PatU

Hi, hopeful! I live in Arkansas (Little Rock) and Dr. Ortiz performed my surgery in August 2006. I completely understand the lack of support. I still have not told my parents or kids about the band. I just didn't need the hassle. My experience at OCC was great! There is nothing to worry about from start to finish ... they treat you like royalty and I am very tough customer. I do get my fills locally from Dr. Rex Luttrell. He is happy to see Mexican-banded patients. If you like, I can send you my blog link privately (I really don't share with many people). I explain my experiences to this point. Email me at pat@patulrich.com Good luck. PatU

I found this helpful article today: http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/taxes/...eightloss_x.htm My only question is whether or not it applies to surgery only performed in the US. Does anyone know? PatU

Yes, it is OK to be scared! I got banded on 8.21.06 and I have no regrets whatsoever. Dr. Ortiz and his staff are excellent and the whole experience is definitely life-changing. I have a thyroid disease and have been trying to keep weight off for almost a decade myself. I'm down 17 pounds and did not gain any back last week when introducing solids back into my diet so I guess something is working! Recovery from the surgery itself is very fast (at least it was for me) and I am back to my regular routine. In fact, I have more energy now on a lower calorie diet than pre-band. I can understand why anyone would be apprehensive about the surgery. I was. I think reading these boards and understanding the process as much as possible is the key. I liked the fact that it was totally reversible and didn't rewire my insides. I would do it again in a heartbeat. PatU

Miriam, I also work in a profession where confirmation is expected so I understand your concerns. I did have good communication with Lori via phone and email and another lady who handled the travel arrangements. I also talked with Dr. Miranda about the pre-op diet (as outlined in the letter) but it was a very short conversation. It doesn't take long to say "protein shakes, water and 4 pounds of greens a day". But, during the weeks prior to my surgery, I did feel a little out of touch since there was so much hand-holding right at the beginning. I did write Lori the Friday before I left to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything and she responded right away. Still, I was a little apprehensive as I boarded the plane. I would have liked a final, written itinerary so I knew what to expect when I arrived. Fortunately, San Diego is nice airport and the OCC driver was waiting at the bottom of the escalator with my name on a sign. I have to admit I also had my fingers crossed but knew I could reach OCC if needed. After that, I felt right at home and was very impressed with the Lucerne, Mrs. Ortiz and the OCC staff before, during and after the procedure. I am a tough customer and it takes a lot to impress me but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend OCC to anyone. The facility is spotless and very professional. Your comfort is extremely important and you feel like you are at a spa. I have not needed any aftercare because I have not had any complications (three weeks post-op). One lady who had the surgery the same day did have a possible infection at her port site and OCC made sure she had precautionary antibiotics before she went home. I feel confident that I can call OCC if I do run into any issues. Of course, you have to feel good about the whole thing -- start to finish -- but hope you don't let a few unreturned calls sway your decision. So far, I don't have any regrets and would do it again in a flash. PatU

No beer was almost a deal breaker for me! I really LOVE the taste of beer and don't drink it to get drunk. I really had to think long and hard about giving it up. Fortunately, I have not had the withdrawls that I thought I'd have (4 weeks now) and can actually watch someone drink a beer without crying. I have had white wine a couple of times since banding with no ill effects. I'm really trying to cut back because of the calories though. At least I can socialize with my drinking friends now and not feel too deprived. PatU

I had the same experiences the first few days but it does get better! I also found that drinking flavored water like Fruit-2-0 or Propel really made a difference . . . and it helped keep me full and somewhat satisfied. I also sucked on sugar-free candies to cut the pangs those first few days. Gum might help as well. I was lucky that my kids could feed themselves so I could stay out of the kitchen. My husband also fended for himself when he was home (salesman). If you are really struggling, I would show your hubby where the kitchen is and how to make a sandwich for himself. ; ) Good Luck! PatU

