Dolittle

Hey Everyone, I hope the Holidays have been good to you! Since my Lap-band Surery I have lost a total of 56 lbs. Yes, that is right and I feel great. I have gone from a size 22 to a 14 in pants. And down to a 16 or large top from a 2x!!!! I'm so glade I lost the weight slowly. I plan to have my 2nd. fill in Feb. on the 18 th. I want to spend one night in Mexico, and a few days in San Deigo. But I can't find the info for the San Deigo hotel. If anyone has stayed in San Deigo could you give me some ideals on hotels that don't cost an arm and a leg!!!

Thanks so much!

Kelly Carter

Banded April 07 221 lbs. (240 lbs.)

Dec. 07 186 lbs.

I think the hotel that was on the American side of the border that was reasonable and had shuttle and etc, fell though or they didn't live up to their promise for Dr. Ortiz's patients. There were a lot of complaints. I know you can have the OCC clinic get you their rate at the Lucerna ($80 - $90?? a night, I think, check with the OCC ). I also know there are several other hotels near the Lucerna that are cheaper. I'd contact the OCC and see if they can find you a place that's more reasonable than the Lucerna. Or do a Web search for hotels in TJ. Most of those hotels are only 6 to 8 blocks walking distance to the OCC clinic. If you find some place on your own and stay there, please post your findings here at the forum.

Am considering lap band surgery in near future. Had a tummy tuck about 3 years ago. Wondering if I am a candidate for lap band or will something interfere with the procedure due to prior abdominal surgery.

The Obesity Control Clinic has quickly replied that there have been several patients that have had tummy tucks before they had been lapbanded and had no problems. Remember it's wize to list your tummy tuck in your medical history before any surgery.

Am considering lap band surgery in near future. Had a tummy tuck about 3 years ago. Wondering if I am a candidate for lap band or will something interfere with the procedure due to prior abdominal surgery.

That's kind of in reverse order,,, usually people have the lapband first,, lose weight and then have a tummy tuck. I'll have to check with Doctor Ortiz or Doctor Martinez and get their expert opinion. If your banded, I know at the Cosmed Plastic Surgery Clinic in Tijuana, they want you to have the band unfilled at the time of your Tuck or Lower body lift. For what reason,,, I don't know, but a couple weeks after plastic surgery you can have your band refilled. Just make sure you tell them your banded and where your port is located at the time of your first plastic surgery consultation. Also,, keep track of how much saline is removed from your band. All good bandsters always know how much saline is in their band. LOL. I'll check with the Cosmed clinic doctors and see what the reason is for the unfill and get back to the forum. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you let the lapband surgeon/plastic surgery surgeon and coordinators know up front your medical history and past surgeries.

Hello! I have relocated to Dallas TX and cant find a fill doctor - I had an unfill in September and its time for a new start. I desperately need to get back on track as I just got ENGAGED!!! I saw that fill centers usa has a doc in Houston but he was deployed to Iraq until Feb.

Does anyone have any referals???? I would be willing to drive a few hours if needed, or if you know of a fill doctor out of state but a quick flight away and close to the airport that would be appreciated!

Thank you!

Vanessa

Her husband will answer the phone and make your appointment. They also have a new location in Tyler, TX. They alternate weekends so be sure to ask where they are at on your appointment date, so you don't go to the wrong place.

Dr. Stephanie appreciates all the business but she is really busy so make your appointments in advance, probably about 2 weeks or so. Also, I think my friend mentioned this price includes the fluoro, but double check with the doctor to make sure.

Hi,

I met you and your wife while I was down getting my surgery and we talked a lot, but I wonder if you could give me some more information on taking the transit to the border crossing and the costs of this from the airport. I know you told me about this and I am interested in going down for my fill and just going it alone and it may be something I would consider. I am sure I could catch a cab to the hotel or clinic from the hotel. I think I would prefer this to spending the $150 for a ride....I could take my sweet time!

Thanks in advance, by the way, I am doing great!

