Dolittle

I was wondering if anyone knew the number to Dr. Stephanie that works in Tyler, Tx some Saturdays and College Station the others. I have used her in the past, but lost her number. Any way to contact her would be great.

I don't know if either are currant,, But this is what's in my data bank, 979-587-0000 or 903-520-8847

Do I have to have an unfill for TT and lift? I have read on here that people had unfills for PS but my surgeon has not mentioned it and when I asked Dr So he said "if your Dr wants you unfilled he can do it while he is in there". Kinda vague if you ask me. I am having PS next Friday at Dr Campos Leon. I would like to get my unfill or partial unfill at OCC Thursday if it is necessary. Please help, I am so confused

I had a unfill when I had my PS,, BUT, I wish I hadn't, big mistake. It's not neccessary. I gained too much weight till I could get a fill and my restriction back. My opinion is to keep your restriction and go for it.

Remember to discuss moving your port lower if needed.

Hi I have had my gastric band for three years and the last few day I can't keep anything down I have slimy vomit even after liquid ihave not had my band tightened for over a year have I got a problem please help not feeling great

I'd see my lap band doctor ASAP, you may have done something to your band or it has slipped.

When did you get your first fill after surgery? And if you used a fill center, which one and were you happy with the results?

They say any where from 6 weeks on after surgery. I got my first fill 10 weeks after surgery. Where to get your fill is one of the issues you need to resolve before surgery. I guess it depends on where you live or how close you live to San Diego. Your going to get the best fills at the OCC, but if you can't get back there you need to find a place to get them. You can expect to have 1 to 6 fills during your first year of being banded. You just can't know how many your going to need, everyone is different. As far as the "Fill Centers" go, there are good ones and bad ones. Talk to your surgery coordinator and find out if there are any doctors in your home area that can help you with this. Or you can email me and I have a small list of doctors that will do fills for patients that have been banded in Mexico. Or you can ask other lap banders through a post here at the forum.

PS, I love my band!!!

I fond that number on a site showing averages. I have asked for info, but I have not yet been contacted. I am figuring they are busy so just trying to give them time. I may call Thursday if I don't hear anything b4 then. I am in no hurry, at this point I am not sure I will ever be able to afford the operation and whats a couple days?

Lori, one of the OCC coordinators just had Plastic Surgery down at the OCC. They may be a little behind in answering the contact requests. If you don't hear back soon, call,, her phone number is 1-866-376-7849 ext 81.

Hello, I am new to the site, I am 28 and my name is Kristie. I have struggled with weight most of my life. I was over weight by junior high, obese by high school and I am now considered morbidly obese but hovering dangerously close to super obese (under 20 pounds away from a BMI over 50). I have tried diets, pills, starvation even. No matter what I do I can't get below 280. I watch my kids play but don't have the energy to join in, I feel like they are growing up without me and it breaks my heart. I have been mulling over the idea of lap-band surgery for some time now but wanted to avoid surgery if I could. It has become blatantly apparent the I need the surgery. My weight is more of a risk to my health and safety than it ever has been. I have sustained weight related injuries multiple times in the last few months, I have a family history of heart problems (young) and I feel like I am sitting in the middle of an oven hoping I don't get burnt. I want to make it blatantly clear I have no desire to be "skinny", IMHO skinny is over rated. I want to be healthy, I want to play with my kids while they are still young enough to want to, I want to grow old and play with my grandbabies, I want to have the energy I haven't had in a very long time and I want to enjoy all the things I always wanted to but couldn't because of my weight. I know if I could just get the surgery it would work for me, not just because I am determined but because I see it for what it is, a tool NOT a quick fix. I believe I am a good candidate for surgery but I feel I may never see the day that all the wonderful things I mentioned will come to pass. Why? Because my insurance won't touch the surgery, regardless of how badly you need it. There in no foreseeable way for us to come up with $23000 and my credit is non-existent due to nobody being willing to take a chance on me. DH and I are buying a home but for whatever reason they are not reporting to the credit bureau, so that isn't even helping. Due to my lack of established credit, carecredit.com and several others have denied me financing. It would be one thing if I wanted to finance a nose job but this is my LIFE and I can get NO ONE to extend a helping hand. I feel defeated all over again but this time its so much more than after all the failed attempts at weight loss because I look at my history then I look at my future and what I see isn't pretty. I see myself getting bigger and bigger until my heart gives out at the ripe old age of 40 (the age of my mothers first heart attack... and she is so much smaller than me that its scary, about 100 pounds smaller).

