JennaR

Been there, done that, same situation, struggled with weight always, made my appointment, got serious, got the band, got my fill, loving life! (in that order) I think Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez want to see you for a check up/fill between 6-12 weeks after surgery. If you have any questions you can call their personal cell phones directly during that time too. Also, email is available to everyone in their staff. I went for my fill and check up at 6 weeks. Dr. Martinez told me to come back at my one year anniversary for a check up even if I didn't need a fill. Just good practice to be checked at least once a year, fill or not needed. Your very first step in getting band surgery is RESEARCH!!! Research everywhere you can learn about the band. www.lapbandtalk.com is an excellent site... here are some more: www.obesitycontrolcenter.com www.obesityhelp.com www.lapbandtransformation.com http://www.geocities.com/laylaburd/AGB/laylaslapband.html http://www.inamed.com/products/obesity/us/...apband/faq.html http://www.inamed.com/products/obesity/us/...apband/faq.html http://www.uclabariatrics.mednet.ucla.edu/...rces_videos.htm http://www.sbnsurg.com/lap_band_surgery.htm

I think your concern is very valid. And I can tell you I was very nervous about the same thing. But then again, I found out that almost EVERY bandster is nervous about the surgery for the same reasons. And when Mexico and the stigmatisms are thrown in I think it is worse. However, I think this is a question for the doctor. Only he can answer this. I know A LOT of people with the band and only know of two issues that caused severe side effects and a lot of complications. Neither of them were Ortiz patients. Ortiz, as what he told me and through my own research, has never "lost" a patient nor has he had a major "oh god I screwed up this person" case. I think the complications that are there are the few % that get them not anything so severe like you are thinking about. One thing I love about Dr. Ortiz is that he has a "team" of surgeons. He operates as the lead and Dr. Martinez double checks. Then the anest is there over looking too. I definitely think that Dr. Ortiz takes things VERY seriously in the OR and is very proud of being an excellent surgeon and strives for perfection. I am not saying he is perfect, no one is. I am saying that I truly believe he strives for it. I realize that there are "what ifs" all day long. We all had them. We all felt them. I thought I would be that one Murphy's law case that went totally awry. Didn't happen. I had some issues but it was not at Dr. Ortiz's hands and I always have drama follow me whereever I go anyways. I can say that "IF" a problem arose during or after surgery, Dr. Ortiz is the type of guy who would make it right. I have no doubt in that. He stands by his surgery skills and I like that. I respect that tremendously about him. Have you had your phone consult with him yet?? I suggest you do and ask him to put some of your fears to rest. Don't worry hun (I know its easy for me to say now) we all went through exactly the thoughts you had/have. Soon, you will be looking back too and saying, "why did I even stress about it". Your emotions are normal. Closer and closer to band time they may strengthen too, that is okay as well. Again, we all did it. But to answer your recourse question honestly I have to be blunt. There really is none. Mexico is not governed by legalities and malpractices like the states. It is a definite gamble going to another country for the MUCH lower cost, but feel good in knowing that Ortiz is a definite step in getting one of the best surgeons. Good luck in your decision hun!

www.lapbandtalk.com is the absolute BEST support group online with a TON of information and stories. You don't have to register (it is free) and you can just browse as a guest, but as a guest you can't post or chat. That is the best place I have found for info!! Hope it helps. Jenna

Congrats Queen on getting your date! Wasn't it for August? WOOO HOOO! Glad you got a hold of Sandy. She really is a great lady.... just a tad overworked I think. Hopefully, Dr. Ortiz will be adding a new appointment specialist soon for the states.

1. because you are on full liquids I pee'd A LOT but didn't have a bowel movement for the first 4 days or so after the surgery. I didn't have either, constipation or diarhea. Haven't had any issues at all for that matter in 8 weeks. 2. The hospital is not a hospital, it is a surgical center in a tall office building. I personally wasn't impressed by the surgicenter, but others are thrilled. The view is great though from the rooms! I loved my doctors but was not all that impressed with the regular staff (nurses). I didn't find it "immaculate" either. It was clean but not really "hospital clean". Just my opinion though. 3. You will not need anything really at the hospital but a toothbrush and a change of clothes to go back to the hotel in. I actually had pj bottoms and a t shirt and went back to the hotel in that. After the surgery you really don't want to cart a big suitcase around... trust us! Good luck with your decisions!

