LittleBird

Water. I know I'm not drinking enough of it. My pee is too dark. I don't know how I'm going to get all I need in right now. I'm trying, but the gas pain when I drink anything is unbearable and I can't drink when I'm in that pain. I did have the mother of all burps last night - GOD it was better than SEX and I do seem to feel better today; but I haven't tried anything but water this morning. My tummy is still very tender. Liquid Tylenol helps (and it tastes great too...mmmm cherry!) I started my period on top of everything else...dang that is the one thing I haven't heard mentioned in any of the books I've been reading...."Your period and healing from WLS" Nope, not in any of the books.... I did finally have a small BM this morning. Dang that felt good too. Just a mental relief more than anything. Yesterday I started drinkig an Atkins shake and I am still working on it this morning. I feel I need protein and I know I'm not getting it right now. I'm probably worried for no reason. It's only been 6 days... I'm planning on returning to work tomorrow. Not excited about it, but I have to make some money!!

the grass is now growing back. Wierd eh? I haven't thought about it much with all the excitement of my trip to Mexico....DH and I are having a wedding reception on this Saturday too - so I have mucho on my plate!

She is a great photographer - she has been doing it for over 20 years! the best part is she is free for me! *wink* thank you for the compliments.

Before surgery my friend came over and we took some pics by the fire. This is my favorite and I thought I would share! I couldn't post it before the trip!

Before surgery my friend came over and we took some pics by the fire. This is my favorite and I thought I would share! I couldn't post it before the trip!

Ugh! I was banded on 8/16 - so this is day 5 banded. I'm happy but my body is a mess. I'm so gassy (like a huge burp that won't come out) every time I try to take anything in. I'm trying to drink more water (64 oz seems impossible right now, I'm lucky to get 16-20oz in). I've tried jello, homemade broth, apple juice diliuted and yesterday I had a few spoonfuls of low cal yogurt. I've heard others say they feel no restriction, but NOT ME. I can only take like an ounce or two at a time and then feel like crap while the sick, gassy feeling rumbles around my tummy for hours. I haven't been able to sit long and have been walking a lot. I just keep telling myself its only temporary. My nose is quite refined now - I can smell food a mile away! *wink* My DH has been great and the kids just hope I feel better soon.

