julie

Yes! I am one happy girl since losing all my weight. It has affected every aspect of my life, in ways I never dreamed possible. I would do it again in a heartbeat. It took one year to lose 50 pounds. That's about one pound a week; seemed slow at the time, but actually right on target. Julie H

We are back from Dr. Jessee's office and she(my Sister) has "lost 1.7cc" of saline from the 3.75ccs placed in June. It is obvious there is a leak. She has a little restriction right after a fill, then nothing. I will be calling Dr. Ortiz or Martinez later today. Where do we go from here? Dr. Jessee suggested a leak test with Floro. She said she has seen patients with leaking ports and tubes. She has had to do surgical repair on these. We will wait and see. She will be on liquids for 2 days. Good news, my port is not flipped! I must be losing weight and it is more pronounced. Yeah! Julie H. (Dunedin, FL)

Hello Julie H. That is weird, I am Julie H. too, but I am in Dunedin. Guess people will have to figure out which one is which! I am going to the office of Dr. Jessee today with my sister. Hopefully we will have some answers. The key here is whether the band still has it's former fill amt.(3.75cc). I agree with Jenna, if it's only a tiny bit gone, no problem, but if it is leaking alot, then it will have to be repaired. I have read the stories of 3 lapband patients and their port or tubing leak. She isn't cheating if she can eat a whole hamburger without restriction. She could be cheating when I am not around, but if she has any bit of restriction, she would not be able to eat what I see her eat. We just went on a 5 day cruise (last ship out of Cozumel before the hurricane!) and I saw first hand what she can eat. There appears to be no restriction. To make matters worse, I think my port has flipped. I hope it can be manipulated into place! How does that happen? (port flipping) I have had some pain right under my ribs on the left side. I hope it's not serious. I love my band. I am so excited to see it working. I might have to go buy some new clothes soon. These are getting baggie! PTL! Thanks for your emails, especially Jenna. The doc who wanted to perform the bypass didn't care if she is a 33 BMI. He said he would do it without insurance coverage for around $30,000. That scared me. I will let you know how the visit goes with Dr. Jessee in about 1 hour. She is wonderful. She has taken care of my sister and I with open arms. She even has invited us to her support group that meets the 1st Thursday of each month. We have been twice and everyone is very nice and helpful. She has a coordinator, Joyce, who can be reached at 727-587-7667. Julie H. (From Dunedin FL)

I did this cab, trolley, and bus thing on the trip into MX one time and it was not easy. I speak Spanish too, and it still was confusing. Which line to stand in, which bus or trolley to take. Then the walk into TJ over the border was about 2 blocks, not too bad if it isn't raining (it was) and you don't have much luggage (we did). I will stick with "Junior" from now on. He is the driver for Dr. Ortiz. He drives a nice Explorer and can get you straight to the airport or back without even stepping out the door. I guess it is the transfers that scare me. If you can't afford "Junior" each time, be sure to carry the above message with you. Just refer to it often. Good luck! Julie

Dr Jesse does fills for Mexican patients. You need to fax or mail a copy of the report of operation; which you can have emailed to you from Dr. Ortiz's office. The first fill is $500 and she does a good job. The cost is broken down like this: $200 for Dr. Jessie, $300 for the use of the floroscope at the hospital, and they do charge a $50. at the hospital for the Radiology Assocoiates, I guess to read the Xray. (Which, honestly, I don't understand). That actually makes it $550. After that, if she can easily palpate your port, she will fill in the office without floroscopy, and then it only costs $200. I have only had 2 fills. One in TJ by Dr. Martinez and one in Suncoast Hospital by Dr. Jessee. They both were with the floro. I personally think it's better with floro. You can see the band and know that it is in the correct position (not slipped) and actually watch the barium (Dr. Jessee adds chocolate syrup, Hershey's) go through the band. My sister is going to have her 6th fill this Monday and it will be in the office without floro. I am going to watch. She has not lost A POUND since surgery in January 2005. Yes, you read that right. I thought she was cheating, and from what I have researched, 99% of the people wo don't lose wt cheat. I have watched her eat a whole hamburger (bun and all) without restriction. It made me feel stuck just watching her. Last night she ate 6 chicken wings (large ones) and I can only eat 2. I am beginning to think her band has a slow leak. Dr. Ortiz says he's never had that happen. She seems to be able to eat without restriction. Everytime they fill her, some of the saline is gone. There is always some left though. We are getting desperate. I haven't written this story anywhere on the internet because I don't want to scare any newbies away with a story of failure. I guess it is very rare. I personally have lost 37 pounds and I am a new person. The weight loss has affected me in a positive way like you can't imagine. Some day I hope to write my story of sussess. I have about 20# more to lose, I once thought it would be impossible, now it is a certainty! Any suggestions? Any advice? One Dr. in Michigan suggested a BYPASS. Can you believe that? He actually removes bands and does bypass surgery! The nerve! I will pray that Monday goes well for my sis! Julie

