canuk98828

Glad to see this post. I contacted Dr G. Altschuler in Novato that someone had posted on here and got absolutely NO response. Very dissappointing.

That being said, I am unfortunately not getting much better luck at the OCC. I have been trying to talk to someone there since Wednesday of this past week and have received not much response either. Sent Lori and message through this site, no repsonse. Sent Dr. Miranda an email asking her to call me at her earliest convenience, received an email back saying call any morning M-F. I called yesterday and got voicemail, left my name and number, have not heard back from her. Called the post op number, left my name and number with the nurse Thursday morning asking a doctor to call me, no response. The only response I am getting is from Jaime booking me an appointment. Sorry just had to air my frustration.

Got my copies yesterday through Amazon. Did a quick look last night and am excited to read them both. Thanks Michele

Deb - thank you for the post. This is something I struggle with and I also have allowed a few pounds to creep back on after continually hearing that "friends" thought I was getting too thin. I am now, thanks to other OCC WLSers, exploring the issues I have to control this. Mindless eating is something I have to be soooo aware of. Stress eating is also one of my major issues.

It was great to see you on the posting again.

The OCC gave me names of two doctors in Spokane WA that are accepting new TJ WLS patients. I contacted one of them and it sounds promising. I will keep you posted.

I do know that some american clinics/doctors are allowing fills as early as 6 weeks, but OCC does not recommend it. (as far as I know)

I will also agree with Lisa. I just recently kick myself in the A**, I had gotten complacent and not stay true to what I knew was the path to success. I gained 10 lbs back and was getting very down about the world. Today was my first pilates class and tomorrow is my first Bellydancing class. I am back on the path and (cross my fingers) will not deviate again, but if I do, I will give myself a slap and jump back in again.

I am so sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience. Thank god you finally found someone that was willing to help you. Yes, the fill issue is a major one for a lot of people and that is something every new candidate needs to research and think about carefully. Thank you for posting your story

I'm sure you are on your way by the time I am posting this, but do not even for a minute doubt your decision. You are on a most awesome journey to a new life.

If you were to read the recipe you will find that this is not a "real" ice cream. It is a protein shake made into a "ice cream" like treat. Just wanted to explain

That sounds wonderful. I have yet to find a doctor here in Eastern Washington that will "touch" a Mexican banded patient. Anyone know of a doctor near to me?

I use a combination of two Paul Mitchell products Super Skinny Serum and Quick Slip. On a 1 pump to 3 pump combo. My hair is very fine and has natural wavy and these products help tame it to a smooth look and thus hold down the new hairs that have the tendency to poke out as the waves are forming.

Definitely keep it up. I did not see a real difference until just recently the look of my hair. I now need to use a tamer product as I have so many new strands picking out all over I kinda resemble someone who got an electical shock. With the tamer, it is not noticeable but I can feel the thickness when I tie my hair up.

I do remember you Dewrob. Major congrats to you, Awesome work. 100 lbs in a year.

If you do stay at the Marriott, we went to El Potrero for great Mexican food (or so my companion said). It is the restaurant that is the opposite direction from Wal Mart and is easily within walking distance. It is on the other side of the street and looks like a giant sombero. Other than that, i agree with the Revolution Blvd trip. Have fun

As you fellow WLSers are my support system when all others have failed, I have a confession to make. Over the last few months when I thought I was maintaining and thus not keeping good track of my intake and in addition slacking off on my exercise I have unfortunately allowed 10 lbs to sneak back on. I stepped on the scale yesterday and was dismayed at what I had done. I could offer all sorts of excuses but really, as you all know, there are few that are really valid and I don't have a single valid excuse other than stupidity, ignorance and just plain laziness.

That being said, I jumped back on the "wagon" yesterday, have restarted my food journal, started hydrating correctly, and climbed aboard my incline trainer. Yesterday, I only did 10 minutes and then gave myself the right to step off. Today, feeling more in control I managed to walk/jog diamond head trail on my incline trainer. I ended up with an overall speed of 19 min mile and did the 1.5 -/+ trail.

I leave for the OCC in 5 weeks and don't want to have to be ashamed of myself in the presence tense when I get there.

Thanks for listening.

Roxanne

you definitely look carding age I'm soo happy for you.

Just wanted to send out a Woo Hoo. I was banded a year ago today and it has been such a wonderful year.

I am a 20+ survivor and received my lap band last year.

So on Thursday I have my facelift, lower eye lift, fat grafts and a blue peel. Looks like it takes about 6 hours. I arrive to the surgery center at 7:30 and I'm picked up between 2:30 and 3:00. I'm so excited to have this ugly neck done. My face isn't too bad, its the chin that gets me, and you can really see it from the side. The lower eyes are because when they do the new facelift it pulls the face up so they do the eyes at the same time. Fat grafts in the places that have sunken (I have those) and a blue peel to get rid of the fine lines and pigmentation. This is my fourth procedure - I'm not too worried, kind of get the drill by now. I'm more focused on getting my sleep, exercise and eating right so it all goes well. I'm in a bit of a down mood, broke up with this guy I was seeing - I have a problem getting really close to people these days.

