Manda_T

Not really...I am on liquids for 2 more weeks and my poor tummy is in shock & grumbling all the time. The good news, I am loosing weight too!!! I'm just surprized because people said I wouldn't be hungry. Congradulations on your weightloss!

I burp a ton (my kids say it is gross) and to make matters worse, it is not a poliet burp....it is a LOUD:ohmy: LONG:embaressed_smile: one...sometimes it feels like 3 minutes.

I was banded on the 18th by Dr. Ortiz. When I got home I stepped on the scale and almost died, I was up 6.5 lbs from the day I left. But then I realized, my body is bloated, pumped full of gas, swollen (oh and retaining water for another reason). Dr. Miranda was clear that now is the time to heal, not worry about weightloss so off the scale I go. I will see the loss soon enough,

I was banded on the 18th. Still alittle sore and mentally hungry but surviving...sorta. Kids and DH had McD's yesterday and I had a melt down. On Clear liquids til tomorrow....Cant really say what I have lost yet as I am still bloated and then my "monthly" friend came to torture me too. Stock up on SF popcycles, SF Jello, flavored Water and chicken stock. And if you dont have one, a heating pad.

I am not telling anyone at work. It is my business (and they are a bunch of gossips). I am scheduling the time off as vacation - to visit family. Thankfully I typically dont eat lunch with them so my pre-op diet hasn't been that obvious. They have noticed the shakes, but I just told them my pants were getting tight and that I was trying to loose a few pounds. **Which was true** If anyone notices my scars (although since I keep my clothes on at work?) I will say I had a hernia repaired.

Wll I was doing so good just sniffing other people until last night. I had a school function/auction/dinner thingy and I thought "I will just eat a couple of bites to equal a lean cuisine" Ok, who was I trying to fool?:eek: I at an appitizer, then a salad (I'm allowed those) then dinner - CRAP, then helped my table polish off 4 bottles of wine (DOUBLE CRAP):sad: So today, slightly hungover, I vow not to cheat again..:smile2: Although if I had will power I would be a fluff girl

#1 - Perhaps, since you are self pay you can find another doctor to do the surgery. But, no matter what dr you go to I heard it is safer if you do loose some weight prior to the surgery (just what I have gleamed from the boards - I am sure someone can explain why better). I am on day 3 of my pre-op and its killing me. However a couple of tricks that my dr told me was to take One Chromium Picolinate 400 mcg per day can be taken for fat-burning purposes. One Metamucil capsule can be taken at 10:00 am and one at 3:00 pm for hunger pangs My PCP also prescribed Phentermine (15mg) just to help take the edge off. I've also found if I drink LOTS of Water it helps. Good luck to you, I know you can do this

They are starting to pop up all over the US. Their web page is FillCentersUSA.com . I believe the first visit is $365.00, $165.00 after that. You can do a search to see if there is one near you. The nearest one to me is a hour away, but it is better than going back to Mexico:teeth_smile:

I have the best Dr!! That being said, I just saw her this week and asked if our conversation could not be charted. I explained to her I was having WLS, which she was VERY supportive of, since she has been my Dr for 15+ years and knows my struggles. Then I told her the rest, that it was going to be in TJ, prepared for a lecture. When we discussed the research I've done, the surgeon I chose (she has had several go to him) she was supportive, but cautious. She was concerned that no one would do my fills, so I explained Fill Center USA, which she said she would refer the rest of her patients to. So in the end, I got her blessings

I haven't cheated, yet, but I am only on day 2 of pre-op diet. I think it is more of habit more than anything else that causes us to eat. I almost went through Burger King yesterday to grab lunch, then realized, crap I cant. I did roll down my window and breathe in the odor for a couple of minutes. Is that cheating.

I haven't had my surgery yet but I've already gone from a tight 24 to a very tight (help me I cant breathe) 18 pants and a 22/24 shirt to a tight 14/16 shirt. I wore my 24's til they slid of my hips and I had to hold them up. Then I purchased a pair of jean, black pants, tan pants and a skirt. I've also bought a couple of shirts to wear. That's my game plan until I get to my goal weight. When I can't wear the pants anymore I will buy just a couple (and hit the sales racks for them) and wear my shirts til they are just to baggy anymore. I want to save all my money for the goal. I already told my husband that he better watch out as when I get to goal (and have my TT) I plan on burning everything in my closet and starting from scratch. CANT WAIT

