thequeenofcrafts

Haven't had a fill in a long time and called to book Dr. Martinez and was told he doesn't do fills any more, there is a new person who does them. Who has had a fill lately, who did it in Dr. Ortiz's office and what did you think?

I was just going to post a similar question. I am now 11 weeks out and am still afraid to get my first fill and am not sure if I should. I am so tight in the morning that I can't eat anything without PBing. I now have a Slimfast for breakfast about 7AM and by about 10AM can handle a small bowl of warm oatmeal. Lunch is a banana or small salad of soft greens or hummus or something soft. Anything bigger/harder to chew and I am PBing within minutes. no matter how many times I chewed my little bites! Also have yogurt or apple sauce and sugar free pudding for a snack. By dinner time I am so much better and can handle just about anything (chicken and steak make me PB) so I have meatballs, fish or something easy along with fruit and salad. I PB at least 5x a week - not fun. I lost a little over 20 pounds in the first 3 weeks but then stopped and haven't lost since. I keep thinking I should go for a fill but Then again it would make my morning and lunch time even more difficult. Don't know what to do. Queen

I spent months researching before going to Dr. Ortiz in July. He is the best! A quick 22 minute procedure and I was out shopping in Tijuana at the marketplace the next day. The day I was banded I was joined by US nurses and the wife of a US surgeon so I know that a lot of medical people in the states think highly of him. You are in good hands.

Be careful you are not getting dehydrated. You need to be getting at least 64 ounces of fluids a day. If you don't get enough this can trigger headaches. I take a big cup of ice water or crystal light with me in the car and every where I go. Barbara

I did it! Arrived at the airport on July 4 and waited over 2 hours for our ride (note - holiday weekend traffic back from MX will really slow down drivers at the border and traffic was a mess). My husband who wasn't really sure of this to begin with got a little heated). Then our car arrived and we were joined by Deborah (March bandster) and her husband who was to be banded with me. Increased our comfort level immediately! Met nice people at the office as I had blood work done. Dragged husband into meeting with nutritionist and cardiologist so that his questions would be answered too. (Note - only 2 out of 5 banded that day had someone with them - many come alone and it quickly becomes a tight group!). The hotel was so much nicer than we expected and we had a room with a balcony overlooking the pool. The upscale restaurant was great for my "last supper" and it was so relaxing. The next morning all 5 bandsters met in the lobby to be taken to the clinic (spouses too). I was last to go in from the waiting room but Dr. Ortiz came out and was so friendly calming me down - what a cutie! Dr. Ortiz comes into your room pre-surgery and goes over everything. I had also come up with a list of questions and he was very thorough. The nurse had already put a port in my hand for the IV and I walked myself into the OR. I remember getting on the OR bed and they asked me to count as they hooked up the IV. I only remember counting to 3 and I was out. Woke up in my room with hubby at my side and an oxygen mask on my face which they then removed. I was groggy but felt OK. Dr. Ortiz said my procedure took 22 minutes which is average. (4 small incisions plus the port incision) Husband went back to hotel and I slept. (room was nice with beautiful view of the golfcourse - no private bathroom though - must walk down the hall). Watched tv and read. Next morning Dr. Martinez came in to check me and go over everything. What a nice guy - a great team! I was dressed and back at the hotel within an hour. Husband and I took a cab to the artist's market and then a walk on Revolution where all the shops are. I was tired after about an hour so we cabbed it back ($5 each way). Chicken broth for dinner in the hotel. Husband left early for home and I sat at the pool for over 2 hours with fellow bandsters - my new friends. Don't be afraid to go by yourself! You will be well taken care of.

Congratulations on setting your date. I was just banded on July 5 and was walking around the markets with my husband the next day. That said, I was tired after about an hour and then took a 2 hour nap at the hotel. I have been trying to walk 2 times a day which really does help move the gas and make you feel great. There were 2 fellow bandsters from July 5 who took a cab to San Diego the next day for touring and they did OK but came back tired. As long as you have a lounge chair poolside to relax I think you will be OK - just don't overdo it!

Hooray! I finally spoke with Sandy. FYI - they have switched to one of these new phone systems through the computer and are having a lot of problems. We had a very bad connection and they are not getting all of their messages. That said - I have set my date for July 5!!! It will be MY independance day. Hubby will come along and have lined up a friend to stay with the 3 kids. (the things we'll do to get a private get-a-way with our spouse!)

I was excited about this program after reading all of your posts, however . . . have called down there twice this week and left a message and 2 other times where I was on hold for over 30 minutes before having to hang up. Have never received a call back and I have so many questions. Is this place that busy or that disorganized that they can't respond to inquiries? Is there a better number to call on? Does not look good for their program! Also, has anyone else noticed that on the top of this page it gives the phone number to call and says "a patient" will assist you? Specific questions - how long from first inquiry until you can schedule your procedure?, what is cost? Is it better to go back there for fills or get it done locally? How do local docs feel if you have had the procedure elsewhere? Does someone have to go with you? Thanks for your help and support.