LoriBecky

This chart is from the Lap Band website - It's called "Stay In The Green Zone" - it can help you decide if you need a fill or an unfill. Its a great resource - check it out.

We've all heard on the news that you should be careful traveling in Mexico - this article puts it all into perspective. Remember Tijuana is a large city, like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, and it does have its problems. But let's not allow the media to blow things out of perspective! I send prospective patients to you guys here at the forum so they can hear first hand from people that have been to our clinic what their experience has been. Everytime I've gone to the clinic or spent time in Tijuana I've had a great time! http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-california...vel-warning.htm

Not true! Not sure where you got this information. The "lap" in lap band is laproscopic. Dr. Ortiz says the band is designed to be placed this way and if it can't... then the band shouldn't be placed. He doesn't do an open procedure... period! If you would like to speak with the doctor directly, let me know and I'll schedule a phone consult, he'd be happy to discuss it.

LORI BECKY: Please let us know if Drs. Martinez and Ortiz and the staff can attend either a Friday night April 24 dinner (informal) or Saturday night April 25 dinner (semi-formal)? Also let us know about any fill discount that might be offered that weekend, if any. If the docs are unable to attend, then we might move it to Vegas for the fun aspect. I will work on it and see what we can get going

ok... Jude, may i just say WOW... =D> you are my inspiration! You go girl!

hahaha - great post! Sometimes I "hate" my band too... especially when something tastes especially good and I want to eat more, but just can't. I actually skipped the Turkey this year at Thanksgiving and ate my favorite side dishes (well a few bites of each). I can have Turkey anytime.... but rarely do I get my mom's sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. Would I have loved to dive into everything on the table and eat to my hearts content... yessssssss... BUT, it was well worth my longing for another spoonful of yummy, holiday decadence when I got on the scale and actually lost a pound over Thanksiving (even with the chocolate covered cashews that I sucked the chocolate off of hahahaha) So... i continue this love/hate relationship with my band.... I really do love it - i only hate it when its really doing its job and I wish I could have just one more bite hahaha... and so it goes Merry Christmas everybody!!! Thank you for making this board such a wonderful support for all of us bandsters! >

you can try this link to fill providers: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Mexican_Bandsters/ they keep a database of fill providers - I believe there is one in San Francisco and one in San Jose.

Dr. Ortiz is being interviewed by "Coach Cher" on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bandbanter on Monday, November 17th - check your local time zone - I believe its 5pm central time. You can call in during the live show with questions - if you miss the show you can listen to it when you have a chance Let's all support Dr. O!

The Doctors will air Wednesday, November 12th http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_page/59 check your local listings!!

Please call the clinic for current pricing on "fill rides". Prices are now calculated individually and not based on sharing the ride with other patients. The costs of transportation have increased as has our patient load. You can get that information when you call to schedule your fill at 1-866-376-7849 ext. 2. Current standard prices are: $100 for the xray fee for the fill $199 includes the fill, and transportation to and from the clinic from the San Diego Airport $279 includes the above plus a night at the hotel. You can email appointments@obesitycontrolcenter.com or call 1-866-376-7849 ext. 2 for details and scheduling. The trolley is always an option for getting back and forth - here is a link to that post for more information: Bus/Trolley thank you!

today is a special on Teen Lap Band surgery - they have interviewed Dr. Ortiz and part I airs today, but Dr. Ortiz segment won't air for a couple of weeks - i'll update you!- check out your local listings: The Doctors

This is great! This is Dr. Martinez performing a fluoroscopy fill on a patient!

I'm so glad you and your baby are OK I'm not a doctor, but my guess is that you had a slip, probably fairly early on and that's what may have caused your problems - did you ever have a fill under fluoro or was it "blind fills"? If you did have a slip, that would be why the band seemed too low and crooked upon removal - that's what a slip looks like and would explain why it suddenly became tighter - it probably continued to slip and felt tighter as your pregnancy proceeded and you started to retain fluids. Most women don't even need an unfill during pregnancy, but some do, a removal is very rare! But if in fact it was a slip, and was worsening, this is what would happen. I'm glad you and your baby are OK!! Keep us posted do you know what you are having?

Julie, I am so sorry about your experience - I have forwarded your note to the clinic so they can make sure that doesn't happen again! There is a doctor on duty day and night, so even in the evenings or before or after hours you should always get someone on the phone. 1-866-376-7849 ext 5 for post-op docs, ext 3 for Dr. Martinez or ext. 4 for Dr. Ortiz. Victoria - I just sent you an email, I haven't received anything from you so please forward those emails with questions - i don't have anything from you - just went through my old emails and my junk folder and don't see anything - you can always call me 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81 with questions.

the doctor has been answering questions in video's - i'll submit yours - here is the link to the video's: Lap Band Videos

if you send me the information I will be happy to present it to the doctors. You know, sometimes you just need to ask the right way and give him details - most doctors won't commit to anything without all the details! We are all working so much lately that he honestly can't commit to anything outside of work, but send me the details and I'll see what I can do

Who is it that talked to Dr. Ortiz, I had let somebody know to email me with specifics and I would see what I could do. I was even going to try to work out some fill stuff with the clinic - please send me more detailed information and I will work on it!!

OPRAH TODAY!!!! check your local TV listings or go to the website: http://www.oprah.com/index spread the word!! Cassie on Oprah

Ok guys. I have to say this again, when you let some <insert name here> dictate how you react and whether or not you use the forum, you let him win. If you refuse to react he'll go away, just like a whiney little kid - he'll get bored and go. Don't give him what he wants. I can't say this enough... ignore ignore ignore. You are giving him exactly what he wants. I'll keep an eye out as will our other spaminators, but please do NOT RESPOND TO HIS POSTS OR EMAILS. thanks

You can go to this link and view our videos and subscribe so you can be alerted to new videos as they are added. There is a lot of great information here! Pass it on OCC Videos

http://gallery.me.com/arielortizlagardere/100036

We have some new help on the forum, most of you arleady know her <drumroll> welcome Clynn! She will be helping to keep the board clean, fun, friendly & supportive

done! its easier on us if you just report a topic or poster, otherwise I have to stumble upon messages to check. thanks let's keep our forum clean and supportive!

don't forget that aol is free now and they have easy chatrooms! you can make them private, so only those invited can enter, or public. Might be an easier way to chat!

> > > > > > > > all around!