bbuck

Howdy, My port bulges out also and has done so right from the start. I knew immediately it needed buried deeper in my abdomen. Dr. Ortiz assured me it would not show after I lost weight, but I knew it would still show. I have lost 57 lbs now, and yes it still shows. Bugs the heck out of me. Dr Ortiz did say he would bury it deeper for free. However, I am going to eventually have a tummy tuck, and the plastic surgeon said he would do it then. No sense for me to make another trip to Mexico, but that option is still available. Good luck on the weight loss. bbuck

What good suggestions you have made for a FILL.

I may have avoided a very unpleasant fill if I had paid more attention to what my body was telling me. I had my 2nd fill and all was well. I had another appointment in Tijuana the same day, and remained ok. It wasn't until I was on the trolley heading back to San Diego that I started having swallowing problems, but they were very subtle. The swallowing problem eventually developed into not being able to swallow at all, and I was having severe pain. I was extremely miserable. I could not get ahold of the doctor either. I wasn't better that night until I vomited up everything that was in my stomach. I made it back to the clinic the next day for an unfill, and things were better. I then came back home to Seattle. But I began having those subtle swallowing feelings again. This developed to the inability to swallow much, and was vomiting frequently. I had 2 more unfills up here locally. Things are better now, but I was so discouraged. Everything had been perfect prior to this. I guess I would also recommend to folks to hang around Tijuana for an extra day and watch for SUBTLE swallowing problems. I wouldn't want anyone to have to experience what I went through. Thanks for listening. bbuck

Hi, keep your medications in their original prescription bottles always, and never put them in your suitcase. Carry them on you. If flying, they could get lost. The border patrol won't question them if their in the original containers. Don't put anything extra in the bottles. Coming into the USA, same story. I've never had any problems and have crossed the border numerous times; both the Mexican and Canadian Borders. bbuck

Hi, keep your medications in their original prescription bottles always, and never put them in your suitcase. Carry them on you. If flying, they could get lost. The border patrol won't question them if their in the original containers. Don't put anything extra in the bottles. Coming into the USA, same story. I've never had any problems and have crossed the border numerous times; both the Mexican and Canadian Borders. bbuck

Hi, before I had my surgery and went on liquids, I decided to take the word DIET out of my vocabulary. I have made a lifestyle change. It may sound silly to some, but it works for me. Try to keep a positive attitude, and try not to worry about the surgery. It really is a breeze. Good luck. bbuck

I know what you mean, my mom has her RN,BSN and has given me some flack and wanting me to have the proceedure in the US. Even if I could afford to have it done in the United States (as I am self pay), I would still choose to have Dr. Ortiz do the proceedure.

Carolyn from the office sent me a letter from the manufacturer of the lap band explaining just how qualified they believe Dr. Ortiz is and they only choose the highest in the field to be a proctor. She also had a testimonial from a gal whose job it is to rate medical facilities here in the US and she felt they had top notch facilities (this was from her own experience). I agree, I have done research myself the past year and a half... I have heard nothing but the highest praises for him.

I can not tell you about my own personal experience with him as I will not be banded until the 11th of January, but I can hardly wait!

The Mexico thing seems to be everyone's major concern in my family too, with the exception of my husband. Good luck with your banding, I feel I have made the right choice for myself. My mom wants me to ask them the infection rate, but I have not heard one thing negative on this forum or the Obesityhelp.com forum either about him. I believe Inamed would not have someone on their teaching/proctoring staff if they did not believe him to be the best. God Bless.

Hi AussieinOregon,

I also am on a bunch of medications and was worried about whether I would have problems taking them. I had my lap band done in October and to this point I have not. The only precaution I have taken, is to cut my multivit/mineral in half because it is a huge pill. You should NEVER split a slow release tablet EVER, no matter what it is. Simply put, once you change the integrity of the pill by splitting or crushing it, you would receive the whole dose all at once. With some medications, this could be very dangerous. I am a nurse, and this is a big NO-NO. But, I recommend you talk with your pharmacist to confirm this, and if you feel you need to cut your pills, then you could go off the time released form and onto the regular tablets. Hope that helps. Good luck on your surgery. You won't be sorry. bbuck, RN

Hi,

I can tell that you have never been taught how to get out of bed after abdominal surgery. While in bed, turn on your side, then push up with your hands. Thus you avoid pulling muscles in your abdomen. Also, if you have pain while coughing or sneezing, splint your abdomen with a pillow. Press in with the pillow when you cough or sneeze. Should help. From bbuck, RN

Hi all, I had my lap band (VG) done on October 3rd, 06. Immediately after the surgery I could see my port bulging out my belly. I was immediately concerned, because I don't want this bulge. Dr. Martinez said it would go down with a little time. However, I can feel it easily and it doesn't feel like it's buried very deep at all. I am wondering if anyone else out there has this, or had it. I certainly don't want to live with this extra bulge. The bulge is visible with my clothes on. Thanks. Talk with me folks. bbuck

I'll be flying out of Sea-Tac the same day. Wouldn't happen to be flying Southwest by any chance?

Hi Clynn,

Thanks for the note. Kind of ironic isn't it that 2 of us are leaving from Seatac to the same place on the same day. I am flying on Alaska, however. I get into San Diego at 12:38 PM (leave at 10AM). What time do you get in. There's probably a good possibility that they'll pick us up at the airport around the same time and we'll ride to Tijauna together. What time is your flight?

I'm excited about all this. Not very far off now. Guess we'll be walking the halls together after our surgery. Looking forward to meeting you. Let me know about your flight times. Thanks, bbuck (Geoffrey)

BBUCK

THINK ABOUT JOINING US SUNDAY OCT 8 AT SOUTHCENTER

I will keep that in mind. Gonna play it by ear though. Will be in touch as to where/when you are meeting at SouthCenter. Do you know why the times all are wrong on these posts? Just curious. Thanks for the invite. bbuck

Hello friends,

I am getting banded on October 3rd. I will being flying down from Seattle on the 2nd. I'm very excited about this new change in my life. I am trying to be realistic though, as I know there will be challenges. But I am ready to go -----> If anyone wants to drop me a line, please do so. Thanks, bbuck

Has anyone gotten their Medic Alert Tags? I currently wear one for other medical conditions and am going to have it updated after my surgery (12 days and counting) for the Lap Band. I am curious as to what other people are putting on theirs. From what research I have done the basic is: AGB Patient - No NG Tube w/out Endoscope. Can anyone offer any other suggestions or what their Dr. reccomended.

Thanks. Lanie

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Hi Lanie, As an RN I think you have an excellent idea. The more facts available the better, in case your ever in a medical emergency and unable to speak for yourself. I use to work as as ER nurse, and often found patient's who had no phone numbers of family or loved ones, thus we had no one to notify. I always recommend to people to carry in your wallet phone numbers of people to contact, your current medications, drug allergies, and any other pertinent information health care providers should know. I can't tell you how important this is. I think a Medic Alert Tag is a great idea. What other information is important to let health care providers know related to the banding? I would like to know this also. I never even thought about an NG tube. I'm getting banded on October 3rd. Thanks, Geoffrey (bbuck)