I am only 8 weeks post op now and I still battle mental hunger. I feel I "should" eat but I am not hungry. It is very strange indeed. The liquids phase sucks. I won't lie. It sucks sucks sucks. But once you get through it (as horrid as it is) it is done and you look back on it and say "wow, that sucked but was worth it" ha ha For me: During weeks 4-6 I ate whatever I wanted to really. Just a little less, but not enough to lose weight just to maintain what i had lost in the first 4 weeks. After the fill I started losing again. Having a fill is the eye opener. THAT is when you notice certain foods are okay and some just don't agree. Back to mental hunger.... sometimes I feel the need to munch but I try and deflect it by doing an activity and it passes. It is definitely a struggle though. It is not the "easy" way. No matter how much I heard that the band was a tool, it never sunk in till later. It is just that.... a tool. But never really hungry really. Again, reallyyyyy strange.

PB is productive burping. I simply call is HELL! It sucks. Eat slow, dont take too big of bites or you WILL regret it (for about 20 minutes or so!) And for me in the beginning of eating after my first fill I am learning what will and won't go down easily through trial and error system. Not fun but still learning the band and the signs/symptoms. Dr. Ortiz says NOOOOO to carbonation. I have heard too many horror PB stories so I will never even try it. Yep, Shell is right...get yourself a crab fork. Works well! And a baby spoon. Carry it in your purse. And I am the same way as Shell, if I am "starving" I eat bigger bites and faster and have to constantly say SLOWWWWWW DOWNNNNNNNNNNN JENNAAAAAAA to myself! I usually try to eat the smaller more frequent meals but quite honestly I forget to eat. HA! Imagine that!

Dr. Miranda is VERY strongly saying NO MUSHIES these days! It is veryyyyyy hard because at 2-3 weeks you will be hungry (I was even cramping) but you will get the most weight loss benefit. At 21st day, you go straight to solids. You are allowed creamy foods 14th day. She will give you an entire packet to follow. I lost mine and had to call....she specifically said "NO MUSHIES" in a loud and serious tone!

Yes, I would have Dr. Ortiz do it again, excellent surgeon! No, I didn't like the hospital experience in Mexico but I have a happy healthy band so what does it matter now I guess. Yes, you go back to TJ for fills if you choose. Yes, it is a bit of a challenge finding a fill doctor in the states if you are banded in Mexico. Cost of surgery is $9500 but includes everything but airfare (even aftercare for life). Fills cost $100 copay though but Martinez is awesome at fills! I returned to a desk job at 5 days after surgery. I returned to a strenuous and active job at 2 1/2 weeks after surgery but it was a bit soon. I felt about 80% at that point, still a bit sore and still healing incisions. I was 100% by 4 weeks post op. You will have the energy you desire as long as you keep your protein and vitamin levels up. The hardest part for me after surgery was coming to terms mentally that food was no longer what I was going to live for. From now on... eat to live not live to eat. I mourned food a bit, still do in a way. But have lost almost 30 lbs now in 7 weeks! Hope this helps, Jenna

your calling for Dr. Ortiz right? 1-866-376-7849 is Sandy. She is AWESOME about returning phone calls. Don't know about the "patient" thing but she is the US coordinator for Dr. Ortiz as well as a patient of his. try emailing her at sandy@obesitycontrolcenter.com if your not getting through. I have talked to her a dozen times, or left messages and never had a problem at all. Hmmmm, the homepage I see says "For more information regarding our services, please fill out the contact sheet below. A member of our staff will contact you in the next 48 hours to provide further assistance. You may also call us anytime at 1 866 Dr Ortiz (1-866-376-7849). From outside the United States, please call us at 949-340-0800. " Try this link again.... http://www.obesitycontrolcenter.com/contact.html To answer some of your questions: I called, got a return phone call that day and had my surgery scheduled with a phone consult set up for about 3 days later. They usually schedule 2-3 weeks out. I personally chose a much later date (2 months later) because I was still researching and wanted that specific week. They will work with you The cost is $9500.00 total for Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez (2 man surgical placement team plus an aest. doctor and nurses). It includes the airport p/u and drop off from San Diego, doctors fees, pre op testing, hotel for you and your companion for 3 days, surgicenter fees, nutritionist counseling, travel for companion to visit the surgicenter, and follow up care for life. There are NO additional fees unless you extend your stay and want to pay for additional nights. Also, food is on your own but it is very inexpensive. The hospital will provide you with liquids when you are there. Check up visits are free. Fills cost $100 copay for the flouro machine and Dr. Martinez is the BEST fill around! Local doctors are quite snobs here in the US because you get banded in Mexico. I firmly believe it is best to follow up care with the original doctor anyway though. But it can be VERY difficult to find a local care physician in the states. Maybe Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Martinez can reccomend someone as they know many american bariatric doctors. Someone does not have to go with you. Many people go alone. But it is nice to have a trusted friend to be by your side for the journey and makes the traveling back home MUCH more pleasant! I think you would do fine on your own but I highly suggest bringing a friend or family member for additional support. It is a bit lonely being alone but there are other people that will probably be banded the same day and you will get to know them as your band buddies. I think most people bring "someone" with them but I do know some go at it alone and do just fine. My only advice when going to mexico.... PACK LIGHT! Hope this helps some. Good luck in your decision process!!!

