mom of teen lap bander

Im really hoping that there are some moms out there that can answer some questions for me! My daughter is 15 and scheduled for surgery at OCC in 2 weeks. I have been 100% supportive, but I do have my fears and concerns. We are just a few days away from starting the pre-op diet (12 day)...was that a painful experience? I can imagine my daughter being miserable and starving and wanting to cheat. She insists she will be fine, but I have some doubts! Same with the post-op diet....will she be miserably hungry?

Her friend (thin!) keeps telling her that she will be on the worst kind of diet ever because she will be hungry for the rest of her life and unable to eat. Reason tells me that this is untrue, but I guess I need some reassurance.

Did you feel safe with your daughter in Tijuana? Everyone keeps telling me that its very dangerous (and its just the 2 of us travelling).

How long was it from the time they take them away to surgery to the time that you were reassured that surgery went fine? I dont know how long I will be able to sit still and keep my composure while she is gone.

Is your teenager able to be in social situations (post-op) that involve food without feeling "weird" (ie, Starbucks or pizza outings)? How do they handle these situations? I dont want her to end up feeling like she cant be around her friends if there is food involved or that she is different.

When you have a teeanager that has had this procedure done in Mexico, how did the family doctor react back at home? I havent told her family doctor, but Im sure that the next time she has to go in I will have to explain that she has a lapband. I have these horrible fears of a screaming tirade and questions about my ability to make these decisions for my daughter. It wouldnt stop me from supporting her, but it would be incredibly uncomfortable. Thin people just dont understand and many are quick to make harsh judgements!

I was an overweight teenager (and still am, but can only afford one surgery for now! And this is more important to her than my own vanity is to me). I understand how difficult it is to be a teen battling a weight issue. My thought process for supporting her is simply...medicine has come too far for her to suffer unneccessarily. If there is a medical way to give her a healthier and happier life than I will do whatever I need to do to see it happen. My heart literally breaks everytime she cries when shopping for clothes or cries over something some ignorant person has said to her. She floored me when she asked for this surgery for Christmas.....it was the last thing I expected to hear from her. So no matter what I WILL be supportive!

Thanks in advance for answering my questions. I know its a lot (and I have more!). Please add anything else that you think might be helpful to me as I see my daughter through this exciting time (in her opinion!)

Your daughter will do fine with the pre op diet. She is motivated, don't let on about your fears, follow her lead. She will do it. It's a finite period of time and she knows she can do it.

Regarding other people knowing that your daughter has had lapband is none of their business . They haven't been there to share her struggles and you have made an informed decision. I know how it hurts when people snicker at your child's weight. It cuts deep. From one mother to another, I feel your pain.(I must be tired if I'm quoting Bill Clinton). You two can decide who you wish to share your lapband story with. People will always make judgements. Stop worrying about what other people think. Life will be alot easier on you as her mother. Your a good mom, relax a little.

Lets tackle the friend issue, mom time to find your daughter a new friend and I'm serious about this. She doesn't act like a friend. A friend is someone who is supportive, excited for you, and wants the best for you. Ditch the friend, it's not a big loss. With friends like her who needs enemies.

My daughter is very comfortable in teenage situations with her friends and eating out. She knows what she can have and what she can't have. She is much more social now and has really gained a new self confidence. Your daughter will do great.

Ok what's next, traveling to Mexico. Well at the OCC they have it down to a science. They met us right after we got off the plane at baggage claim, at the bottom of the escalators. Then right to the hotel, they cater to Dr. Ortiz patients . They will drive you to the clinic. You can feel secure at both the hotel and the clinic. You really don't have to go anywhere else. Since it's just the two of you, If you stay within the confines of the hotel and clinic I think you will be fine. TJ doesn't have the greatest reputation, however I have found the people to be wonderful. The care that my daughter received their was far superior and more attentive than in the US.

Maria

Proud Mom of my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (tap out ) daughter

Orlando, Florida USA

Should I get surgery? Yes, yes, and yes!

If you are debating lapband surgery, or whether you should get the surgery for your son, or daughter, continue reading.

My daughter at the time, was 15, a beautiful girl ( she really is ), and had a weight problem that had gotten away from her. What had to be difficult for her, was no one else in our family was struggling with obesity.

So we started to research Lapband surgery. We saw Dr. Ortiz on Oprah. We also attended a Bariatric seminar at our local hospital. We did the normal research on the internet.

We spoke with Dr Ortiz on the phone and he put our fears at ease. With some blind faith, we were off to Mexico!

Fast forward nine months and my daughter is a happy 16 year old who is physically active, happy, and healthy. Does she have any regrets, absolutely not!

OCC doctors and staff made us feel welcome, and they treated us better than we are treated by medical staff in the US. I felt, no, I know that the quality of care was superior than that of the US.

I look back and say "I can't believe we went to Mexico and my daughter got Lapband Surgery". So if I can offer a little reassurance to parents who are considering taking this journey, then my work here is done.

Maria

Proud Mom of my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (tap out ) daughter

Orlando, Florida USA