88KEYZ

I am very tired today as I returned home last night....:w00t:....On April 19th (Sat.) I flew to San Diego, a driver picked me up and whisked me away to Hospital Angeles in Tijuana! Upon my arrival I immediately had blood drawn, x-ray completed, then taken to my private room which was very nice, then they did my EKG, blood pressure, etc. Soon there after Dr. Corvala came in to meet me and was just wonderful with me. I truly felt at ease. Shortly later the anestheseologist came in and we went over my history one more time, then within an hour I was taken down to surgery. Whirlwind....Yes it was! They are very good, very cautious and very caring! I would do it again. I am sore, having shoulder pain each time I need to burp or have excess gas, but once I do so, it goes away. The hospital staff were constantly checking on me, plus the nurses as well. My Mother was with me and my Sister-n-law. On Monday, they dismissed me and a driver took us to San Diego but instead of flying home we opted to stay 2 more days to enjoy the city. I am so happy we did, as I was too sore to fly home at that point. We rented a car and I was great riding around and it was so much easier to walk there and get stronger with new things to see! Oh the beaches, cliffs, landscapes, everything there is just beautiful! My eyes were so full looking in every direction. Then on Thursday 4/24 - we flew home. A great flight we had too. We were given medical papers, x-rays, and a wallet card to carry that would tell any authorities we were surgical patients and we were allowed to bring small lunch coolers on the plane with our liquids we needed for our special diet. It all worked out perfectly with no issues. Now that I am home, I am so happy I went through with it, I am truly going to be very cautious with all instructions given to me and make a healthier me!

I was approved by doctors in the USA, but not by insurance. Also, I was approved by the doctors in Mexico as a definate candidate for lap-band. I will use Fill Centers USA for my fills, they are located in different areas around the country.

I was banded 4/19 and my hospital staff let me know that the gas is escaping due to blowing up the stomach with CO2. It actually escapes through your skin as well, you will feel oily. Gas products do not work on this, walking is the only thing that truly works. Mine is shoulder pain, some are in the mid-chest area. Hang in there it will get less daily. Six days later, I still have soreness, gas pain, but less than the beginning!

I am very tired today as I returned home last night........On April 19th (Sat.) I flew to San Diego, a driver picked me up and whisked me away to Hospital Angeles in Tijuana! Upon my arrival I immediately had blood drawn, x-ray completed, then taken to my private room which was very nice, then they did my EKG, blood pressure, etc. Soon there after Dr. Corvala came in to meet me and was just wonderful with me. I truly felt at ease. Shortly later the anestheseologist came in and we went over my history one more time, then within an hour I was taken down to surgery. Whirlwind....Yes it was! They are very good, very cautious and very caring! I would do it again. I am sore, having shoulder pain each time I need to burp or have excess gas, but once I do so, it goes away. The hospital staff were constantly checking on me, plus the nurses as well. My Mother was with me and my Sister-n-law. On Monday, they dismissed me and a driver took us to San Diego but instead of flying home we opted to stay 2 more days to enjoy the city. I am so happy we did, as I was too sore to fly home at that point. We rented a car and I was great riding around and it was so much easier to walk there and get stronger with new things to see! Oh the beaches, cliffs, landscapes, everything there is just beautiful! My eyes were so full looking in every direction. Then on Thursday 4/24 - we flew home. A great flight we had too. We were given medical papers, x-rays, and a wallet card to carry that would tell any authorities we were surgical patients and we were allowed to bring small lunch coolers on the plane with our liquids we needed for our special diet. It all worked out perfectly with no issues. Now that I am home, I am so happy I went through with it, I am truly going to be very cautious with all instructions given to me and make a healthier me! :thumbup:

I am from Panama City Beach, now living in the Atlanta area, my band was done on 4/19. My family are being very supportive and helpful. I do have other family members also being banded, which is great. Just follow the doctors orders! Never stray from that. PLEASE check the wellness Center at Gulf Coast Community Hospital for support, they usually have a lot of programs. ** Emory in Atlanta performs this surgery and will be the most helpful of any place I found. Personally I had to go to Mexico due to insurance not covering me, but Emory was still helpful to me as I attended a seminar and learned so much before going through this.

I want to know everything about the Doc and your stay, etc. I will be there having mine by him on Saturday the 19th!!!! Please tell me everything.

I do know Hospital Angeles in Tijuana is accredited; My surgeon is Dr. Corvala and his bio is very thorough, extensive and brilliant! This hospital does 100 lap-bands per month and has done a little over 2500 total as it was built in 2005.

Congrats! I know the feeling of excitement to begin anew! BCBS would not pay for me, so I'm having mine 4/19 in Mexico. I feel very good about the facility and surgeon - as you did I have done a ton of research. Good luck and keep posting as you proceed.

Mine is a 7 day liquid - but basically it is low carbs (40 - 50 per day), no sugars, high protein; so with that said, I can have a hard boiled egg, mozerella cheese (0 carb - 0 sugar) and lean steak or skinless chicken breast to ease any craving of chewing or taste of meats; Today is day 3 - I have dropped 6 lbs so far and doing good. My surgery will be this Saturday the 19th in Mexico.

Add me to the "April Avengers"! I'm scheduled for April 19 in Tijuana, MX with Dr. Corvala at Hospital Angeles. I can't wait to change my life and the way I feel!

What was the cost for Dr. Corvala at Hospital Angeles? I have read he is very good.

I'm using the Atkins drinks, per my doctors recommendation. I like them in a blender with ice to thicken them and creates a larger drink.

My BC/BS would not cover me at all...the policy states they pay for 2 nutrition classes per year and nothing else toward weight loss. Therefore, next Saturday the 19th, I'm fly to Tijuana, Mexico and surgery is set for that afternoon after my pre-tests. :sneaky: I am excited, but right now on the liver shrinking diet of 40 - 50 carbs (max per day) and high protein, calories do not matter. So far - so good!