Can someone please point me in the right direction for help, if such a thing exists? are there such things as grants for this type of thing? I am a college student and its all we can do just to pay our bills month to month and get the kids the things they need.$23,000 might a well be a million if we have to pay for this out of pocket because we will never come up with it. Any help would be appreciated!

I think your on the right track as far as you know you need to do something about your weight. As far as it costing $23000? I'd take a serious look at coming to the OCC. Number one, their ranked as one of the worlds best in WLS, Number two, sure isn't $23000, not even close. Call the OCC and talk to one of the coordinators.

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of December. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Gastric Plication patients.

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of November. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Gastric Plication patients.

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of October. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Gastric Plication patients.

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of September. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Gastric Plication patients.

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of August. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Gastric Plication patients.

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of December. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Lap Band patients.

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of November. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Lap Band patients.

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of October. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Lap Band patients.

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of September. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Lap Band patients.

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of August. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Lap Band patients.

loose fitting what ever you bring is a great idea. Don't bring too much as you have to carry it potentially if you are flying.

Here's what I pack:

nightgown jersey

slip on slippers or socks

one or two yoga pants and tops

comfortable slip on shoes

easy jacket or hoodie

one or two of those insta hot packs - they are great for traveling

basic makeup ect - but don't forget lip balm, water bottle and breath mints (I just like having them)

that's about all you will need. They will pick you up at the airport, whisk ya away and bring ya back.

make sure you ask for a couple of anti nausea patchs just in case - it never hurts to have them.

Please let us know how it's going. I am right behind ya - get in on the 30th so I might just miss ya...

Donna

If your flying into San Diego and doing only a carry on bag, remember, TSA rules are 3.4 oz size or smaller on your liquids, gels and areosols in a 1 quart baggie. Pack light, you should be able to just do a carry on for this trip. You really don't need much.

Drs. I am having my band surgery (SO EXCITED)on June 29th. I have a question about the post-op meds. What do you prescribe? I saw that they can be filled there for $125. I have ins here in the states and wondering if I can get the scripts early and bring them with me, so my ins can pay? Is this possible? I'm just trying to find a way to save a little more money

Thanks

Stephanie

I suggest you call your surgery coordinator or call your surgeon to get this info. I'm sure the list of meds is almost the same for each patient, but can vary slightly for each individual.

I've been in touch with the OCC regarding the re-placement of my port, as it's really bothering me ... I need to get it placed much deeper, as it's rubbing against my ribs terribly.

I found they (OCC) really pushed the 'in-house' plastic surgery, as I mentioned a tummy tuck may be in my future ....

I had a feeling there was something up, as I'd never heard of ANYONE in this forum, going with the OCC for cosmetic surgery.

They also offered me a discount, if I brought a friend for surgery too.

Total turn off.

This is surgery. Not Payless Shoes!

I felt this really cheapened the product & service, and really left a bad taste in my mouth.

This isn't something I'm rushing into, as this is a very big deal for me; not so much from a financial standpoint, but of course, I don't want just anyone touching & cutting into my body.

Thank you everyone, as if you'd like to keep this conversation off of forum, please feel free to PM me directly!

When I had my Lower body lift, my plastic surgeon moved my port one layer deeper, it's now against my ab muscles.

The OCC just started offering Plastic Surgery this year. I really don't know what procedures they are doing or the prices.

So this might be why the personal at the clinic might be making the big sales push. I do know that there are several OCC patients that have had some major work done, if you could find out who they are and talk to them, this could be some help in making your decision concerning who to go with.

Also,, if someone at the OCC seems too pushy or rude,, call Lori and tell her what happened or email Dr. Ortiz,, he does read his email.

