ATLMark

I had the lap band procedure by Dr. Ortiz in September 2010 and have lost 75 lbs. It has been a lot of work and I love my lap band! The OCC is the most amazing place and I returned for my three fills. My entire experience has been positive. I can no longer eat dry food like breads or chicken breast, but I don't miss them since I am so happy with my weight loss. I understand that sodas are difficult to swallow, but I haven't tried and never drank them prior to my surgery. Send me an email if you have any questions and I will be glad to answer!

Mark

Thanks for the recommendations!! I went to El Potrero and had a great, small meal!!! My favorite food in TJ was La Casa de Mole!!

I am staying at the Tijuana Marriott next week when I go to the OCC for a fill. I will be staying an extra day in town and am looking for something to do aside from visiting Wal-Mart (LOL). Are there any interesting places to visit or any good eateries near the hotel? Thanks for any suggestions!

Mark

Happy Bandiversary!!!!! You have done an amazing job with your weight loss!!! Keep up the great work!!!

Mark

LOL!!! I am the same way!!! Mild salsa used to be almost too spicy for me and since my banding, I am eating Medium or higher!! Wow!! My friends can't believe that I started eating the spicier salsas and flavors. I thought it was just me. I wonder how many more of us out there are doing the same thing. Too funny!

Mark

I remember when you first started posting. i am so glad to hear your success and happiness. Keep up the great work

Thanks so much!!! You have done amazing as well!!! You are almost to goal!!! Congrats!!!

My quality of life is something I never imagined. I have lost almost 70 lbs since my banding and I have a new outlook on life. I don't have to worry any more about weight restrictions. I can sit in the front seat on a roller coaster and I can speed down a zip line! Two things that I was never able to do before my banding. I also enjoy exercise for the first time in my life, which is something I never imagined! I think the eating aspect is different for everyone and really depends on how tight your band is. I haven't had much luck swallowing breads or dry meats like chicken breast, but I don't miss either. For meals, I can have a small serving of meat and a veggie or two. I have never felt unsatisfied or cheated. This was the best decision I ever made and the OCC was the most amazing place! I have no regrets and now live life to the fullest!! Hope this helps!! Good luck on your weight loss journey!!

Mark

I am almost 60 lbs down since my surgery 6 months ago and have prevented my skin from sagging except for my tricep area. I have started lifting weights, but was curious if anyone has any other suggestions for firming up the triceps so my skin doesn't hang. I am trying to keep my skin as tight as possible. Thanks bandsters!!!

I am down 52 lbs since my banding in September. I have been doing cardio, but want to implement weights into my routine. Are there any exercises I should avoid with the band? I didn't want to upset my port with certain weight training. Let me know your experiences. Thanks!!!

Mark

I have been there three times in the past four months (lap band surgery + two fills) and have always felt comfortable and safe. Good luck with your surgery! That is so exciting!!

Thanks for the great recommendation! I haven't had any hair loss, but I am doing everything possible to prevent it. I will try these supplements since they seem to have a lot of benefits. Thanks!!

Mark

Studies show that chewing itself causes “fullness.” I’ve also read that chewing gum will demolish your desire for snacks, which in my experience, I find completely true.

Almonds are an interesting way to lose weight. Almonds kick into the system of our physiology affecting hunger and appetite. They help with fat absorption and hormone response. The increased fat in the small intestine causes hormones to release and a feeling of fullness.

Almonds are a great way to lose weight. I personally experimented with them and noticed it lowered my appetite by a mile. Almonds are a great snack to eat as they contain healthy fat, fiber, complex carbs, vitamins and mineral.

Remember people, just do it!

Wish I wasn't allergic to almonds!! LOL!!

Hey Sara!! I understand how you are feeling about TJ. I went to the OCC for my first fill last month and everything went great!! I was a little concerned since people in a rehab facility were killed a few days prior to my arrival. I never felt scared or uncomfortable one time. After our fills, we drove about an hour into Mexico and were fine there as well. A lot of the violence is happening in the Mexican border cities around Texas. TJ has it's problems, but as long as you are aware of your surroundings everything will be fine. Hope all goes well for you!

Mark

Hey all,

I got my first fill 3weeks ago and got 5cc's in my 11cc band. I heard that for the right amount for a fill you should be able to only eat 1/3 of what you used too....well I am definitely not there. I felt some restriction maybe for the 1st couple of days but that's it. How long should we wait before we get another fill? I don't want to risk stretching my pouch or anything, but I am hungry all the TIME! Any recommendations?

