Well, I have to admit I've been lurking amongst you all for the past couple of weeks. After deciding that I just might consider going ahead with this, I thought:

1. my vacation dates would not coincide with available surgery dates

2. there could not possibly be open dates on such short notice

3. open plane seats during holiday travel would be hard to find

4. holiday plane fares on such short notice would be exorbitant

5. funding couldn't work out so quickly

6. my family would think I was crazy

To my amazement, everything has worked out; it all unfolded so quickly I've hardly had time to reflect on the decision. I've found a lot of information, comfort, confidence, and wisdom throughout this board, though, and would like to express my gratitude to all of you as I continue on the process, without looking back.

Heading out the door to begin this adventure; I'll update as the adventure unfolds.

Congratulations on your banding tomorrow! Everything will be fine. Being nervous is very normal. This is a very good beginning to the new year!

Michelle, good info. Like Michelle said, (and several others here) Northerner, be sure and have your aftercare lined up BEFORE you're banded.

I'm researching for doctors closer, just in case. The doctor and I are on opposite ends of this great continent, though, so in the case of emergency, I must have back up plans. My intent is to return to Mex for follow-ups. (Hey, never in my life have I had such a great excuse to escape to Mexico!) However, if there are any complications, I know I will need to have reasonable and quick alternatives, and am doing what I can to make those arrangements accordingly. Thanks again to all of you for your info, support, knowledge, wisdom, and willingness to share it all.

Northerner, goodfor you to arrange a Dr. in the event of an emergency. Dr. Ortiz & Martinez are fabulous on answering their cell phones and answereing any questions you may have once you get home. Never once in 8 months was I not able to get ahold of them, if not directly I would leave a message and get a call back within minutes...but it is wise to have something lined up close to home in the event of an emergency. Where do you live?? Maybe someone here on the board knows of a Dr. in your area who takes patients banded in Mexico that can offer some help.

1st, i'm glad to hear of the gas mask. this is what i recall from my last jaw surgeries. worked quite well, thank u! 2ndly, i think apprehension is all part of the process. i hear of people going with out their families, and feel frail, very frail. if folks can do this easily on their own, i can surely do this easily with as much support as i have! and so i c arry on. we all know that the deepest changes needing to be made are withini my head!

la_madam, i have to tell you this, out loud: you've made such a difference in my mental and emotional approach to the process. the web was designed for folks like you, who make an honest and real difference in the lives of others. i celebrate you!!!

All went well, was banded without incident. The experience was terrific; Drs. Ortiz and Martinez, Mrs. Ortiz, the anesthesiologist--all A1 people in my book. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again! Thanks to everyone for words of encouragement; now I'm off to other sections of the boards to get through the next stages. Tom Petty put it best: "The waiting is the hardest part."

hello everyone,

I'm getting banded on 1/14/05 and this forum has helped me tremendously. It has comed my nerves, taught me what to expect and given me the support I never thought I would have.

Thanks

Welcome home Northerner!! So glad to hear you had a good experience!! Congrats and I hope you have a speedy recovery!

By now you've been banded and are starting the first few days of your new life!!! Congratulations on your decision to get your life back! I find that things turn out best when done spontaneously...at least for me anyway....I work better under pressure; making on-the-spot decisions (working in the ER on midnights for a few years helped me in that area), not worrying about details, or having time to talk myself out of it. Usually my FIRST instinct is the right one. And "everything happens for a reason".....Please keep us posted ......hope you're recovering well.....relax....it's a pice of uh er fruit~! yeah that's it!

Take care...

Nancy*

On a couple rather serious notes:

1. Is aftercare/followup/fill the patient's responsibility, or should I await recommendations from the Dr? What I've read on the board is unclear, and seems to go both ways. I've been somewhat awaiting the Dr's recommendations, naively believing that is the best choice. Can I please get some feedback on this? As I get closer, these concerns are becoming very real for me, particularly because the Mexican Dr and I reside far, far away from eachother...

2. I'm also finding myself stressing on going under, thinking what if I don't come back. I don't have much experience under anesthesia, just twice that I can recall in my lifetime, and the closer and closer I get, the more fear I sense (my own and my family members'). More information, so that I feel knowledgeable going in, might help. Anyone?

Thanks again for everything. Time's ticking! Happy New Years All!