Hello everyone! Well, I did it! I have a surgery date. It is going to be March 23, 2005. I already got my airline ticket paid for, and I'm all set. Now, I have to fill out all there required health and medical forms, and talk with the nutritionist, and the surgeon on the phone. They want me to loose 10-15 lbs before I arrive. This does have me worried. If I could just loose that much in 3 weeks, I think I would'nt even need the surgery. haha.... But the nutritionist is suppose to call me, and I was told that she is really good, and she has all kinds of ways to get the weight off. Apparently, the surgeon would prefer that anyone over 300 lbs try to loose a little bit, in order to reduce the size of the liver. I guess us people over 300 lbs have extra fat in our liver, which can put us at greater risk. Well, I will give my best shot. I am very excited however!!! I decided to go back to Tijuana for my fills and aftercare. If an emergency was to happen, the surgeon has doctors in my area all ready lined up, if need be. So, my journey begins!! I plan on starting a video diary of my weight loss journey. I have already got permission to even have some of the surgery video taped for me. Is'nt that cool! Well, any and all feed back is welcomed.

Poor Alex! You just got out of the hospital and they did a lot of burrowing around inside there. Keep drinking often, to avoid dehydrations. If you can only take little sips, that's fine...they add up. Take your pain meds as needed and try to rest as much as you can. Walk around. Use a heating pad. Drink something warm and soothing, like tea and honey. Each day really will get better and better. (((Hugs))) and please keep us posted.

Nykee: You live in Oregon I assume by your signature right? And are you planning on going back to Ortiz for the fills? If that is true then you might want to consider finding a doc closer to home to keep costs down. My insurance covers half the cost of my fill visits. They also cover half the cost of the office visits as well. Funny most of the insurance co won't cover the band, although I think that is improving, but they will cover the aftercare for the most part. They even covered my port revision surgery. Too funny. Anyway, just a suggestion.

I picked a doc that my Mexico surgeon recommended since he proctored him and called to see if my insurance would cover the visits. They do by half. So there ya go.

My band is great...

Not a problem so far...

I am at day 15.... My biggest worry is getting the money to go get a fill..

Roxanna,

Hello! I read your introduction about your upcoming surgery with Dr. Ortiz and wanted to share my experience with you. I just had the surgery on Wednesday, today is Sat. and I'm feeling really good! Everyone at Dr. Ortiz's practice made me feel very comfortable and they explained everything in detail. The day of surgery is a bit of a blur, but I was very comfortable the whole time. It has all gone much smoother than I expected! Now I just have to get through the liquid stage, but so far so good. I've been drinking hot tea, apple juice, chicken broth, Jello, and popsicles. I've had a few twinges of hunger, but really nothing to speak of!! Please email me if you have any questions at all! I know I really enjoyed talking with people that had just had it done before I went!

jb1744@aol.com

Monica

Nykee: You live in Oregon I assume by your signature right? And are you planning on going back to Ortiz for the fills? If that is true then you might want to consider finding a doc closer to home to keep costs down. My insurance covers half the cost of my fill visits. They also cover half the cost of the office visits as well. Funny most of the insurance co won't cover the band, although I think that is improving, but they will cover the aftercare for the most part. They even covered my port revision surgery. Too funny. Anyway, just a suggestion.

...........................................

Yes I was planning on going to Ortiz for the fill. I heard it cost more to have it done here than to fly there, but I am going to do some research.

My insurence will not cover anything.

So far the plane cost 250$

The shuttle is 100$ (and I dont know if thats one way or roundtrip??)

and I dont know if I can get down there and back in one day or not..

so there would be a motel.

I still plan on telling who ever MAKE IT TIGHT!!!

I can handle it!

March 23? What a lucky day. Of course I'm Bias it's my birthday! All good things happen on that day. Wishing you luck, and that everything goes well. You will do just fine.

Happy Birthday Shamrock!!!!! And Happy Lap Band To Me!!!!!! Only 5 More Days To Go!!!!!!!! I Am Getting Nervous!

Thanks Monica!!! Keep Me Posted On How You Are Doing, Ok!!!!!!

please send this diet to my email...riare43a@aol.com

It would be greatly appreciated.

Maria