Donna

go to this link and see a previous post about taking the Metro Transit system and walking across the border. http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=725

Just got back from a fill trip to the OCC. My wife had her first fill (1.8cc's) and she did good, I had a tweaking fill, we added .5cc's to my 1.8cc's for a total of 2.3cc's. Dr. Romero did our fills. I've always had him as my fill doctor and I hope to continue using him as "our" fill doctor. I can't begin to write all the good things about Dr. Romero, his personality, his expertise, he just walks on water, HE ROCKS! Of course the service from the OCC personal was awesome, everyone from Fransisco (manager of transportation), Claudia, Rene, Dr. Martinez, the nurses in the recovery area, (I just got to get their names) and last, another girl that ROCKS, We all know her and love her,,,, Lori, OCC patient coordinator. If you ever have a problem, she's the go to girl. Carolyn rocks too, but I've never had the opportunity to get to know her. I just can't say enough, about the quality of service the OCC staff gives its patients. I didn't see Dr. Ortiz this trip, but he always gets all the glory, so we'll just leave him out of this post, this time, LOL. PS, I got to meet some of the newly banded patients at the clinic and at the hotel Lucerna. Everyone had good things to say about their banding experiance. So I want to see some of those newbe's start posting. OK, I bet you've had enough of this post, I hear you guys moaning. LOL.

Since my surgery I do not have cokes of any kind anymore (recovering cokeaholic!!!!). Since the weather is starting to turn cold though I have started going to the gas station and getting a small cappuccino during the work week, but I do not finish the whole drink. I know this is a strange question, but are the cappuccinos killing my diet. I drink plenty of water, and that is pretty much all I drink except for beer or wine on the weekends. Just wondering if I need to lay off of them to get back on the weight loss track?

Cappuccino's are bad,,bad,,,bad,,, lots of sugar and fat. I remember reading somewhere that one of those big Starbucks cappuccinos are in the 1000 + calorie range. I know the people that are hard core Atkins Dieters say that they're a big no-no. Remember what Dr. Miranda said about high cal drinks.

I'm scheduled for surgery Dec 4th.... scared out of my mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone goes through this mental thing. Its a big lifestyle change, of course it makes you nervous. But when its all done you'll realize it wasn't that big of deal. How many times have you seen this same post?? And how many times have you seen the same person report back that the experiance was a good one??

So my surgery is scheduled in December and I am so excited! I have a question for all of you that have already had your surgery. Is there anything that I should absolutely bring with me or need to know? Like something that you wished you had brought or known but didn't. I appreciate any input, suggestions, warnings or advise!

Thanks!

I think arriving in Tijuana with an great attitude and new outlook on yourself is the only thing you need to bring. I think the biggest thing I hear when I'm down at the OCC clinic or hanging around the lobby of the Lucerna with the new patients is,,,,, "Boy, I'm just so nervous about having this surgery, I'm I making a big mistake"??? Stuff like that. But when the newly banded people come back to the hotel, they all say "what a piece of cake" or "that wasn't anything like I imagined it was going to be" or "this was a great experience, everyone at the clinic was so helpful". Then I run into those that have been banded for 6 months to a year, 60, 70, 80 lbs lighter, maybe in town for a fill, They say stuff like "I wish I would have done this years ago" or "This was the smartest thing I've ever done" and the best one is, "I love my band". As far as material things to bring,,, Gas x strips can be helpful,, some extra bottles water in your suitcase,, just pack light, you really don't need much. PS, remember this too,,, you've picked the best place and best surgeons to have your surgery. So rest easy at night, your going to be all right!

Curious....when you go to TJ for plastic surgery, what do they recommend if you have complications? I live on the east coast and that is one heck of a drive if you have a problem. I live in plastic surgery kingdom over here in Charlotte. But it is sooo expensive. I got quoted in June for $11,500 for just a tummy tuck and love handles. Then I still had to get a $400 compression garment custom fitted to me to wear after the surgery. I almost did it, but the cancellation they expected to have that following week went ahead and made her surgery.

Can't help but wonder what I would be like if I'd have had it?

Good luck with your choices.

Michele

I was told by the Cosmed Clinic that you stay at the clinic over night after the surgery. The next 4 to 7 days you stay at the Lucerna, at your expense. They say if your going to have any complications its going to happen within the first 3 or 4 days. They do have an aftercare nurse and a home you can stay in if you want to pay for it. I can't remember how much more that would add to it. I think it was like $150 to $180 a day, compared to hanging at the Lucerna, which I think is around $89 a day. But they check on you if your at either. There are other hotels in TJ that are close to the Cosmed clinic that are cheaper, I think somewhere in the $50 a night range. I know after a lower body lift you have drainage tubes and bags. They stay in around 2 weeks. If you live far away, your in contact everyday with the clinic, reporting how much drainage you have. They will decide when the drainage tubes come out. From what I was told, you could go back to the clinic and have them remove the tubes or if you live far away, you can remove them yourself. I guess its not that big of a deal. I've heard from several OCC patients that have had their lifts at the Cosmed Clinic and did that on their own and didn't think anything about it. But you got to remember,, you chose Dr. Ortiz and the OCC clinic for your lapband and its in Mexico. So, WTF, if you want the guy who specializes in WLS plastic surgery, Dr. Quiroz is the guy. I'll keep the forum posted on what my local plastic surgeon comes up with as far as a price. I did find out one thing at my local consultation,,, insurance companies, if you get approved, only pay for a front tummy tuck. They won't pay for the complete lower lift, you have to make up the difference. We'll have to see what that will be,,, that could be scary. LOL

