Kim2BSlim

Thanks so much to everyone!

I was reading in Dr. Ortiz' book where he said some people do not need a fill right away or even for the first year. I had read elsewhere that the band has no restriction until you get a fill. My question is..after you are banded and before you get a fill, does food slip through your band? It seems to me that the band would restrict you in the beginning without a fill. Am I way off?

I am glad you get to stay with family! Good luck with your surgery!

Oh yes! The more the merrier! Oh Darlene, we will be flying into San Diego the 26th at around 3pm just so you can be on the lookout for us!

I have the same exact situation as you. My BMI is 38 and I don't have any other co-morbid conditions so after considering it for awhile I decided to be banded by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. Good luck with your decision!!

I will arrive March 26th! I am sure I will see you there! >

We love to shop too! Also, maybe you can calm our fears since you will be post-op! LOL

I am sorry, I should have been more clear. Do I need a Dr. for aftercare from surgery to check me and stuff or does the aftercare just consist of fills?

Congrats on your weight loss!! Do you mind me asking how much Dr. Ortiz charged you when your band slipped? I am really concerned I am gonna get myself in a pickle moneywise if something happens to mine. I have been saving for a long time for this surgery. Thank you!

Thanks for the tips! I am a pack a day smoker so it is gonna be tough on me. The only times I have quit before was during my pregnancies. I am hoping my pre-op diet goes well. I need to lose 9-10 lbs before March 28th so we will see. I also bought some of those Slim Fast shakes. I am gonna start them soon. This is all so scary and exciting!!

Good luck to you! How exciting that your surgery is so close! I can't wait to hear about your experience. > I have a food addiction also. I am very scared about the pre-op diet as well as quitting smoking. Can I really quit smoking AND eating at the same time? LOL What have I gotten myself into? hahaha

Hello! Myself and three of my friends are being banded the exact same day by Dr. Martinez! That is so cool that you are too. I have a three year old myself, as well as a one year old. I guess we will just have to be very careful about picking them up!

I have found a local Dr that will do my aftercare. My question is do I need to go with the first Dr? Is there alot of aftercare or should I just line up a Dr to do fills? Also, how many fills do you usually need in the first year? I know everyone is different, but typically how many?

I have so many people screaming at me to NOT go to Mexico. I have researched this so much and I cannot get people to understand that I am not going to some crazy Dr. that is gonna take my organs out and sell them. LOL Anyway, I guess I am just scared. I know in my heart that this is what's right. People have also told me that US Doctors "will not touch you" if you have complications and were banded in Mexico. I have a Dr lined up to do fills, but am worried about if something goes wrong, then what will I do?

There are 4 of us coming to have it done. Myself, my bestfriend, my Aunt and another girl we know. You are more than welcome to tag along with us!

Darlene~ I will arrive the 26th..perhaps we will get to meet!

I hear ya! I am gonna add them to mine too! >

Tell me about it! I think everyone is different but I know at least a few things I will be steering clear of!

I am paying **** with a private room, but we got a deal because there are 3 of us going for the surgery. We are all having it on March 28th. Myself, my Aunt, and my bestfriend. We are so scared and excited!!

I am coming from Mississippi and it is gonna cost me around $435/ticket.

I am excited for you! =D> Good luck with your journey!

I think you will do just fine. > I can't imagine how that made you feel when your son said that.

I actually really like the Slim Fast shakes also. I hope someone answers soon. I think I would like them after my surgery too.

It sounds like your experience was not very pleasant. I am sorry to hear that..especially since I am going next month to have the surgery. I have read many, many stories on this forum and I think this is the first one I read that didn't make the experience sound great. :-?

I talked to Lori today and she emailed me all the paperwork. My surgery is scheduled for March 28th with Dr. Martinez! I am really scared and excited at the same time. I hope I can find a local fill Doctor. Did anyone worry about having problems afterwards and your Dr being in Mexico? I am a little concerned about that. Are serious problems rare with this surgery? I am afraid I won't find anyone local to help me if I have a problem. Maybe I am worrying too much? I read all the stories on here and that is what made me make my mind up. It sounds like such a pleasurable trip. I am really scared of the long flight (coming from Mississippi) but I think it will be the best decision I ever made.