EnchantedPiano70

Hi everyone, I am planning to go to the OCC-TJ for a refill and I need to know if there are any updates regarding transportation from San Diego Airport. Also, if I choose to pay the OCC for transportation, will they be willing to pick me up at the hotel I'll be staying at, near the border?

Thank you

Ruth

Hang in there its all a process. I was banded in 2008 and just yesterday spoke to Lori and Today with Dr So. I will be scheduling a sleeve surgery asap.

Ruth

Shari

I will be following you in your quest for a healthy body and healthy weight loss. I spoke to Lori yesterday and today had a conference call with Dr So and well I'm waiting for them to send me the 21-DAY LIQUID DIET, so that I can start adjusting and doing it. Once I receive it I will be getting a complete unfill. I was banded 3/2008, lost close to 50lbs and I'm stuck with no further weight loss. I've tried it all. I did have several PB'ing events and they were nothing comfortable. Since I have severe back problems, I've decided to take this weight loss lifestyle to the next level by getting a VSG - Vertical Sleeve. Please keep us updated. Oh and count on me to be part of your support team.

PLS: Try to post as soon as possible after your surgery and share your experience.

Good luck,

Ruth

Has anyone tried isopureplus protein water?

www.isopureplus.com

Hello Everyone my name is Ruth and I was Banded by Dr. Ortiz March 2008. I lost 55 pounds thus far and feel as if I'm stuck. Why do I say that? I say that because no matter what I do, I can't loose weight. At least not as fast as I think I should be. With this in mind, I've decided to go ahead with the Sleeve surgery. Like with any other surgery I'm nervous, anxious and scared. However very determined to overcome obesity.

I am 5'4" and currently at 215lbs. I have a bad back due to Disk Degenerative Disease and had a Spinal Fusion done in July 2009. The symptoms have subsided but due to the excessive weight I still experience pain. With all this being said, I have several questions for those who have had the sleeve surgery and those contemplating it.

How is your quality of life, now that you've had the sleeve?

How fast are you or did you loose the weight?

How much did you weigh prior to the sleeve surgery?

What are some of the reoccurring symptoms you are experiencing? ie: Gas, Constipation, Bloating, Mood-swings?

Has the surgery helped eliminate snoring?

Are the scars left behind from the surgery unsightly?

Have you experienced any hair loss?

What are some of the meals you eat that you've found to help you along the way?

Has anyone ever tried isopure plus protein drinks?

What liquid vitamins do you currently take? How do they taste? ie: B12, Calcium, Iron

Has anyone had Disk Degenerative Disease? Has this surgery alleviated the symptoms due to weight loss?

I have TONS of Concerns and Questions.

Thanks

Ruth

Kim How do you upload pictures to your posts? I also had a TT and would like to share the pics.

Ruth

I am starting to look into getting a tummy tuck. I still have at least 28 lbs. to go, but hopefully they will be gone by the end of summer. I am thinking about having this done during Christmas Holidays. I would like to get it done near my home, but I was curious as to prices in Mx and who to use.

If any of you have any knowledge on this subject please let me know.

Thanks,

Kimberly

Hello Kimberly,

My name is Ruth Toro and was banded last year March by Dr. Ortiz. I had a full tummy tuck, lipo to my flanks and breast lift dont this March 18th. I can't begin to tell you how great I feel. I went to Dr. Katherine in the Dominican Republic, whom I recommend. Her website is http://www.doctorakatherine.com/

She speaks english and my experience there was a positive one. I went with a neighbor of mine who also had cosmetic surgery, she is the wife of a local doctor here in Florida.

For all I had done I paid $4,200 US Dollars. I would have otherwise paid tons more here in the states.

I have before and after pictures, should you wish to view them. I would post them here on my gallery but I'm not sure how everyone would feel, since it's showing my breast. Email me and I could share them with you that way.

I had my lapband done in March 2008 and today I seek a tummy tuck for obvious reasons. Would Dr. Ortiz or anyone of his staff know if having a tummy tuck will affect my port and its location?

Would there be a specific procedure that must be done to avoid disturbing the ports position?

I have my tummy tuck surgery scheduled for March 18th. Any and all information will be appreciated.

Ruth

ruth.toro@yahoo.com

Thank you ladies I appreciat your support during this time. I just had another sharp burst. It almost feels like my port is tearing away from my skin underneath. Ahhh it's painful for a brief second or two but it then stops.

I'm glad you are feeling better. I had similar affect. I learned I was not chewing enough, Chicken and Bread I couldn't tolerate. Not to mention I was drinking cold liquids and that isn't a good thing when you have a band. Liquids should not be could, just think of it as cold tightens, warm or room temperature will make it soft.

I had to have my band completely unfilled for two months. I was at 202 when I got the band unfilled and gained 17 pounds back. I went in weighing 221 and in a week went down to 217. I'm so down about it.

To make matters worse I'm having bad pain on my left port area sudden sharp bursts of pain. I'm scared about it. I'm hoping my port hasn't tilted.

I hope you get your situation resolved. I wish you luck and please keep us updated.

Thank you

Ruth

I would like to know if anyone with the lapband has ever experienced any sharp pain on the left side of their stomachs.

When I say pain I mean a sudden sharp pain, as if it were an electric shock, that fast.

