After all the crying and stress and worry I finally found peace in my decision and had the LB surgery on 1/12/06 - that's right 2 days ago. I just got back home to MN about an hour ago and wanted to let those of you who patiently put up with will all my worries and questions - that I am fine - and happy.

I saw Dr. Kuri and his team of surgeons in TJ, Mexico. They were more than what I could have expected. Yes, the nurses and assistants spoke little English but they were kind and thorough - and any time there was something that they could not understand from my charades they immediately called their P.R. manager up to my room and she took care of everything. But all of the surgeons spoke perfect English and could not have been more professionoal and knowledgeable.

They also have a brand new hospital that is so clean you could eat off the floors - and the staff is there to take care of you.

Other than pain the day of the surgery it improved 100% by the next day

(they keep you two nights in the hospital - the night before surgery for pre-op testing and the night of surgery) Presently they pay for three nights in a hotel for your companion/spouse (but that may change since they have now moved to their new hospital) rooms are situated so that a companion can stay in the room with you. There is a padded "bench/couch" and also a good recliner.

Well, I dont' think I have much swelling so my restriction is not here - but that is the mark of a good surgeon - so I'll take it! But I will be following the eating rules of banding and get my first fill in 6-8 weeks.

Paula, Terry, Sarah and I were banded the same day and what fun we had together! Also my husband (Kevin) and Paula's friend (Michelle) were our companions and encouragers - can't say enough about how all that support really helps!

I'll keep you posted on my progress - hope I won't be singing-the-blues any time too soon!

Thanks for all the words of wisdom and good advice that so many from this board offered during my days of research!

Patti:clap2:

WB and congratz!! Can't wait to be banded myself!!

Amy

Congratulations, Patti!! Now take it easy and let your body heal. You've had surgery and even if you feel great you need to REST! Glad to hear things went well. :biggrin1:

Welcome to bandland! I'm glad things went so well for you.

Welcome to bandland!

Your post puts my mind at ease... I have my surgery date with Dr. Kuri on Feb. 28th. Sounds like I picked a good one. Congrats to you on your band.

Thank you so much I have the band surgury coming up this Thurs and I am very anxious. txs again

Glad you did so well! Welcome to Bandland! And, incidentally, if anyone is struggling with Head issues and the lifestyle changes that seem (to me at least) to be the hardest part of banding, there is a great set of Guided Imagery CD's that really helped me look at and chnage some of my "issues." there is more info on the website, as well as a lot of general useful band stuff:

http://www.BandsterME.com Good luck to all! Renee, -61 #

Patti~

Glad it went well for you! Where in Minnesota are you? I'm in the Mankato area and had my band done in Sioux Falls on Tues. Hope your recovery is smooth and pain free!!

Emily

Imalean, I scheduled to have my surgery with Dr. Huacuz... but I am having second thoughts and considering Dr. Kuri or Dr. Ortiz instead... any ideas on who might be a better choice?

I had my surgery with Dr. Huacuz on 8/30/05, and I just want to tell you, what a great man! I was extremely scared once I first got there and was ready to run away, but the minute he came in to talk to me, I instantly felt better. I had no problems following my surgery, Dr. Huacuz himself, brought me and my mom to another facility to do the barium swallow and after that, he himself checked us into the nice hotel. He came back later that evening to see how I was doing and left me like three of his personal phone numbers in case I needed anything. It is entirely your decision on what doctor you choose, but I wanted you to know my experience was nothing but wonderful with Dr. Huacuz. Good luck in your decision, I have read nothing but good things about Dr. Kuri also!!

Thank you so much for your support. I really hope I am making the right decisions and don't end up with any complications! Your words were reassuring. I'll keep you posted.