odave

Hello,

I am sitting here crying and crying. I don't eat alot but am addicted to sugar. I ate almost one huge bag a tootsie rolls in last 24 hours. My stomach is so distended that I can feel my port with my fingers! I called dr. and was told that I may have stretched my pouch and damaged my surgery. I may have to have x-rays to check on everything. Well, I am so so so ashamed. My dr. asked me if I learned my lesson? Oh yea I am going to change the way I eat. I am giving up candy that's for sure. It is my meds that make me crave sugar. I am so frightened that I may have done long term damage. i was a self pay, banded on 14th of Nov. and my mom re-financed her house to pay. I am so frightened. We don't have any money to fix this. Does anyone have info. on pouch stretching? Does it go back? What if it doesn't go back, do you need a re-do surgery? Has anyone ever been so distended ( I am cronically constipated due to cronic pain meds but now I am so constipated I can feel my port from distention) they could feel their port, does it go back down. dr. told me milk of magnesia. Two doses later and still waiting. HELP, I AM SO ASHAMED BUT MOSTLY SCARED THAT I HAVE DONE PERMANENT DAMAGE!

K

THANK YOU... You do know this posting took a huge amount of courage to print what you did for everyone to see, Print your own words out and put in on the insude of that cupboard so you can remind yourself of this event. It was just an event and not the end of your life. Get back on the horse and start riding again. Do a count down of the days to go and what the goal is. That is what got me through the first 21 days. Get

wacky and creative with the juices try to enjoy them. I did sooo much soup and popsicles. I am going to get my first fill on Nov 6th.

As far as the constipation, when I worked in the hospital as a nurse we gave M.O.M. every 4 hours until results... add some warm prune juice and relax... and put a heating pad on your stomach...

I do feel for you on the $$$ part... I cashed out my 401K to get it done.

Get into an OA meeting for more support and feel others that are in your situation and get peer support.

Best of wishes and my heart goes out to you...DON'T GIVE UP!!!

ahhh!! so i JUST called occ and scheduled my surgery date!! i'm scared and excited and anxious...etc etc etc...

my pre-op and surgery date is wednesday, november 4th....anyone else out there gonna be there?

i wanted to get it done in early november for the reasons mentioned above....thanksgiving...christmas...new years.... feast time!!

Congrats... I had my GREAT experience on Sept 17... I will be there Nov 6 for my first fill... No regrets... Dave

Rose are Red, Violets are Blue

I am gonna get filled on November 6...

How about you?

This is my first fill... I have to admit that I am glad to get this done before the holidays.

Any one else getting in to SD about 11am for the shuttle or getting stuff done on that Friday?

That's great about the infection rate. I wish there was a way to independently determine that. But again, I still went there and loved it not knowing the exact numbers.

Always remember that infection rates is based on what the hospital or provider REPORTS... there is just no way that American infection rates are accurate. Most don't report

I really love how Dave wrote, "And I should know better about getting medical care in Mexico." As an RN, I feel the same way yet I am very, very impressed with the OCC and the staff. My only complaint is that I don't know how to find out any statistics about the place - like infection rates, etc. Obviously, that didn't deter me from getting my surgery done on September 25!

Amazing how many nurses are getting this done... I am still waiting for weight gain becoming a work comp issue...

Glad you are taking care of yourself

I did ask him about infection... he said better than any place in the US... Dr. O stated NO INFECTIONS IN OVER 3 YEARS...

Hi Dave..

I was there with you in the lobby and next to your room and walking the halls the same time as you. I was wondering if you were on here posting. Sounds like you are doing good, me too. I totally loved the broth at Lucerna too. I think you said you didn't like broth that morning, and the next day you told me that you loved their broth. lol..I didn't know you were bruised. I had none. I meant to get your email when we left at the same time but didn't have any paper or pens. Glad you're on here. We had the same experience, although I had my husband with me who is a physician and was in the operating room with Dr. Ortiz and commented how great of a surgeon he was. At least I had that support. I was one of those who thought Mexico - no way. You were alone. Glad we met and experienced the same thing on the same day.

