and I felt like I had done soemthing really big. As far as going to Mexico. It is what I did also. I just did not want to go into debt of 20,000. I went to Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. You will find several threads about him under doctors portion. There are many pros and cons to going to Mexico. For me, I think it was the right decision; however, everything went really smooth for me. I am happy to answer your questions about surgery in Mexico. There are down sides though...you will find may of them in doing research on this site. I am almost 5 weeks out and everything is going smoothly. I am a little bummed that I have not lost more but 15 pounds is really good and I would have been thrilled if I did that without surgery. I know I need a fill and am looking forward to getting one 6 weeks out. Actually, it will likely be more like 8 weeks out. Work is fairly unpredictable right now. Anyways, good luck in all your research and feel free to pm me with any questions I can anwser for you. I probably misspelled something! Please ignore. Lindsay

I like the Carb Solutions. They are only 110 calories and, to me, they taste like kaluha. yum yum

Please let us know how your surgery goes! You will be fine! I was a nervous wreck...plus I went to Mexico which may have added to my fear just a little...ok a lot. They will generally give you something for anxiety when you get to the hospital or some even give you some to take home. I was ready to slam that as soon as they gave it to me. Once I took it I was like take me away. Please feel free to pm me if you need more advice/comfort/etc. GOOD LUCK! Lindsay

Ok...last one. This is fun. HOOK 'EM HORNS!

My best friend and I in Vegas...I see a theme. Vegas and really cute 80s wear.

I want to join in on all the fun!!!! I finally figured out how to make them a smaller. YIPPEE. This is my sweet sweet puppy. He is bigger now but not too big. More to follow! Thanks! Lindsay

I went and read the sticy post on reflux. I never had reflux prior to the surgery, at least not often enough to note. I had it the first 10 days out of surgery but then after priolsec twice a day and aloe juice it got better...so I quit taking it twice every day and it went to once day with aloe. I just started eating solid foods this week and it is back with a venegance. It seems the people who are really unhappy with their bands have bad reflux. So...my question is...to those that got reflux following surgery and did not have it before... -has it gone away? -how long did it take to go away? -do you take meds everyday? -everyone says you need to go get tested, etc. how long do you wait before you go to your doctor? -can a prescription usually cure it? Any info on this topic is appreciated. I would have responded on the reflux chain but it is closed. Thanks. Lindsay

I adored Dr. Martinez too! SOunds like for the most part we all had good experiences with Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez. AND If at any point they want suggestions I would be more than happy to increase the pleasure of the exxperience for anyone else who may make this decision.

I am such a nerd. I am not four months. I am four weeks. Sorry, I made you feel good---it was all a BIG lie but if it makes you feel better. I was on liquids for three weeks. YOU CAN STILL DO IT!! I PROMISE!!!!! I still like the liquids. Even though my dr told me not to I still do liquid meals once or twice a day. It feels very take charge. I feel in control with the liquids. YOU CAN DO IT!! Lindsay

I am also a Dr. Ortiz patient. I was banded on June 7. I agree with Kare. I would do it again. I was pleased with Dr. Ortiz but there were several things I would do differently if I were running the show. This is generally my problem --expectations and wanting to run the show. I think Dr. Ortiz has many positives but there were things that would have made the experience perfect. That said, perfection is hard to come by. For exmaple, I would have like more medical information to take home with me. More do's and don'ts BUT I can call the drs if I need to. I would never be able to do that here in the us. I had no iv problems and I did in the us when I had knee surgery. All in all, everything went very well. I felt like we were treated very well and, as mentioned, I would do it again.

You guys are doing great!!!! You will be to solids in no time. I am four months today, started solids last week. It is great! You can do it! Let me know if you need any pep talks! Lindsay

I love everything you guys have said! I can't tell you the freedom in knowing I am not alone for the first time. I have tons if skinny, pretty, b*tch friends. They have NO idea what it is like. I love my LBT friends. THANK YOU SO much for not deleting this post. I tell you what this is the cheapest, best therapy I have ever had. ALong with TONS of laughs.