DrPhil

<p>Today was a whole lot better than yesterday. I don't think I've cried that long or that hard since I got divorced 18 years ago, and that was my idea! I think I was just plain grieving. Yesterday I did a phone meeting of Greysheeters Anonymous, a 12 Step Program that is very clear and simple. The meeting was profound, and I kept the phone on mute so that I could just keep crying. </p> <p> </p> <p>I'm getting awfully tired of the pain in my solar plexis! Does it ever friggin' let up? I have two bandages left to fall off, and my incisions really hurt by the end of the day when I'm as tired as I am now. Fatigue is an issue, but I know it was right to walking this morning for 20 minutes with my crazy poodle, Trevor. I walk very slowly, and mildly bent over. I have this crazy fear that someone will sucker punch me in my band. Weird huh? The mental torment I went through yesterday seems to have purged a lot of the terror I felt at doing such an out-of-character thing as going to Tijuana, MX and having surgery, even safe laparoscopic surgery. I have just had this nightmarish Frankensteinian feeling that I pray will leave me soon. Perhaps it comes when someone has plastic surgery too. It is no doubt inevitable that the mind must catch up with the body. I read feverishly through every piece of 12 Step literature in my house last night to remind myself that I chose, this, I need it, I am a food addict, and I am blessed to be back in recovery with the added support of the band. I merely need to hang on until the swelling and gas pain ends. My friend said hers lasted about 8 days, and I'm on day 6 today, so I feel some hope that it will indeed end one day. I watched her have high energy and enthusiasm, as though she had no discomfort, so I am hoping to have some peace relatively soon. But my therapist is also here to remind me that I must be gentle, gentle, gentle with myself, something an addict is very unprone to do. The good news, and it really is good, is that the paradox of faith can help me transcend any bit of my fears. Focusing on my God and the fact that I am a part of a community of people, both here and in OA, who suffer the same torment, will help me to regain a purposeful life. It is the only way; it always was. In essence, I elected to force myself into recovery. There's no going back. I bid you all peace and surrender to a recovery plan the will help you focus outside yourself and way, way passed food. Remember, overeating is but a symptom of a larger flaw in our thinking. We are, indeed, not the center of the universe. Our task is to stop expecting consolation at every turn in which we feel the least bit discomfort. Our spiritual fitness should be our highest priority: ahead of work, children, husbands, money, food, or even best friends who need us. </p>

Dr. Gonzalez in Tijuana did my band.

Hi everyone, I know you know what I mean when I say that reading your postings is tremendously consoling. I was banded 5 days ago and am feeling every friggin' feeling on the planet. A small bit of criticism at work today had me on my way home balling. The liquid diet and the grieving of my old crutch has me feeling tremendously vulnerable. I like the idea of journaling, and I'm also doing therapy, 12 Step Meetings (OA), walking in the morning (tomorrow is my first day), and sleeping when I get home. My history with depression tells me that I have no choice but to fight and fight hard to avoid it. I've been sober in AA for 23 years, but in my 40s I clearly switched my addiction. It's time to PRACTICE the principles. If I have to read them aloud every day until I internalize them, I will. My name is Maureen. I'm a compulsive overeater. Just for today, and with the help of my band, I will not pick up the food to cope with life's stresses. If anyone can relate to that type of recovery plan, I'd sure be happy to hear from you. I'd also love some tips about how to get some more energy. Water, tea, protein shakes and applesauce are what I'm doing so far. I go to mush on 11/9, which seems lightyears away. Right now, I'm just plain tired and feeling overwhelmed by so much change. But...but. but....I'm very glad to have done this. I am 100 lbs overweight. There, I said it. Yep, morbidly obese. All of the shame and crap that goes with that is still between my ears. But I will rise from the ashes as I have done twice before. But this time. This time? I will have the band to help me stay away from what hurts me and was killing me. I am determined to be well and content in my own skin. I want to live! :faint:

Forgot to say: My starting weight was 226. I'm 5'1" tall. I don't know where I stand right now, but I'm five days post surgery.

I'm in Eugene!