Our flight coming home was delayed and we didn't get home until 2 a.m. We upgraded to first class at the last minute - What a difference! Totally worth it in every way. So, I'm banded. I'm gasy. I have pressure every time I drink something that feels like I want to puke, but its just air - a horrible uncomfortable burp - that takes forever to come out, my tummy is tender and I haven't had a bite of solid food since the 15th of August - and I'm LOVING EVERY MINUTE. I know these uncomfortable feelings are temporary and I know I'll be able to take an actual bite of something in a few weeks. Going to Mexico to be banded was one of the best "vacations" I've had. Upon arrival in San Diego (late again) - My DH and I were greeted by a man holding a sign "Cindy S Dr. Ortiz". I have always wanted to come off a plane to be greeted by a guy with a sign like that! Seriously - so I knew our trip was off to a good start. We collected our baggage and two more patients and headed off to Mexico. I don't know exactly what I was expecting at the border, but what I saw was a shock to my preconcieved notion of Mexico. There were dirty sidewalks, cars that could barely stay on the road, bright colors and policia with GREAT BIG GUNS! I was thinking "Holy Crap, what did I get myself into??" We drove to the clinic where all the pre-operative testing was done on the patients scheduled for surgery the following day. There was a lot of waiting and I was hungry. I felt a little foggy, unsure of myself, as if I was in a dream. Pre-op testing was done by about 12:30 p.m. (after a 10 a.m. arrival) and the first thing on my mind *after learning I had indeed lost 12 lbs preop* was food!! The shuttle took us to the hotel Lucerne. It was nice and the hospitality of the employees was wonderful, but all I was thinking about was, "where are we going to get lunch?" DH and I opted for a local Mexican *duh* eatery. It was across the street from the hotel. At first this seemed like a simple undertaking, just meander across the street to get a bite to eat. We walked out to the tangle of traffic coming and going in all dirctions in a huge 4 lane roundabout. We stood at the corner...and didn't move. The term "Frogger" comes to mind....Traffic was crazy. We took deep breaths and made a run for it! We made it safely. Lunch was fantastic, authentic and spicy! Just how I like it. After lunch came a long liesurley walk to the shopping center (an outdoor mall) and then a relaxing swim in the hotel pool. We then met with another patient and her friend for a wonderful Mexican seafood dinner at Los Arcos. The day had been wonderful and I tried not to be nervous about the upcoming surgery. I found out that DH couldn't stay over night with me in the surgery center. I started to wig out a little bit. I also found out they were picking up patients before SO so I'd be arriving without him as well. Dang! And I thought it was him who was codependant! Arrival at the surgery center was uneventful. We were picked up at 8 a.m. from the hotel by the surgon's mother. Now SHE has a cush job! Pick people up and drop them off in her leather, loaded BMW - off work by 3 p.m. Looks like her son has taken very good care of Momma. After waiting for the previous day's patient's to be discharged, each patient was shown to their room and promptly given some pills - probably to ensure we were relaxed. The Spanish Speaking Nurse "Jusa" and her partner in crime helped me with surgery stockings and placed my IV. (The first IV attempt has me more bruised than the 2nd one.) Then there was more waiting. DH watching TV. I finally told the Spanish Speaking Nurse I had to pee. Little did I know it was my turn for surgery and she told me "A kiss" translation "give your husband a kiss, your going under!!" I walked to the bathroom. Went pee unbanded for the last time and walked into the surgery room. Climbed up on the bed and they started to strap me down. (not as scary as it sounds) Music was playing - I can only remember that it was American Music. The Anestesiologist was there and proceeded to knock me out. I think he asked me something like "Is this ok" and I replied "Like I have a choice?" and that was the last thing I remember. I woke up still in the surgery room. Freaking out because I felt work still being done on me...I'm sure it was minor, but holy shit, it hurt! I started wiggling my left hand and moaning so they knew I was waking up. They seemed to know this already and remained calm...more than I can say for myself at the time! They finished up what they were doing, took atvantage of me being semi coherant and had me help move my body onto another bed - my bed from the room. (I asked around later and I think I was the only one who was awake BEFORE leaving the room - ) Then I was out again. I remember an oxygen mask on my face. I remember telling DH I was in pain. I remember the Spanish Speaking Nurse giving me something in my IV for pain. Actually the rest of the night was pretty blurry. I did get up and walk after a few hours of rest. I remember being on the internet and chatting with other patients but its all very blurry. I finally slept. It was late morning when the shuttle took us back to the hotel. I didn't wan't to sleep the day away so 4 of us went shopping at "Revolution" - which translated means "the-fastest-way-to-get-gringos-to-part-with-hard-earned-dollars-for-cheap-trinkets-hecho-in-mexico." It works too!! But seeing the sights and sounds were great. I wasn't in a lot of pain and I wasn't hungry so the Churros and free samples of Tequila didn't bother me too much! If I had it to do again however I would go there BEFORE surgery! It was a great trip. I made new friends and enjoyed myself. It really felt more like a vacation than a medical trip.

