Dolittle

"In an effort to help reduce forum spam, we are in the process of migrating the forum to a new server. We hope to have the site up and running again within 1 to 2 hours."

Just HOURS after Kari's original post! Now that's service!!

Is there anyone here monitoring this forum? Maybe I am just an old prude, but I take offence to these porn and sex drug posts. They have no place on this forum. They have nothing to do with weight loss surgery.

We have 2 volunteers/members that patrol this forum for spam posts. We try hard, but there's times when these spammers sneak some in. We're on here when we can do it, but were not on 24/7. There are hundreds of spam posts that get deleted every week. So if you see one or two, here and there, that happens, but they're usually deleted shortly after there posted.

A NEW LINK I HOPE WILL WORK AS SOMEONE WAS MESSING WITH THE OTHER SITE

THANKS

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?...s0tysj&Ux=0

Hi Pammie, I was curious about your tummy tuck. Where did you have that done?? Costs?? Stuff like that. Your pictures look great. I'm sure that all the forum members appreciate them. We all learn from others, thats what this forum is about. Thanks

I'm a newbie, just checking into this surgery. got all enthused and set a date. now (ok, ok, better late than never) I'm wondering if anyone out there has had surgery from Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico, and how your experience was. all information welcome. thanks!!

I made the decision to be banded just a few short months ago. My surgery is Monday, Sept. 3 and I am scared to death. I am having issues with my pre-op diet Dr. Miranda gave me. I am so hungry right now. I worry that if I struggle with this, how can I do the band? I have 3 kids that I have to cook for which is also hard! Does anyone have any advice? I am worried about EVERYTHING! Mexico, the money, PBing, emotional eating, having something on my stomach, etc. I guess I am having a panic attack. Ha! To make it worse I am not sure how to navigate around this forum to well!

Is anyone out there having surgery on 9-3-07? I sure could use some support and friends in this journey!

Thanks in advance!

Calli

We all go through this, but when you get used to being banded and see the results, OMG, it becomes your best buddy!! LOL

Dolittle and Michael,

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll park in the long-term parking in San Diego because that way, I'll leave most of my luggage in the car - we're spending a few days in Southern CA for family visits, and I am NOT a reasonable packer -- just wait until I get some 60-70 lbs off me -- my husband should be quaking in his boots! It does help to know about the Trolley and the drop off, though - I had no idea it was so close, and I assumed there would be a drop off fee.

Michael, my operation is on the 28th - they have me testing on the 27th, then the 28th at night I'm in the hospital - and they suggested an extra night in the hotel - so time in Mexico is Monday - Thursday morning. It's actually good because I live far away and if anything does happen, I'd rather be around! If I lived as close as you, I"d definitely do what you're doing - that's great!

Thanks again to both of you....Danielle

I don't know about rental car drop off fees, I've never rented a car before. I've always used the metro transit system every where I've went other than my home area. Vegas, San Fran, San Diego, etc. All big cities have great mass transit systems and I'm an adventurous type, so I jump on the bus or whatever. LOL

I have booked my flight and will be banded on 8/28 by Dr. Ortiz. It's happened so fast that I'm a bit numb, with the exception of some panic attacks at the prospect of a life-altering event (!!) It helps so much to read about others' experience.

One question for those who had the surgery in TJ: I am arriving in Orange County, so will be renting a car for a week total, that will include my 4 days in Mexico. It seems silly to leave behind and pay for parking. Is it possible to drive into Mexico? I'm thinking about asking if we can just follow the van from the San Diego airport to TJ.

Your thoughts would be much appreciated!

