DonnaC

LoL I thought I was the only one who had problems with the port placement - the more weight I lost the bigger the port appeared and started rubbing against everything I leaned up against. As for the OC plastics surgery - I think it's a new service and as typical they are trying to promote the service as well as give the patients a good deal. That's not uncommon but I agree - it's more about the doctors - and you can only determine that by chatting with them. AND seeing the work they have done. I don't think I want to do too much comparision shopping to get the best deal on plastic surgery..it is more about the doctor's skill to me. One thing is for sure - you can trust OC to offer you safe, professional services... DonnaC in Seattle

I have to disagree with you on the costing for plastic surgery in the US and others places. Having had a fair amount done and researching a bit more - the costs in Mexico (that is my place of choice) are 1/2 to 1/3 of what you pay in the US. Even adding in the travel, time in Mexico it was still a deal that I could not have afforded here in the US. Doing your research is critical. Talk to folks who have had it done (not folks who have heard about it). Ask for pics too! I would be happy to chat with anyone on this subject....and am looking forward to chatting with the docs at OCC the end of this month.. DonnaC in Seattle

Hey there, Watch your fills - if you get too tight you can cause problems. Sneak up on the fills and my personal recommendation is to get a floro every year - Congrats on the baby! DonnaC

Hi Sarah, Thanks for posting - I go in on June 30th - excited and a bit scared but this is revision surgery for me...so I have been through this before somewhat. One question - on your energy level right after surgery - how long before you were "back to normal" with your energy? I don't expect to be Zumba'ing for about a month - but just walking ect? Thanks - keep up the great work! DonnaC in Seattle

Hi, I have had extensive plastics done in TJ but none yet with the OC. That said I will look at what they offer while I am down there for my plication the end of the month. If you have questions - please email me and I am happy to chat about what I have done.. DonnaC in Seattle

Great question. First I think alot of us in Seattle had the band in the early days in TJ and we tend to all be having similar issues and looking at revision. For me - I am only up 45 lbs (make that 39 now with the pre=surgery diet) and want to get back to having the tool to help me maintain and lose just a bit. If I went with the Band I would have to have mine out - wait three months and then get another one. That's two surgeries, two trips and I would most likely gain in those three months. With Plication, I can have the band removed and have the plication done at the same time. Plus I don't have to worry about fills and flouro again - which is a hassel and cost I would like to avoid. Also I did very well with my band and Dr. Ortiez feels i will do just as well with the plication and just have one surgery. We are all different and have to make these choices for what suits us...this seems to be the best direction for me. Thanks for asking.. Donna

Hey Sandi, You are in Washington State- I am in Seattle. So glad you posted and told your us your journey. I am heading to the Band group dinner on Tuesday night to chat with several of my banded friends about plication...seems alot of us are in the same place - 8-10 years out and needing revision. DonnaC in Seattle

It's on the cosmetic surgery page...$300 for unlimited botox...that is a great deal...wonder if that includes different areas (I would love to get my feet done too)...I'll ask and let ya know.. D

Well - I keep posting and hoping to get more folks to answer! Today I thought it might be helpful to talk about the pre-surgery diet and not only what everyone is losing(or lost) but expectations. I think that the more weight you have to lose the more you will lose in the pre-op diet. Probably it's about the same percentage of body weight lost though if you look at it that way. For me - it's a goal of 5 lbs before surgery - and I am already down 6 lbs in a week. Now I was eating a bit more than I should have been before this week and the diet has made a big difference. My guess is that it will not be as good for the next week or two and then when I go to the 2 shakes a day and one meal and the last 3 days of liquid I will lose more (who wouldn't)..I am hoping to be down 15 lbs. Figure that way I only have 35 lbs more to lose to get back to my pre-band blow out weight. Then with the plication I should be able to maintain like I did with the band (fingers and toes crossed on that one)... So - how has it been for you? DonnaC

Hey Kelly, I have hear from others that it is similar to the band - and is about the same in recovery. So up and walking within an hour of surgery with some gas and being tired. Then the next day if all went well you are ready to do some limited shopping and walking around. I vote for lounging by the pool myself, but I did go shopping the day after my band surgery so I know it's possible. Hopefully there will be a bit more activity on the board. I am going to ask Carolyn to make sure the doc mentions the forum to everyone so that we get more folks up here... DonnaC

That was Dr. Montgomery...he was doing the plication in a different way - had one bad result and is now doing them the same way as Dr. Ortiez...and is having success. Remember the internet is full of information - some good - some bad. I totally trust Dr. Ortiez (have for over 8 years) - and if he says it is safe - you can bet it is... DonnaC

Hi Stephanie - Count on it...I am hoping to get some botox on Thursday to maxiumize my time there -did anyone else see that special - what a deal on botox. D