Glad you made it back! I wondered how you faired during the hurricane. We actually got a little rain from Hurricane John from the west coast. Very odd for Arkansas since we get our moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. I had awful gas on the way home on the Thursday after surgery so I know how uncomfortable you were! I made the mistake of drinking apple juice and it had the worst effect. Plus, we were delayed in Chicago for 3 1/2 hours which made it worse! Thankfully, the gas only lasted that one day and I have not tried apple juice again. I definitely understand about the liquid diet part. I've done pretty well because I was on a liquid diet for a year back in 2000 so it hasn't been too hard. One little trick I have used is to suck on a sugar free candy like Werther's or Jolly Rancher when I get hunger hunger pangs. I also treat myself with the Gogurts and yogurt smoothies. I've never tried those before and I do like them. I have also tried most of the Cambell's soups. I was never a soup person but they are quite satifying right now . . . especially the ones with a little spice. I have to leave the good stuff at the bottom but the broth is good. Both boys are suspicious and don't understand why I'm only eating certain things but I just tell them I am on another diet. Not a lie. I did tell my twin, Pam. She was very supportive but understood why I couldn't tell my folks (just yet). Everyone at work has been extremely inquisitive and worried about my health. However, I have more energy now than before the band! So far, so good. PatU

That's great to hear! Thankfully, the really bad gas only lasted that one day and I haven't had more rumbling. I'm back at work as well with the belly soreness nearly non-existant. Fortunately, I have a job where the only thing that moves are my fingers on the keyboard and mouse so I don't have to worry about overdoing it. : ) PatU

Hi, Catherine: I was reading this post and thought I'd give my two cents (so to speak). I used the $1 per bag rule when I went last week for the clinic driver and doorman at the hotel. We tipped the driver when we arrived at the hotel. And, because our room wasn't ready yet, the doorman had to put our luggage in a secure room so we felt obligated to tip when were able to get to our luggage back. Take plenty of singles! PatU

Hi, RID: I got banded on Monday by Dr. Ortiz and feel great today! I was sore like you the next day but each day it does get better. The only real side effect that I have experienced this week was incredible gas yesterday. I thought I was going to explode at one point. I was traveling back from San Diego and it wasn't the most pleasant feeling in the world. You never knew when a round of rumbling would start and I squirmed quite a bit in my plane seat. However, today (4 days post-op) I don't have that problem and feel quite energized. In fact, I am having to remind myself to consume something as I am not hungry at all. I am still retaining water from either the IVs or flying but am trying to flush that out. I actually weighed more when I got home than when I left. Sigh. PatU

Hey Gals! I thought I'd start a thread for those of us who got banded on 08.21.06 by Dr. Ortiz. I hope all of you are doing well and had a safe journey home. Please write a line when you get a chance! PatU in Arkansas

Interesting topic, indeed. My co-workers think I will be having the surgery in a TJ bar with candlelight, a rusty razorblade and a Corona in my hand. For this very reason, I have not told anyone in my family other than my husband. Even he has his reservations but he's cheap so saving money is more important than my safety. : ) Truthfully, I have been to Mexico and don't have any reservations about having surgery there. With all the recent bomb talk, I am actually more nervous about flying. And, going under. But, I am an optimist and feel certain everything will work out fine. I will be landing in San Diego on Sunday and am looking forward to the cooler temps. It's 100 degrees here in Arkansas! OCC has done a great job with their site and this forum. Knowledge is power. Humor is necessary. Pat in AR

Tizzy -- I have my surgery on Monday, August 21 and have been on the pre-op diet all week. I like beer, too, and Friday and Saturday night will be the hardest! I can't remember the last time I didn't have a beer on the weekend. I have been trying out wines over the last few weeks but nothing's more satisfying than a cold one on a hot day. The second day was the hardest for me because my body finally realized that it wasn't getting real food. I kept a killer headache all day but was better by the evening when I ate some "greens". The rest of the week has been livable but the Soylent Green was starting to look good last night. : ) Stay busy and the week will fly by. At least it has for me! Pat in Arkansas

