Shell

It is easy to get wound care treatment in your local area, I think what she is referring too is aftercare like fills etc ( a lap band surgeon in her area) .. not many US lap band docs will take on patients banded in Mexico Good for you though that you got your wound cleaned up and it is healing great!

The band only works if you work with the band, it is not a magic wand. You do need to change your lifestyle if you want it to work, it is obvious that it is something you are not doing right. What are you eating exactly in a day? Go to www.fitday.com and track your food and see how many calories you are eating? Are you eating enough protein? Are you drinking with your meals? Do you drink any liquid calories? Do you eat alot of soft foods that the band does not restrict? Are you eating hard proteins first? Drinking enough water? Exercising? honest answers to all of these questions will hold the key to your success. Break it down for me and maybe I can help you figure out where it could be you are going wrong

Hi Bellagato, Iam so sorry to hear you feel this way. I have been down to see Dr.Ortiz & Martinez a half dozen times in the last 14 months for fills, check-ups etc..I have had the best aftercare. They have always taken their time with me and answered any questions I had. I even met Dr. Ortiz in his office on his day off when it was closed because I was having a problem and he was nice enough to see me on his day off and checked my band under the flouro machine, prescribed me some meds for my esophagus. I think they are fantastic and I never feel rushed nor do I ever sense Dr. martinez is frustrated.

Here is the number to the office 1-619-270-1126 ask for Renee he will set up your appointment

http://plusrus.com/plus-size-body-shapes.htm Here is a web site that explains them all

Hi RObin, have you tried joing the Florida Bandsters in Yahoo Groups? Here is the link to the site http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/floridabandsters/ Im sure if you join this group you wil lbeable to findsupport in your area. Good Luck.and Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. Dr. Ortiz is the best!

1) What are the must have items? I read them several times but I was far out from surgery so I just ignored it. Take some Gas X, Liquid tylenol, a good book to read ( lots of waiting time duriong pre op) do not take much in theway of clothing, I also too ka bra with no underwire since one of the incisions is right under the bra line, less chance of irritation with no underwire. (2) How long until I get energy? This is one of the most frustrating things for me right now is that I am so tired. You may not notice energy the first few weeks since you are healing from surgery and are on liquids, but once the protein drinks are added in and then when you get to solids and start losing and are cutting out all of the sugary, carb loaded crap food you should notice a difference in your energy level (3) I keep reading about people saying to walk after surgery that it helps with the gas. I love to walk. I have two dogs that love to walk. When will I be able to walk them around the block? Everyone is different, but I see no problem walking your dos around the block after surgery as long as the do not walk you and are not pulling you, you want to be careful not to pop a stitch, I walked around TJ the day after my surgery and went shopping. Best of Luck to you, I hope everything goes smoothly for you. Please come back and post about your experience once you are home and feeling up to it

Did you ask Dr. Ortiz if he has any associates in Florida who he knwos that will take on patients banded in Mexico? He has associates and Dr's he has trained all over the U.S., it's worth asking if you haven't all ready. Also you can go to Yahoo groups, I believe there is a group called Florida Bandsters who may be able to help you or email Don Mills at Inamed his emai laddress is Don.Mills @inamed.com He will send you a list of Inamed Dr's in your area , then just start calling to see if they take patients banded in Mexico Good Luck You are very wise to line up aftercare in Florida before your surgery. I have seen people who have not to only be forced back to Mexico for their fils and aftercare. I'm fortunate I'm in So Cal. I live close to the border.

I take tylenol, it is just not worth taking the risk to do any damage to my band or my pouch. Some doctors wil ltell youNSAID's can cause erosion and others will tell you it doesnt. I used to be an advil junkie pre band, now it is strictly tylenol below is a post I found on another site so I cut and pasted it for all of you to read DRUGS THAT CAN DAMAGE THE POUCH: Advil Aleve Amigesic Anacin Anaprox Ansald Anthra-G Arthropan Ascriptin Aspirin Asproject Azolid Bextra Bufferin Butazolidin Celebrex Clinorial Darvon compounds Disalcid Dolobid Erythromycin Equagesic Feldene Fiorinal Ibuprofen Indocin Ketoprofen Lodine Meclomen Midol Motrin Nalfon Naprosyn Nayer Orudis Oruval Pamprin-IB Percodan Ponstel Rexolate Tandearil Tetracycline Tolecin Uracel Vioxx Voltaren ALL "NSAIDS" (*see below for the Cox 2 Inhibitors) DRUGS THAT ARE CONSIDERED SAFE: Benadryl Tylenol Dimetapp Robitussin Safetussin Sudafed Triaminics (All) Tylenol (cold products) Tylenol Ex Strength Gas-X Phazyme Imodium Ad Colace Dulcolax-Suppositories Fleet Enema Glycerin-Suppositories Milk of Magnesia Peri-Colace