Our flight coming home was delayed and we didn't get home until 2 a.m. We upgraded to first class at the last minute - What a difference! Totally worth it in every way. So, I'm banded. I'm gasy. I have pressure every time I drink something that feels like I want to puke, but its just air - a horrible uncomfortable burp - that takes forever to come out, my tummy is tender and I haven't had a bite of solid food since the 15th of August - and I'm LOVING EVERY MINUTE. I know these uncomfortable feelings are temporary and I know I'll be able to take an actual bite of something in a few weeks. Going to Mexico to be banded was one of the best "vacations" I've had. Upon arrival in San Diego (late again) - My DH and I were greeted by a man holding a sign "Cindy S Dr. Ortiz". I have always wanted to come off a plane to be greeted by a guy with a sign like that! Seriously - so I knew our trip was off to a good start. We collected our baggage and two more patients and headed off to Mexico. I don't know exactly what I was expecting at the border, but what I saw was a shock to my preconcieved notion of Mexico. There were dirty sidewalks, cars that could barely stay on the road, bright colors and policia with GREAT BIG GUNS! I was thinking "Holy Crap, what did I get myself into??" We drove to the clinic where all the pre-operative testing was done on the patients scheduled for surgery the following day. There was a lot of waiting and I was hungry. I felt a little foggy, unsure of myself, as if I was in a dream. Pre-op testing was done by about 12:30 p.m. (after a 10 a.m. arrival) and the first thing on my mind *after learning I had indeed lost 12 lbs preop* was food!! The shuttle took us to the hotel Lucerne. It was nice and the hospitality of the employees was wonderful, but all I was thinking about was, "where are we going to get lunch?" DH and I opted for a local Mexican *duh* eatery. It was across the street from the hotel. At first this seemed like a simple undertaking, just meander across the street to get a bite to eat. We walked out to the tangle of traffic coming and going in all dirctions in a huge 4 lane roundabout. We stood at the corner...and didn't move. The term "Frogger" comes to mind....Traffic was crazy. We took deep breaths and made a run for it! We made it safely. Lunch was fantastic, authentic and spicy! Just how I like it. After lunch came a long liesurley walk to the shopping center (an outdoor mall) and then a relaxing swim in the hotel pool. We then met with another patient and her friend for a wonderful Mexican seafood dinner at Los Arcos. The day had been wonderful and I tried not to be nervous about the upcoming surgery. I found out that DH couldn't stay over night with me in the surgery center. I started to wig out a little bit. I also found out they were picking up patients before SO so I'd be arriving without him as well. Dang! And I thought it was him who was codependant! Arrival at the surgery center was uneventful. We were picked up at 8 a.m. from the hotel by the surgon's mother. Now SHE has a cush job! Pick people up and drop them off in her leather, loaded BMW - off work by 3 p.m. Looks like her son has taken very good care of Momma. After waiting for the previous day's patient's to be discharged, each patient was shown to their room and promptly given some pills - probably to ensure we were relaxed. The Spanish Speaking Nurse "Jusa" and her partner in crime helped me with surgery stockings and placed my IV. (The first IV attempt has me more bruised than the 2nd one.) Then there was more waiting. DH watching TV. I finally told the Spanish Speaking Nurse I had to pee. Little did I know it was my turn for surgery and she told me "A kiss" translation "give your husband a kiss, your going under!!" I walked to the bathroom. Went pee unbanded for the last time and walked into the surgery room. Climbed up on the bed and they started to strap me down. (not as scary as it sounds) Music was playing - I can only remember that it was American Music. The Anestesiologist was there and proceeded to knock me out. I think he asked me something like "Is this ok" and I replied "Like I have a choice?" and that was the last thing I remember. I woke up still in the surgery room. Freaking out because I felt work still being done on me...I'm sure it was minor, but holy shit, it hurt! I started wiggling my left hand and moaning so they knew I was waking up. They seemed to know this already and remained calm...more than I can say for myself at the time! They finished up what they were doing, took atvantage of me being semi coherant and had me help move my body onto another bed - my bed from the room. (I asked around later and I think I was the only one who was awake BEFORE leaving the room - ) Then I was out again. I remember an oxygen mask on my face. I remember telling DH I was in pain. I remember the Spanish Speaking Nurse giving me something in my IV for pain. Actually the rest of the night was pretty blurry. I did get up and walk after a few hours of rest. I remember being on the internet and chatting with other patients but its all very blurry. I finally slept. It was late morning when the shuttle took us back to the hotel. I didn't wan't to sleep the day away so 4 of us went shopping at "Revolution" - which translated means "the-fastest-way-to-get-gringos-to-part-with-hard-earned-dollars-for-cheap-trinkets-hecho-in-mexico." It works too!! But seeing the sights and sounds were great. I wasn't in a lot of pain and I wasn't hungry so the Churros and free samples of Tequila didn't bother me too much! If I had it to do again however I would go there BEFORE surgery! It was a great trip. I made new friends and enjoyed myself. It really felt more like a vacation than a medical trip.

Sitting in the clinic with Littlebird, Dr Ortiz did 6 of us yesterday. The day before he had to do a revision on a girl that ate chicken 4 days post band. The clinic is very nice, the staff has been wonderful. Good luck to all of the waiting bandsters.

I'm sitting in Dr. Ortiz' clinic. IV in hand. Lots of walking. I am amazed this day has come and surgery was uneventful. I was down to 243 yesterday, so a total loss of 12. Not far from my goal. Have made friends with a coulple of girls from LBT - comfortaing knowing I'm not alone. I'll post the before surgery pics as soon as I get back home. Staff has been attentive and nice and the language barrier hasn't been an issue (in the clinic anyway) but out in the city it was interesting for a first visit. I'll post more later. Thanks for the info and support!

Im in Mexico since yesterday. WHAT an experience! Waiting for the van to take the group of us to the clinic for surgery today. Feeling jittery, nervous, and good all at the same time. I will post again after surgery!!

Im in Mexico since yesterday. WHAT an experience! Waiting for the van to take the group of us to the clinic for surgery today. Feeling jittery, nervous, and good all at the same time. I will post again after surgery!!

What excersices are you doing exactly. I'm curious for myself...Thanks for sharing!

I used to order and eat before I went home (occasionally), throw away the receipt, pay cash so no record on the debit card, and throw the wrappers out before I got home. Between that and the late night eating, its no wonder I've been getting fatter and fatter. Thank you for sharing. It sure helps to admit this stuff out loud.