When I was going through my weight loss, I would yell from the highest mountain and tell everyone about it. That's stopped, it does come out from time to time - and I'm not trying to hide it, just don't want it to be such a big part of my life - I want it to be my past and just part of who I am. I have a close guy friend and we actually dated, but as usual I broke it off - the only difference is we became great friends and I told him everything. He's picking me up and taking care of me after the surgery and gave me a great example of what my weight loss is. He said that it was like someone who use to smoke and stopped, you had a bad habit, you broke and your on your way to a healthier life. Its not something I have to tell everyone about (do I tell everyone I use to sneak ciggies and smoke) no I don't, its a part of my past.

So besides the facelift and such - I'm kind of thinking of this as a new beginning. This is the first surgery that I've had that is out there and public..... I'm just going for it, I don't care about my past, love it - hug it, but it doesn't shape me - my future does. This procedure is going to change how I look, I'm beautiful now, I'll be beautiful once its done, just something I don't like will be gone and I'll have a bit of a tune up :-)

All of these little changes don't change the core of who I am, I'm still Lisa, just a little bit more confidant and happy. I have to honestly say I like myself. When I look in the mirror, the person who looks back at me, fits how I feel I should look. When I move now and I'm very atheletic - that fits how I feel I should have always been.

Thank you all, love you and I'll let you know how it goes. I can't be on the computar for 6 days after surgery - have to stay off and no talking so see you on the other side.

Lisa

my thoughts and prays are with you, I know you will do great.

Just wante to update all of you that had requested info on using Latisse. I have just finished using my first bottle. It is expensive out of pocket $120.00 US plus or minus but it has lasted me about 10 months and I love length and fullness of my eyelashes. No adverse side effects.

R

Hi, I am scheduled for the Gastric Plication on 09/12/11 (I will be arriving in San Diego on 9/11/11) and would like to connect with anyone that is going at that time. I am from Austin, TX and will be traveling alone. I am truly excited and am ready for this new chapter in my life!!

Heather

I will be there on the 12th for a lap band check/fill. From Eastern WA and travelling alone. Perhaps we will see each other at the clinic. I will ask for you when I get there

Roxanne

I will be going for my first fill in a week and a half but the place that is closest to me does not use a floriscope and i am not sure what to do..... Cant anyone help me with this???

I have not had a fill as of yet, am scheduled for one in mid September but I would not go where they could not do fluorscopic fills. I have heard that they sometimes cannot find the port and are "poking" you way more than what I want. Just my opinion

oh thats really interesting nutrition! Is it works out? & how does it works?

it is awesome, tasty and you can make any flavor you want. The little ice cream maker is about $40.00 then it is just ingred. we all keep in our homes. (protein powder, fresh fruit, i use torino sugar free flavorings.

R

Steph, I am so happy for you. Your post brought tears to my eyes as you were able to verbalize all that I feel about the OCC and staff. Thank you for the words.

I was sleeved on June 27th and I must say because I had done a lot of research prior to my surgery, I did not find myself nervous at all. I was more anxious to just have it done. I had never had surgery before so I was truly amazed at how calm I was. I knew I was in GREAT hands because I had done my research. My dad has told me before "I know when you make a decision to do something, it is the right decision because you never do anything without researching in great detail first." Once I told him I was going to have WLS surgery in Mexico, he was a little surprised, but then repeated that same thing again.

My recovery has been remarkable. I had no pain and really didn't need to take the pain killers I was given. I was out walking and doing some shopping while we were in Tijuana after surgery as well. The worst day for me was the third day post op on Wednesday. I looked like I was 9 months pregnant. I fortunately brought GasX and THAT most likely was a life saver for me. I was a little "uncomfortable" with the bloated feeling but no pain. I just took the GasX pre pain and it helped. So if you are reading this, pre-surgery, don't forget to take GasX.

Dr. Ortiz also repaired a Hiatal Hernia and with that repair, I have not even experienced any reflux which was quite pronounced prior to surgery. We were hoping by repairing the Hiatal Hernia, it would cause my coughing to subside somewhat. I am quite please to say that it has helped that as well.

I flew home on July 3rd, and started my new job on the 5th and again, have experienced no problems, but it is a desk job. I have come to realize that I still can't do things like house cleaning (what a bummer!) or pick up my grandchildren, but that will come with time.

I am 14 days out and have lost 29 pounds (12 pounds pre-surgery)! THAT is motivation to say the least.

Again, Dr. Ortiz and his entire staff is wonderful. I had a good friend of mine, that is considering the surgery ask me in my whole experience with Dr. Ortiz and the OCC, what would I change or ask to be changed. I didn't even have to think about it... My response was "Absolutely NOTHING!" (The waits for drain emptying and bandages can be long but I had nothing else to do either and it gave me and my husband time to meet and make new friends that were there either waiting on their time for surgery or for their bandage change as well.)

Thank you Dr. Ortiz (simply wonderful surgeon and very personable), Dr. Martinez (my husband looks like your father!) , Dr. So (You were my everything... I had a chemical peel that is amazing, you checked me for leaks, re-bandaged me and pulled the drain to give me freedom! LOL) , Dr. Miranda (without you I would be lost as to what to eat right now), Dr. Acosta (I am the Alligator girl! LOL) and Dr. Velasco (I am the severe Allergic Asthma Patient that reminded me of your mom with all the allergies and meds and you are amazing! I was "AWAKE" when you all told me to wake up surgery was done. There was no sleeping off the anesthesia. I watched TV)

I am now beginning to feel good about myself again and look forward to the journey. My family and friends are just amazed and I all I can do is smile and tell them how wonderful the OCC experience was.