Have your husband call my husband. My husband had the same fears as yours does and now 13 months later my husband is so grateful I chose Dr. Ortiz. He has shown me so much caring and compassion along my journey. He is one of the best Lap Band surgeons out there. Honest! Maybe having your husband hearing it from another husband of a successful bandster he will come to terms with it and ease his mind and fears.

http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=29 This is a thread about how some women took the trolley from the airport to TJ it may be helpful to you Other options are taking a cab to the border from the airport and then a cab from the borderto the clinic or you can have junior come get you ate theairport butr I beleive they charge 65.00 each way

There are several women I know who were not 100 lbs overweight and had the surgery, it is most likely you would not be approved in the U.S. by your insurance company if you were not 100 lbs overweight which is why most lower BMI patients go to Mexico for the surgery. One thing to remember though so you do not get discouraged, some people lower BMI's ( or less weight to lose) may lose slower then those of us who had 100 lbs plus to lose.

Thanks for posting my pics, My before picture was taken on April 5th 2004 . The day before my surgery ( size 22 pants) and my after which is really a during picture was taken on Feb 11th ( size 12 pants) I have since lost about 12 more pounds and am wearing a size 10 pants. Anyone else want to post their before and after pics? This is a great thread to help others see just how fantastic the band really does work!

Yesterday was my officail weigh in day and I am proud to say I lost 1 lb for the week to make a total of 92 lbs....Only 8 more to go!

Hello, I can feel your frustration, I have been overweight all of my life and lost weight only to regain it again and again, my insurance does not cover the band so I opted for Mexico where they are more experienced in palcing the band then many US doctors, it is cheaper in Mexico if you are a self pay then in the states not to mention you have a very experienced docotr. To get an appointment with Dr. Ortiz is very simple, if you want it doen next week, Im sure he can accomodate you, it just depends on how soon you want to do it, I have heard of people calling and scheduling an appointment for the same week, others making it a month in advance or weeks in advance. I beleive Dr. Ortiz's cost is 9500.00 that includes accomodations at the hotel for you and your spouse or traveling companion, surgery, hospital, anasthesia , basically everything except airfare if you need to fly. Once you have made the decision, you find a doctor and cal lhim and schedule your surgery, all pre op is done the day before in Mexico, so you will arrive a day before your surgery is scheduled.. Sandy at Dr. Ortiz's office will handle everything for you and answer all your questions, she is fantastic. If you choose another doctor in Mexico, do not go with the cheapest price, just becasue it is cheaper does not make it better, you want a doctor with lots of experience in doing this surgery, the extra money you will spendb is well worth it in the long run to have peace of mind knowing you used the best which in my opinion is Dr. Ortiz & Martinez Best of luck to you on your decision

Hi Windy, First let me say Congratulations to you on your new band. Im so happy to hear everything went so well. Let me try to answer your questions in my opinions Question #1 I can use some advice and encouragement right now. I'm missing food a lot and think about it all the time. My cravings are monsterous. I had some great broths in Mexico that were satisfying but they also made me bloated. I never really have the full feeling just bloated and uncomfortable. Water and Gatorade also make me feel bloated. Will this go away soon? I do not think it is the water, gatorade or broth that is making you feel bloated, it is a combination of the swelling from surgery, all of the gas that is still in your stomach and the liquids all combined and YES it does get better each day as the gas is relieved and the swelling goes down. It is also normal the first week or so to mourn the loss of food, some of it is emotional and mental with the cravings, also coming off the anasthesia can make you weepy a few days to a week post op Question #2 I have this large lump under my port incision. It gets bigger after I eat. The only way I can explain it is when I was pregnant and my daughter would put her foot through my side and I could feel it and hold it. It doesn't hurt but it feels wierd. Every once in a while, I have a sharp pain in that area like a pin prick but not often. Any ideas? I left a message for Dr. Ortiz but no responce yet. Call Dr. Martinez he is great about answering his cell phone here is his cell number 619-227-4435, it also could be from swelling from surgery or it could be your port, my port is located right below my port incision not right on top of it. Question #3 I'm still having some difficulty with my breathing. I have to conciously fill up my lungs and take deep breaths every once in awhile. I also feel like I have to burp but can't. The feeling like you have to burp but cant is normal, it is fropm trapped gas and swelling in your diaphram, I had the exact same thing, this took about 3 weeks to totally go away, you are normal, the swelling in that area will also make it feel like you are having difficulty taking in a deep breath. I had all of these things post op.. I hope this helps you a bit, hang in there it does get better and it is all worth in the big pictures of things. Welcome to a new, happier, healthier you!

I second what Jenna said www.lapbandtalk.com

You will absolutely love the anasthesiologist he is great! The hospital and hotel are maybe a mile from eachother, you can see the hotel from the window of your hospital room. best of Luck t you on your upcoming surgery.