Danielle

I know that every tolley stop going to the border has a parking lot next to it. If I remember right they were free, but I don't know how long you can park a car there. Someone else may know how long you can park at the tolley stops. Another option is you could turn in the car at your rental company at the San Diego airport and catch a bus to the transportation center, which is about 5 blocks away from the airport and then catch the tolley going to the border. Once you walk across the border you can catch a taxi to the clinic. All total, your talking $5 for the bus/tolley and $5 for the taxi in Mexico. The same would apply if you were flying into the San Diego airport. But if you were flying into San Diego airport you wouldn't need a rental car. The public transportation system in San Diego can pretty much take you any where in the San Diego area. "CHEAP"

Hi, Im new to the boards. I was wondering if anyone could help me by giving me some information. I was banded in Mexico, but it is just not possible for me to return at this time. No vacations are possible at the hospital where I work, at his time due to just about all of my co-workers being on sick leave. Can anybody share info about doctors that do fills for patients banded in Mexico. All information is appreciated.

There has been several of us in Illinois and Iowa that have used a great Doctor named Dr. Joseph Vitello. He's a bariatric surgeon at the University of Illinois hospital but does fills on the side at a Downers Grove hospital. He charges $150 cash up front and the hospital charges $129 for the Fluoro. The hospital is a couple blocks off I88, Highland exit. You can reach him at his email address, jvituic@comcast.net, He only does fills for patients that have had their lapband surgery done outside the United States. He does a great job, I highly recommend him. He's a nice guy too! I know that its tough to get back out to San Diego. With airfare high right now and people that have a time restriction, this is the guy to call.

I am getting banded on July 26th. Will I get any records to take back to my doc in the states?

Before you leave the OCC clinic, ask Rene in the OCC office and he'll print out a surgery report for you and anything else you need.

If anyone read my post about protein shakes causing constipation, you might know or not know the answer, but I only got one reply and it has made me stress badly. The answer was that soy protein(which is pretty much in every high protein food or shake), can cause constipation. That is something I don't need since I struggle enough with the big C usually.

Now, can someone please tell me WHAT I do now? I don't want to start losing hair and so on because of not enough protein in my diet, especially after I get my fills and have restriction. I thought about the Special K protein water, but #1, it has alot of sugar, and #2, it has only 5mg of protein. What a waste of money and it is not enough protein for the daily amount I need every day. I love chicken, but after getting a fill, will I be able to eat enough to fulfill my protein intake?

I hope someone could please help me, I would so appreciate it.

Peace,

Judy

When things come to a stand still, I use the Walmart brand, "Equate" fiber therapy caps. Or the fiber caps Dr. Maranda recommended you take when you got hungry on the pre surgery diet. A couple here and a couple there, pretty soon things will get moving. LOL. That's what works for me.

I plan on riding the trolly to border from the airport just a few dollarshas any body done that will be flying in from nashville tn

When you get to the airport, jump on a bus, tell the bus driver you want a all day pass. That bus it will take you to the transportation center. $5 gets you an all day pass for buses and the tolley. $9 gets you a two day pass. You can get on the blue line tolley and ride it to the border. The clinic is about 6 blocks away from the end of the second foot bridge. Or you can jump in a taxi at the end of the first foot bridge, don't pay more than $5 for the taxi. If you plan on a taxi, make sure you have the address wrote down on paper to show the taxi driver where your going.

First of all, if you have the surgery done by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico the cost is only $8500. (Most of us would spend three times that amount on a new car, why not spend it on your health?) I just had the surgery done by Dr. Ortiz and he, and his whole clinical staff are wonderful. I felt like I had much better care than I would have gotten in the U.S.

Secondly, while it's true about portion control, chewing and eating slowly being the keys to losing weight, most of us don't do those things because there is no immediate consequence. The band causes immediate consequences. It is aversion therapy. You feel the consequences of eating too fast, not chewing properly and eating too much, so you don't do it again. It in essence, forces you to eat the right way. If people could do the right things on their own, there would be no need for diets, diet pills, the diet industry..... etc.

Human nature being what it is, most of us need help!

