jezebelanne

I was banded on July 31st and left for my cruise Sept 11th. I'm going on another cruise in January. The cruise was not a problem at all. I did all activities, including ziplining through the forest and underwater adventures (up to 12 feet). I felt great. I did not have a fill when I left so I ate what I wanted, just tried not to stuff myself. I ate 3 meals a day (at least). I gained 3 lbs during my 8 days and lost it within 2 days of being home. Hope this helps because I was also concerned about leaving the country, going underwater, being on a ship, etc.

Dr. Vivian Moise is now doing fills for gastric banded patients (including Mexico patients!). yay.

I was banded on July 31st and went on a cruise on Sept 12th for 10 days. I waited on my 1st fill until after I returned. I was feeling little to no restriction so I ate what I wanted but tried to keep the portions within reason. Still, I overrate and had dessert almost every night. I gained 4 lbs which came off within 2 days of being home.

I'm at 34 and while most people started noticing at 25-30 some are oblivious. After 30, definitely expect some comments....especially if you tend to lose in your face.

It's very reasonable that you will be able to do things - however, it is Tijuana. I didn't want to leave the hotel!

Any thing in the works for a Fill Center in or near Spokane, WA?

I also went through that right after surgery for about 5 weeks. It's normal and you will be disappointed when you stop losing so rapidly. The rapid weight loss is truly because you are starving yourself. You may have noticed that ketosis has set in and you have bad breath as well. Going back on food is strange after not eating for 3 weeks. I plateau'd for about 2 weeks, went on a cruise, gained 4 lbs, got my 1st fill, and have already lost those 4 plus 1.5. The obsession will get better...

Not drinking while eating has been one of the most difficult things for me. I've only done it with 4 or 5 meals. Now that I've been filled, I'm going to try to be more diligent. It's the opposite of what we've been trainine for so long so it seems backwards. Plus, I feel like I NEED to have a liquid with my meals.

I was banded July 31st, 2009 and had my 1st fill yesterday. I also have the Johnson and Johnson 11cc band and was filled between 4 and 5 cc and feel completely normal today. I'm on liquids for 24 hours and then mushy's. I'm going to give it a week to see how it is. I hope the restriction is the right amount. I guess time will tell. Keep me posted on how you are in a few days!

Dr. O uses the new Realize C band, which is very similar to AP - lower pressure, wider, less chances of slippage. He told me that the AP was made to compete with the Realize C. The technology is available in Mexico, it's just offered under the other name brand.

The card is not discreet - it has your picture and weight on it. lol. I wish it was though. I don't know if I'll ever pull it out, but it's a great idea.

Charelle-

This is a really good question and about the only question I did not ask. I did an incredible amount of research prior to selecting this procedure and Dr. Ortiz. So far, I am very pleased with my decision. I was banded July 31st, have been on food for almost a week. I have lost 30.5 lbs since I made the decision to get banded in June - 11 on preop, 11.5 postop. I selected #2 preop diet and did it for 2 weeks. It was a nice step before the liquid diet and helping me make better decisions now. I'm glad I did it and didn't cheat. The 2 things I was not prepared for were the extreme bloating after and the mental hunger - it's been a roller coaster. I was a bit depressed the 1st week, which I hear is normal. I'm fine now. Being on liquids for 3 weeks is very difficult mentally. The mind is a powerful thing, so I opted to see a therapist who specializes in WLS. The feeling 2-10 days after surgery for me was one of hunger, yet extreme fullness (from the bloating), and a sore belly, all at the same time. It was frustrating and the only thing that got me through it was knowing it was temporary.

So far so good. Congrats!

I arranged my ride the day before with the OCC. Otherwise, I believe someone calls you, but I would be proactive. I will tell you that I had a 7:20am flight so we were to be picked up at 4:30am. They didn't arrive until just after 5am so we were all panicked. The driver said he was told 5am. The Marriott said the driver is often 30 mins late so I wouldn't fret until 45 mins. We got across the border easily that early in the morning, but later in the day, you may need to allow additional time for that.

I was banded July 31st and only saw 1 mask at the airport in Salt Lake City.

I got a pill crusher. It puts them into dust. They taste nasty but it works.

Do any of you bandsters have suggestions to reduce the scars on your belly? Thanks!

jezebelanne@gmail.com

Thanks for posting that - really helpful. I'm being banded by Dr. Ortiz next Friday so it's nice to have an idea of what to expect. Any words of advice?

Hi Everyone, I'm a newbie to this Lap-Band forum. I had my Surgery today on 07/10/09 with Dr. Ortiz. I was the first of six patients to be banded this morning. I feel great and I'm up walking the halls; also as you can see I'm blogging from OCC computer station. So far.....so good and no complications! I'm very optimistic this will help me acheive my weight loss. For those who are contempalting in choosing a Lap-Band Surgeon...I highly recommend Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez at OCC. They both have an excellent bedside manner and their surgical staff is great. This is my first blog and will keep you all up to date with my weekly stats.

Which band did you get?

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I too was banded yesterday and everything went so smoothly. In fact, I have asked to go home today rather than tomorrow. I love the nurse, Carmen. What a doll. I will post my experience for the sake of the newbies when I get home and settled. I'm feeling just a little tenderness/pressure, but nothing I can't live with. I'm really happy I went through it and would come back here in a hot minute! Talk at ya later, everyone!

Which band did you get?

I was banded yesterday at the Obesity Control Center. I had a wonderful experience. Dr. Ortiz and his staff were very efficient, friendly, and made you feel at home. The care here far surpasses the care i've received in the US. the staff is very attentive and informative. I was up and walking around not long after my surgery and I feel great. I can't wait to start on my Journey.....

Which band did you get?

How does the Dr. determine the Realize C or the bands are the best? I asked to schedule a phone appointment today because I was wondering about the same questions you had.

I'm sure I'll have a similar conversation to yours.

Let me know what you find out.

Sawdawg

Which band do you have and how many cc's? That is wonderful!

I am being banded July 31st by Dr. Ortiz and I spoke with him today about the types of bands he is currently using. I had researched the Allergen band and thought that was the direction I was going, however, after speaking with him, I'm fairly certain I'm going to get the Realize C. He is currently using both Allergen and J & J bands. He uses the Allergan 9.75/10 (4cc), some VG (9cc), and Realize C (11cc). The majority of folks he is banding now are being put into the new product, the Realize C, made to compete with the LapBand AP. The AP hasn't been approved in Mexico as of yet. Since the Realize C band hasn't been out for too long in the states (FDA approved last year), there isn't much out there on it. It is 11cm w/ a 11cc capacity. It can be filled up to 15cc without bursting. The biggest difference is in the buckly and the width. Some folks believe the wider bands slip less, however slippage is directly related to overtightness. He said the first 6-8 weeks after surgery are the most crucial in preventing future slippage. Dr. Ortiz informed me that he is not loyal to any one company, but rather to his patients. I feel much better after speaking with him and he reminded me of why I chose him as my surgeon.

I would love to hear from folks who have the Realize C.

I am going to be banded by Dr. Ortiz at the OCC on July 31st. I'll be at the Marriott July 30-August 2nd. Anyone else?