So now it is March. I am scheduled for the surgery on the 18th. Made my flight arrangements, ordered everything I need and am really starting to freak out!!! I am excited but so nervous. Sadly, I have the "nasty habit" of smoking (quit for 8 year, got a nasty divorce and started again for almost 2 years) I have to quit on the 4th:ohmy: Then 2 days later I start my pre-op diet, omg I am going to be such a witch. I'm not telling anyone but close family that I am doing this and am sure that everyone is going to want to murder me by the time I leave. And while I am freaked out, I am so excited. I have been on the diet rollercoaster as long as I can remember. And I believe the last time I weighted under 200lbs is when I was 18. How the heck are all of my fellow bandsters doing with their March dates, pre-op and nerves? Amanda

Which one was your favorite? I am the type of person that gags at nasty things and the slim fast shakes gross me out. I start my pre-op diet in a week and am looking for the best type/flavor/hints and help from those of you that survived the pre-op diet:biggrin2:

OMG...You look great!!! As a person just starting out in this journey, people like you are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story. Amanda

I have been using the search function and am starting to go a tad postal:confused:....there are so many links. If those that have been through this, Protien Shakes: Which one was your favorite? I am the type of person that gags at nasty things and the slim fast shakes gross me out. I start my pre-op diet in a week and am looking for the best type/flavor/hints and help from those of you that survived the pre-op diet:biggrin2: Also, what in your opinion is invaluable to have for post op? Thanks in advance to all those that chime in with their 2 lbs.....

Hi, adding my 2lbs....I am being banded by Dr. Ortiz on 3/18/08. There were several reasons I chose him #1. As it has been previously stated, he is one of the leading surgeons and has trained many of the American doctors #2, this is all he does - lap bands #3- I have done extentsive research on him and have not found any issues #4. His office staff is GREAT!!! I email them almost daily with a new question and they have been friendly and quick to respond #5. His past patients love him (and his staff) #6. As a self payer, it is $7950 vrs $22000 - thats a HUGE difference. I think each person needs to do what is right for them. I have had numerous conversations with nurses and the general public and many of them believe that the health care in Mexico (and India) are far above ours in the US. Besides, the $$$ I save is going to plastic surgery when I am done.

I'm scheduled for 3/18. 2 weeks prior I have to give up liquer. 12 days prior I am to start my "fast" which is 2 slim fast shakes and a lean cuisene a day. I can also have "green" veggies.....:blushing: but NO COFFEE:crying: So freaked out, but keep reminding myself that this is what I want. Amanda

....walking without my thighs rubbing together ....going up the stairs without panting like a dog (or an obscene caller) ....not being the biggest "mom" at parties and feeling self concious ....being able to keep up with my terrors (5,4,2) ....not sweating like a pig 24/7 (darn fat is hot) ....being able to shop in a "normal store" ....being able to buy something (other than lotion/makeup) at Victoria Secrets ....Not being compared to the blueberry girl on Willy Wonka, having my butt fit on a toilet seat and getting rid of the rolls on me knees (which according to my 5 y.o. is gross) - I might mention all items were pointed out by a 5 yo OHHH.....and not being afraid of beauty salon chairs (crap will I fit) or the "thingys" you go through at events (please dont let me get stuck) I am sure I will think of more later....must pretend to work now though :smile2: Amanda

I don't know what is causing it, but I would like to say I want your pre-op diet!!!! I get 2 Protein shakes and a lean cuisene a day....the thought of it has me freaked out hence the reason I am eating everything in sight right now:thumbdown: Good luck to you, Amanda

I am not telling anyone about my surgery, I just realized that 11 days before my surgery (and I am suppose to diet for 12) that I have a school auction/function/dinner to go to. Will it matter if I nibble as to not be obvious or should I not eat at all????

Thanks all....I am going to try not to eat and am definately passing on the drinks. Hope to make it out of there with the minimum of damage. I think I will eat enough to equal my lean cuisene, since I can have one of those a day. I will definately be sniffing my table mates desserts though. Hope I dont drool too much on them:eek:

I'm getting banded in March in TJ. I told a few close family members and 1 friend. In truth, I wish I hadn't given the details of TJ to my family....the calls, emails and general freakin out is annoying me. I'm not telling anyone else or my co-workers....I am going on "vacation" for 10 days.

I'm getting banded on 3/18 by Dr. Ortiz, so nervous but so excited!

Hello all....I am new here. My name is Amanda. I am 32, married with 3 small children (5,4 and 2) and currently weight 241:frown:. My highest weight was 287:eek:. I have done tons of research and have decided to go to Tijuana, Mexico and have my surgery with Dr. Ortiz. So, I look forward to getting to know all of you. Anyone going at the same time as me? Amanda Amanda

Where in Oregon are you? What Dr are you seeing? I am in Eugene and having mine in TJ with Dr Ortiz on the 18th