Tagger

I've used these whole body vibration machines several times. There is a poster of different exercises or movements or positions that you should go through each time - each one for about 30 seconds for a total workout of 10-15 minutes. It is not a matter of just standing on it unless you are not able to do the exercises. I felt great after the workouts, muscles were tired and I was sweating. I'm saving my money to buy my own machine. Kim

I had my surgery on July 27 with Dr. Aceves. I'm on vacation in another province right now and don't have the list for full fluids that I was emailed before surgery. I know of milk, Protein shakes, yogurt drinks - anything else? Many thanks Kim

Hi Penny, I feel great! No incision or tummy pain at all. Occassionally, if I hiccup or something I get a little shoulder pain but otherwise nothing. Fluids have been going down fine but I just cringe at my next drink of Water and adding anything to it makes it so sweet tasting. So like you, I am probably a bit short each day. Also, being on vacation it isn't as convenient to grab something from the fridge you know? I had a brief message from Jaz last week but nothing since. Hope she is doing okay. It was great meeting you too, hope you keep doing well and keep in touch. Kim

Thanks so much Tiffykins, that's exactly what I needed. It sure doesn't seem like there is much difference between full and mushies, does it. Kim

Hell's Ditch - The Pogues

Areelady, did you ever figure out what this pain was? I was woken up with it again at 6:30 this morning. It lasted about an hour - no gas, just pain below the sternum. Severe, crying pain! My doc sent me for an ultrasound for gallbladder a couple of weeks ago but it was clean. I go back to him tomorrow so will see what he thinks. Kim

I went on the group trip to Dr. Huacuz in May. Lori was great and made sure everything went smoothly. Dr. Huacuz is really nice and relaxed and I felt totally comfortable with him. The only problems I encountered were a long delay in actually getting the surgery - he had 5 patients scheduled for that day and I didn't go in until 3 am so had been without Water since 6 am the day before. Also, some of his staff including the nurses do not speak English. There are a couple of people who come in and translate but they were hard to find. The whole attitude was laid back and unhurried which in some ways was nice but when you needed something or someone in a hurry it was a bit frustrating. The other ladies I was there with also were frustrated at times. Overall, it was a positive experience though and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Dr. Huacuz to my family and friends. Kim

I had this exact pain yesterday and was woken up by it a week or so ago. Yesterday, I thought I was dying it was so bad. I phoned my fill doctor and he said to come right in. Of course by the time I got there the pain was completely gone, but he said it sounded like gallbladder so is sending me for an ultrasound. The only way I could describe it was it was like really bad indigestion right below the sternum, but I couldn't get relief with tums. Anyway, he said it wasn't my band and proceeded to give me a 1.5cc fill (my first, I am only 5 weeks out). So, if he's not worried then I'm not worried - I think it's the not knowing that is so scarry. Hope it doesn't happen again - to you or me!

Metalband & Kalali- Thank you for the advise concerning shoulder pain. I tried all of your suggestions and also got my son to rub it a bit last night and this morning it was much better. Hope that is a sign things are looking up. Kalali, my surgery was with Dr. Huacuz at the Huacuz Surgical Center in Tijuana. He and his staff were terrific - it was a great experience. The flight home was another story but eventually got here safe and sound. Congratulations to you on your banding. Kim

Hi Everyone, I was banded on May 24th in Mexico and everything went great. But almost immediately I started having the shoulder pain from the gas. Every day it seems to get worse. Yesterday I went to my PCP and he gave me codeine but it does not even touch the pain. I'm supposed to go back to work tomorrow but I just don't think I can. Please, if anyone can tell me how to get rid of it, please let me know. I'm in tears here. Thanks. Kim

Just wondering if Better than Boullion is available in Canada and if so where? I see it mentioned on the US threads alot. Anyone know?

I finally found it at Sunterra Market here in Calgary. Our IGA didn't carry it but thanks to all that made suggestions.

Thanks everyone, I'll try IGA and a couple of independent stores - if no luck will order online. I'm starting my pre-op diet Sunday and I agree - might as well have something that tastes good.

Hi everyone. I will be banded on May 23rd in Mexico. I'm very excited but at the same time I have some fears, mainly about travelling alone and also about a 7 hour trip home on the 25th being freshly banded. I haven't told anyone about the surgery (no husband to worry about and kids are grown). So it is a bit scarry to be going off to another country for surgery and no one knowing. But my surgeon has a great rep and I'm sure things will go as planned. Just wanted to say hi, and congratulations to all you May bandsters.

I work Saturdays but any Sunday would be okay for me. Kim

Count me in too. I am pre-band (banding May 24 by Dr. Huacuz in TJ). I live in Calgary and am up for monthly, bi monthly meetings and would be willing to host on a rotational basis. Hope this gets off the ground. Kim

Forgot, I'm in Calgary too.

I am looking into going to Dr. Huacuz in TJ, Mexico on one of their group trips. The cost is $7900 US, So if anyone is interested in going in April, May timeframe please let me know.

Just wondering...can you only claim it if you had your surgery in Canada or can you claim it if you went to Mexico?

Hi all, I have been lurking on this site for a while now and am getting closer to deciding which doc to use in Mexico. My problem is I have no companion so will be travelling from Calgary alone. I'm really nervous about being in a different country where I don't speak the language and going through all of this stuff by myself. Has anyone else travelled to Mexico alone and was it all okay? Any reassurance or cautions would be welcome. Kim

Who was your doctor Devana?

Hi all, I have been lurking on this site for a while now and am getting closer to deciding which doc to use in Mexico. My problem is I have no companion so will be travelling from Calgary alone. I'm really nervous about being in a different country where I don't speak the language and going through all of this stuff by myself. Has anyone else travelled to Mexico alone and was it all okay? Any reassurance or cautions would be welcome. Kim

Thanks everyone and thanks Yoda for the bump. Okiegirl, I will likely be going to Dr. Ortiz but not until October. I just can't get the money together before that but thanks for the offer, it would have been great to meet you there. You all have eased my fears so I think I will be okay. I have learned so much here about the ups and downs of having this surgery and the ups certainly seem to win. I will continue to come here for support as my time gets near. Best to you all.

Thanks everyone for your input. I am thinking I will probably go to Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Kuri in October or November. If anyone else is scheduled to go at that time it would be great to try to go at the same time. I'm not planning on telling anyone that I'm doing this so it is nice to know that you are all out there with support and encouragement. Gee, I'm usually so brave - not sure why this feels so scary. Kim