Your message really struck a chord with me. I also have lost a good deal of weight -- three different times -- and gained it all back. After trying it on my own "one more time" and not losing a bit of weight in 7 months, I decided to have the procedure last week. I am scheduled for August 21st with Dr. Ortiz. I also have thyroid disease and have been struggling with this for years. I did phen/fen, Xenical, medically supervised diets . . . you name it. I think if you are overweight, you try anything. The fact that you can't keep it off may be due to some undiagnosed condition. Nonetheless, it does make it hard when your spouse doesn't support you. I had the same concern so I wrote him an email so I wouldn't be interrupted or emotional. What I wrote to my husband: You like numbers . . . check these babies out: Doug: 210 (17 year old son - 6'1") Pat: 215 (42 year old - 5'3") Jon: 220 (17 year old son - 6') I should not be in the middle. I should be around 130. But, as you well know, I have not seen that since before the boys were born. I have been fighting this weight issue for over 15 years. I am tired. I have tried everything that I can think of to lose this weight and keep it off. Over the last six months, I have lost and regained the same two pounds a hundred times. How can you possibly understand the frustration I feel every time I step on the scale? You can't. This lap band is only a tool. I will still have to diet forever but at least I might have a chance to keep it off. I don't do this lightly and have been thinking about it over a year. It might seem like a drastic measure to you but it's a last resort to me. I don't like the way I look. I am starting to feel older than my years. I especially don't like it when the boys call me fat since I know that's how they see me. I get really emotional when I talk about this because it is so fucking unfair. I hope you understand why I feel I need to do this and can support me. If you can't, I understand. I have to do this for my health. I don't really know what else to say. Gentics dealt me a shitty hand and now I have to take a gamble. Are you in or out? Pat Steve's response: I do think I can somewhat understand what you feel and why you want to have this procedure. I am not hesitant about the money, your health is much more important. My concern is that you have a good qualified surgeon and the proper facilities for doing this safely. I trust you have done your research on fully this. I can understand that you don't want to tell anyone about this plan and possibly receive a negative reaction. However, should anything go wrong (always a possibility) I don't think you should be alone, so I will try my best to accompany you on this trip. We can talk more about specifics when I get home, but you've made up your mind and so you do have my support on this. I love you. See you when I get home. Footnote: This is probably the most romantic thing my husband has written me. We've been married almost 20 years but he is not the romantic type. Feel free to use what you can (sorry about the expletives but that's how we communicate). Good Luck Pat in Arkansas

As a future bander (08/21/06), I have been following this thread and have been anxious to hear from those who have first-hand experience with Dr. Ortiz. I'm not really hung up on the "paper", but the experience of the doctor. I am also very interested in what the nurses have to say. I feel they have great insight to care of the patient and state of the facility. Unfortunately, Mexico has a "dirty" reputation and Americans (at least the people I have mentioned this to) automatically think that this surgery will be performed by candlelight with a rusty razor blade. Even my husband and friends are still a bit suspicious and would rather I do it in Arkansas -- where the doctor may or may not be wearing shoes (just kidding). On the other hand, I am nervous as hell. Not about the surgery, or the limited diet (been doing that for years) but telling my elderly parents and thin, twin sister. Knowing how they will react, I have decided to wait until after the procedure to tell them. They would be worried even if I was doing it in Arkansas. So, as far as they are concerned, I will be attending a conference in San Diego that week. My husband was rather shocked that I booked the surgery without thinking about it more. Little did he know that I have been thinking about for a year! I just get tired of talking about my weight. Unfortunately, it's the only thing on my mind and I am more than ready to move on to another topic. Exchanges like this do really help, even if some of the comments are misunderstood by the reader. I know it helps me to know that people will stick up for Dr. Ortiz if his reputation is being questioned. None of this has shaken my confidence, quite to the contrary. I look forward to meeting him and OCC staff in August. PatU