Jacquie0120

I also started with a low BMI of 33. Some bandsters have to do a 1 - 2 week liquid diet leading up to the surgery in order to shrink their liver. My doctor did not make me do that...he explained that he only does that for BMI's over 40 as those livers typically have more fat and because the liver is right over where they need to put the band, its easier when the liver is smaller. The only liquid diet I had to do was for a week immediately after the surgery, than mushies for a week. This is so the stomach has a chance to heal. I also have to do liquids for 24 hrs. after a fill. As far as PB'ing and sliming, if you eat to much or do not chew enough, you will get into these situations. I know many bandsters who have NEVER slimed or PB'd. Unfortunately, I have done both but it just reminds you that you have a band and while its uncomfortable at the time, I would not let it stop you from getting the surgery. It is the best decision I ever made! Good luck.

I visited your blog and brought along a few of my blog-buddies. I hope you don't mind:wink2: It will incent you to blog more. I never thought I'd be one to blog but I am finding it so helpful and informative. Have fun with it too! Its all good. We have a man or two but for the most part its women of all ages with a common goal. The Planet fitness is a chain and there motto is "no judgement zone" style fitness. My daughters, 23 and 19 love it. They are opening up new ones all the time so look out for one. Where are you located by the way? I am in Florida. I heard someone saying they have Brighthouse cable and they have Leslie on demand also. I have Brighthouse and I can't find it on mine!

Do you have a Planet Fitness near your home Stevie? It is really only $10/month! Both my daughters go to one and they swear its great! If not, buy some dvds to help keep you motivated. I love the Leslie Sansone Walking away the lbs. series. She adds hand weights for added resistance and it works. Good luck with the exercise, lord knows we all need it!

I was banded on 3/24 by Dr. Kuri in Tijuana, MX and had the greatest experience. He works out of the same hospital as Dr. Ortiz so I can certainly vouch for the hospital experience! Dr. Kuri and his staff were so caring and professional. We were treated as royalty. When we got home I had a question and while I was expecting to be told that the doctor would get back to me, I was put right through to him. When we were there, he told me to put is number in my cell phone and call whenever I had a question or problem. Well, I did and he was there for me! Love him! The most important thing once you choose your surgeon is to line up after care unless you are planning on going back to TJ for your fills. Dr. Kuri, by the way, offers free for life fills. No other doctor does that. He told me its an incentive for his patients to come back from time to time to visit and let him see your progress. Did I mention I love him? Good luck with your decision.

I was just banded on 3/24 by Dr. Kuri in Tijuana. I had the most amazing experience and we were treated like royalty! Dr. Kuri's package includes 2 nights in the hotel because he'd rather you not be exhausted from traveling. We got there the night before pre-op testing, spent 1 night in hotel than 2 nights in the hospital. He does not rush anything. When we were there, a patient of Dr. Ortiz came in for pre-op testing and was operated on the same day! I asked if that was normal and was told that Dr. Kuri would NEVER operate on the day of pre-op. He wants you in the hospital resting the night before surgery so you are well rested for the day of your surgery. In any event, the hospital was superior to any I've seen here in the states. I would highly recommend Dr. Kuri and if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at jdt36x@yahoo.com. Good luck with your decision. I lad a relatively low BMI also and my only regret is that I waited until age 47 to do this!

Hey All! We got back from Mexico at 1:00 a.m. Friday morning! I am doing great, just a little soreness but not much gas. I gave a full account on my blog with pictures if anyone is interested. I hope everyone is doing great...We are on the other side!

