sassysara

You dont' need a passport unitl JUNE 2009. They put an extension on the requirement. I know there is a link somewhere on this forum regarding the extension! Do a search for passport Mexico. Good luck!

remember, it's not really a surgery to 'repair' anything.. ya know?? it's just adding something. i think the healing time is more for the sutures so that they don't break/burst open. this countdown is killing me! i keep having these realizations that this is gonna be my last dot dot dot.... i worked a rodeo this weekend and kind had whatever i wanted. cheescake on a stick, French Fries, burgers.. and it dawned on me, this is the last one. I've been working rodeos for 15 years now.. so it was a kind of farewell. And I know its not like I won't ever have these things again, but it I know I'll never be eating this way again. And it's a good thing. But there is definitely a mourning/goodbye phase going on with me right now as the time clock ticks! And I keep reading good and bad things... and really hope I am making the right choice. That this IS the tool I need to finally win this battle/struggle with eating and weight. So that's a mini rant for now! Had to let it out!

I am heading down to Dr. Ortiz on Thursday the 21st and surgery the 22nd!!! Keep us posted on how it goes. Especially how TJ's atmosphere is.

Can you ask your Dr. here in the states if he'd perscribe something for you just in case?? I'm pretty sure you won't have any problems carrying it over since you'll have proof that you just had surgery.

You & I are DOUBLE DEUCER'S!!! I too am on the 22nd!! My Dr. said I'd be able to drive about 2 days after.... I guess it just varies per person. I am not planning on driving for a few days at least.. but I know I'll start going stir crazy after a few. I'm always on the go! Let's keep in touch ok? We'll have to keep each other company during recoup time!

you can ONLY have clear liquids PRE??? My Dr. said just a liquid diet.. so Protein drinks are acceptable. For hunger, try Special K Water drinks... and South Beach too. They have protein. I just recently went to the health store and got some Isopure CLEAR drinks. They have 40g of protein!! That will help with your hunger pains! Good luck!!!! I will be in your shoes in about 2 weeks!

I honestly am NOT worried about the conditions of the Dr, the facility or the care. After all my research and my referrals/recommendations, I have heard it surpasses USA bar none. The only thing that has me 'concerned' is the status of TJ. But since I am only 2 hours away from TJ vs. Denver, and finding Dr's that are willing to work on 'others' work, I think TJ works best for me. But it's good to know about that rate in Denver. Here in Cali it's 14-20k and I know in NY it's 20-30k cash!!

I am heading down there next month to Dr. Ortiz... I was recommended to him and another MX Dr... and after comparing the two and a few more, I feel that Ortiz is the BEST around. He is a member of the FACS and the American Bariatric Surgeons, is one of the pioneers, is hired by the actualy lap band manufacturer INAMED to train American Dr.'s. He has written a book about the Lap Band procedure... and to top it off, my friend who had gastric here in the states, her Dr. said that if I'm going to MX I chose one of the best there is!!! You will hear so MANY positive reviews about everyone's own Dr.. be prepared. When I started my research everyone came out of the woodwork to praise their own Dr. And that's great... You are going to have to do your own research to find which Dr. is BEST for YOU!!! Congrats on taking the 1st steps in this journey... if you have any q's, feel free to ask here or you can always send personal q's to me or anyone else for that matter. This forum is AMAZING. I have LEARNED SO MUCH! Good luck!

Ditto ditto ditto!!

YEAY!!!! So glad to hear all is well. I too am having surgery and have NEVER had surgery before! I am freaking out!!! Kudos for you and your success!!!!

Hi Tina, I just recently joined this forum and somehow stumbled upon your thread... And after reading most of them over the past year, I can see the transformation on how happy you've become. I too was married to a man that 'thought the vows were a suggestion'. That's how I like to tell it. And I too had to go thru a lot to realize that it was NOT ME and ALL HIM! And that the light at the end of the tunnel was NOT an oncoming train, but the light to a new life and a new me! I've never been happier. I actually lost almost 290 lbs... and I haven't even got the band yet! (That's how much he weighed) I look foward to my new journey and I hope to be as succesful as you have been with your band. Love & Happiness! Sara

I too am a patient of Dr. Ortiz.... surgery May 22nd!

Ask your Dr. about Milk of Magnesia.. my brother's Dr. recommended that.

We have the same date!!!!

I am a self-pay heading down to Mexico.. Ole! Dr. Ortiz will be my surgeon. But I am looking for Dr.'s here in the IE for geographic conveniences.

Hey all, I'm 36, no kids, just dogs! I too am in the Inland Empire, 951 baby! I get banded next month. But am always looking to meet others in my 'hood. Sara

So, I had a patient of a Dr. in TJ tell me that when I go, make sure to bring one's to TIP the nurses, etc.... Did anyone else do this???

Thank you for starting this thread/poll. I too am getting banded next month and have been going thru the doubt phase. Wondering, "do I really need this?" etc... But I know down deep that if I didn't need it, I would be a size 6 by now.. I've been dieting since 7th grade and now I am going to get the tool to assist me change my habits for good.

I meant to thank you too! Duh! Thanks for organizing that. It's neat to see other names as well!

I'm actually the 22nd! But who's counting,right?!

You're weclome...... but I can't take full credit. My girlfriend, also a hairdresser, gave me the same advice... Happy Easter!

I feel your pain. I am a dog groomer, and on top of being on my feet all day, I won't be able to lift anything over 10 pounds for 3 weeks! I am taking off a whole week. I just have to. I decided that I'll just have to make up days on upcoming weekends. Reconsider taking a few more days off. I have read that some that even took a week off were worn out their first day back. It's better to only have to make up a few days then have your surgery points get infected/torn and have to take even more days off! Know what I mean?? Or maybe try to work some of your off days PRE surgery so you make them up in advance.

Try Special K water, either bottled or in the packets, like crystal light. They have 5g of protein so that might help you with your pains. I found them in the diet aisle of the grocery store. I have heard that a bouillon cube with water also helps. You might want to do a search for POST-OP diets and see what others recommend!