Kristina J.

Pdx beat me too it! I can't have wheat flour due to gluten issues so I use powdered tapioca to thicken sauces. If its for dredging, just eliminate it or if you really want it, try brown rice flour.

Oh no! I'm so sorry he's been sick for so long!! Is he ok?! And May will definitely be here before we know it!!!

I had my band unfilled this week, 2 months before surgery, but it was only because I had dilation and prolapse. I needed to have it unfilled to avoid the complications I already had leading to more, and to let the dilation heal before surgery. If I hadn't had those problems, I wouldn't have needed to unfill my band either. Side note... going from full to completely empty can have some rough side effects for a little while... crazy gas pains, upset stomach and excess gas "release" lol It's not a comfortable process, at least it never has been for me (this is my 2nd complete unfill) or other banded patients I know that had to be completely unfilled. Unless your surgeon suggests it, I wouldn't worry about it. It will only increase your odds of gaining weight before surgery. I can already tell how much more I can eat and am struggling with keeping my hunger in line with my diet! It's going to be a long 2 months! lol I'd definitely avoid it if you can help it!

Congratulations!!! That is so exciting!!!

How exciting to have someone to go through this with!! My husband is insanely supportive, even pre-op dieting with me, though I expect that will change come 2 weeks of liquids!! Lol but, he is very fit and athletic. He has always been into sports and lifting weights, so just hasn't ever battled his weight like I do. My mom and sister got lap bands together and have really enjoyed having each other to turn to through their experiences!! Hopefully you two will be a great support for each other. Always easier with a buddy... Especially if you're in love with him!!

Oh good!! Lol I just wanted to make sure you knew that I did not mean you at all! Haha but since I didn't quote her when I said it I was worried you might have added that thinking I was talking about you!! Haha I'm so self centered!!! I do think its a good idea to include it though and it avoids someone feeling awkward asking. It's a big business and we need to be careful who we get advice from sometimes, cause you never know!! thanks again for sharing. Awesome details!! (And clearly I can appreciate a person who loves to talk!!) hahahaha

I'm not in MD, I'm almost as far from there as can be in fact lol I'm in Arizona, but I am also in May and very anxious, nervous and excited all at the same time! I have to go to MX for mine since my ins doesn't cover any bariatric, but since its not my first experience with Medical Tourism, that part isn't the nervous part for me! lol Everything else about surgery is. I failed with a lap band so I am taking the extra time to try and lose what I can before surgery and address my food issues so that I can be as mentally as emotionally ready as possible!!! How are you killing your time?? I feel like I can't think about anything else and it's still 2 months away! Lol

What an awesome post. I love how detailed it was and including pics was awesome!!! I am using a different surgeon, hospital and hotel, lol but love hearing about sleever's MX experiences, whoever they went to! Also, just wanted to say that I sincerely hope I didn't upset you with my post in the other thread about "asking if people work for the surgeon." I honestly wasn't talking about you, but the actually the other poster who was attacking what you said who DOES work for a surgeon lol!!! After my surgery in India in 2006 I was a patient advisor for my coordinating company for a few months but was never compensated at all. Only wanted to help people feel more comfortable with Medical Tourism. So I 100% understand your motivations in creating a FB page to keep in touch with other patients and to share experiences. I don't think that makes you biased at all, just a very happy customer!!! I'm so so sorry if anything I said made you feel like you had to defend yourself before sharing your experience!! I'm so glad you shared. It makes me feel even more comfortable and excited for my turn in May! Can't wait to watch your progress!! Congratulations!!

They do! The brand is Natrol and they are called "fast dissolve" on the pretty purple bottle I have found the fast dissolve in 3 and 10mg tabs at my local Walmart!

