June 2006 Band Crew

[denverbrodie 0]

turns out i am one of the unfortunate 1 out of 500 or so who's body really doesn't want to cooperate with getting banded. inflammation caused my stomach to swell so much that i couldn't even get my saliva past the band for 4 days and had to stay in the hospital an extra day and stay at the Dr's guest house for 4 days after that. the whole time they kept me on IV and gave me shots for inflammation and antibiotics, some through the IV, some in my hip. i got excellent care and was only charged $500 extra for 5 days of 24hr care. i don't want to think what that would have cost in the states. being in that condition made me lose too much too fast but i've actually put a couple lbs back on so that's a good sign that i'm hydrated again and hopefully the weight will start coming off slowly but steadily from here on out.

i'm keeping liquids down now and may try some thicker Soups and thin mashed potatoes in another week or two and maybe solid food in another month.

[Melissa Lea 1]

Hi Chicago --Welcome to the group and congrats on your procedure.

Denver --so sorry to hear of your complications. Sounds like you were in excellent hands. You can look at it this way, you already had your "band" bump on the road. Should be smooth sailing here on out.

Melissa Lea

[barbara465 2]

Hi to the newbies. Glad some of you are doing well. Sorry to hear of your complications denverbrodie. That was my big fear as I have chronic fatigue and fibromalgia (immune diseases). I was so afraid that my body would reject the band.

I'm on my 8th day and so far so good. Still feeling good. Back to work at the office on Monday and put in two long days. Glad I could have thicker Soup tonight. Its more satisfying than broth.

Let us know those that had surgery today how you are doing.

[Poodles 0]

How is everyone? Hope everyone is doing well. Good luck to those being banded tomorrow.

Just wanted to check in and let everyone know about the low carb thing. I really recommend it. I make my own stuff and blend it into mushies this makes me have less sugar cravings, and eat/drink less too. You can blend almost anything smooth. I have had roast/tomatoes, pork ribs/green chili salsa, and chili so far with no problems. All make a wonderfully great blended "soups". Add a little cheese or sour cream... and you have a great mushie meal.

Wish everyone a fast recovery! And no more complications!

[chako_lady 0]

We made it to Chula Vista by 9:00 pm...wow, 988 miles driven today. We are 7 miles from the border. Am getting excited and a bit more nervous. I think that is because I am pretty exhausted after a long day driving. Go in tomorrow morning for pre-op testing. Will be great to meet you Darren and Barbara! I'm almost there!!!! YEAH!!!

[lizzilo 0]

Posting to this list, because I feel like I know you guys already....

I'm being banded in July in mexico. I haven't told anyone that I'm going to mexico to do this because NO ONE would understand. I feel weird leaving the country without anyone knowing.... Anyone faced this problem?

Liz

[chako_lady 0]

Lizzilo,

I told everyone I was going to Mexico, but it seemed like they all were thinking I was crazy! I just explained to them that the Dr.s in Mexico have trained the American Dr.s, and that thousands of Americans are having it done there. I also tell them I have researched it extensively and am saving thousands of dollars. After all of that most everyone was OK. I am a few hours away from meeting the driver who is picking me up at the border. I'm a little nervous, but it has nothing to do with going into Mexico.

Good luck to you and keep reading these postings. The people on here are wonderful and so insightful ans supportive. You may even find a few people who are or have had this done by the same Dr you are. I am going to Dr. Ortiz. and will be posting my experience with him later this week.

See you Darrin and Barbara in a few hours!!!

[socalgal3 4]

I'm right there with ya lizzilo! I'm not scared about going to Mexico, because I was born and raised in SoCal and have spent a lot of time in Baja and speak some Spanish. My only worry is....should I drive in, take the trolley, park:confused: my car at the border lot? I'm not sure if it will hurt to drive home since I have a stick shift, but I don't think I'll want to sit on the trolley for over an hour either. I have one week to decide.

[chako_lady 0]

SoCal...I will let you know how it works for me. I am leaving right now to head down to the Mexicoach parking. I opted to leave my car there as my insurance only covers me in the states. I'm not sure how much it will cost, but I don't feel comfortable having my car in Mexico. They are picking me up there, so it won't cost me anything to get to the hospital!

Good luck and God Bless...Pray for me, this is really happening!!!! YEAH!!!

[barbara465 2]

Good luck to you. I hear they treat you well there in Mexico. How exciting that you will have a few people to share the experience. Give us a shout and let us know everything went OK.

[BeacheeGirl 0]

Pictures! For those that don't mind :- ) It would be nice to associate Names with Faces. Here's one of my mug:

If you need help posting your pics, you can take any pic off of your computer and create a Free account at www.photobucket.com Upload your photo to that site and it will generate 3 codes. Copy the code that says IMG and paste it here and it will appear :- )

[Poodles 0]

Wow, I totally respect those of you going so far to get the band. I had to drive an hour and a half and thought that was far.

Stay safe.

[barbara465 2]

Let's see if this works. Hubby and me on recent Alaskan cruise.

[Melissa Lea 1]

This is cool with the pics! I'll have my friend take a pic of me this weekend. Been wanting to get some before/afters. Although I was just banded, that can still count as a before!

Melissa Lea

[cutiern 0]

hey ya'll,

i hope everyone is feeling ok!!

barbara, which cruise did you go on? i've decided i will take a vacation next year come hell or high water( i've never taken a real vacation before)!! i'm interested in cruising, but only to alaska.

cutiern:biggrin1: