Teri

Hi Teri & Kyle,

I'm so glad all went well! This Lori, I was/am you patient care coordinator. Please keep me posted with your progress and feel free to contact me anytime with questions!!

Well Hello Lori!! just as you said, couldnt have asked for a better Dr. or staff! Thanks for all your help with all the questions I had. I think between you and Cindy I became a human sponge on the info you shared. We are 12 days post-op and have 9 to go to eat real food again. Lookin forward to that day:). What a long couple of weeks already, and hoping the next week or so will go by faster. heheh Thanks again, Lori,

Teri and Kyle

Hello everyone,

I will be having surgery on the 10th of November, Friday. Looking forward to it.

Laura N

Well Laura, by this time you should be banded. Hope everything went well. Loads of best wishes for a quick recovery. Teri

Hi Teri,

Kim here... i was so glad to see you and Kyle at the clinic the day after your surgery. you both looked great and made me less nervous for my own surgery that day. i wish you guys the best - i too am down about 10 lbs and very happy about the whole process so far.

take care,

kim

Hi Kim,

Wish we could have talked for a while. It seemed pretty quick when it was time to leave the hospital. Dr. Ortiz is great, isnt he!!!!!!!!!! ---and good looking too, just like patients say. Teri

Hi Everyone,

I finally made it to bandland. here is my story.... i arrived at san diego airport on nov 1st, francisco picked me and my mom up and drove us straight to the clinic. once at the clinic i began the series of tests, they took my blood, ekg, spoke with dr miranda in regards to post op diet and did the breath test -which to me was the hardest part. i have to say every single person at the clinic was so nice and supportive. i felt like a VIP the entire time. after all the tests we were driven to the hotel which felt like more VIP treatment. we spent the evening eating a last meal (early)- i had a small steak with veggies and cheese cake for dessert. the next morning i was picked up at the hotel and driven back to the clinic. i was the first one to get the surgery this day since all my pre-op was done. dr ortiz came in about 9am and sat on my couch in my room and talked and laughed with me and my mom for about 20 min - what a super nice man. he is goodlooking but more than that, once you actually talk to him, he has such a good personality and good spirit that he makes you feel so comfortable. i walked into the surgery room, dr estrada (the anesthesiolgist) let me pick out music that would be played during my surgery and thats the last thing i remember until they were waking me up and wheeling me back into my room. i spent the rest of the day walking around the clinic to ease the gas pains. that evening i watched tv on my own flat screen direct tv - very nice! the next day i was taken back to the hotel where i met up with my mom - we walked to the mall as the gas pain was pretty intense for me and i felt the more i walked the better. we shopped, walked back to the hotel, and then i slept pretty much till the next morning when we flew home.

i am now 6 days post-op and the gas pain comes and goes. i have lost 10 lbs and so far i am loving this band.

I would highly recommend Dr Ortiz to anyone considering this surgery. I felt like part of the family - it was a wonderful experience.

Hi Everyone,

I finally made it to bandland. here is my story.... i arrived at san diego airport on nov 1st, francisco picked me and my mom up and drove us straight to the clinic. once at the clinic i began the series of tests, they took my blood, ekg, spoke with dr miranda in regards to post op diet and did the breath test -which to me was the hardest part. i have to say every single person at the clinic was so nice and supportive. i felt like a VIP the entire time. after all the tests we were driven to the hotel which felt like more VIP treatment. we spent the evening eating a last meal (early)- i had a small steak with veggies and cheese cake for dessert. the next morning i was picked up at the hotel and driven back to the clinic. i was the first one to get the surgery this day since all my pre-op was done. dr ortiz came in about 9am and sat on my couch in my room and talked and laughed with me and my mom for about 20 min - what a super nice man. he is goodlooking but more than that, once you actually talk to him, he has such a good personality and good spirit that he makes you feel so comfortable. i walked into the surgery room, dr estrada (the anesthesiolgist) let me pick out music that would be played during my surgery and thats the last thing i remember until they were waking me up and wheeling me back into my room. i spent the rest of the day walking around the clinic to ease the gas pains. that evening i watched tv on my own flat screen direct tv - very nice! the next day i was taken back to the hotel where i met up with my mom - we walked to the mall as the gas pain was pretty intense for me and i felt the more i walked the better. we shopped, walked back to the hotel, and then i slept pretty much till the next morning when we flew home.

i am now 6 days post-op and the gas pain comes and goes. i have lost 10 lbs and so far i am loving this band.

I would highly recommend Dr Ortiz to anyone considering this surgery. I felt like part of the family - it was a wonderful experience.

Hi Kym,

What a great experience hunh? You sound as happy as us. We are truly lovin this. Kyle is down already from 225 to 207!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's back in his last size, and what a difference! Its only been a week today since the surgery. I cant believe we missed the chance to chit chat! Were suppose to go back Dec 15, trying to coordinate rides. If your interested let me know. Good Luck on the Post Diet. It hasnt been bad at all. (so far) Teri

Fear of losing the weightloss battle - author unknown

You won't lose the battle if you are willing to work with the band and do your part. But I can almost guarantee:

You will have plateaus when you first switch to solids until your body gets used to being fed instead of starved (most likely one-two weeks but could be three like mine.)

During many plateaus you will lose inches not pounds and then finally a larger loss.

Your loss in the first 30-40 days is a "never to be repeated" experience so enjoy it. Then you begin the long slow journey downward.

You will learn the fine art of "PBs" and what causes them for you, it is swallowing air when you eat. Eating too fast....NOT chewing well or too big of a bite. Eating the wrong food for you...and not recognizing the "no longer hungry" after 1/2 cup (satiation) versus an "I WANT TO EAT MORE CAUSE I CAN or IT TASTES GOOD" or I crave it [head hunger].

You will watch your body shrink and will walk a bit taller-literally- and figuratively...start slipping into booths in restaurants. Sit in chairs with arms, stop worrying about how strong the chairs are, not having to ask for an extender belt on airlines. Finding it easier to, and you have more energy to walk/go up stairs. Clean house and do a million other day to day activities. Slip in and out of bath tubs where the water goes all the way around you instead of damming up and it doesn't kill you to stand up from sitting on the floor. Watch the years fall off your face and drivers license picture...got to a restaurant and order an appetizer and still end up with leftovers to take home.

Go through doubts and several fills/unfills until you hit the "sweet spot" fill level for you.

You will have to stop several times along the way to reassess your eating habits (I could eat certain foods and get away with some cheating a bit quantity wise at 359 and still lose...that had to go at 250).

I have also found that I have to keep reminding myself 1/2 cup of solids three times a day--only--and drink my water (1 hour after meals until the next meal but not with meals).

Eat protein first...fruit and veggies second, and non-complex carbs last. (Keep the fats, sugars, and non-complex carbs low...still have them but keep them low).

And believe it or NOT a plateau that indicates that you need a fill is:

1. No weight loss for four weeks.

2. You are following all the band rules (8 out of 10 of us want to be able to break the rules and still lose figuring if we get a fill it will miraculously start us losing without us having to do our parts).

3. You are hungry an hour after eating (really hungry not cravings) and the 1/2 cup doesn't stay in the band for 2 1/2 to 4 hours.

4. You are drinking 60+ ounces of water a day and not drinking with your meal or for at least an hour after.

5. Once you move from mushy to solids--as much as possible get your nourishment from food that is solid. If you have problems with it sticking in your stoma, try it again chewing it well. Cut it up finer or chew it with other foods to keep it from recombining in your pouch and forming a plug (i.e. potatoes).

6. Try to avoid soups and/or protein drinks if possible (if you are able to eat your protein you will be full longer--some people have tight bands in the morning and can't eat so have a protein drink).

7. Whenever you hit a plateau, keep a diary and log everything, including water, which goes in and measure your 1/2 cup of solids. (Mine grew twice from 1/2 a cup to almost a full cup without noticing).

8. Try weighing in once a week to begin with, not daily. Later move to once every two weeks or once a month. When you are losing slowly, weight fluctuates daily with hydration levels, etc. At least this way you normally will see a loss and not a fluctuation or gain. Yes the loss is smaller but they are down not up.

9. Measure yourself monthly, often you lose inches before you lose pounds.

10. Don't compare yourself to others. We all lose at different rates based on age/metabolism/food choices/activity level...but we can all lose.

why didn't you try the gastric baloon? It could help you loose about 70lbs in 6 months, I lost 60 with that stuff.

I sincerly wish you all the luck with the balloon. As for us, we were looking for permanent weight loss, since the balloon can only be placed in the stomach for 6 months or earlier, then, must be removed, this was not an option for us. We would gain the weight back again in no time.

Yesterday, I had a few bites of a burrito, and they got stuck. I have had things stuck before. It felt like tremendous pressure in my chest for about 5 minutes, then it slowly went away.

Yesterday was different. I fell much more than trmendous pain. It hurt like hell!!! For about 30 minutes too. Then the rest of the night, I kept feeling a tightening in my chest, like a muscle spasm, that lasted a few seconds, but came very often. It continued all night. This morning, I am very tired, my chest hurts, but the spasms are much less painful and infrequent. I am guessing that I have some sore muscles from the episode, and that it the pain and discomfort I am feeling, but has anyone experienced this? It is new for me, and it hurts. Any advice would be very appreciated.

Becki

Oh Becki! I feel so bad for you. I heard of this, and I am sure one day we will have our turn. I talked with "Cassie" and her Mother on the phone yesterday. Cassie was 13 when Dr. Ortiz did her surgery. She has been banded for 2 and 1/2 yrs. and they both stressed to me, she still must chew chew and chew. Cassie said she has the least amount of food at lunch and she is always the last one done. She also said the bready type stuff, because it kinda rolls into a ball, doesnt go down well. A burrito is kinda soft and may do the same thing. She also said she has a hard time with chicken too. Oh, I hope your ok and that that does not happen again. Teri

Teri and Kyle,

Congratulations to you both!!! What an amazing thing to be able to do together. To share that experience will keep you close forever.

I'm glad things are going so well for you so far. Isn't it strange to feel full after eating so little? I am still not used to it. I tend to but more on my plate than I actually need. I hope things continue to go so well. And stick to the liquid diet...you wouldn't want to compromise your band. You can do it.

Becki

Thank you Becki for your well wishes! Yes, so far it seems easy to stick to the liquids. Just 1/2 cup and you are stuffed! I love it! Now, 2 weeks down the road could be trouble. But am determined. Your progress is wonderful and I love reading all your posts! Teri

:) Our experience was fantastic! It has been 4 days since our surgery. Dr. Ortiz is wonderful! We were scared to death (literally) of going to TJ MX. And 17,000 for the both of us was lots of $. Thank God, I have a wonderful, kind, generous hubby! I hate to sound selfish, but our health, mind set, and feeling and looking good about our body image is worth it. I have been a yo yo struggler my whole life, only to keep gaining at 48yrs old. I know I dont have as much to lose as some folks, but the never ending struggle with food is the same.

Kyle was following in my path at only 15yrs old. I started at 185, 5'3" and Kyle 225 at 5'5". We both averaged about 77.5 body fat. Thats ALOT. After researching 24/7 almost constantly anyway, we followed all the preop stuff to begin a new and healthy life. My biggest concern was being able to stick to the liquid stage afterward. I mean, come on, we are eaters and that is our favorite thing to do! Pitafull, I know, BUT LIQUIDS for 21 DAYS! It was TOUGH ENOUGH sticking to the slim fast and a lean cuisine. As luck would have it, My B-day, Oct 26, and Anniv Oct 27! fell into the preop diet. So very tough. I cheated a little.

We flew into SAN. on Oct. 31, Halloween, and I passed out candy eyeballs, how lame, but fun. LOL (I think it was a way to keep my mind off of what was going to happen). We were met by a chaffeur, Fransico, drove threw rush hour traffic and took about an hour to get to the Lucenera Hotel. The security was GREAT there, and everyone friendly. We were shown our room, ate at the MX rest. (good) cheated again. Back to room, fell asleep nervously, woke up and met Mrs. Ortiz in the lobby. She drove us to the Clinic (Bev Hills style).

We checked in, saw Dr. Miranda (she went over the diet post-op) we were weighed, etc. they drew blood, (Kyle almost passed out & about 4 nurses, Dr's. came rushing, laid him down, etc.) very comforting. Next we saw the cardiologist, took a breathing test, EKG, passed everything and were ready for surgery. They gave us 2 pills to relax us (which they did very nicely).

Dr. Ortiz came in and was so funny & made you feel at ease. Talked about how weight is everything, along with being healthy. YES it is!! and he said, Kyle, today your life will change! For the better. He told Kyle to follow the rules for a couple of months, and then he said, Kyle were MANLY MEN, we eat hamb. pizza and eat MEN things, like WOOD and BARK (LOL) and after 2 months I dont care what you eat, eat anything! (Dr. Miranda might have been....a little shocked.) He said teens are the best patients, and he will lose. Kyle loved Dr. Ortiz & the nurses loved Kyle like there own son, then Kyle went back to his room, (he was having surgery 1st) I fell asleep, and was awoken by the nurse.

Kyle had been banded already, I walked in to see him, he mummbled some things, then I walked to O. R. and dont remember anything until I awoke and I was banded. Then we were encouraged to walk. Surprisingly, no pain, but we were given pain med. We were up and using the computers, called home, all the calls home were free. Stayed overnight, the beds were very comfortable, flat screen TV's with more channels then you can imagine. The service was impeccable. The nurses gave us popsicles, chicken broth, etc. Continued to take Blood Pressure, etc.

We were discharged the next morning. Another driver drove us back to the Hotel, for lunch we sipped chicken broth 1/2 cup and were stuffed! (Thanksgiving Stuffed) the same for the O.J. for breakfast the next morning. We took a taxi to the Mall, walked around, bought some things. Back at the Hotel we had a Mom & Son laugh & cry. Talked about how painful it has been that kids will be kids with the teasing of fat kids & how fabulous it is that it will soon be behind him. Kids can be ruthless, and even though you have the ability to laugh it off, the hurt lingers. Great Bonding Time. (He kept this all inside, I didn't know how this effected him) since he knows how to "give it back"

Watched the tube, went to sleep, had breakfast (the OJ). Kelly whom we were banded with the same day, rang our room to meet her and her husband in the rest. We talked for an hour or so, exchanged email and the driver was there to take us back across the border to the Airport. Flew home, and we literally cannot stop laughing from how full we feel. After drinking that O.J. 1/2 cup, at 7a.m. we were stuffed until 5pm. YA WHO. I dont want to get to "cocky", just want to enjoy the wonderful feeling's we are feeling.

I can already see a difference in Kyle's attitude about his weight, He put on a T-shirt he hasnt worn since last year, (a tight muscle T) and He was smiling from ear to ear, and so was I. Apologies for the length, but this was our experience on being banded. He is down to 210 and I am down to 175. He lost 10lbs pre-opt and I lost 8lbs. Were just a little tender but no pain. We LOVED this experience together, and for anyone considering MX. and Dr. Ortiz, it was far more then what I was expecting, and I had high expectations before going.! If your questioning TJ, MX, your probably going to be jumping out of your skin, like me, but not to worry! So, signing off, JOYFUL in AZ! Teri and Kyle PS. Wishing EVERYONE the BEST with whatever you decide!

Hi

i am having surgery on Nov 2nd... i was wondering if anyone will be there during that time getting surgery or a fill? my mom is going with me for support but i am more worried about her having someone to talk to than anything else.

also, any colorado people out there?