When I got my band it was not approved in the US - now it's almost a gold standard. I think the plication will be a similar scenario. The US is typically far behind the rest of the world in medical procedures...probably due to our legal system. DonnaC in Seattle

HI everyone. I am heading down on June 30th for a revision from my band to Plication on July 1st. Let me tell you the band was the most wonderful thing I ever did for myself - sure 10 years later I need a revision - so what! I lost 170 lbs and kept it off for over 8 years! Yes I gained back about 50 lbs over 2 years but now I am taking care of that. For the first time in my life with the band I was not obsessed with food and eating! The band is a wonderful tool and you will be amazed at how easy it is to use. Don't worry about the surgery, it really is easy and the docs take such good care of you. Please feel free to ask me anything...I think I still have all my old pics and stats. Do your measurements now - cuz there will be weeks where you won't lose a lb but you will still be shrinking. DonnaC in Seattle

Wow - I thought it was just me! Thanks so much for posting this. You know we are the ones that are in charge of this board - so start posting. I read all the areas - as I am a band patient and going in for revision with Plication. I am sad to lose my wonderful band - it has been a good 10 years - but due to an enlarged pouch - I had to do something before I gained all the weight back. One thing I have noticed is thst we are all fighting similar issues and battles - regardless of what surgery we have/had. Please keep posting here and let's just kick this thing into gear... I am posting a question a day in the plication forum...chime in with answers...you all have very valuable information to share... Donna in Seattle

Thought I would throw out a good general topic today and see if we can get some information on how recovery went for different folks. I am sure it's a bit different for all of us... As this is a laproscopic process (and I have had one of those for both my band and my gallbladder removal) I sort of know what to expect. I was up and walking right away to try and avoid the dreaded gas pains, but wonder with the plication if it will be as pain free as the others...as they are messing with your stomach alot more in this surgery. So - can anyone tell us what the first and second day were like? Did you have gas, nausea, was the pain noticable? How soon before you were feeling fairly normal - like able to drive and go back to work? Thanks everyone! Donna C in Seattle (down 4 lbs on the 3rd day of the diet - at this rate I might hit goal before the surgery lol)

Hi Folks, Thought I would see if I could start a new topic each day and get this board rolling. These questions are to both pre- and post op folks - and don't have to be limited to plication folks. Todays Question: Pre-Op Diet - expectations and results. In reviewing the options, does anyone have a comment on which of the pre-op methods for diet seem to be working the best? If so why? Anyone change in mid stream? I am starting the option 2 - which is shake twice a day and a small meal once a day with unlimited green veggies and salads. I went with this one as I wanted the bulk that the greens would give me as well as the fiber. I debated the option 3 - Adkins induction - but have found that I miss the greens too much to be a good camper on that one. As for expectations - I was told to lose 5lbs before surgery - which should be pretty easy to do on this diet. My expectation is that I will lose a bit more - but the important part I think besides the diet is to limit the fat intake so that the liver can shrink. Anyone else? Thanks Donna 3/2003 lapband 310/145/210 moving to Plication 7/1/2011 with Dr. Ortiez

thanks - so you are 11 weeks out and down over 30 lbs...that's great! So how were the first 6 weeks? When were you able to eat solid foods? Thanks - Donna

Hey there, I am scheduled for July 1 - so I will have mine done before you get there - and be leaving on the 4th - so we should meet up on July 3rd at the hotel and talk. I have issues with nausea as well and trust me they are great with that. You just let them know and they give you this great medication and you will be fine. I'll ping you on your personal email and happy to buddy up with ya. My journey is a bit different as my surgery will be a revision from Band to Plication...but prep and recovery will be very similar. Good luck... Donna in Seattle (originally from South Carolina)

Hi there, I think sometimes when we have this major surgery we set our expectations really high. Losing at least 2 lbs a week (and not gaining), being in control of your weight loss journey, and having this support group will get you through. I can only speak to the band (plication on July 1) but from what I have seen the journey is similar. Water, walking and smart food choices will get you through...use the tool and let it help you through. Good luck... Donna in Seattle

Hi Folks - Got my date yesterday and am excited. As my profile says I am a current lapbander who is converting to plication. I was/am a successful bandster - losing 170lbs and maintaing over years until a stretched pouch occured about 2 years ago. The docs tried everything to help me save the band (thank you again guys) but the decision to go with another surgery was the best. I have gained about 50 lbs...so better to stop now than to keep going. Didn't think I would be nervous again - I have done this type of surgery before..I know how to do this - but it's sort of the same feelings... Looking forward to chatting with all of you - meeting some of you - and exploring this new road! Donna in Seattle