Let us know what you find out about the cost. I am going to need a tummy tuck for sure and possibly a face lift, brest lift. Thanks

A lower body lift is more extensive than a tummy tuck. The prices depend on the individual. My lower body lift quote was close to $7000. I'll keep you posted on what my local American doctor hits me with. I think you can contact Dr. Quiroz and send in pictures of yourself and they can quote you that way. That is if your not going to be in TJ any time soon. But if your going to be at the OCC clinic for a fill or something else and have extra time, try getting a consult lined up while your there.

I'm now at my goal weight and am considering where to go for my plastic surgery. I was thinging of going to someone in Mexico if the prices are better. I need a tummy tuck, breast lift and skin removed from my arms and thighs. I was wondering if anyone has used a Dr. in Mexico or knows someone that has. I thought Dr. Oriz was getting a plastic surgeon on his staff but I haven't seen anyone listed on the website. I would feel very comfortable going to someone that Dr. Oriz recommends.

I'm in the same boat as you. When I was due for a fill/check up at the OCC I made a appointment with Dr. Quiroz at the Cosmed Clinic for a consultation. Dr. Quiroz's clinic is about two blocks away from the Hotel Lucerna. So while I was in Tijuana I got the scoop on a lower body lift and a got my fill/check up. A two for one trip. LOL. The consultation with Dr. Quiroz is free if your a patient of Dr. Ortiz's. Dr. Quiroz comes highly recommended by several of Dr. Ortiz's patients. Go to www.cosmedclinic.com and look his website over. He has a toll free number and you can call it to make your appointment. Ask for Jenny, his surgical coordinator, tell her your a patient of Dr. Ortiz's. As far as I go, I went to a local plastic surgeon last week and I'm waiting to see how much its going to cost me here. I'm trying to get my insurance to pay for the plastic surgery. But, if I have to pay out of my pocket, I'm heading to Mexico and Dr. Quiroz. They say he's the best at lower body lifts and stuff like that. Also, he's buds with Dr. Ortiz. As far as Dr. Ortiz starting to offer plastic surgery services at the OCC, I haven't heard anything about that. I know the Dr. Romero is going to be a plastic surgeon someday, maybe he'll be the OCC plastic surgeon in the future??? We could only hope that would be the case.

What is slimming and people have used an initial that I cannot remember now in the same sentence as slimming. Begins with P??

PBing,,,Aka,,productive burping. If you get something stuck, everytime you swallow your own saliva it will build up in your stomach, eventually you can't take anymore and you have to purge. What comes out looks like clear slim. If you do this to often you can end up with a slipped band. So try not to do this. Eventually you'll digest the blockage and be back to normal. I highly recommend getting a bottle of chewable Papaya enzyme at Walmart. This stuff is supposed to speed up the digestion process in your stomach, that is if you were to get something caught. They don't taste to bad either. So the golden rule is to CHEW, CHEW, CHEW!

Hi members, I need a little help. I'm looking for the insurance CPT codes that pertain to Lapband surgery, Fill Doctors and the hospital Fluoro. I'm in the process of filing a claim with my insurance provider and the form makes me do all the work. So I need to make sure all my i's are dotted and the t's crossed before I send in the claim. Thanks, Dave

I'm planning a first fill in Mexico in November. Can anyone tell me how I get from San Diego to Tijuana and the hospital? I'm coming from Canada so be patient with me!

Thanks.

Lois

Go to this link and it will tell you how to do the bus/trolly/taxi way. http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=725 Or call the OCC clinic and have the clinic van service pick you up at the airport. I think that costs $130, but call the clinic to make sure.