see my reply on the other thread you started.

I am a police officer. I was back at work in a desk job 5 days after surgery. I was back to full duty at 2 1/2 weeks.

What kind of pain are you having? does it feel "inside" or "outwards"? Try walking in the house to get rid of the gas pains. make sure you are getting your water in too. a heating pad on your tummy will do wonders! I also like sitting with a pillow against the port side to ease discomforts. Liquid tylenol and gas x will become your best friends! shell is right, each day the discomfort gets better and better!!!

1. When were you banded? March 23, 2005 2. Who was your surgeon? Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez 3. How much weight have you lost? 15-17 lbs (depending on when i weigh) 4. How are you dealing with your new band? fantastic, i healed super fast 5. How is your family & frineds treating you since surgery? not telling too many 6. Is your spouse or significant other treating you any differently since weight loss? he loves it but is a bit jealous 7. Would you reccomend your surgeon to others? yes 8. Any regrets? wish i could have the same doctor in the states 9. Where did you have your surgery done? tijuana

I am flying in and out the same day for my fill too.

I think that being "able" and "choosing to" are two different things. Try and drink some water when you feel the urge to pick at food. Or try picking at healthy foods such as fruit and veggies. I know it is hard but the band isn't a miracle worker it is just a tool for weight loss and you still must work hard at dieting and exercising with the band.

I have Verizon cell phone service and my availability to get a signal was "spotty" at best. The internet is available in the lobby but is for only "quick" checks and is a standing only computer. The actual outlets are normal as I could plug in my curling iron and such, if that is what you mean.

I am 5 1/2 weeks post op and I have the "bump" too. I can completely feel my port and if I suck in my tummy I see a slight bulge too. I am not sure if it is something we will have to live with or not. I am going to ask Dr. Martinez about it when I go for my first fill May 7th. I, too, have lost only 17 lbs since surgery. I don't really notice a loss in inches or clothes size but do feel firmer for some reason. With my first fill, I am hoping to see a huge difference. Plus, I am planning on starting to run for exercise again at 8 weeks post op! That always seems to shed pounds!

The only "help" that I know about is a surgery loan. You can try and get your insurance (your parents) to cover it in the US or you can get some information at www.lendingtree.com or www.surgeryloans.com for surgery loans. They are fair and low rates. other than that I don't think there is any charitable donation type foundations. GOOD LUCK!!!

So sorry that you had this happen to you. I think it is the "luck of the draw". I am really glad you will be getting your band again though! And I really admire your determination to keep eating healthy and continue your weight loss!!! I also have the same questions as calliaz.

I was banded in Mexico by Dr. Ortiz and I had a BMI of 33.7. There was never any questions as to band or not to band. Who told you that you can't have a band at 35 bmi? Someone in the states I presume? I would check into Dr. Ortiz and Mexico doctors. However, in doing this route you are looking at self paying rather than insurance paying (anywhere from about 8k-10k)

