Apprehensive

Hello, Your question brings up many stipulations. First, we would have to know what your ideal BMI would be. But from my experience...I went in to surgery with a BMI of 41.7. I was greatly overweight. For the most part, people with higher BMI's will lose weight faster than a person with a lower BMI at first. It also depends on what type of diet you chose for yourself after surgery and the amount of exercize you do. I have lost a bit over 60 lbs now. I have greatly changed my eating habits and have increased the exercize. I could increase the exercize more now. I have learned the rules of the band. Eat slowly...eat proteins first, the veggies, then carbs. I often find that I have no room for carbs. Also, I find that I can not eat more than approximately 3 ounces of protein for each meal. Dr. Ortiz was great spending time with me prior to the surgery and I was able to find answers to questions I had at that time. Plus..you will see that there are many good people on this site with some very valuable information. I hope my input helps. I know I am very happy with the results I have had. I was also very impressed with Dr. Ortiz, his knowledge, professional staff and just the entire experience I had. Best of luck to you and please keep us posted as to your success. My Best, Appy

FANTASTIC! Your post gives me hope of reaching my goal. I have slowed down a bit losing weight, but after reading this post, I will keep on keeping on. Thanks for the great post!

Hello, I was banded back in March of this year and at first, the port area was "tender" but nothing too painful. Like another post I read, the only time I really can feel the port, is when I deliberately touch it. I notice since I have lost some weight, the port seems to protrude moreso. Nothing that noticable. I think I am just more aware of it. Like the doctor told me, after the surgery and recovery time, the only time any one will really notice the port, is during intimate contact. I believe this to be true, in my case anyway. As far as pain...I have never really had much pain from the port site. No more than I expected to have. It was somewhat uncomfortable at first, but I was able to sleep on my left side, where the port is located. So, you will have time to speak with the surgeon prior to your surgery with any questions you may have about this issue. Best of Luck with your surgery...you will probably be very glad you went with this decision...I know I am.

Good Morning from Mexico, Hope this is not too late to be helpful, but I am here at The Camino Real motel in Tijuana Mexico right now. I came down yesterday for my second fill and could not believe how easy it was this time to cross the boarder from San Diego. This is my third time here and each time seemed to be easier than the last. As far as safety...I have had absolutely NO issues at all. My Spanish is not the best but I can make my needs and wants known. Even if you speak little or even no Spanish, it seems to be so tourist friendly, there are many who can guide you and help you find what you are looking for. So as to your question about the safety of crossing from San Diego, there are no problems in that department at all. If you are still considering this trip, safety is not an issue. Good Luck and have fun on your trip. Apprehensive

Congrats on your decision to have this surgery done. I am so happy I have done mine. Only wish I would have done it sooner. I am doing much better than before the sugery. This site also has a number of nice people who can answer questions you may have and are there for support. I found that very helpful. Good Luck with your surgery...you are in the best hands. The great doctors and all the great staff will treat you like family. Let us know how things go. Congrats Again, Apprehensive

Greetings, Congrats on your decision. It was not easy for me to finally make the decision about this surgery and then follow through, but now...I am so glad I did. I feel much better already. It was a challenge going though the different diets...such as the pre-op...eating just what is on the diet you chose. Then, there is the fasting diet prior to going in to surgery, then there is that wonderful liquid diet after the surgery. I was so wound up about knowing I was going to lose the weight I wanted, the time did go by fairly quick. AS I look back now, it was not bad at all. When I was actually on the liquid part of the post-op, I thought about the days...counting them off so I could actually have food with a crunch and or being able to chew something. It worked out fine. Making this decision to have the surgery and the actual completion the surgery will create a big change in your life. There will be some tough times, but this site makes it rather easy to get advice, support and just for a sounding board when you just need to vent. Most people on here are very good about giving valuable information and are so willing to share ideas, trials and errors that they experienced and much more. So...as you see, I can begin to ramble. You just keep good thoughts, think of the long range rewards and most of all...remember you are making the right decision and going to the OCC is the best choice you have made thus far. Good luck, keep us posted as to your success. Best of Luck, Appy

Hello Dwayne, Well, supposedly Vitamin E ointment which you can buy over the counter at about any drug store works the best. I have never used this myself but from those whom I know have used this, it seems as if they liked the results. Appy

Hello, So many changes have or will occur when a person begins this lapband life. I too am not too comfortable telling people at work or for that matter, telling anyone what I had to do in order to lose weight. I feel, that by me telling people that I am dieting, which is true to some extent, they don't need to know each and every part of my chosen way to lose weight. I find that some people will try to push a bit to have me taste or eat something different. With my polite, yet firm..NO THANKS..I get though situations with little or no problems. I also find that good friends and even just people at work who really care...understand and refrain from pushing too hard. Some people ask for my diet secrets because they see the weight coming off. I tell them everything except about the band. Some things I feel are too personal to tell anyone except a chosen few. I tell them to eat 1/3rd of what they normally eat and they will usually see results. That puts them in the same ballpark, but playing a different game. So...you are not alone when you have these inpromptu pizza parties. Some things are to be left up to the person that is at the helm. Very good post Thanks Appy

Very well put. I totally agree with you about following the rules. I admit, it is easy to learn which sliders are easy to allow you to work around the band. I have done that a few times. Like you say, if you follow the rules, protein first, then the other foods...you will continue to lose weight, and have a healthful diet. I find that when I don't eat the protein first, then I am really hungry earlier than I usually am when I do eat the protein first. It is easy to follow the rules, but it is easy to let it "slide" from time to time. With some willpower, we all are better off. Thanks for the pertinent information. Appy

Hello, When I went for my first fill, I chose to stay overnight, just in case...??? Dr. So told me when I went for the first fill, he usually has people refrain from eating immediately after the first fill, but then after that...he said it could be done. Then he threw me a curve and said that since I had done so well (I guess I answered his questions to his liking) he said I could eat small meals while I was there...beginning immediately. So, I did. No problems. I have not be one to challenge the band though. Now, I don't feel like I have enough restriction and will be making plans to go back for another. I am not sure when. As for your question...since you have already had the first one, you should be OK with your plan to have the second fill, hang out during the day and then catch your plane back home. That should be enough time to let you know if you have a good fill. Regardless of your decision...GOOD LUCK and keep us posted as to how the second fill goes. Sometimes I wonder if I should even try for a second. My Best Appy