Dr. Grossbard will not do fills for patients of Dr. Ortiz. I have talked to the office and written letters to him. I have told Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez about this. I can't believe it because I know they work together in Cancun and that Dr. Ortiz placed Dr. Grossbard's band. This makes no sense. I live very close to his office and thought it would be convenient. I don't think I would go there now anyway because of the rudeness on the phone. I expected that he could do the fills and follow up, but no, he will not. Dr. Tiffany Jessee at Suncoast Hospital in Largo is excellent. She did the lapband surgery on her own mother who is a RN. She lost so much weight and I read about her in the paper. Dr. Jessee held a seminar that I attended, but I was one of those who did not fit the US guidlines. (Lower BMI) I wanted to see who was the best, who wrote the book on lapbands, who is a proctor (teacher) for the company that makes the band. Then I read the reviews of patients and then I researched the credentials of Dr. Ortiz. I can't remember but it seems to me there were 10 pages or more of all his accomplishments and ongoing education in the field. I had my surgery in Jan and my first fill in March. I have lost 30 of the 50 I needed to lose. I am thrilled! Also, Dr. Jessee has invited me to her support groups, and they are huge. She didn't have to do that, but she cares. I am glad I found her! Good Luck! Julie Dunedin, FL

I read and article I found somewhere on the internet and it was entitled: The Incredible Shrinking Woman. It was a story about a woman who went to TJ for her band and it helped me make my decision to get the band. I have the story printed at home somewhere. Did anyone else read this article? If you can find it and print it and give it to you loved-ones to read, it will totally put their minds at ease. Hope someone knows where or how to find this wonderful success story. Julie

Hello! Just wanted to let my fellow bandsters know that the Wellbutrin 300 XL that I take is time-released. Don't ever break it in two or crush it. That would increase the speed it is absorbed and put you at risk for seizures. I was on Zoloft for 3 years and it was Dr. Miranda that suggested I ask my Primary Dr. For Wellbutrin because it has helped to curb appetites, and it controls compulsive eating. ( It has been used to help people stop smoking too.) It works well for me, I have never had a problem taking it. I have a fill of 2ccs in my band and I will have another fill on Sept 22 here in FLorida. I have lost about 30 of the 60 pounds that I need to lose. I am eternally grateful for the excellent care while in TJ and the skill of Drs. Ortiz, Martinez, and Miranda. They are all terrific. I am a success! I have the knowledge that the weight will be off permanently, other times I knew deep down that I would gain it back. Never again! I have hope for the first time. It sure feels good! Julie Dunedin, FLorida

As a former Labor and Delivery RN and fellow Bandster I congratulate you! For the pregnancy AND the wt loss! That is awesome! You go girl! Julie

Hello! I would like to highly recommend Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez to you. I had my surg in Jan and it was a wonderful experience. I am a Registered Nurse with 20 years experience in OR. There was nothing but the best in Mexico. The cleanest rooms, equipment,trained staff, ect. They did everything to make sure you succeed it this PERMANENT wt loss adventure. I shout "permanent" because nothing else has worked. It always comes back. You are too young to live your life like I did, up to this point. I have always hated the way I look. FAT! Clothes don't fit, I hate shopping for fat clothes. I think I lack self esteem and don't want to be around people, they seem to judge you by how much you weigh. I want my weight to be a non issue. Then there is the fact that if you continue to be heavy, you are at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, well, you know the story. 300,000 preventable deaths occur annually in the US , second only to preventable deaths caused by smoking. More than 50% of all deaths among adult US women can be attributed to obesity. Diets, exercise and medications can help you lose 10% of body wt but we tend to regain 2/3 of it in a year and almost all of it in five years. That's how I have lived. A yo-yo diet all my life. When I was your age I starved myself for a beauty pageant, I wanted to win to prove to myself and others that I was pretty. What a mess! I was so hungry I was suicidal. How dumb is that? You are young. Do whatever it takes to make this wt loss permanent. Sorry for the length. Julie