I couldn't have said this any better. Good job

For those who are coming to the San Diego area for lapbanding or fills and would like to make it a mini vacation, here's an info guide to the area. I hope this link works. www.tripadvisor.com/pdfs/Guides/TA_San_Diego_Guide.pdf

Ok my bandster buddies, this one is all about ME!

Today is one day before my band anniversary, so I measured myself since I had done so the day before my surgery last year.

:::::::::Drumroll please::::::::::::

I've lost 65 inches - SIXTY-FIVE INCHES this year - do I hear a roar from the crowd?!?!?!!? lol

Thank you guys so much for your support and help in keeping me on track.

I finally started really exercising this week (its been a year since I was allowed to exercise, too!!) so I'm hoping the inches keep coming off! I'll be at the clinic next Thursday (6/21) for my 2nd fill. I'm excited to meet those of you that will be there that day

Love you guys!! - and I just have to say WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Congrats and A Big Standing O

I was just wondering if anyone since having the lapband surgery drink any types of fiber drinks that they have to mix up in the morning just to stay regular with their bowel movements. Curious Karmel wants to know. If you do has there been a problem getting the fiber down. I am seriously thinking about doing some fiber drinks for my system.

Karmel

I just go to Walmart and get the Walmart/Equate brand fiber caps. They work OK for me and they go down easy. I've never had one get hung up by my band. I take a couple and if that doesn't do it I take a couple more, eventually them babies will work. LOL

I've just booked my first fill trip to OCC. At present, my itinerary is as follows:

FRIDAY, JUNE 22:

• Fly to San Diego, arrive 10:23 a.m.
  
• Avis car rental at airport.
  
• Drive to Mexico border.
  
• Park at border.
  
• Cross on foot.
  
• Taxi to OCC.
  
• 12:30 p.m. appointment for fill. (2 hour fast prior to fill)
  
• Have lunch in TJ to check out fill.
  
• If any problems, back to OCC.
  
• Otherwise, taxi to border.
  
• Cross on foot.
  
• Drive to Holiday Inn, National City and check in.
  
• Explore San Diego.
  
• Dinner in GasLamp District. Second check of fill.
  

SATURDAY, JUNE 23

• Fill is most problematic in the morning, so check stoma again.
  
• If problem, back to OCC.
  
• If not, check out of hotel.
  
• Explore San Diego (Sea World?).
  
• 3:00 p.m. return rental car.
  
• 5:00 p.m. flight home
  

How long, on average, does it take to cross the border, into and out of Mexico when taking a taxi (as opposed to commercial driver)?

How long is the taxi ride to OCC after crossing the border?

How easy is it to find a taxi? Is OCC easy to find by a taxi driver?

Any suggestions, ideas or advice on how to tweak or improve this itinerary?

Crossing into Mexico is a breeze. Nobody cares who's coming into Mexico. After crossing the first foot bridge you'll run into the taxi stand. $5 is all you need to pay for the ride either way. The OCC clinic isn't but a half mile away. You'll be amazed that it isn't that far. Coming back across the border can be a hassle, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays the line going into the customs building can be long, sometimes an hour or two long. There's no way to avoid it. Even if you were to be in the OCC van it can be a long wait. Suggestions???? Renting and parking a car at the border can be expensive. Their Metro bus/trolley system is really good and cheap. $9 bucks gets you a 2 day pass and the Blue line tolley takes you right to the border. I think you can go any where your talking about via the bus and tolley. If I remember right, The tolley even goes right next to the Holiday Inn and has a scheduled stop in National City. Call the Holiday Inn to make sure. If you decide to walk the distance from the border to the clinic, after crossing the second foot bridge, (which goes over the top of sewer creek), turn left and walk 4 blocks to the Costco and then turn right and walk 4 blocks to the street the clinic is located on. Then turn left and the clinic is in the middle of the block. Go the reverse direction when going back. Or have the OCC get you a taxi back to the border. Be prepared to have a possible long line to get back into the USA. If you have any questions, email me.