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

My wife is a OCC lapband patient and is almost to goal. She has done her homework and is choosen a plastic surgeon in the Chicago area. We live 3 hours West of Chicago. This PS surgeon was tied in to great lap band doctor named Dr. Watkins. He has lots of experiance with weight loss patients and has a great reputation. From what I paid 2 years ago for my LBL at Cosmed, staying at a recovery house in TJ, airfare, etc, and now comparing it to todays prices,,, I think my wife will end up saving money compared to my surgery. I'm not counting my two extra trips to Cosmed to have the small complications repaired.

Now, my opinion is that you can get great plastic surgery prices in the USA if you look for it. You just got to beat the bushes to find it. After my wife has her PS, I'll post info concerning her progress and results.

If I was to choose a Mexican PS surgeon knowing what I know today about certain plastic surgeons in TJ, I'd be looking at the OCC and Dr. Mendez and not looking at any others in TJ. Like I said, some PS surgeons in TJ have dropped the ball and have been getting numerous complaints. Just be very careful, do the homework.

I know this is a relatively new service offered at the OCC - looking for those who have had it done there.

Any/all info/feedback would be appreciated!

Like I posted in another topic just recently, my opinion is that you really need to do your homework when it comes to plastic surgery. There's a lot of good surgeons and there's a lot of bad ones too. With the economy the way it is here in the states, plastic surgery prices have come down. I know the girls up in the Seattle area have talked highly of Dr.Nyte.

I know patients that have had good luck with Mexican surgeons Dr. Campos and Dr. Quiroz, but in turn I know there has been problems with these two also.

As far as Dr Mendez goes, there's only been a few OCC patients that have used him. So far I haven't heard any complaints.

The big concern for me is,,, is the costs of coming to Mexico going to out weigh the cost of a good local plastic surgeon? An example would be adding up all the expense to come to Mexico. Airfare isn't so cheap anymore, costs of recovery add up too. Then, if you have any complications after surgery, you have to fly back to Mexico. I remember with my lower body lift, I had to come back to Quiroz twice after surgery for stitches trying to migrate out. So there's two more round trip airline tickets to San Diego I didn't count on, plus overnight hotel expenses. I'm not trying to say that you'd have problems, but you never know.

As far as Dr. Ortiz recommending Dr. Mendez. Dr O runs a tight ship, he knows and is friends with a lot of plastic surgeons in TJ. Dr. O isn't going to send any of his patients to someone he doesn't know will do a good job. With Dr. O going with Mendez, this should tell you about the other plastic surgeons in TJ.

If I had it to do over again??? I'd probably stay closer to home. If you have a really great surgeon close to home,, and the price is close,, I'd be thinking. But this is my opinion. But,,"DO YOUR HOMEWORK"

As WLS patients, after we reach our goal, some of us think about how we look with all the excess skin hanging on our frame. Some of us don't look that bad, but like me, it was pretty scary. So we look into having Body Lifts, Breast Reduction, Breast Lifts, Thigh and Butt lifts, Lipo, etc, etc, the list goes on. As you know, some of us have had Plastic Surgery and have posted our experiences with certain procedures and certain Plastic Surgeons. I just want to inform Forum members that you really need to do your HOMEWORK before deciding on a Plastic Surgery procedure and a surgeon. "ESPECIALLY A SURGEON! I can say that there have been several surgeons mentioned here at the forum over the years. But things change, Some have got sloppy, some don't care and some have not continued to stay current with new techniques. Some of those surgeons that were doing nice work several years back, I wouldn't recommend anymore. I can say with the currant economic conditions, plastic surgery prices have come down and can be comparable to anywhere in the world. Also, If your going out of your own country you need consider other costs associated with your surgery, like airfare, hotel expenses and cost of recovery. But,, number 1, do your homework about the surgeon and the surgical facility he works out of. If you find any negitive postings on the Internet from previous patients, there's probably a dozen more patients that haven't posted their negitive results. There's a lot of good plastic surgeons out there, but, there's starting to be a lot of bad surgeons out there.

"DO YOUR HOMEWORK"!

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of July. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Gastric Plication patients.

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of July. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Lap Band patients.

This is the topic for those who are scheduling their surgery during the month of June. Posting in this topic gives you the chance to meet other patients that are going to be in TJ during this month. So lets hear from the soon to be Lap Band patients.