Arnold

I've been offline for a month or so, but if it's not too late, may I add my own personal experience. In late 2004, I was a candidate for gastric bypass with one of the hotshot surgeons in Charleston, SC...I went through all the psych meetings, the physicals, the dietician meetings, and was awaiting my time for scheduled surgery four months afterward. During the wait, I had a bout with congestive heart failure, spent a quick weekend in a local hospital having the fluids pulled from my body with massive doses of Lasix. I came close to going on out, or so my cardiologist said. In any event, the hotshot surgeon got the report and took me off his candidate list. He didn't want to spoil his success rates, I suppose. I was distraught, and, frankly, by spring of 2005 had neared my end, I'm certain. I was 5'10" or so, 58 years old, a 2 or 3 injection a day insulin dependent diabetic, along with a wealth of other fat old man conditions, and my outlook was grim. I had a close friend who had known of Dr. Ortiz, had had the band installed on a whim almost, and it worked. She was not totally dedicated to the regimen which is needed for optimum results, but her results were astounding anyway. I decided to seek out Dr. Ortiz, and give it my best, if not last, shot. What an amazing change has come into my life. My first experience with the staff was with Sandy, by e-mail and phone. She was so encouraging and positive, and made my decision easy. I didn't want to fly from SC to San Diego...I would have preferred a local doctor, I thought. Boy, was I wrong! Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Jimenez, Dr. Martinez...the whole staff....I firmly believe would perform their miracles for nothing. They are not in it for the money, but for the impact they can have on lives. Without a doubt, I'm living today because of them. I'm a bit over 14 months post-op now, and although I'm not the poster child for the procedure, in my mind I've accomplished already much more than I dared dream. (Weight down from 337 to about 216, waist down from 60" to 44", suit size down from 60 Portly, to 48 regular, and they're a bit large. Shirt sizes down from 4xl (some), 3xl (most), to xl off-the-rack. Even my shoe size went down from 11 1/2 EEE, to 10 1/2 D, where it was 40 years ago. No insulin injections at all, no blood pressure meds at all ( first time in 28 years). I'm losing about a pound a week, have lots of skin I don't need any more, that I hope to deal with in the winter, if my budget will allow. My biggest change has been my outlook. I had let my small business wither, and nearly die, but not any longer. Times are difficult in my industry (trucking), but with a renewed effort enabled by the surgery, I feel that I could kill a bear with my hands, and love competition. I know that the litigious society in which we live forces high insurance premiums for malpractice in the country. I also think that is why a US doctor will rarely make a life-changing decision without six or eight consults, spreading the exposure for lawsuit. But it is a refreshing and beautiful thing to find doctors such as Ortiz, Martinez, and Jimenez who practice pure medicine...and do it with flair and pride in jobs-well-done. The lap-band is just a tool...it's not a cure-all. But it is amazing! I wish Dr. Ortiz would be my personal physician as I pass my 60th birthday. I bet I could make 90 then. I can't wait 'til I get back to Tijuana in the winter to see my Saints... Hope this helped... Arnold Hall abhall29@aol.com

I don't remember gas being a problem past the first couple of days. It sounds maybe like your problem might be in how you are eating, rather than the band itself. The rule about no carbonated beverages is the gospel...no beer, no sodas. That's for a reason. Gas and burping could conceivably cause the band to move, though I seriously doubt it. Eating slowly, chewing your food thoroughly, with no fluids for at least 20-30 minutes following eating is a must. That was the hardest habit for me to break. The old me chewed fast, swallowed, drank, washed it all down, and started all over again. That's why I weighed 336 at band time. Even if I am only eating a very light meal, or eating by myself, I take a bit of extra time to put out the placemat, the napkin, all the silverware, and eat very slowly. Pretty soon, it becomes a ritual, and is so essential in the weight-loss process. It gives the band a chance to work like it's supposed to. Don't be bashful about calling your surgeon, though if you think you have a medical problem. They'll talk to you at any time! It's been a bit over a year for me, and eating is no longer such a big deal. I eat to live, and don't live to eat like before. Dr. Ortiz and the others saved my life...the band is certainly the best thing that ever happened to me regarding my health. I continue to lose weight, even though a bit more slowly, and look forward to some sculpting surgery in a few months. Good luck! Arnold

To: Chrissysdolphin The pain for me was nominal. The hardest part was the 4-hour plane flight back to Charlotte followed by driving 2 hours home. But I was just a little sore. The doctors had given me 4 "Supradol" 30 mg tablets in case I did have pain. They are sublingual...similar to Toridol in this country. I only used one, and it helped me sleep on the flight. I flew home on Saturday and didn't have any problems going back to work on Monday. I don't think Supradol is available in this country, but is readily available over-the-counter in Tijuana, at about $ 2.00 US/tablet. They come in 4-packs. But don't worry, pain will not be a problem....