Hi Ali, I am (was) a BMI of 33.7. I had made the choice to have surgery after years of yo-yo dieting. I knew I could lose the weight but keeping it off was another story. I don't think I metablolize very fast so gaining it was so much easier than losing it. I found myself killing myself exercising uncontrollably to lose the weight. Eventually, I would lose steam and cut back... the weight returned. I have never been one to "eat unhealthily" so much as the amount I am eating. I seemed to have a bottomless pit and never felt "full". My mother and sister both had gastric bypass and are doing wonderfully. However I saw their "dumping syndromes", vomiting, no sugars, strict dieting, pain after surgery for 2-3 weeks, scars, etc and thought to me... no way! Although they were pushing for me to go that route so I saw a local bypass doctor told me to gain 40 lbs and come back to him. Uhhhh, no thanks! I began more research about weight loss options. I was in the supermarket and began a casual conversation with a woman (in her late 40's, early 50's). She was a average size woman and seemed in good health to look at her, about 180 lbs at around 5'6". We started talking over tabloid reporters photographing cellulite on celebrities. One thing led to another and we talked extensively (as our ice creams melted) about the lap band. I had never heard of it. She was a patient of Dr. Ortiz (she used to be 304 at one time!!). She even had before/after photos she carried! She said that although the conditions are somewhat different, it is very safe and the surgeons are extremely capable and at 1/2 the cost! I started doing research specifically on lap band. The only doctor I ever considered really is Dr. Ortiz. I took a gander at some others but I had had one of his patients actually TELL me they had the band and are doing fantastic! So for months I researched. I found out all I could about the band. I found lap band talk forum and did searches and searches for information. I found good and the bad and I made my decision based on that. Overall, I decided that I did not want to gain 40 lbs just to fight with an insurance company, I did not want to have all the bypass complications and wanted a more normal lifestyle, I did not want to pay $22000 for US.... on and on. I called Dr. Ortiz's schedule coordinator, Sandy (who by the way is the most patient and wonderful medical person I probably have ever talked to on the phone!) who helped me pick a date. I chose a date 2 months out because I knew I would have the time off and it allowed the idea to "sink in". In the meantime, I ordered Dr. Ortiz's book as well as other books on the subject and continued my research. Within a week I had a phone consultation with Dr. Ortiz. He spent nearly 45 minutes talking with me answering all of my questions (I had a list) very patiently and thoroughly. He spoke WONDERFUL English wish hardly an accent at all. After the phone consult I was fairly sold on the idea in stone. The office sent me a lengthy questionaire in which I promptly sent back. It asked all kinds of personal as well as family and medical background information. There were also some information and releases to initial and sign. I still have sent them no money and could stop at any time. I never at any time felt pressured to get the surgery. Upon arriving to San Diego, there was a driver waiting in baggage to pick me up with my name on a sign. He carried my bags and drove me to the Obesity Control Center where I was greeted by Dr. Ortiz's office staff. They all spoke very good English and I was whisked away for blood work. Very fast, very painless, I got right in. When I returned I went to see the nutritionist for about a 30-45 minute consultation/interview/informational appointment. As soon as that was done I had time to go the bathroom then I went in with another doctor for the breathing test and EKG test. Again, very fast from one place to another. Just ONE of these tests in the US would have taken a 2 hour wait in a waiting room!! I had EVERYTHING done within 3 hours of arriving!! While I was doing my pre-op testing my mother and sister were driven to the hotel. I arrived later and was pleasantly greeted by a doorman in full uniform. The hotel was very nice. It was clean and full of marble. The staff there all spoke very well in English. The restraunt was fantastic and the food was great! There is shopping within walking distance and is in a very safe part of town. The only thing about the hotel I thought was negative was the no heat. They give you a space heater for the room to compensate and it does do a good job. The next morning we were greeted by Mrs. Ortiz (doctors mom) in the lobby to take us for surgery. I can't even tell you enough how much Mrs. Ortiz meant to me! She was like my second mom!! And then, you are off on your journey/adventure..........the next few days are a haze and not much is actually remembered or recalled easily for me...........then..... Welcome to Bandland! I can tell you that I had surgery on Wednesday and was back to a desk job by Monday. Driving for the first week was a bit difficult but other than that there was no real "pain" just uncomfortable. More achy then pain. On a pain scale of 1-10 I would rate my pain at first about a 3-4. After a couple days a 2-3. After one week a 1-2. I am now about a week 1/2 post op and have no pain at all. I can feel some soreness at the port site but I am still healing. My incisions are remarkably small and thin and Dr. Ortiz and Martinez did an AWESOME job at keeping them small, thin and straight. But then again, they knew how vain I am. My suggestion for anyone considering banding is thorough research and calling Dr. Ortiz's office to set up a phone consultation.

Dr. Ortiz charged $9500 when i scheduled mine (had surgery wednesday) but costs may have risen

Oh Jennifer! I am so sorry to hear of your band problems! On the 6 month weight loss worries: how about trying to do a diet that had previously promoted weight loss? Even if it was one you yo-yo'ed from it will work for the 6 months that you need it to before getting your band back! Good luck to you!!! I hope all goes well! Jenna

Wooo hoooo! I am sooo glad that there are some low bmi's posting here! And I totally agree with you... its your money, your body, your decision! Congrats on the weight loss!