Hello! My BMI was 32 and I had my band placed by Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez in Jan. 2005. Had my first fill March 5th. I have lost 9.5 pounds so far. Not too much exercise either. I am soooo excited. I have tried every diet out there. I am hoping to relieve my asthma symptoms. Besides that, I am sure diabetes and high BP were just around the corner. As a RN, I knew what I needed to do to loose the weight, I failed every time. Oh I lost it, then it would come back really fast! My success rate was ZERO percent. Best of luck to all of you. I think we have choosen a very successful way to lose weight and better than that, keep it off! PS; my first fill was perfect. It was 2 ccs. Julie Tampa Bay, Florida

Hi Debby! The fill went great. Dr. Martinez is wonderful. I got 2ccs and I am very happy with it. Everything went well. I am back at work today and doing great. The band didn't want me to eat breakfast, felt like it was stuck. Think I'll stay on liquids one more day.I have heard it will typically be tight in the AM too. I choose to go all the way back to MX because I trust Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez. When I got home I had a question and Dr. Martinez answered his cell for me. What Doc in the US will give you a cell number to reach them? They also have been doing this alot longer and I think they are more aggressive with their fills. I was very pleased with the whole experience. I would like to say that we successfully used public transportation to the hotel from the airport. I went with my sister. We really didn't like it too much. It only cost us $10.00 for both of us, but for $55.00 we would have been in a nice vehicle, not stopping all the time, and not transferring . It was pouring rain and we were like drowned rats before we got to the hotel. We transferred 4 times. Bus, trolly, another bus, and finally, a taxi on the other side of the border. It was fun to meet other bandsters in the office that day. Everyone was happy, it was like a big party. Hope all went well with your fill. Julie

Hello! I will be at Lucerna too getting my first fill. I will arrive from Tampa on March 4th and leave on the 6th. I was concerned about not having a back up too. I don't want to end up back on a plane to TJ from Tampa for un unfill. Also don't want to get too little of a fill. It must be an art, to get it perfect for everyone!!!! Would love to see anyone that might be there for a fill or surgery. We have requested room 203, the same room my sister and I had when we initially had the band placed. It just seems comfortable to have the same room. Am I weird? Julie

Hi Karen! How did everything go for your surgery? Hope it went well and you were able to get back to work ASAP like you wanted. I work at a desk job too. I have my surg. on Jan 20th. Dr.Ortiz is my choice too. Can't wait! Julie Tampa Bay, Florida (Dunedin to be exact)

From the bottom of my heart I am soooo sorry for all that you have gone through. Your story really scared me and I began to do research and also immediatly contacted Dr Martinez with my concerns. He answered his cell phone! Not an American Doc would give that to you! I didn't know your name, but I told him your story and he said it sounded like an erosion. The band can actually wear on the stomach and come right through the wall. That is probably how it got inside. I would like to know when was your band placed? I want to know how long you had it before it had to be removed. The time is important because if it was very recent, I could see that you might be blaming the doc. If it was months ago, I agree with the other "Newbie", that you could not live for very long with stomach contents entering your abdomen. I have researched this lapband, and I have come to choose Dr. Ortiz and Martinez as my surgeons for many reasons. One is that Dr. Ortiz is a Proctor, that means Inamed(the makers of the band) trust him to teach American doctors. He has probably the most experience of any doc I researched. I am not banded yet, but my surgery date has been set. I know that I will remember your story, but I know that this is a possible complication. Also I have been warned about port site infections. That is another possible complication. Anytime a needle passes into the skin there is the possiblity of an infection. Whether it is performed in Mexico or in the US. Again, I am sooo sorry about your infection. I hope it is OK with you, but I have prayed for you. Julie