Want to know your progress... keep posting.

Monica

Hey girl... whats up... yes I was there alone. I wasn't looking forward to the broth... and hadn't tried it yet...

I am doing well and looking forward to real food again. I think I am going to plan my fill the first week in Nov

Here's a section taken off the Lap Band website:

In Mexico, the latest generation FDA-approved LAP-BAND AP® System is NOT available for use. This advanced performance technology for LAP-BAND® surgery was approved by the FDA in 2006 for use in the U.S. Surgeons in Mexico offer the older LAP-BAND® System models, which are called the 9.75 and 10mm, and the VG models. Nearly ALL LAP-BAND® systems implanted in the U.S. are now the new LAP-BAND AP® band, as surgeons prefer them significantly.

This statement is sort of true, but kind of misleading. The OCC uses the 4cc and 10cc lap band model bands. The new (American) AP band is a 14cc to 17cc. All the bands are new, the 4cc and 10cc bands are NOT leftovers or discontinued models. They are all new bands and each model is still in production. I've seen all 3 bands, they don't look much different other than they hold different amounts of saline. They all do the same job, they all close down to a certain diameter. In my opinion, and this is my own personal opinion, the American band was designed and made to hold more saline. This way American surgeons could spoon feed the saline to the patient, which would require the patient to make more visits (fills/adjustments) to the doctor to hit that sweet spot, thus the insurance provider would have to pay more. My biggest complaint when I went to our local lap band support group meetings was all the new patients complaining why they didn't have restriction after having band surgery 6 months ago. This is why 99% of the American surgeons do only blind fills and don't use fluoro during their fills. Most of the patients in those support groups had at least 6 fills and still didn't have restriction. It drove me nuts, why wouldn't American doctors use fluoro and give their patients resrtiction at the first fill. To me it only seemed they wanted the patient have more trips to the office, hence more money spent by the patient/insurance provider to achive restriction with their band. But,, remember, this is my opinion, I'm sure that an American surgeon would have some BS reason why they don't give the patient restriction at the first fill.

Easy answer is that the US is a fee for service. Providers don't make money if they do it right the first time. They make their money if the repeat again and again. Simple American Economics

I thought this would be something really fun to do. I read this on another site and have laughed so much at it... I will give some examples................

You look at the serving size of Triscuts and think "7 crackers - I'll never eat all those, so you take 3 and are full"

You can make more then one meal out of a can of Tuna.

A thimble of vodka gives you a buzz- a cap full gets you wasted.

The guys at my works will ask what everyone wants to eat for Lunch and when they get to me they will say "Just order her a BEAN!"

LISA yours is still one of my favorites!!!!- Get pulled over and Cop tells you to get a new drivers license!!

Carrie

When you order off the kids menu and the server asks "How many kid plates do YOU need to order"

I was there when it happened to a friend that was banded in the US about 3 years ago... Needless to say we left QUICKLY

Hi Dave!

I totally forgot that we had surgery on the same day! What time did you have yours done? I was there starting around 10am, but didn't really see anyone. The clear liquid diet has been getting harder as the days pass. I'm getting a little bit hungrier as time passes, and yesterday had a terrible headache!

I can't wait until Thursday!! Drinkable yogurt sounds like heaven right now!!!!!

All the best,

Charelle

I was there about 8 am and by the time you got there I was in my room and about to head into the OR. I am doing well and drinking a lot. Glad the clear liquids are over and having soups and yogart... I am starting to get hungry now and again but just drink more.

I am looking forward to the fill and getting the full sensation... you know like after I used to polish off a large pizza.

Thanks so much for sharing your story Dave! I was already pretty confident about having my surgery at the OCC but this just reinforced my decision! Keep us posted on your progress!! I cant wait until November 11th now!!

It will go by very quickly... you will be very happy when done... Thur the procedure was done and was off work Thur and Fri. I took a 1.5 mile walk on Sat and Sun and worked all this week. Recovery was rather fast... I am looking forward to getting my first fill.

Also think I have gotten a coworker to discuss with her daughter and a neighbor that are really considering heading to TJ.

I was just thinking about the money and taxes that have been lost... Well US healthcare... get on the ball

Best Wishes and enjoy the broth....

Dave

Dave, that was AWESOME!! I copied it and printed it to show people who raise there eyebrows at me when I say I went to TJ for surgery. And the fact that you are in the medical field is just more icing on the cake! Thanks Dave! >

Red

I know I faced the same thing... even more... cause I should know better than to go to TJ for medical care

thank you... this took me a step further in getting it done. im just waiting on my passport and my boyfriends. he's going with me, he just doesnt know it yet.

DON'T STEP.... JUMP!!!!!

I am glad you are heading that way....

I am really happy to hear of yet another great experience at the OCC, Dave - it sounds like it went very well. How did your little one take you being away? (this is the thing I'm most worried about - being away from my two girls) - I'll bet she was so happy when her daddy got home!

Deena

She didn't even know I was gone... she got to play and shop got her toe nails done and her hair done and more walks and wardrobe changes... so basically she had no time miss me.... she giggled, smiled, and wiggled when she saw me. I love being her daddy

Love the discussion Dave, well done!

I had my band put in September 15th 2008

I am 50 lbs down

Lost 7 inches off my hips

Lost 6 inches off my chest

Lost 7 inches off my waist

Gone down 3 sizes (to date)

Blood pressure is normalized

No longer obsess about food

Am in control

I can run 5 miles and feel invigorated (not exhausted)

And I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, because if this band were not in place, I would have an additional 50 lbs ON right now, instead of OFF

AMAZING... love to hear what I can look forward to... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY 1 year banded.

Dave,

Thank you so much for posting. When I first saw the title of your post I thought yours was going to be the first horror story I'd read about the OCC. I'm relieved that it was yet another fabulous report.

I am an RN and had my doubts and so I visited the clinic myself and spoke with Dr. Ortiz for at least 30 minutes. I have never experienced health care like this in the States. EVER.

I'm getting my surgery on Friday.

Margaret

HELLO... that is what Ia m talking about. Have no doubts... You will love it and want to go back.... I won't say good luck but will say enjoy....

Let me know!!!!

ive been researching and reading about getting banned... so far OCC seems like the best place to go. im determined to get it and excited. i just have to figure out how to bring it up to my family and boyfriend... in a way explain to them that i need extra help, other than a gym membership... i just don't know. any advice?

much love and thanx for all of ur inspiring stories and posts.

expect to be hearing from me more frequently.

Erica

DO IT!!!!! read what I just posted "the real story"

Here is my story…..My name is Dave and I had the Realize gastric band placed with a BMI of 35 heading into this process.

I was clinically obese and frustrated with the cost and lack of Blue Cross willingness to get this done. I figured it out and with all the appointments, time off work for appointments, and having to pay all the appointment co pays and having to pay deductable of two years it will actually cost less going to OCC. And will be able to deduct this expense on my 2009 taxes.

I arrived Wed night and as greeted the exit gate at the San Diego airport by a warm smile and a driver that talked to me. I arrived at the hotel which looked great and got great service.

My only issue was at this start... Somehow the hotel did not have my reservation. Mind you that this was about 930pm and the hotel took my credit card and said that they would call the clinic in the morning and work it out. Well of course I freaked out and I called the 800 phone number as soon as I got up to my room. I honestly had a call back from Rene within about 2 minutes and a call from the hotel within another minute that it was all worked out.

I woke up on Thursday and went to the lobby and with the clinic’s arrangements; I took the shuttle service to OCC. I filled out a couple of pages and was in the waiting room, maybe 20 minutes. The nurse took back and took her time to draw my labs and started my IV. I am a hard stick and she did it first time, all with a smile and kind words. Then went back to the waiting room and got to talk to a few people. Two that were there for fills, one for a next day recheck, and another that was going in right before me. The ones that were there before me said it was a cake walk not a big deal and said they would do it all over again.