I’m getting these pains and they just started but it has me concerned. I don’t want the sudden bursts to get more frequent and I certainly do not want my port to tilt or move.

If anyone has ideas what it might be or why it’s happening, please advise. And yes I am waiting for my doctor’s office to call me back with an available appointment.

I just feel like when you go see these doctors here in the states they are hesitant in seeing you just because you’ve had surgery (Lap Band) done in Mexico.

Sucks!!

I would love to catch up with the people that got banded the same day as I.

I take the Centrum Chewable Adult Vitamins daily. I'm going thruogh the same thing you are. I had my 2nd fill and I'm at 2.6cc and I get full fast, so I'm not intaking the needed calories, but was told by my cousin who had bariatric surgery (removed half her stomache) that the vitamins give you what you need. I'm not so sure that's true. But I get fustrated, because I can go to wendy's and order a 5 piece nugget and only be able to eat 1 and a half. Or a salad I'm only able to have maybe 2-3 fork fulls. Like WTF, this is aggravating.

I can only have half a can of slim fast at a time. It's insane. But I know somehow I will loose.

Pammie

Did you go locally in the US for your TT? How about the girls? Where was that?

I just spoke to my personal nutritionist and she's recomended 60-90 grams of protien daily. I guess it's a per person thing.

Ok, going to have second fill tomorrow. Having it done at Fill Center (Roswell). I know no eating 8 hours before appt. No liquids 4 hours before appt. But, what I don't know, what happens after the fill? I hear we drink water, but then what? Do we go on liquids? Or is it like the OCC on second fill - where they let you go eat something to test it?

Anyone know?

Right after the fill you should go back to liquids, broth as you did right after your surgery and slowly progress in a few days to creamy soup and so forth.

I get my fills with Dr. Kathy Gonzalez in St Petersburg FL. This lady is amazing. It's never hurt me, she's patient. She'll take the time to talk to you each time.

My first fill with her was for 1.8cc, my second one was for .8cc. SO I have a total of about 2.8cc's in me right now. It's not so comfy and I rather go slow with the fills than this fast. I'm starting to PB more than usual and that's because I'm eating fast, I'm not chewing as well and simply because I can't eat as much.

Sorta of sucks.

My starting weight was 246 or 246... got banded March 7th and I'm down to 210 in 3 months. I'm lost 36 pounds and I'm wearing between a size 12 and 14 depending on the brand. I walk everyother day 1.6 miles in my neighborhood, yet I still feel FAT!!! I know it's a mental things, but this is tough. I've lost more weight than originally hoped to soon. Now I'm broke (per se) and don't have the funds to be constantly buying myself new clothes.

Isn't it retarded?

Yes this is great. I also have seen a substantial difference with my back pain since starting on my weight loss journey. I've had two bad, back pain episodes since my lap band procedure and I think this is great since I use to have to take pain meds almost nightly. I have osteoarthritis inmy spine.

I have the same thing. I feel a knot under the larger insicion. It's normal, and it isn't a knot it's your port, which is under your muscle.

I live in Lake County....Good Luck on your first fill...and if you don't mind keep us posted. I am going back to TJ for my first fill but may stay here in FL for future fills.....

OMG!! I'm also in Lake County. I live in Groveland near Clermont. Where are you?

I will be going to Kathie Gonzalez in St. Petersburg next week for my first fill. I'm excited, I can't wait to loose more weight.

How is everyone else doing with there fills? Tell me what I have to prepare for.

I heard Kathie is the best there is in Central Florida. I was banded 3/7 and I'm due for my first fill soon. I have done research and as it seems she's the best they have. She is a Mid-Wife and even though I still feel weird thinking about it I was reassured she's properly trained. Even though Tampa is closer to Groveland, I am going to Kathie in St Pete. she also does the fluroscoy free, not likie the other Mid-Wife in Tampa.

I was banded 3/7 so on 3/6 I had Zoom and I have to say that it was VERY painful... Simply because I have cold sencetitivity to anything cold. They also gave me what I was given by Dr. Ortiz for pain. An equivalent to Toradol.

Mine was worth it... my teeth look great.

Has anyone been banded and felt that in the begining they were starvin themselves? Also how soon after gettting banded did you cheat and eat something other than broth?

Seriously though, please don't tell me it's mental, because I have strong will power and haven't ate anything since I've ben banded and all I've had has been broth and unless I'm always drinking I'm hungry. Is this normal? It can't be!! Isn't my stomache suppose to be swollen from the band placement and therefore not hungry?

If Dr Ortiz reads this please email me at ruth.toro@yahoo.com

Hello Every One. My name is Ruth and I was finally banded today by Dr Ortiz. I'm feeling great at the moment and I'm actually send ya'll this email from the nurses station which is a few doors down from my beautiful private room.

I have to say this. Those that are considering the Lap Band my experience has been great. I had Nurse Josie who is great at starting an IV line and giving injections. I wish I could bring her back with me.

She has been there at every calling. I've buzzed her over 25 times for popsicles and her reaction each and everytime was the same - Happy, Professional and always eager to please.

I took a liking to her.

The rest of the staff was very loving and caring and also very attentive.

Ok people I'm getting tired so I will put more up as I go.

Thank you Dr Ortiz. You owe me a picture with you.!!!

Ruth

Did you have a private room? I chose a non private room and I'm not sure I made the best choice.