I was banded in Tijuana, Mexico by Dr. Kuri on 3/24/10. Here is my story. We spent practically all day Monday travelling and I was exhausted when we finally landed in San Diego at 8 pm eastern time. We spent the next 1.5 hrs waiting for our luggage. It turns out that while we made our connection in Arizona, our luggage did not. Luckily, there was another flight from Phoenix coming in after our flight and they put the luggage on that. We received a $40 voucher from Southwest because we waited for it rather than having them deliver it to us. Once we got our luggage, we walked outside just as the van sent for us (from my Doctor in Tijuana) was circling for the 100th time! I asked the driver Miguel if he was dizzy and he didn't understand a word I said. Oh well, as long as he knew how to get to the hotel, I was happy. The Palacio Azteca was very nice and I just could wait to fall into bed! I was exhausted. Tuesday morning I sat with DH while he ate his yogurt and banana Breakfast with coffee. I was fasting due to the pre-op testing that I had yet to do. The hotel brought us to the hospital at about 9:30. I was very impressed with the efficiency we were met with at the hospital. We were introduced to Anabelle and she told me that I was her responsibility and should not worry about a thing! I had my blood drawn, chest x-ray, ekg and urine done in about 45 minutes. She then took us to our hospital room which was more like a hotel room. Bed, recliner, pull-out bed for DH and bathroom/shower. All private. Very nice. She than told us to go and enjoy Tijuana. DH was not excited about this but was a good guy and we went. We had brunch at TGIF...I had a breakfast taco and he had a breakfast sandwich. We than walked around the city a little. I was hoping to find a t-shirt that celebrated my visit to the city. You know, something that said "I left my fat in Tijuana." Alas, I did not find anything! We did quite a bit of walking actually and found that the part of Tijuana where Hospital Angeles is quite nice! Once we got back to our room, Anabelle took us to meet with Dr. Peterson. He is an internist who went over my whole medical history. basically he told me I am one healthy fat chica. Ok, he didn't quite put it that way but thats what he meant. I than got to meet my Dr. Kuri face-to-face. I've spoken to him on the phone but this was my first meeting with him. He did not disappoint. He was everything and more than what I had envisioned. He answered all my questions and told me to have a nice restful evening, he himself was going to a party but don't worry, "I see you at 7 a.m.!" With a wink and a smile, he was gone! I am assuming he was kidding. Wednesday morning! Banding day! Woo Hoo! I was woken up this morning at 6:00 to take a shower and then taken down to the surgical floor around 6:30. Everyone could not have been nicer. My anesthesiologist was a sweet little woman whose name escapes me at the moment. She came in to talk to me a little and she gave me a pill to calm my nerves. I told her I've never come out of anesthesia without vomiting and she promised me she would do her best to change that. It’s now 3:30 pm. and I have not vomited nor felt nauseous at all! I was brought into the OR and than really only remember them putting oxygen mask on and than that was it. Next thing I remember, I am in recovery and I hear them talking to Connie, the other woman who was also operated on this morning. I was in recovery for about one hour and than they brought me back to my room. DH was MIA but that was ok, I just wanted to sleep. DH came back about ½ hour later and told me he went back to TGIF to get something to eat. food? Whats that? The pain meds they gave me were great! I didn't feel at all loopy and I also didn't have any pain! I cannot believe how good I felt actually. All in all, my whole experience getting my band in Mexica with Dr. Kuri was a great one and I would highly recommend Dr. Kuri to anyone who was thinking about going to Mexico for this procedure.

It seems like we are all Long Island girls around here! I was originally from Smithtown than moved out east to East Moriches. We are leaving for Mexico today for my surgery on Wednesday! Good luck AMY...I'll be thinking about you girl!

LOL Meg...I'm sure its just Water weight fluctuation. Do not worry! I've been having the same dreams and waking up in the middle of the night, etc. I know this is the right thing to do but its still scary. We are leaving for Mexico today for the surgery on Wednesday! Good luck t all of you and I'll check back when we are all on the other side!

One week from today ladies! How great is that?

You are doing great! I leave next Monday for Mexico and than 2 days later....OMG I can't stand it, I justwant to do it!

But its ok if insurance paid? That makes no sense. In any event, it should be brought to his attention...if ins. paid, it should be credited to the ins. company, if it was self pay, it should be credited back to the OP.

You are absolutely right! It is JUST a tool to help lose the weight. I look at it like I was born without a shut-off valve to tell me when I am satisfied and to stop eating. My band, to me is like a Taser that will zap me when I'm eating too much! I am being banded on 3/24 and cannot wait. Good luck to you!

I'm so happy that everyone is doing so well pre and post surgery. I am having mine on 3/24 and we are actually leaving for Mexico on 3/22 so its one week from Monday! Yay. I've started a blog of my journey and would like to invite you all to visit. It is in my signature line. I have found a whole bunch of mostly women and a few men who have gone through this, are going through it and who are thinking about going through it! Such great info. Please check it out!

You all are doing great on your pre-op diets! I am feeling guilty that I don't have to do one :wink2:! I've started a blog of my journey and would like to invite you all to visit. It is in my signature line. I have found a whole bunch of mostly women who have gone through this, are going through it and who are thinking about going through it! Such great info. Please check it out!

Ok ladies....2 weeks from today we will truly begin our new life! How cool is that? I also took my before pic. Yuk! I cannot wait for the day that I do not have a uni-thigh! I also took all my measurements and will continue to do pics and measures every month on my bandiversary. Unfortunately, I am an everyday weigher so I will be doing that every morning as usual. Have a great day!

I am so with you girlfriend! WooHoo for us!

I am in Ormond Beach, directly across the state from you Megg! We'll have to meet up in Disney for a visit. Pictures are so important from what I have seen. I have become addicted to reading others journeys in their blogs (and have even started one) and everyone takes pics AND measurements. You should visit my blog to find the blogs that I am following. Such inspirational stories. Woman who have lost 100+ lbs. and who are keeping it off which is the part that has always eluded me. I hope you two get through your pre-op diet ok, I am sure you will. Lets keep in touch!

Hi Megg, where are you in FL? I am in Ormond Beach, near Daytona on the east coast. I don't have to do the liquid diet except for 3 days prior to surgery and even than, its full liquid. I am so excited! I'm going to MX for my surgery so my anxiety is the plane trip back home. That is the only part that I would change if I could.

I just told my husband, "three weeks from now, it will be over! I will be on the otherside and getting healthier & thinner, every day!!! How great is that?"

I am going to Mexico on 3/24 to have surgery with Dr. Kuri. I did a lot of research and I am comfortable with my decision. I have my after-care all set up. Good luck with your decision.!

It sounds like you are doing great Stevie! Glad to hear it. How are you doing with eating/drinking? I'm going in on mar. 24 and cannot wait. Thanks for posting your updates, it really helps those of us that haven't gone.