Hi Marv, I didn't wait long for my MX doctor either. I was banded by Dr. Gonzalez. If you want a long-experienced, knowledgeable, sterile, and warm/friendly environment, go see him. His bedside manner is gentle and kind. I think you were quoted too much. Call Dr. G at 877-249-2263. I guarantee you Dr. G or his clinical partner, Dr. Valenzuela, will call you back within short order. They're very eager to help.

I like your username, Darcey. Faith is key, I think. Right now I'm still kind of just nervous and scared. Not hungry but feeling vulnerable and emotional. Where are you? Portland? Good luck with all of your hard work. You will achieve your goal weight, I believe it!

Hi everyone, I'm in Eugene and was banded on 10/26 by Dr. Gonzalez. Today was my first day back at work and boy am I beat. I got the slightest criticism there today, which really didn't amount to much, but I just went home (via the therapist's office) and balled my eyes out. Has anyone else felt really vulnerable during this liquid phase? I won't go to mushy stuff until 11/9, and I'm wondering how I'm going to do it! I'm drinking Protein drinks in the morning, broth, and Vitamin waters. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get some energy? I don't want to eat sugar, but is that what folks do to get passed this part of recovery? I'm eating applesauce and Jello too, but arrrgh... this is tough. Maureen:help:

I have to concur with all that has been said about Dr. Francisco (Paco according to Dr. Valenzuela!) Gonzalez. The man has a good heart and a love for surgery (not to mention 17 years of surgical experience). These are the things anyone would want from a lap-band surgeon, or any surgeon for that matter. My friend, who had also been banded in Tj, went with me for the procedure. As we sat talking to Gonzalez and Valenzuela (who made me laugh so hard I almost popped a stitch), I saw her grinning. Later she said, "He answered your questions as though he hasn't been asked them ten thousand times." It's true. I felt like I was his only patient. He's just a good guy. And, as others have noted, he doesn't advertise as much as he ought. But I prefer his integrity over a factory approach you see in other places. I just returned last night and was banded on Friday. Aside from the discomfort of travelling back to Oregon with reduced mobility from the surgery and stress, I'd say that it was overall a good experience. Hands down, though, Gonzalez is the guy to see. Write me with any more questions you may have, I'll be glad to reply asap. Aren't we fortunate to have this forum? It's a blessing to me. :ranger:

Hi October banders....I'm Maureen. I was just banded on Friday. It's Tuesday, 10/30, and I'm resting at home today. Could anyone tell me how to attached a ticker to my postings? I went to ticker.com and created one, but I don't understand how to link it to my postings. Peace to one and all, MP

Today is my first day home from TJ, banded by Dr. Gonzalez. I found Dr. G and his clinical doc, Dr. Valenzuela, delightful and very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, the nurse booted me out of bed at 5 am the next day. I understand now, however, that this is standard practice. You heal up in the hotel room instead for a while. It was not an easy trip, but I do believe I did the right thing. I live in Eugene/Springfield. I'd like to connect with anyone who wants to work through a 12 step model of recovery while living with the lap band. If anyone knows of good GS or OA groups in this area, will you write to tell me? I could also use a phone chat if anyone is willing. Today is the first day of the rest of my life, right? PS: How do I make a ticker thingy?

I was just banded yesterday, so all of your celebrations are a great motivation for me to work through the healing from band surgery. I do believe I made the right choice, I just don't feel very confident in my ability to make the transition to eating differently. Tonight's dinner was a bowl of soup and some sorbet, which caused me so much pain I could hardly stand it. See? I've already pushed myself too far. But it was a huge lesson to learn, and I've been awake all night thinking about how I must own this and make up my mind to celebrate my band as a means to a new life, even with all that entails. I'm scared and hopeful at the same time, and that feels very weird. I'm looking forward to being at home and feeling snug in my own bed again.

I'm so happy to hear about Dr. Fitzpatrick. I live in Springfield and will be going down to Dr. Ortiz for my band tomorrow. I'll be calling Dr. F's office today to set something up for a month from now. Thanks everyone, this website is sooooo helpful! DrP