Dr. Ortiz actually sat in the room with me before the procedure for about 25-30 minutes just shooting the breeze, they we talked about the expectations and the procedure. Really Nice guy and confident in what he does. Dr. So came in and talked about fills and future, again, another really nice guy. Both were very approachable and pleasant. I kept thinking… Are these people for real? Are they going to ask for more money or is there a catch? Nope just everyone doing their job with a smile and seem to enjoy it.

I arrived about 745 and in the OR about noon and out and walking the halls about 2:30 and took the shuttle back to the hotel at 430. I just really did not want to be there all night, not because of the anything they said, did, or any issue with the facility, but I’d rather be pitiful and alone as I am not a good patient. I did a little walking that evening and a long walk in the morning and had the BEST broth from the hotel Lucerna that I have ever had. I asked for it to go and drank it in my room. As I did not want to sit and drink it in the restaurant watch people eat real food and they were happy to accommodate me. FYI there is a Starbucks across the street from the hotel and they accept Starbuck’s gold card so I did not even carry any cash.

This was an A class operation and system. There were no donkey rides in, no shady deals, no shacks, coat hangers, dirty instruments, candles burning or anything questionable. There were no back alleys, no burrows as transportation, not even cash passed at the US-Mexican border, and no scars on my sides or back so I still have both kidneys.

I feel like I can truly comment on this as I have been an Emergency Room and Intensive care Registered Nurse since 1993 and a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner since 2002. I have seen and worked many ER, clinics, and hospitals that could use some lessons from this group. I am talking about patient treatment, staffing, and cleaning.

If I was asked if I would redo this again from this point in my recovery, I would get back on the plane today. This is a new tool in my weight management tool box.

I had a little more bruising than I thought I would or should have, and yes, I did I call Dr. Ortiz about 945 on a Friday night. I got called back within about 2 minutes and he actually listened to my voicemail and ready to address my concerns. This was caused from the jerky plane landing. I would encourage everyone to ask for the pillow and use as support during takeoff and landing.

Plain and simple... I am impressed

I sent an email to requested documentation and receipt to submit to my insurance… well again they exceeded my expectations as I got the info in less than one business day. Beat that...

I don’t think that my experience was unusual. If you are considering it…GO FOR IT!!!!. I have no regrets and would do it again without hesitation.

If after reading this you have more concerns that the center can’t answer and you want to talk to someone that has gone though it… please ask the center to contact me and I call or email you. I have nothing to gain, but knowing I have helped someone make a choice to take control of one part of your life and live longer and healthier.

Best of wishes

Dave

Sacramento, California

I don't want to mess things up... I just had it done on Sept 17 not really hungry but drinking a lot of liquids broth and clear liquids... can I drink as much as I want... I dont want to stretch my new upper pouch...

Have I have already done dammage?

Dave, I have two very skinny parents and I'm still fat!!! They are those annoying people who can eat whatever they want and never gain a pound! We were fed enormous portions and a lot of fried food my whole life. At least now you will be able to model good eating habbits for your daughter. I was thinking the other day how often my little ones (4 and 6) used to eat at McDonalds because I was a fast-food addict. Now it is a real treat for them- I've taken them once in nine months and we RARELY go to any other restaurants as I try to find other forms of entertainment besides going out to eat. Good luck to you.

Sabrina:)

You are almost at your goal wt..... horrray

I am trying to model... in fact I still make all of her food... she has not had anything for a jar or package yet...

Thanks for the encouragement and you are right food is not entertainment... nor is it social... I need to eat to live and not live to eat

BIG KISS....

Dave

Wow Dave - I totally get how you are feeling about your daughter. I was sad to leave my little guy too.

