I flew in to San diego, was met promptly by the driver for dr. Otiz. Was taken to the hotel for the night. Hotel staff was very friendly. Put me in a cab to do some sightseeing and souveiner shopping before it was time for bed. The cab driver took me place to place and waited for me.

This morning I met the hotel driver in the lounge. He took me to the surgery center where I met with the nutritionist, cardiologist, anesthesiologist, and nurse who drew my blood and started iv. In a matter of 45 minutes I was under, and then back awake, banded. I got up and walked about one hour after, but would have sooner if the staff had been available to escort me. I voided with the first walk, got some juice and Water. Was cleared to walk walk walk. Left the surgery center at 1pm with an rx for an antacid and toradol sublingual. Returned to hotel room.

There is no incisional pain for me at all. I was down for a total of 15 minutes, he said the procedure itself literally took five minutes because I did well with the preop diet ( down 21lbs as of today! Woot! ) there is plenty of epigastric pressure ( right under my rib cage I the center) but I would only rate it at 5/10 at its worst. It goes down to 2/10 with walking.

There were two other a Americans there getting the procedure down. There were two additional Americans in the lobby that had flown in for fills. Fills are included, but flouro is 100.00. If I book six to eight weeks out for my fills, plane tickets will run bout 200. So this is my plan. The md states that only 2 to 3 fills will be needed.

In sitting here in a mix of elation and trepidation. Before going in this morning I had a brief moment of panic thinking maybe I had made a mistake, but I kept shoving the feeling down as a little devil on my shoulder. Now it's done. 21 days of liquids, now. One day at a time.

I'm scheduled with Dr Ortiz on April 2. Thank u so.much for all the information. Keep us posted

Congrats! I'm glad it went so well for you!

I'm scheduled with Dr Ortiz on April 2. Thank u so.much for all the information. Keep us posted <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

I don't know where you are going in from, but the border crossing coming back only took 15 minutes because I took my passport card rather than my passport book. We went to the "otay" crossing "ready line" on our return. I'm about 24 hours out and feel pretty good. Getting ready to board my flight home. I haven't required any pain medication beyond the toradol sublingual I was given. Take as LITTLE as you can with you if you are going alone as I did. I'm regretting carrying this bag. Also, slip on shoes would be most helpful if you are alone, it's. It's not easy bending to put shoes on. Good luck on your trip! Let me know if you have any questions