Hi Everybody,

Did it! Done it! My surgery was on Monday and it went so smooth! Dr. Ortiz is the bomb! Had an awesome experience! I am a revision... so, I had my band removed and the sleeve done at the same time. The doctor said I had alot of scar tissue around the band and a tiny hernia...but, they fixed all that.

The IV was the hardest part of the whole process. For being a big girl... I have tiny veins and they are hard to find and hit! Ended up getting poked 5 times before they got it...but, if that is the worst... then I consider myself very very lucky!

I was in OR for about an hour and a half... pretty groggy when I came out... my friend, Stacy had two heads for awhile. Smile!

Got up about three time to go to the restroom... had a little nausea, but the nurse gave me something for that right away and haven't had any other problems with that again.

Woke up at about 6:00am Tuesday and read and relaxed until I was discharged at about 10:30 am. No pain, no gas... felt good! The drain was the most uncomfortable part, which felt like I had a stitch in my side (like you get when you run alot).

Got back to the Marriott (great hotel) and took a taxi up to WalMart for a walk around, and then walked back to the hotel. Had some Water and chicken broth for dinner and as long as I sip slowly... no problems.

On Wednesday... back to the clinic to have my drain checked... all good. Went to the dentist and had my teeth cleaned and then back to the hotel for a nap. Broth and hot tea for dinner and called it a night.

Today... got my drain out...yeah! Two days ahead of schedule! Just relaxing and resting today.

Tomorrow... head back across the border and will have two days in San Diego before I fly back home on Sunday. Thinking about going to the Zoo and doing a little shopping!

Overall, I am sooo glad that I had this done and very excited about getting to onederland! Dr. Ortiz and Obesity Control Center is the absolute greatest and I highly recommend him to any and all!

Thank you to everybody that sent me your thoughts and prayers and I am ready to get this journey started!

Cheers, Dottie

i'm happy everything's going so well for you! it's nice to read it when that happens

Congrats and the best of luck in your new adventure, keep us informed on your progress.

Congratulations and so glad to hear you're recovering so well!!

Congratulations!

I'm So happy for you as long as we have this tool it will help us get over with fat.

SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!.That is amazing. I was told I would have a two week down time. My surgery is scheduled for Sept 24th. I'm on my second day of liquids and the closer to time and the more phone çalls from the hospital getting everything prepared I'm getting really nervous. Helped me so much reading about your procedure. Please keep us posted on what to expect with ours. You are on your way.

Congratulations! I'm glad that part is over for you. One week from tomorrow I'll be going in for mine. It seems unreal right now, but I'm starting to get nervous. I can't wait for this all to be over and am so excited about starting my new, thin life!

Great job! So active so soon! Welcome to the BIG LOSER'S BENCH.

Glad you're doing so well! Way to go! Good luck on your new journey.

Congratulations! It is so great to hear that you have such a good experiance. I am scheduled with Dr. Ortiz in November so any advise you have would be greatly appreciated! Good luck with your journey, I look forward to joining you soon when I can start mine.

Hi All!

Just an update... one week out! Doing great! I went to the San Diego Zoo five days after my surgery and had an awesome time. I think it was a record high in San Diego of about 100 degrees! Sipping my water and keeping hydrated. I have had two episodes of "didn't agree with my new tummy"... my fault for trying spice in my broth. I have toned it down and all is well.

My flight from San Diego was smooth... got a letter of necessity from my surgeon and was able to take a couple drinkable yogurts and gatorades on the plane.

I stepped on the scale today and am down 10 pounds since my surgery. Yeah! Love being here with my Mom and lots of choices for my full liquid phase. Another week and a half and then to softs... can't wait to try cottage cheese! Life's little pleasures! Staying active and walking my Mom's dog and walking the mall and Wal-Mart.

Guys, keep the positive thoughts coming and I will meet you all in onederland! Bought my first 1X top in forever today!!!

Cheers to ALL!

Dottie

Congratulations, good luck on your continued weight loss!