Matter of fact, he knew I was leaving and tried hard to keep me from getting ready. I finally had to ask his dad to take him downstairs so I could pack and keep my cloths in the suitcase.....he kept on taking my cloths out and shaking the cloths....so I would refold them and put them back. It made me sad to be seperated from him.

The time goes by pretty fast. The day after surgery, a group of us bandsters went shopping. Spent 4-5 hrs down on the strip had a ball, bought gifts to bring backl for my honey and my baby. It was a good time.

It's tough to part, but think how much longer your life will be due to yoru health!! Hang in there Dave!

Those are the cutest damn pictures.... Too funny.

She was the final straw to get this done. I want to be here for her and even more important to be part of her life... to play and interact.

Thanks for your encouragement.

It was great! I arrived late Monday night. Woke up early, and was picked up at 7am from the Lucerna Hotel and taken to the OCC. There I had all the preop, met with various docs (nutritionist, dentist, cardiologist, etc) then I was called back by Dr. So to my room, where they started the IV with antibiotics, and gave me a couple pills. Dr. Ortiz came in to chat for a bit, then I was off to surgery. When I woke up, I needed a breathing treatment (I have asthma) from the anesthesia, but all was great. My mom had to leave to go back to the hotel before I was fully up and active, so that was the only bump in the road. But Dr. So assured her she could call him anytime to check up on me, and he gave her his cell phone. Yes, I am a grown adult, but I guess your mom is always a mom- plus she is a nurse, so always worried cuz she knows too much. lol At 8:30pm the nurse gave everyone some meds to help everyone sleep well through the night. I was up at 2am, and ready to go, so I walked the halls and browsed the internet, watched some tv, etc. They came in at 7-ish to discharge us, and everyone went back to their hotel and rested. I actually stayed to have my teeth whitened, then went back. My mom and I then went to the market via Lucerna Cab to get a few souvenirs for my little ones. We went back tot he hotel, napped then went to dinner with another family that was banded. They served us chicken broth & tea, while our family had an amazing meal. The next day, Thursday we were picked up at 7am and taken to the airport. What a whirlwind.

And why do we have to travel to Mexico for this.... This is sooooo what the US needs to do for us. Funny thing I called a couple days ago and realized it was after hours and hung up... The Doc ACTUALLY called me back. They wanted to make sure that I wasn't a pt that was having troubles... How freaky is that. They called to check up...

I am glad things went so well and feeling more and more secure that this is the right way to go... I guess I could spend an extra year trying to get it approved by insurance.... NOT

Nice that Mom was there for you...

Hi Dave!

I COMPLETELY understand how hard it is to be away from your little one. I was banded last week and that was the first time I have ever left my twin 2-year olds. They were okay, but I was a wreck. The time really does fly by, and you will be back before you know it! Good Luck on your journey!

OMG you survived... the trip, the procedure and away from the kids.... So how was it...

Well today is Saturday and I am doing my preop diet.... Hate Hate Hate this. I know it is the first step.

I arrive on Wed eve and do preop on Thur am and then get banded in the afternoon. Anyone else going to be there on the 17th? I am looking forward but nervous... I just want to get it done. I am SOOOO tired of hearing all I need is the stick to it, a good diet, and exercise program. Yeah that has been working for almost 40 years

Why didn't I choose better parents that had the skinny genes?

I am still having issues with leaving the baby.. She will turn 10 months when I am gone.,, this is the first time that I have spent the night way from her.

Dave

Hello Everyone.. I just scheduled my surgery for September 9th and cant wait... Even though as the date gets closer, i find myself getting more nervous.

Just a couple more days... congrats I wish I was heading there this week... Best wishes

Sept 17 here.... a bit freaked but looking forward to it.... ''

Looks like I am arriving on the 16th and getting banded on the 17th

I am a single father with a 9 1/2 month old and this will be the first time she will not sleep under the same roof as me.

I know this is worth it as it will prolong my life to spend with her. But I know I am gonna cry..

odave@wavecable.com