Hi All. I was banded 7/03/07 by Dr. Ortiz. My first fill was 8/17/07 of 2.5cc. I felt no restriction and lost no weight. I had a second fill on 10/08/07 of .9cc for a total of 3.4 cc. Now I can't really eat much at all. I get very ill and often I have to self induce vomiting to get relief. A cup of coffee barely goes down. Does this mean I might need to be unfilled a little? I have lost a few pounds since my second fill so I'm really reluctant to be 'unfilled'. I chew my food very slow and to a pulp. Do any of you veterans out there have any suggestions for me? Thanks for any advice you can give. T. McKee

Does anyone have a suggestion of a decent tasting vitamin? I bought liquid vitamins and they are so foul tasting/smelling that it makes me gag. If I buy children's chewables, besides the fact that they aren't geared towards adult needs, my kids will want them and how can I say no to a cute kid asking for a vitamin? Lol. I think there may be adult chewables, but I don't want to waste the money and them taste bad too. I already wasted 10 smackers on the liquid vitamins.

Thanks,

~Lauren

I got the Sam's club, Members Mark brand chewables. They're not as potent as adult vitamins, you may have to take two aday. But they taste like Sweet Tarts candy. That's why the kids like them. LOL

I got my first fill last Friday. Did not go to Ortiz in TJ. My bad!!!!! #-o

I had a "blind" fill done locally because I was trying to save time and money rather than going to Dr. Ortiz in TJ. Dumb me!

First fill last Friday cost $300. And that was for a physician's assistant to do it!! Not even the doctor!!! When I first called the office about getting fills, I asked tons of questions, one was "how many fills has the doctor done?" Their answer: "thousands"... Hmmm, yet, I got a PA. Maybe the PA's been doing fills for years too, but I still think I'm being over-charged! ((He was very nice, I'm not putting him down for being a PA. I'm just shocked that I was charged so much and I never even met the doctor!!))1.5 cc was put in at first because I was asked if I wanted to be agressive and I said "yes". A drink of water got stuck, so .5 cc's taken out. Was STARVING all weekend, and no restriction.....

Flash forward 4 days to Tuesday. Went back to doctor for more... I was thinking .25 cc's or so... Ended up with another whole 1 cc!! Total = 2cc's. In the office, I felt fine. Water went down OK. Restricted, but not overly so. =D> Cost: Another $100!!!!!!!!!!!!!

However, for the rest of the day, I wasn't able to swallow anything w/o PBing and sliming!! Now too restricted!! Can't even keep down water!!

So, yet ANOTHER appointment tomorrow (Wednesday) morning to take some out at a cost of $50 . Total thus far for first fill = $450, and not sure if they'll get it right this time!!!!!!!!!

So, who knows when this money pit and frustration will end!!?? When I first called this local doctor about fills, they told me the initial $300 was good for about 2 weeks of adjustments. LIARS!!!!!!!!!

They keep charging me every single time!!! Saying too many patients "abused" getting fills and unfilled for holidays etc, so they charge everytime now. OMG!! What idiots! THIS WAS MY FIRST FRIGGIN FILL!!!! And they told me $300 would cover adjusting it for a couple of weeks!!!! I'M PISSED!!!

((Side note, the PA was impressed that my Lap Band surgeon -Ortiz- was the author of LAP BAND FOR LIFE, because they recommend that book to their patients!!))

This is ridiculous!! I should have gone to Ortiz in the first place!!!!!! It would have cost $100 for him to do my fill using flouro x-ray, $140 for r/t plane ticket, $130 for Ortiz's driver to pick me up and drop me off from San Diego to TJ and $85 for one night in hotel room. Total = $455 for friendly professional people I know and trust!!!

Did I make a mistake? I don't know. But right now I'm kicking myself!! #-o

Just took a sip of water and PB'd it up and slimed!!! A SIP OF WATER!!!!!

I'll update tomorrow after my 3rd appointment. Maybe I'm just cranky because "Aunt Flow" just arrived today!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Starting weight: 7/01/2007; 235 lbs 33.7 BMI

Surgery weight: 8/13/2007; 224 lbs 32.1 BMI

Current weight: 10/09/2007; 204 lbs 29.3 BMI

Goal weight: May/1/2008; 159 lbs 22.8 BMI

1st fill: 10/05/07 1cc then 10/9/07 1cc = 2cc total OVER RESTRICTED!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

According to several female Lapbandforum members, that time of the month can effect your band restriction. I'd call your OCC coordinator for some advice "today".

i am considering lap band- if you could go back in time- esp the folks that have had theirs for a while... would u do it again? Any parts that u regret?

