Bandiva

After a few months of that, I decided to get a fill from a clinic nearby. After 4 adjustments and about $1000 I still didn't feel any different and according to them I had about 3.5 in a 4 cc band. In the past I haven't been able to get about 2.3. I went to the OCC on June 21 and discovered I only had 1.2 and that my pouch was stretched. The doc was describing some ways that could happen...eating and drinking at the same time and drinking carbonated beveraged and the fill fluctuations. Guilty as charged. So now I need to shrink my pouch. I am here posting for all to see because I need help and because I want to help others to avoid doing what I have done. I am on fluids for 10 days and mushy high protien for another 4 to 5 weeks and then they will look at my pouch again. I am pretty cranky and getting way too much sodium...I will get this figured out...today is day 3. I hope this thread will be a help to others and I would appreciate any comments you have for me! Thanks.

So, I have been away from this site for a long time. I guess when times are good I don't have time to stay connected to the 'banded' world. I had been struggling about 2 years ago with being to restricted. Had my band basically unfilled and maintained a steady weight (fluctuating up to 10 pounds) at my goal. Very physically active and all was well. Last year I had major surgery for something unrelated so I got out of my fitness routine a little.still active just not hard core. Then I had a family member become very ill and another pass away suddenly. Guess how I coped with that? You got it...food and inactivity...because I was being kind to myself...hello...wow.

Just a quick note to say cant eat pasta or rice and have to go very slow with halibut. It seems very heavy. Also with melons I have to go slow and really chew. take care!

I have had a few negative experiences with fills here in BC and in Northern Washington. My tried and true advice is to just go to TJ. It is worth it. They really are the experts and can provide you with expert care. If you would like more details let me know. I have made my family promise me that they will not let me get filled or unfilled anywhere but the OCC again. lol. My husband is a little afraid because in the past I have made him promise not to let me eat icecream and that didn't work out well for him!!

Good for you Cedartown...be proud, you are brave and strong...you deserve good health.

My husband Justin is June 27th. We are very excited to meet everyone!

I go to Arlington Washinton to the northwest fill center. They are great. What part of BC are you in?

Happy Birthday Dr. Ortiz. I hope you take time to feel great about all miracles that you are part of. My life has changed because of you, that means that everyone around me is happier too. Have a fantastic birthday and a fabulous year! Looking forward to my husbands lap band on June 27...you are the best! Much love and appreciation. Victoria

We are really excited too. We get in on the wed and are going to relax a couple of days and they have the band on fri. Sat we are going to san diego for a few days to just chill out. Looking forward to meeting everyone and wishing you all a speedy recovery and happy banding!

Stess makes my band slam shut! I am generally quite stress free but my mom is sick and it had reaked havoc with my band. I competely unfilled in Jan 08 but still have trouble with food and have brutal acid reflux.

That is so exciting! My name is Victoria and my husband is Justin. Feel free to PM us anytime!

Hi there. I was banded by Dr Ortiz a year and a half ago. I am confident that dr Martinez is great cause he works with Dr Ortiz! My husband is being banded by Dr. M on June 27th so we will see you there! Yippee!

Hi there. I was banded by Dr Ortiz a year and a half ago. I am confident that dr Martinez is great cause he works with Dr Ortiz! My husband is being banded by Dr. M on June 27th so we will see you there! Yippee!

These ladies are amazing and so helpful! Thank you!!!! Victoria

Saw the show, thought it was great. Cassie was very poised and knowledgable. Wish they would have shown more of Dr. Ortiz and the OCC but I guess we should just be happy they showed it at all. I hope this helps to educate people....no matter what age they are.

Cassie, I am very proud of you! Excellent job! I am very happy that you and Dr. Ortiz are getting this exposure....you both deserve the best!

I would do it again without hesitation. And although money was a deciding factor in going to Dr. Ortiz, if I won the lottery tomorrow I would still go to him. The service and level of care I recieved there far exceeds anything I have ever experienced.

I walked and walked and walked and walked and used gasX strips and I really didn't have a lot of pain after the first day or two. Best wishes for a apeedy recovery.

Thank you for sharing your story. I had a great experience at OCC and although it could have been 'tweaked' a little it was still miles better than what I would have recieved in a regular hospital where I live. I hope you look back at your experience as a wonderful opportunity and have huge success with your band. Again, thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading your story, it was like I was there all over again! Any ideas where you are going for your fills?

They let me leave right away, and I crossed the border and went shopping with no problems. Just liquids for 3 days!

I think I will go towards the end of April, but I might spend a night or 2. Not sure yet.

Hi, I just read your post (Feb 8) I have been out of town. By now you are in Mexico all snug in your bed awaiting your big day! Let us know how it went. I am doing well. I have lost about 33 pounds. I have been feeling good, no real problems unless I eat something stupid...think spaghetti or chips! I need to exercise more...but first I need to sleep. Gotta run now, thanks for hte encouragment. I will send you warm fuzzy thoughts tomorrow.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Hopefully it will help people realize it is ok to have problems with the band...you can fix them and life goes on! Hope you are doing well. By the way, I live in Victoria BC and just got back from TJ where I had my first fill. I am thinking of Washington for my next one... Victoria.

Making a decision like this is always difficult. I had a hard time deciding becuase I was self pay, and there were other cheaper doctors. I chose Dr. Ortiz becuase he is an expert in his field. I am very happy with my decision and felt like I made the best possible decision for me. Good luck iwth your decision making. Ultimately, you will choose what is right for you.