LauraLee

I just wanted to let you know that JELLO is Not on the list for the clear liquids list. I found out the hard way when after about 4 days of eating Jello, I re-read the list and it wasn't there (makes no sense to me, however). I wrote Dr Miranda and she said it was taken off the list previously.

Laura

Does anyone know if sugar free jello is alright for post-op? Some how I thought it was o.k. then when I re-read the paperwork Dr. Miranda gave it didn't show it on the list for the first 7 days. I hope I didn't mess things up for me. I was eating the individual servings about 1 a day.

I was exactly like you...only I met up with only one person in my family that was against the surgery in TJ (my oldest 23 year old daughter-very athletic). It might help you to know that when the overweight Doctors here in the U.S. want LapBand surgery, they usually go to Dr. Ortiz. He world reknowned, trained under the inventor of the LapBand and done over 6,000 of these. The clinic is extremely clean, even better than a lot of clinics here in the U.S. The clinic even gives you all the doctors phone numbers (U.S. numbers) for any questions. I had my surgery last Friday (Aug 8) and have no complications (the gas was a little troublesome though, but not unbearable). Know this though-you must follow the rules for the 21 days after surgery if you want to give yourself the best chance. Please don't worry--I felt I had a lot to risk too (mother of 6 and husband who is very dependent on me)....now I could kick myself for causing all the anxiety to myself prior to the surgery--I wasted a lot of time and effort this way. Remember: a positive outlook with likely mean success!

Laura

Oh yes....I forgot to add that the OCC has a "0%" infection rate!!

hi all,

i am a newbie and I have a scheduled surgery for sept 3. Upon learning of the surgery, my family and friends have completely fREAKED out They are so against me going to mexico for medical treatment that they are to the point of begging and crying. I have done research on Dr Ortiz but I could use some encouraging words. Such as aftercare, or if there is a problem after surgery etc. Thanks

I was exactly like you...only I met up with only one person in my family that was against the surgery in TJ (my oldest 23 year old daughter-very athletic). It might help you to know that when the overweight Doctors here in the U.S. want LapBand surgery, they usually go to Dr. Ortiz. He world reknowned, trained under the inventor of the LapBand and done over 6,000 of these. The clinic is extremely clean, even better than a lot of clinics here in the U.S. The clinic even gives you all the doctors phone numbers (U.S. numbers) for any questions. I had my surgery last Friday (Aug 8) and have no complications (the gas was a little troublesome though, but not unbearable). Know this though-you must follow the rules for the 21 days after surgery if you want to give yourself the best chance. Please don't worry--I felt I had a lot to risk too (mother of 6 and husband who is very dependent on me)....now I could kick myself for causing all the anxiety to myself prior to the surgery--I wasted a lot of time and effort this way. Remember: a positive outlook with likely mean success!

Laura

Just a quick question for all you lap band veterans out there. Is it normal to have not lost even a pound since my surgery Aug 8? It seems I'm taking in so few calories with all the clear broth, water-down juices, ect. My husband asked me how much weight I've lost and looked a little disappointed when I told him I was the same. Am I just being too anxious?? :lb12:

Hi there,

I'm not sure where you heard that Dr. Ortiz doesn't stitch the band in place anymore, but I'm pretty sure that's not true.

Here's a link to a youtube video he just uploaded last week - in which he does indeed stitch the band in place and talks about how that is a necessary step.

So don't worry too much about a band slip - and drink all you need.

Well, Dr. Ortiz told me this himself just before I went in for the surgery.....I think I'll e-mail the clinic....I'm starting to worry.

Cara,

I just have to say that if Cassie saw your Avatar she would be kissing your Avatar all over. LOL

Dr. Ortiz told me this himself just before my surgery.

I have not had the surgery yet, and so I can't answer your question, but I was wondering if Dr. Ortiz told you why he does not stitch the lap band in place anymore?

He said that it made little difference, that the way he put it in kept the band in place, without the stitching (at least that's what I remember).

Hey...I just got back from surgery last Friday (Aug 8) and let me tell you that right before my surgery I WAS A WRECK! I remember right before they knocked me out telling the anesthesiologist "I guess it's too late to change my mind, huh"? That's the last I remember. Let me tell you, I really wish I wasn't so anxious beforehand. The whole experience was much better than I even thought it would be. Everything went smoothly and the whole staff really did take care of me. They didn't make me wait so long anxiously for what they had to do. I'm recovering now, and all I have is a little tenderness and some gas. This is a new beginning for me, and I'm going to be as positive as possible to make it successful. TIME TO GET ON WITH LIVING....FINALLY!

Laura

I had my surgery last Friday, August 8 and am thrilled to say that I made it through with flying colors! The experience is everything that all of you lapbanders said it would be. I do have some pain, but nothing I can't deal with. I'm having some trouble with the gas in and around my back and ribcage, but I guess that will disappear in time. I do have a question for you experienced ones: Can drinking too much (broth, coffee, watered-down juice, ect) at one sitting make the lap band slip? My stomach keeps growling and I've been downing a lot of liquids. I'm a little worried since Dr. Ortiz now doesn't stitch the lap band in place anymore. I want to give this the best possible chance to be successful.

thanks for all your support!!

LauraLee

:lb9:

I'm glad you went ahead and are being banded besides what the Dr. said. Some of them just don't get it and are uninformed so they really are jus ignorant. Especially if he has a "clinic" program....more $$$$ in his pocket if you go that way.

I'm excited for you impending journey. Try and just relax and enjoy your "mini-vacation". Hopefully you've read some of the the suggestions on what to take and what to expect, it sounds like you have. Don't forget you passport or birth certificate for coming back across the border. Have it in a handy spot to get to easily to save you time and trouble when crossing. Also you actually get out of the van, walk into the building to be checked with your luggage and then walk about 1/2-3/4 block back to get in the van. Pack lightly with 1 small carry on, no need to overpack.

Have a safe and fun journey.

Thanks for the great advise. Fortunately for me, I am neighbors with TJ and there is no flying traveling issues. You made and interesting point about the Bariatric Drs. program. It makes a lot of sense that he is probably getting a 'kick back' money wise for signing up with the S**p Health Care weight loss program. He also told me that my insurance would probably not pay for any bariatric surgery because 10 years ago I was diagnosed with clinical depression and I am considered a "high risk", even though I have been off meds for about 8 years now....can you believe it? I'm so sick of so many "quacks" who think their patients are going to believe every word they say. **If anything, it gives me determination to MAKE this work!!

thanks for listening (i mean, reading)

Laura

Not to worry.. I had tried everything and this is what worked for me.. I can't believe any bariatric doctor would advise against it, he/she must not be up on the lapband or they'd be happy for you and supportive.. but I guess that's what we are here for!! Good luck!! You'll do fine... and you won't ever regret it... merideth

To Maxiebaby and shrty835: Thanks for your support. This Dr, just wanted me to try their "health clinic's" program....and was very negative about this type of surgery. I'm so glad to have supportive people here on this forum. I'll keep in touch! Laura

Hello to All: I'm new to the forum, just signed in yesterday although I've been watching and reading this for a couple of months. I'm leaving for TJ, Mexico this evening and really nervous to have the surgery tomorrow. I'm not nervous about the pain, but that this is another attempt that wouldn't work. I'm ignoring my bariatric Drs. advice and "bad talk" about lap band surgery and "how he knows one of his patients had it and only lost 15 lbs" and decided that if it worked for so many here on this forum that it MUST do some good. Anyway, here it goes!!

Congrats on your 40 lb loss! I am scheduled Aug 8 and very nervous that it won't work for me. It's nice to hear of someone who has a great of a success as yourself!!