I had a little energy decrease due to lack of calories, once I was on protein drinks and then onto food I was fine.

(1) If only liquids are going in, then only liquids are coming out right? I have tried to search past posts, however, I can't find any answers for this topic: Bowel Movements. Has anyone had ongoing problems with this? And what's the difficulty in transitioning to solids. Any problems with constipation? I had no problems with my bowels , they moved just fine, it was not just liquids coming out. You may notice a less frequency in your bowel movements since less fodd is going in. I drink tons of water which helps my bowels stay active and eat my daily fiber. (2) How did everyone feel about the hospital in Mexico? I have read only a few posts (both good and bad) that discuss this. I was told by another doctor's assistant that the hopsital is not appropriate and really shouldn't be called a hospital at all. Obiviously, this has not effected my descision, since I am scheduled. Overall, was the expirence a good one for you? And would you do everything the same? If not, what would you change? The hospital is very nice, it is small but nice, it is clean, one of the 3 nurses speak English very well, the other two speak a little English, there is a Dr. on staff that stays through the night who speaks English. My experience was a great experience, my surgery was actually at the Oasis, but I can comment on the hospital Ortiz uses now since I was there for myself for something different then my band surgery.and there with a girlfriend who had port revision surgery there. I would do it over again in a heartbeat at the hospital he now uses. (3) Everyone says "pack light"... Why? You will not need much in the way of clothing. I would bring a book, there is some wait time during pre op tests. Take along some Gas X and liquid tylenol. Other then that a change of clothes and a toothbrush and shoes you will be set. Best of luck to you You are in good hands with Dr. Ortiz, there will be others having surgery with you so you will make friends. I know two others who wil lbe there that time having surgery on the 24th.

I thought I would start a weekly weigh in, it sure has helped me in my weight loss to post my weight every week on other boards. It keeps me accountable. I only weigh myself once a week, every Monday so here is my starting weight 174 Anyone interested in this challenge? Come on and join me, it really does help!

Windy According to Dr. Ortiz's post op instructions, it reads in big bold letters NO CARBOANTION EVER AGAIN!! Atleast the sheet I got 13 months ago. I have heard that the carbonation can cause the pouch to stretch. It is also very uncomfortable going through the band. Not a pleasant experience and the gasses from the carbonation cause more gas in your tummy. Pre Band I was drinking 1-2 diet pepsis a day and in 13 months I am proud to say I have not had one single diet pepsi or carbonation of any kind. I olny drink water and coffee and crystal light . It is not as hard as you think it is. It is also a matter of how bad you want this surgery to work for you. We have to give up thing to get things. Giving up carbonation to be thin and healthy is a minimal trade off as I see it. You can do it, remember the old saying " Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"

My husband did not go with me for my pre op tests, there were 4 of being banded the same day so we all grouped up together while our spouses stayed back at the hotel. Pack light, you do not need much Gas X Adult strength liquid tylenol A book for waiting time during pre op tests. I took a back pack of snacks for my husband and it worked out great for him. I took a bra with no underwire since one of the incisions is near the bra line slippers to walk the halls after surgery. PBing is stands for Productive Burp or Painful Burp, it is when you take too big of a bite or do not chew your bite enough or you do not wait in between bites and it gets stuck. You will have horrible pain in your chest like a golf ball is stuck, your mouth will start to water and you will produce slime until the piece of food either passes through the band or comes up. It is not a pleasant experience, you will only do it once or twice and you will learn to chew and take small bites and wait in between taking another bite. I have been banded for 13 months and have PBed 4 times. It has been about 6 months since I PBed last As you get tighter with your fills it is easier to PB, so be careful, start to practice chewing real good and small bites now to get used to it, it will help for when you do have your band and whatever you do, DO NOT try to drink water or any liquids to wash it down, I learned that lesson the hard way too, it makes it even more painful. Good Luck to You on your upcoming surgery, You are in good hands Dr. Ortiz and his staff are the best!

13 months ago when I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz My post op diet was as follows. week 1 clear liquids week 2 clear liquids ( but at day 8 I was able to add skim milk and at day 10 I was able to add protein drinks. week 3 full liquids ( anything that went through a straw, like blended soups) week 4 mushy foods like oatmeal, refired beans, cream of wheat, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, hummus, soups week 5 mushy foods week 6 solids. It is important to follow his pot op instruction for the first 6 weeks, the band needs to set in place and the incisions need to heal. Any digestion of solids or mush foods before the 4th week could be dangerous since the band has not fully set in place, digestion requires alot of turning and churing of the stomach and solid foods before 6 weeks requires lots of digestion and the band and port stitches have not fully set into place, the risk of your band slipping is greater during this time if you eat solids too soon.

Hi Mary, I responded to your email you sent me.