Back from the Border and Banded

Hey Everyone,  Thank you: Thanks again for those wonderful messages. They went with me to Mexicali and helped others as well.  A gal I sat with on the shuttle read through my whole binder! She learned a lot and I encouraged her to get on OH. Predominant thought: I've been trying to decide what to share all morning, (inbetween sips, walks, and rests), and I think the main idea is that we are so fortunate in America. I've been to Mexico before and I tried to get my head around the cultural aspects ahead of time, but it was so hard to see. . . those that simply do not have enough next door to those that do.  Party time: There were 5-7 of us there at the same time and we all acted like girls at a sleep-over party. You know, instant bonding, support, and tons of humor. Every time I turned around I saw another act of generous kindness; staff to patient, patient to patient, etc.  I have concluded that WLS quailifiers are, generally, a grateful and supportive crew. Angel in the waiting room: I met this cool woman in the waiting room and she had the greatest BMI I have probably ever seen in person. . . yet she absolutely glowed. (I forgot to ask her if she sold beauty products. She was modelic, is that a word?. . . beautiful.) She proudly lifted up her shirt from her wheelchair and lifted her tummy with both hands to show us how it had been softening over the past year! That was her WOW experience and it was as wonderful for her as getting into a size 12 or something. Her attitude was a-mazing. Then, she complimented me on taking this big step to avoid more weight roller-coastering! What a dear. My companion: My mother-in-law, Noreen, who is really supportive of WLS [and/or overcoming any pain-the-the- butt condition/ disease/ relationship] was like the group "mom." I hardly saw her, seriously, because she wandered around from room to room and chatted with everyone. I'll bring her to a coffee soon. You'll like her, promise. As I mentioned before, she's a retired nurse. Hard part: The gagging that happened in the recovery room. (I remember that, but then not much). I must have reacted strongly to the anaesthesia (dang, I need spell-check), because I couldn't keep my eyes open for about 7 hours. My I.V. infiltrated, and I could hear others saying, "Get her UP. She's got to WALK."  But I couldn't even hold my head up. I wasn't awake enought to talk, but could hear. That was not a pleasant feeling, but ended. Yea! Found out last night when hubby picked us up at airport that he hadn't heard anything at all from us on surgery day. He was sick. Finally, he googled Mexicali and called the hospital. SO: Make sure your companions know how to use your (or their) cell phone. Noreen hates cell phones still. This was weird and something I had NOT anticipated. When he told me about how that was for HIM, I couldn't stop crying.  I was so prepared and organized, but not about who calls who. People kept trying my cell, but Noreen was gone and I was too out of it. Anyway, BY THIS time last evening,  Lisa (joy) was waiting at our house, and saw me coming in all weepy. She said, "What's wrong?!"  After hearing that I was having tears about LAST Saturday, feeling badly that Dan hadn't heard anyhting. . . She looked back and forth between Dan and I and got this silly grin on her face, licked her lips in that one way, and started bubbling over in her low little chuckle- WHICH CRACKED ME UP! I couldn't stop laughing then and my stitches hurt like HECK. Have you ever tried to cry or laugh without moving your tummy? Lessons realized: I can tell I'm going to love my band. It's a relief and I can stop fighting with my taste buds and LISTEN to my pouch. I will never assume that my mom-in-law will use a cell phone. My husband loves me. (I knew it, but I saw it when he told me about Sat.) The support here is pricelss. Laughter heals. I love to write. Now I have to make a signature and all that. Fun! What can I do for you newbies? They all helped me so much and I want to be a part of the cycle, if I can.

Wow what a story Cindy! I am so glad you are back home to heal. Here's to a speedy recovery. They that laughter heals all wounds just make sure to hold on to your tummy first!

This whole journey has boosted my need for, or capacity for LAUGHTER.  Thanks Jennifer!

Cindy! What a story!  How awesome!  Thanks for sharing!  SO glad you are doing so well!  Healing Hugs!

Thanks Sandra. Writing has been very therapuetic AND I am feeling so good today and learning about my band. . . like when I forgot to chew jello. I'm pretty sure I have NEVER chewed plain jello before!  (Lisa stopped over just now with baby spoons, which I obviously need to re-train this non-chewer.) You are an inspiration. I love looking at your before/after photos! Cindy

Cindy, you put this whole process so eloquently by the way this journey touches evryone we come in contacts lives.  I told Lisa that if you didn't get up and walk I was gonna go down there and kick your butt!!!  I guess you heard me!!  I'm glad your back and on the bench.  Now it's Lisa's turn!!! Hugs Troy

Oh, so it was your voice urging me to get up. I think someone must have kicked my butt around  7:00 PM.  I feel great today!! Thank God for the WLS tool. Lisa-- 7 days!! I told her to leave something OUT of her supplies so I could bring it over to her, as she has done for me.  Thanks and congrats Troy! Cindy

Cindy, so happy to hear that you had an overall good experience. 2 sisters down 1 to go!! Best wishes on your journey!!

Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. This is a most incredible journey and committment. I'm so glad I get to, we get to share it with such wonderful people, like you! HUGS, Cindy

Thanks for sharing. I'm glad it all went well. Good luck on the loosers bench. Kelly