Diane Brink

Hi everyone! I was banded on December 1st, 2006 in TJ Mexico, Dr. Corvalis! OK, when I woke up from surgery I felt like I was kicked in the tummy by one or more mules! I needed a week to recover but maybe I took a little longer because I am 54, I don't know. I must say that for a large eater like myself I do not really feel hungry. I have moved from Clear liquids to Soups, no chewables. The people down there REALLY took care of me so I would recommend it. I have lost around 14 lbs. Today, Sunday, I took an excercise walk with my husband. I did not go as fast or as long as pre op but if I keep walking I have got to keep dropping weight! This is exciting. Oh yes, I sleep alot. Looking forward to being a part of this forum. Hugs, giantangel

Dear Suzi and AmerillaJones, I was banded Dec. 1st. I have not been exactly "hungry" but 4 days post op, my son baked a pizza, and that was my favorite food! It was a SIGNAL DELEMMA. The smell was amazing and I always wanted pizza, but when I actually assesed myself, I had to admit I was not "hungry", it was emotional, anyway it passed. I think this might have been my hardest moment. Please do not unband, take one day, one hour at a time and stay with-in a support group like us! Hugs, Giantangel

HI, Dr. Corvalis did not require a pre op diet. What Faybie said really helped me. I am so glad I can talk with all of you! Hugs, Giantangel

Hi, I got banded Dec. 1st. I am down 14 lbs but I can tell I am levaling off. Don't forget your body is probably in "starvation mode" which means that the body knows something radical has happened and is holding it's weight. This doesn't go on forever, all of a sudden you will drop some wieght. Do you watch The biggest loser? this happens to them alot. Also, I am walking every day and trying to make each day a little tougher. I know this will help you too! Hugs, Giantangel.

Hi, Check the internet for the best price. I had mine only 13 days ago in TJ, Mexico. The cost is soooo much less then in the US. Also, I used money from a home refinance, but I noticed that they do accept financing at least with Dr. Corvalis's group. Also keep in mind that the cost of food will be going down after the surgery. When I do start eating, lots less snacks, and probably about 1/4th the food! Hugs, Giantangel

Hi, You need to do this, and not let your husband stop you. My husband didn't agree with me getting the surgery either! One thing, are you getting the best price possible? I was going for the $17,000 surgery also in the US and I was having trouble getting my insurance to cover it. They told me who to go to and they don't cover all methods (i'm not sure about banding), also they wanted me to gain weight before I went through with it! Yes I am 100 lbs overweight. I researched Doctors in Mexico and was very happy with the price difference I saw, and forget the insurance companies and I did not have to go through 3/4 of the paperwork and pre op requirements. The hospital in Mexico was great, the surgeon was great, the after-care was great. giantangel----Hugs

Hi, yes I had gas pains for a week but it they give you this sucking device that helps dispel the gas. You are sore (or at least I was ) in the tummy area. But I am not hungry and have not eaten since thursday night 11:00pm, the night before my surgery. I hate to say this but I was not given a pre op diet. Let me quess are you doing this surgery in the US? Here they are much stricter and there is so much more paperwork, plus psyco visit, note from your Dr., note from the president. Get it over with and then start loosing! Giantangel---Hugs