Kym,

So sorry to have missed you. I was leaving the clinic in the lobby and they said you were just admitted. There was someone in the lobby, (4 people) one being banded as well, was that you sabledog? I was kinda in a daze, I was with Kyle my son. Let me know, How was your surgery? A Breeze I hope!! I would like to know how it went for you. Teri

LOL sorry Teri had to chuckle at you ....but RX and prescription are the same thing... you would need to ask your MD about a medication that you can use either over the counter or write a prescription for one is all I think she was advising ---gotta luv you -----leaving for Disneyland tommorow --will get with you when we get back to see how you feel

LOL too! I think I'm still drugged from the surgery! I use to work at a Pharmacy 25 yrs ago too. I knew that, but still in a daze at that time I think. LOL. ENJOY your trip to DisneyLand, we've always had so many great memories together there, although we usually go to DisneyWorld in FL, cuz its where the In-laws live. Almost time for YOU to eat REAL food!! you gotta love it. Teri

Once you've had time to heal after surgery, you and your son might consider getting a flu shot to help protect you through the flu season. Also talk to your local doctor about having some nausea medication on hand as was suggested in some earlier posts. The most popular is phenergan and it is really wonderful if you have a pharmasist who can compound it for you in rub-on form. Heaving with the band hurts and can cause slippage.

Accidentally swallowing gum shouldn't be a big problem as your body temperature and stomach acid should dissolve it. I've heard both pro and cons for chewing gum regarding gas issues on this forum, but I chew gum frequently as it satisfies my need to chew something.

Thanks Chelley!! I read ALL of your posts sometimes over and over, so glad you are still posting. I am a gum chewer, always have been, and was freaking myself out over swallowing it. I am soooooooo glad you are doing well at losing again. It had to have been frustrating, especially seeing your Mom and sister losing. But you ARE on the Right track. My son Kyle at 15, is a kid and Dr. Oritz said he would lose a lot faster then me, and thats ok as long as I lose. Hmm, the flu shot, I never had one before, just always shrugged it off, but I will check into it for sure now. Thanks so much, Chelley, KEEP UP THE AWESOME LOSING! I love it!

Let me know if there's anyone else to update to the list! Glad to hear that you and Kyle are doing well, Teri!

Updated list:

Kelly (California) - Nov 1

Kyle (Arizona) - Nov 1

Teri (Arizona) - Nov 1

kym828 - Nov 2

Sabledog - Nov 2

mgewton - Nov 3 (re-band)

jess333 - Nov 3

Canada Julie (Canada) - Nov 6

Laura N - Nov 10

Liz - Nov 14

Kristi Ann - Nov 14

GregNE (Nebraska) - Nov 14

Terri - Nov 17

fatgirlnomore (Florida) - Nov 17

msclvan (Colorado) - Nov 20

sunsreturn (Canada) - Nov 20

Kathyinca - Nov 23

Thank you so much!!!!!!!!! It is the GREATEST feeling in the world to be FULL. I am SO HAPPY! I just know this was the PERFECT descision for me and Kyle. It's still totally unbelievable. I laugh constantly! Teri

Hi Teri,

I'm not sure the flu would be any different. It may be a bit harder to get all the fluids you need and not drink before, during, or for an hour after you eat. It shouldn't be a problem at all during your liquid stage. Well, having the flu is a problem but I don't see how having the band would make it worse.

Swallowing gum, hmmm - never thought of that. I would think the worse thing would be you would PB it. As I have never PB yet (nock on wood) I don't know how that feels. I have got some things stuck. You tend to avoid thouse things from then on. For instance, I will never miss rice.

Good Luck,

Marc

Thanks for the info Marc! I will try and stay away from people who I know are "sick" since the flu season is around the corner. Teri

Hi Teri -

If you get the flu or any illness that might cause you to throw up repeatedly (and this type of throwing up is quite different than a pb) you need to get to your doc immediately for anti nausea medicine. Throwing up alot is a primary cause of slippage.

a lot of bandsters keep a rx for nausea (sorry, can't spell it) at houme.