So that happened... Lol Back to the OP's original question. I am scheduled in May and I decided on Dr. Garcia through Ready 4A Change as well. Since I am a revision I am paying $5500 but I believe my cost was going to be $4700 if it was an initial WLS. I did a lot of research and that was the doctor I felt comfortable with. Definitely read as much as you can and speak to as many people as you can... and don't hesitate to ask if they work for any of the surgeons or coordinating agencies

I've been taking melatonin as needed for a few years. Ever since my lap band I've had insomnia. Early on I think it was from the weight loss and now more from the discomfort that comes with the complications, but I usually take it a couple times a week and I use the sublingual. Dissolves quickly and mine is strawberry flavored (I found it at Walmart). My revision isn't until May, but I asked about whether I could use it after surgery still and was told that after the first two weeks it would be perfectly fine, but I would definitely check with your surgeon to be safe!! They all have different plans and you should stick with your docs!

Oh no, since I'm going to MX I could have scheduled as early as 2-3 weeks out. I choose May because I wanted time (even a little extra time) to get passports renewed for my husband and me, and also to have some time to try and lose 20lbs before surgery. I wanted to get my head in the right place as far as diet and exercise by starting to change my habits now. I'm working with a therapist on my food addiction issues and making the most of my 2 month wait. I used to have a lap band and its taken a lot of reflection to realize how much of the failure of that was my fault. I think lapbands are evil lol but I also didn't work the program and use the tool I had properly. I am committed to this change so much more and truly understand now that it isn't an answer, but a tool to help me do what I know I need to. So, it worked better with my husbands work schedule, allowed time for passports, but more importantly, gives me some time to really prepare mentally and emotionally for the full commitment I know that I will need! I am determined not to fail this time!

That would be fantastic!!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!! Let me know!!

How wonderfully sweet!! It is all so much easier with the love and support of family and friends!! good luck!! I'm sure you'll do great!!

Yes, she was traveling in a private vehicle. I think part of why it works for surgery patients is that they're in a transport shuttle of some type (I haven't been yet lol). I would assume they would be more thorough with private vehicles, but I just don't want to risk it if I can help it. There were 3 of them and she was the only one without a passport, but they just decided to all go home. They were just going for the day. (I grew up in San Diego, so its an easy day trip) She has since started her passcard application lol. If my passport doesn't come though on schedule, I'll have to go with a BC and ID and assume I'll be fine like everyone else has reported, but I'd rather pay the extra money to be 100% sure since technically, it's not valid for border crossing.

I'm here, even though I wasn't before! Lol I am scheduled for May 11th, but I am having mine done in MX. I live in Surprise

Well I hardly think it matters, and this will be my last reply on this subject. It is clearly different in different areas because I was originally considering a radical hysterectomy, so yes, they are referred to as such in at least part of the medial field. We will have to agree to disagree. But this thread is not about this at all. Sorry to everyone else that it's been taken this far!!

Thanks but according to my OBGYN who performed my "Total Hysterectomy" as it was referred to by both the doctor, hospital and insurance, this chart helps to explain the difference between the different types of hysterectomies. Though I do hate that this thread has become all about this since it really wasn't her original post referred to and her bleeding seems to be unrelated. That was not my intention!

It's a little confusing because she referred to a "hysterectomy" which by definition is removal of the uterus, but then talked about maybe needing to have her "lining removed" which sounds like an ablation, which would require having a uterus. lol There are a few different kinds of hysterectomies, for example, mine was called a "Total Hysterectomy" because they removed my uterus and cervix but my ovaries stayed. However there isn't a hysterectomy that leaves the uterus. Maybe the OP was referring to a different kind of surgery that wasn't technically a hysterectomy. But either way, it sounds like she's in contact with her doctor about the bleeding and it's being treated and is unrelated. Hope you're getting some answers and feeling a little better!!!

So glad to hear it!!! I know tons of people have made it there and back without one, using BC and DL, but my friend wasn't allowed to cross about 2 weeks ago because the agent was really by the book and told her she had to have a passport. I'd be anxious risking it, even with all the people who have been fine. It would so be my luck to end up with the rule stickler guy!!!!