Eve P.

Hey Dixie, Please excuse the delay in getting back to you! This is my first fill an Dr. Ortiz did my sx on July 13th. I have had no restriction for over 2 weeks and have a done a great job in gaining most of my weight back... I am going to look into flights and I'll get back to you. Are you going to be staying at the Lucerne post- op or are you going back stateside that day? Eve PS Thanks for the offer

Hello Eve, my freind and I are going down there on the 22 from Virginia. we will be in San Deigo around 10:30 on the 22nd flying on Delta. I understand the fill is $100. Just let me know if you are interested in hitching a ride. Will this be your first fill and Dr. Ortiz band you..how has it been going since. Dixie Darlin

Hi there, I was thinking of coming down the 22nd. fromn Orlando. How much is the fill at Dr. Ortiz's? Anyone else going to be there? I have not booked yet but need to get there before the last week of Sept. Let me know! Eve

Just go to the search engine Killerinfo.com and put in Dr. Ortiz Mexico and his website will come up. He has preformed over 3000 of these procedures. I met a women in Tijuana that was banded by Dr. Fisher in Vegas, one of the very first surgeries done in the USA and he was TRAINED by Dr. Ortiz.There was a doctor from Oregon there getting the procedure done and was referred by another MD. I doubt they would allow someone without training to do their prodedures. Maybe you have another Dr. Ortiz. Take care, Eve

Hi there Jennifer! Just a gentle reminder that you are NEVER allowed to drink soda EVER or you can cause your band to slip. The carbonation may be creating that effect. No bubbles allowed ! Eve

(Written at clinic on July 13th) Well here I am! Just got banded today and am taking advantage of the two computers they have here for patients use. What a beautiful clinic! Ever since I was picked up at the hotel (which is awesome by the way), it's been an outstanding experience. VERY professional, immaculate, the entire staff is terrific.

The surgery was quick, about 24 minutes. The incisions are small and will heal very nicely. They use surgical glue as opposed to sutures and it is so much nicer.I've had a few uncomfortable moments, kinda like drinking something cold too fast, one woke me right up. I grab my IV pole and start walking. It really works. There are 4 other patients here right now and I've met a great couple from Florida. Both nurses.The husband got the surgery and the wife is going to be trained tomorrow for fills.If anyone is interested in a housecall,please let me know and I will get the info to you.There is a doctor here from Oregon also getting a band. ...Eve

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Dr. Ortiz

Tijuana

I had my surgury this Thursday the 13th with Dr. Ortiz. There were 2 nurses there, one getting banded and the other was getting trained to do fills. They live in Ormaond Beach Florida and she will be doing housecalls! Let me know if you want contact info, Eve

You crush your paxil-CR??? You're lucky you haven't had any problems. You may want to ask your doctor about switching to regular paxil, which would be safe to crush.

I am also on Paxil-CR and hope to be able to swallow it, as I don't feel comfortable switching to something else...

Quick update on Effexor capsules: Was banded on thursday July 13th. Talked to the pharmicist and said there was no problem taking med out of capsule. Companies put do not crush or break to stop people from getting stronger mgs. and dividing meds to save money.My family is thrilled I'm still on my happy pills...Eve

Eve,

I will see you in a couple of days. My best friend is coming with me...we are both nurses and friends for many years. She can force me to laugh and be brave in any situatiom. I will also leave my room number at the desk for you, and am happy that I will know someone there. How is the liquid diet going? I really thought it would be harder. But still have only lost 3 pounds, though my clothes feel looser. See you soon,

Sheila

I was actually a last minute appointment as I had the crazy situation here with my insurance and since I teach I need to get my sx done before the kids are back in school. I still have lost 4 lbs since my weigh in at the bariatric center from my nerves I guess.Its getting close! I'll get packed today...

Good luck!! I will be there on Thursday, the 13th and have surgery on the 14th. I hope that we meet and can give each other some moral support. I had similar problems with my insurance, AETNA, and my employer, but I think all will work out for the best. See you soon, Sheila

Ok..heres the deal. I get ALL whining rights on the 13th, and I'll give you exclusive whining rights on the 14th. I'm glad to know you will be there also.Will leave my room number at the desk! Eve

Hey all, I'm off to Mexico on the 12th, this Wed.I'm going alone so I'm a bit apprehensive.It is such a big step. Thought I had my insurance all worked out and found out that the company I work for denied to have my insurance cover any gastric surgery even though Cigna would have covered it. So...talked to Caroline and am going there on the 12th and flying back the 15th. Anyone else going to be there?Wish me luck! Eve

Eve--I was banded June 9th by Dr. Ortiz....and I too was told NOTHING bigger than Advil...I take Paxil CR, (hopefully not for much longer)...and I was told I really should not CRUSH it either....however, since the day of my surgery I have been and I have had NO Problems...but I would double check with your dr. just to make doublely sure....I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR SURGERY....U WILL FIND IT A VERY DOABLE DIET...just remember the Band is ONLY A TOOL!!! Cathy

Thanks to you both for your replies. Mine is a capsule, I'll ask the Dr. what to do. I am having my surgery hopefully before the end of July. I am having it done in Florida. Even without insurance the surgery is 15,000. I was told that I need proof of at least 6 months under a dr.s care for weight loss, a nutritional consultation, dr.s report of my high blood pressure and a psychological evaluation (which they provide through the Bariatric center) and my insurance should cover my surgery. I have a hernia from hysterectomy surgery last May and they will repair that at the same time. I have all the stuff so I'm hoping to have alot less than the 15,000 out of pocket. I was surprised to read of charges into the 35,000's! The company I work for is switching our insurance so I have to wait until July 1 to get the new info so the center can send it in for approval. I have gathered all the paperwork and now it is just wait time.I find this forum a real boost. I realize that this is just a tool, have been researching this for 2 years and look forward for a new chance at success. I am very determined and feel confident about the post surgery time. I know it will be a challange but I have a great support system here at home also. Thanks again for your responses, look forward to talking again! Eve

Hi all, Hello from Florida. I am having my surgery in July. I have been on a capsule for the last 18 years that I take every day. The instructions are not to crush or break apart..(Effexor) I cannot switch meds. Has anyone had this problem? Thanks, Eve