Thanks Mary! Is RX a prescription for nausea? Is there a brand name over the counter, or do you need a prescription, if so, do you have the name of the medicine, so I can keep it on hand? Thanks, I hope your doing well! I like reading your posts. Teri

I am in the preliminary stages of looking into lap band surgery, I'm going to an informational meeting tomorrow night. I have been doing a lot of research so that I am well informed. I know that the lap band websites show glossy pictures of successful lap band recipients, but I also know that the forums are where the real stories are, the so called "trenches". What I am concerned with is I'm not seeing many successful people on the forums. I can't comprehend that if you've had your stomach reduced to the size of a golf ball that you DON'T lose weight, what is up with that?? Also, I'm astounded that Americans would even contemplate, let alone actually have surgery done in a third-world country such as Mexico. I think it demonstrates the desperation that we have as fat people, we are willing to do anything to lose weight. Does Lap Band surgery really work or is it just another money making gimmick to bilk people out of their money? What is the success ratio? Where are the real success stories on this forum?

Hi mtred, While I can only speak for myself, very newly banded! (NOV 1) the decision for me and my son was about Dr. Ortiz being a "proctor" meaning he has educated surgeons in the U.S. (MI, WA, TX, IL, LO, MN) He is also American Board Certified. The U.S. would not band us. As far "as another money maker", I have spent thousands of dollars on fad diets, LA, WW, diet pills, SB, At, etc. losing, but unable to keep the weight off. I have to say I was hopefull instead of desperate. Only time will tell, but for me it sounds promising. Since I go to the Dentist in MX. (crowns $150, for perfection) I knew we would have better quality care by Dr. Ortiz's team from all the research! Our experience was the finest, with sanitation and hygiene first class! Good Luck on any desicision you choose or any route you follow. Teri

I would like to add to the list Kyle who was banded with his mother Teri in November 1st

Good luck everyone

Hi Cindy,

Well are back and banded. And you can add Kelly to your list. We were banded with her on Nov 1. She is from CA. She said she is going to get on the web. She is already a registered user. I'll have to get her user name. I have it. Thinks are going great. I can believe how full Kyle and I were on a 1/2 cup of o.j. for breakfast and still stuffed at dinner. haha what an awesome feeling. Teri hah

I Everyone!

I was just wondering, I am leaving for the airport in about 1/2 hour to hopefully become banded Nov 1, with my son who is 15. (Dr. Ortiz) Questions keep coming up, but the one that I was wondering about was: What if you get the flu or swallow gum? During the critical healing process, it wouldnt be good. Has anyone had this happen? Thanks Everyone! Good Luck to you ALL!

Teri

Hi Cindy,

Thought I'd pop in AZ catagory to see how you are doing? I will call you before we leave. I hope you are doing ok still. I have been a non stop researcher, practically 24/7. I'm having so many pains in my stomach area just from thinking thinking thinking about going through the experience. YIKES. Talk to you soon. Teri

Well, here goes!!!!! Kyle and I leave for the airport in 45 minutes. I will talk with you when we are back and hopefully banded! Enjoy the rest of the week.

Teri

Hi Kym - my surgery is scheduled for Nov. 2nd also and I am coming alone from AZ, would love to meet you, I am scared of being alone, so would appreciate any support.

Hi Sabledog, I will probably see you the next day!!! My son and I are having the surgery Nov 1, and we stay overnight so we might run into you. I am from AZ also (Gold Canyon) by the Superstition Mts, Where in AZ do you live? Good Luck, I am sooooooooooooo excited and nervous. Teri

Hi Cindy,

Thought I'd pop in AZ catagory to see how you are doing? I will call you before we leave. I hope you are doing ok still. I have been a non stop researcher, practically 24/7. I'm having so many pains in my stomach area just from thinking thinking thinking about going through the experience. YIKES. Talk to you soon. Teri

Wavin Hello to Everyone!!

Both my son (15) and myself will be having surgery on Nov 1, flying in Oct 31. Dr. Ortiez will be doing the surgery. Lori is a doll to talk with! I couldn't believe it, while researching I found Cindy-from-AZ who just had her surgery Oct 16th!!! (my daughter use to babysit for her kids). We live about a mile apart!!! I called her and was sooooooooo relieved. I have major butterflies and very nervous, but excited too. She has been a huge support and very knowledgeable. Thank you Cindy, if you read this!!!!!! Your a doll too! and happy losing! Teri