I looked into lapbanding 5 years ago, I got cold feet back then, right at the last minute I chickened out. But I was banded by the OCC clinic in March 1st 2007 and I've kicked myself in the butt for not doing it 5 years ago. But its better late than never. Went down 20 lbs in the pre diet (started Jan 1st) and 50 lbs since being banded ( March 1st) for a total of 70 lbs. Just go for it and never look back.

So, if you want to get back from the border to the airport, can you just do the same thing in reverse? I am going down for a fill on Oct. 11, and have decided to try the bus/trolley.

The bus/trolley route is real easy. Buy a $5 all day pass and you can go anywhere all day. $9 gets you a 2 day pass. The only bad thing is going back over to the USA at the border. It can be PITA sometimes, lots of people go back and forth, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are the worst. So allow yourself a lot of extra time to get back into the USA and back to the airport. Thursdays shouldn't be as bad as the other days I mentioned. I've done it the walk across a half dozen times. I like doing the walk and think of it as an adventure. LOL, If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

Hi Everyone,

I just made an appointment to see Dr.Vitello,I also heard he is great! I have blue cross blue shield HMO and i don't know if the fluro is covered.If it isn't,do you know how much of a discount they give you? I'm so excited because this will be my first fill.I have to admit i'm a tad nervous though.I can't stand needles! What i also liked about Dr.Vitello is that he is available evenings.I wasn't aware that he does appointments on saturdays until i read the posts and that is perfect for me. I'm looking forward to meeting with him.Everyone that i've spoke to says he is really nice and knows what he is doing. I have to travel about an hour but it will be worth it- Have a great day everyone:-)

When you go into the hospital in Downers Grove you have to go to patient registration. When your there you have to tell them up front if you have insurance. Your kind of in a dilemma at that moment. If you say you have insurance they will bill the insurance company $129. The minium for a half hour of Fluoro. If you tell them you don't have insurance, they will bill you as non insurured, with a discount, of $103, then at the bottom of that bill, it will say if you pay this bill by a certain date, the bill will only be $88. Either you find out ahead of your fill if your insurance will pay it or do the wait and see deal. If you do the wait and see deal your insurance may not pay, then you may end up paying the the whole $129 the first time. I know someone that did that and their insurance wouldn't pay, now she is trying to get the original bill dropped down to the $88 non insured deal. As of this time and date, I don't know if she has got that done. If she see's this post she may reply to it and update us on the insurance vs. non deal. So, I'd do some phone calling to the insurance company and try to get the scoop first.

Here's Dr. Vitello's email address, jvituic@comcast.net Sometimes it takes him a couple days to get back to you.

Donna,

You don't really need a companion for other than moral support, and you will probably meet other patients that can help you with that too! The clinic picks you up at the airport, gets you to the clinic, drives you to the hotel, picks you up at the hotel and gets you to the clinic on surgery day, then gets you back to the hotel and finally back to the airport. If your husband likes to explore new places by himself while you are in the clinic, he might like to come. Otherwise, it isn't a necessity.

You will have some time to yourself the day after surgery so you might like to have someone there with you to explore a bit of Tijuana. The doctors recommend you do some walking the next day to get things moving again. However, you will probably meet other patients during your time at the clinic, so you won't have to be alone unless you want to be. It's a personal preference.

Also, You could probabley get by with a carry on bag. You really don't need much to justify a suitcase. Pack light.

I am really excited to begin my journey and change my life. I have scheduled for December 6 and am traveling from Bremerton, WA. I am a little nervous about the pre-op diet as I will be on a cruise over Thanksgiving holiday--any suggestions??? Also would love to have some pals to communicate with and compare our experiences.

I remember the days before I was banded and did a cruise. Holy crap, I remember putting on 10 to 15 lbs on one cruise. I feel for you... I have no suggestions that you already don't know. LOL

Bribes!! Are you serious!!????????? OMG!!!!!!! LOL!!! My husband dealt mostly with the sweet gal at the front desk (I forget her name).... My husband is from Spain and is a serious take no BS banker, and if some jerk asked for a bribe to help expedite insurance, my DH would have ripped his b*lls off!! I wonder if Dr. Ortiz knows about this. Maybe he's a realative and thats why Ortiz keeps him. Who knows. Of all the people at OCC , Rene was the one I had the LEAST chemistry with.

Come on guys,, did you think he might have been making an attempt to be funny. A little office humor??