Welcome to the board Cheryl. You will find so much information here its incredible. I've been reading every day since I found it! Not ALL day of course - but it has helped me make the time go by faster. Congrats on the weight you have lost! Did your Dr. give you any specific requirements or just tell you "lose 15 lbs"? I started Atkins once my surgery was scheduled so I had almost a month. Within 3 weeks I lost about 10 lbs - and now with a few days to go I hope to drop another 5. It isn't easy - like everyone says - if it WAS easy for us, we wouldn't be getting the band!! Hang in there. We'll help you through it as much as we can! Post away!!

You can do cartwheels???!! I haven't been able to for years!! *wink*

you look GREAT. Did you have to have a TT or did you spring back to natural with the weight loss?

We've only lived there 1.5 years...Didn't have this last year. It was pumped right before we moved in. It's dry underneath...

What does "restriction" feel like exactly?

I realized something last night - I haven't had a migrane - or a headache for that matter- since this new Dr. put me on these pills to treat my high blood pressure! Holy cow. I was getting them 2-3 times a week (up from like 2 times a month). I don't know if there is a connection or not, but considering these new pills cost me .32 cents and the migrane meds cost $15 per dose (after insurance!!) I like the change! I weighed this morning. I know I said I wasn't going to - but I did. It was 245 - NOT the 240 like the Dr. scale said last week. I'm sticking with that number for a few reasons - 1. it seems more realistic. 2. It still means I've lost the required 10 lbs preop. 3. I will lose more in the next few days and it will be "cherries on top". My GOAL was 240 before surgery, so I'll aim for that by Tuesday. I will have to update my ticker though!

I realized something last night - I haven't had a migrane - or a headache for that matter- since this new Dr. put me on these pills to treat my high blood pressure! Holy cow. I was getting them 2-3 times a week (up from like 2 times a month). I don't know if there is a connection or not, but considering these new pills cost me .32 cents and the migrane meds cost $15 per dose (after insurance!!) I like the change! I weighed this morning. I know I said I wasn't going to - but I did. It was 245 - NOT the 240 like the Dr. scale said last week. I'm sticking with that number for a few reasons - 1. it seems more realistic. 2. It still means I've lost the required 10 lbs preop. 3. I will lose more in the next few days and it will be "cherries on top". My GOAL was 240 before surgery, so I'll aim for that by Tuesday. I will have to update my ticker though!

Hey thanks for the tips! I appreciate it.

Thanks for the comments ladies!! I'm glad SOMEONE understands! "Because I can..." thats what I told my daughter.

DD - "What are you doing Mom?" DS - "Are you going out Mom?" DH - "Why did you do that?" My reply - I can't smoke. I can't drink. I can't eat. So I decided to curl my hair. I'm tired. I don't want to walk. I've been walking every day over a mile and I like the way it feels but damnit I'm tired tonight and don't want to walk. It's probably PMS - I just figured it out. I always get like this (tired) right before - but right now its rather inconvienent. I primped to see what my longer hair looks like curled - I like it. And because I'm bored and DON'T want to get on that treadmill tonight. I also weighed at the Dr. office while having my BP checked (its down from last time, but still a little high) - a different scale than last time and according to that scale I've only lost 7 lbs - it says 8 lbs more than last week when I was there. So I either gained 8 lbs in one week or never lost it to begin with and have only lost 7 lbs all together. It was just the cheap on the floor kind but I expect a Dr. office to have an accurate scale. Either way, I'm freaking out. Maybe I'll just stop weighing till I get to Mexico the day before surgery. *Big sigh*

DD - "What are you doing Mom?" DS - "Are you going out Mom?" DH - "Why did you do that?" My reply - I can't smoke. I can't drink. I can't eat. So I decided to curl my hair. I'm tired. I don't want to walk. I've been walking every day over a mile and I like the way it feels but damnit I'm tired tonight and don't want to walk. It's probably PMS - I just figured it out. I always get like this (tired) right before - but right now its rather inconvienent. I primped to see what my longer hair looks like curled - I like it. And because I'm bored and DON'T want to get on that treadmill tonight. I also weighed at the Dr. office while having my BP checked (its down from last time, but still a little high) - a different scale than last time and according to that scale I've only lost 7 lbs - it says 8 lbs more than last week when I was there. So I either gained 8 lbs in one week or never lost it to begin with and have only lost 7 lbs all together. It was just the cheap on the floor kind but I expect a Dr. office to have an accurate scale. Either way, I'm freaking out. Maybe I'll just stop weighing till I get to Mexico the day before surgery. *Big sigh*