Hey! I got my fill a week and a half ago and am in the same boat as you! Dr. So said to wait a minimum of 5 weeks and then schedule the 2nd fill, if needed. I am planning to wait until January or February to get my second fill. Hope I can last that long!!

Mark

Congrats on your surgical date!!! I stayed at the Marriott and loved it!! They took such great care of us!! The restaurant has a special free menu for the OCC patients where you can order juice, chicken broth, or freshly made popsicles!! Their broth was so good that I missed it when I got home!! The employees at the restaurant didn't speak the best English, but they know who Dr. Ortiz is and that it is for weight loss. My mother was concerned about going to Mexico, but really loved the experience at the OCC and the Marriott. Wal-Mart is a short walk or cheap cab fare down the street.

Mark

well i have bought those microwave steam bags and put chicken in there and it comes out moist everytime, you actually dont even need any extra calories with it. plain and simple.

That's great advice! Thanks!

Has anyone had trouble eating grilled chicken? Even the smallest piece gets stuck in my throat after it has been chewed a bunch. I haven't had a fill yet and I was wondering if this gets worse the tighter the band gets. I have prepared grilled chicken many different ways and continue to have the issue of it getting stuck. I always appreciate everyone's kindness and support. Thanks!!!

Mark

I have been using Unjury protein powder, which is medical quality whey protein. I love this stuff!! Here is an awesome recipe they have on their website.

High Protein Pudding

Use Jell-O Instant Pudding (Not Cooked) 4 servings package.

Measure 2 cups of cold milk following package directions.

Add two scoops of UNJURY's unflavored protein to the two cups of cold milk.

Thoroughly mix UNJURY's whey protein powder with the milk by shaking or stirring.

Then follow pudding package directions by putting the Jell-O Instant (Not Cooked) Dry Pudding Mix into a bowl. Add the Unjury and milk mixture.

Mix Well. Chill and Enjoy!

Protein: Each ½ cup serving has 14 grams

*Suggestions for flavors:

* Unflavored UNJURY in Chocolate pudding mix

* Vanilla UNJURY in Vanilla pudding mix

Check out other recipes and their products at the following site: http://www.unjury.com/

Dr. Miranda told me that I could only have things that I could drink during the liquid phase. I stuck to that through the 21st day. I would say no, but I might be wrong. Hope everything is going well for you.

Mark

I found this recipe online and wanted to share. I used many fat-free ingredients to make to as healthy as possible. I love Greek dressing and this satisfied my cravings for it!!

Ingredients

1 cup Hellman's light mayonnaise

1 cup plain lowfat yogurt (I used fat free Greek dressing)

8 oz feta cheese, (I used fat free feta cheese)

1/2 cup red wine vinegar (I used about 1/4 since it is so potent)

3 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp dried oregano (I added extra since I love oregano!!)

(1 clove garlic, optional)

Directions

(1 serving = 1 rounded tablespoon)

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and mix until smooth.

Congrats on your surgical date! You are going to have a blast in Tijuana! I went to Wal-Mart and stocked up on bottled water and also went to Revolutionary Avenue, which was really fun! I didn't get to go to the casino, but I hope to on another trip to Tijuana. The Marriott was a great place to stay and they really took care of us there. The restaurant has a special "Dr. Ortiz" menu where patients can eat free broth, apple juice, and popsicles during their stay! Good luck!!

Mark

I am like most people and was scared about the weight loss during the pre-op diet. I ended up losing 15 lbs, which is what Dr. Miranda requested. Some great tips are to eat Fiber Choice Weight Management tablets (http://www.fiberchoice.com/Products_wm.aspx) and eat steamed edamame, which is an approved green vegetable that is high in protein, which will keep you full longer. Hope this helps and I look forward to hearing how wonderful your weight loss journey is. Keep your head up!!! The scale will go down!!!

Mark

Yes!!!!! This Tomato Pie is amazing!!!!!! I love it!!! I used all fat free ingredients, including ricotta cheese, and it tasted great!!!! Thanks for the great idea!!!!!

Mark

I have been going to a local authentic Greek restaurant and eating a side of gyro meat with a small Greek salad. Does anyone know if gyro meat is healthy? It doesn't seem fatty or greasy. I get full off a small amount and feel full for about 5 - 6 hours after eating. Thanks for any input!

Mark

Petra, great post! Fantastic reminder for us all

We know this too well, eh Mark? haha

Dama,

I thought about you when I read that!!!! LOL!!!

Mark