It takes around 1 1/2 hours to do the bus/trolley/walk. Its $5 bucks for a day pass for the bus/trolley. Good for everything and anywhere for the day. It's real easy, jump on the bus at the airport, ride 6 blocks, get off and jump on the blue line trolley. It goes right to the border. Then follow the crowd and start walking over the foot bridges, once your across it's about an 8 block walk to the clinic. The real time worry is coming back and going across the border. Either walking or riding in the OCC van you never know how long it takes to go thru customs. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are the worst. I've seen the walk thru line a half mile long on those days listed. Monday thru Thursday the line is usually short. When your flying in and doing it all in 1 day, book your flight to arrive early and depart late that day, just to be safe. If you need step by step instuctions to walk across, send me an email.

I've had the EAS Chocolate shakes. I get them by the case at Sams Club. I've tried others and have found them to be the best tasting so far. I always throw one into the freezer and bring it to a slush. They're even better that way.

I just LOVE this Southwest Air saver program called "DING". I'm scheduled to go out to Tijuana in the middle of May for my first fill. I just got a "DING" notice sent to my computer and the airfare special today, from Chicago Midway airport to San Diego, round trip with taxes, $120 bucks. What a deal!!!!!

Many thanks to you all. The good part is that my insurance will cover 90% of this if I use their Dr.'s. United is a large insurance company, so I am sure I can find a local Dr. for this procedure.

Regards

Bill

You'll find that United Health will have tons of hoops you'll have to jump through to get approved. The biggest hurdle was you had to have a high BMI, like 40 or more and a requirement that you have to go on a doctors supervised diet for 6 months. Plus other health problems related to being over weight. Like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. Which in my case I was on the borderline of the BMI and I had no other related issues. So a 6 month doctors diet would lower my BMI and make me ineligible. Check with your local lapband Doctors and see what will get you pre-approved. They will know. Your insurance requirements might be different with your plan than with my United Health plan. If all else fails, Dr. Ortiz is one of the worlds highest rated lapband surgeons and he has the procedure fairly priced for those have to pay out of pocket. Give one of Dr. Ortiz's coordinators a call, they have a lot of knowledge about this subject.

I've heard that there is a place in Tampa that's resonable. I know several people that have picked Tampa for their first fills. But I don't know where in Tampa or the name of the place. It could be a Fill Center USA place????? I'll check into it or maybe some other members of the forum might be able to give you that info.

Hi Dolittle,

I was a part of the DING program a while back, but haven't been in a long time. The last time I few Southwest was before they changed their policies for obese people, by charging them to pay for an extra seat. Not gonna fly with them again until I am slimmer.

I checked out Travelocity and they have good fares too on American and Alaska.

Thanks for the tip though. I am obese, but tall, and not too wide, but not taking any chances.

Hi Dreamhappy, I just flew Southwest out of Chicago when I had my surgery. My weight was 285lbs and the seat was a little tight. LOL. But nobody said anything to me about my weight? Or charged me any extra. That was the first time I had ever flown Southwest. They seemed real friendly. But they had some real good fares on that Ding program.

I

Hello! I am Annette and have my surgery set for April 19th. I will fly in from Texas on the 18th and do all my pre-op testing that day then to the hotel. I am still confused on how I get back and forth from the hotel to the clinic. I don't know how far it is either. I am traveling alone and am excited and scared at the same time.

Would love to have a lap band buddy just for peace of mind.

Mrs. Ortiz drives you back and forth from the hotel and clinic.

Thanks for the info! I'm having my surgery in TJ too. Is the $390 with or without flouro? There are a couple of drs in Chicago that do fills too. One charges $275 for a fill with flouro.

How do you like the band so far, and how was your experience in Tijauna? I'm excited, but nervous.

Donna

Could you post the names of the Doctors in Chicago that do the fills. We'll see if anybody has used them or not and if they would recommend them.