Dr. Martinez probably gave you .5cc (1/2 cc) of saline. It is rare to have as much as 2.5 cc total in your band after a year or two. I've had my band for one year today, have lost 94 pounds, and continue to lose after my 4th fill last week.(Done by Dr. Martinez and his new associate) which took me to 2.0 cc's total, and I'm very tight now You'll get used to the new feelings and experiences, and the weight loss will be steady...watch the milkshakes and ice cream, though. Stay with solid foods. If you don't lose any faster than your present rate, which you really will, that will total about 84 pounds in a year. Not bad, do you think? (By the way, some of us "ladies" you greeted with Hola, are really 59 year old men....we don't like being fat, either. Arnold

I don't know your California surgeon...it doesn't matter anyway. I've never in my almost 60 years met any medical person more skilled or more caring that Drs. Ortiz, Martinez, and Jimenez. They'll work with your schedule, but you need to call quickly...

Best thing I've ever done for me, and for my family. Dr. Ortiz has to be the best in the world! I was a 'fraidy-cat", but the surgery and the recovery was virtually a non-event. I flew home cross-country on Saturday, then drove my Tahoe 95 miles from the airport. I couldn't even get any sympathy, I felt so good. I didn't even miss any work.... You'll be on Jello and fruit juices and such for a few days...you'll get impatient a little bit. But in the couple of weeks before solid foods you'll probably lost 12-15 pounds. Take you chewable vitamins (I started with Flintstones, 2 a day, then moved to Centrum Silver chewables. I'm still with them) Good luck Arnold

Our State's (South Carolina) typical BC/BS answer is no way, no how, not even to save your life. Not even for emergency procedures which could possibly be required afterward. (I think they're referring to the high-risk gastric bypass' risks. Dr. Ortiz has certainly gotten his procedures down to an art...last I heard his record was unblemished). Dr. Ortiz' center was advertising some assistance in attaining financing...don't know whether they still do, or not. Call Sandy at they're number (Extension 80) and she'll tell you what to do. Ten thousand is not easy for a young person to come up with, especially with young kids. I will say that it will be a far better investment than a car or a vacation or a boat. It gives you back your life, and you're young enough to enjoy it! Call Sandy and get the real lowdown... Good luck Arnold

I'm a 59-year old male, eleven month post-op, and I can only relate what I've seen and done. Ninety-two pounds, 12 inches off my waist, no more oxygen pumps for 16 hours a day (I gave them to the free med. clinic), insulin injections formerly totalling at least 14 per week, and in excess of 1,000 units of Humulog and Lantus per week...last week I had one tiny injection of 8 units only, and that's when I ate the whole large Three Musketeer bar...blood glucose stays in the 110-112 range all the time with no meds. Blood pressure meds down from 40 mg of Vasotec daily to 10, and I think my doctor is going to drop that or maybe even eliminate it next week. I take a Centrum Silver chewable vitamin daily, and have adjusted to the things I don't tolerate well. (The breads I eat are grainy and course, not refined and white. I eat cereal at night sometimes. I still eat steak and chicken and fish, love my secret recipe quiches, get plenty of dairy....I've developed a special place for really good cheeses from around the world. I wasn't much of a soda drinker, but don't miss them. I drink unsweetened tea, fine coffees, and lots of water. I'll have an occasional cocktail, and love good wine once or twice a week. For a quick meal on-the-go, I'll grab a Glucerna, and even keep one in my golf bag for energy. The band secret is moderation, and I wake up every morning with a song in my soul...Food is not the driving force in my life, is not the center of my social life, and I'm living life again! Believe me, if you had seen the picture of me last Easter , you would have seen a man who had given up caring, and was without hope. Dr. Ortiz changed all that I use a local doctor for the three fills I've had so far...no bedside manner, and is quite perfunctory in his work. My next one will be in Tijuana by the pros... I haven't met all the Lap-Band doctors...but with my whole experience with Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Martinez, Sandy, and Dr. Ortiz' delightful mother (who is really in charge) there cannot be a better surgical staff in the world. They're quick, caring, professional beyond all the doctors I've met in my life except my own personal physician (who's also one of my dear friends). and with the knowledge I have now, I would walk to Tijuana from South Carolina if I had to to get his services. (Sainthood must be in his future for all the miraculous things he can do with a body; I'm so proud to say that he worked miracles on me) If you have questions or doubts, write me any time....and best of luck. Arnold

Glucerna was my choice, and has been a favorite for me for a quick meal substitute since my surgery. (It's the diabetic version of Ensure) The flavors are rich, and with a few cubes of ice, a drop or 2 of vanilla extract, and a few seconds in the blender, they taste almost sinful. The 12 oz version has about 290 calories as I remember, so it truly does replace a meal. I even keep one in my golf bag for a quick energy pickup. Good luck....Dr. Ortiz should be nominated for Sainthood...he is a worker of miraculous things! Arnold

Good For You!!! It's been almost a year for me, but as I remember, Dr. Ortiz gives you a pack of juice and things for a day or so. The restaurant in the hotel is accustomed to having his patients, and they'll fix the Jello and broths that you'll need. Crystal Light makes individual packs of flavored crystals good for a 20 oz. bottle of water. Wal-Mart has their version of the same stuff. Lipton even makes "Iced Tea to Go" in small packets also good for 20 oz. waters. These things will fit in your pocket.We were flying in so we didn't pack a lot of heavy stuff. I drank apple juice and grape juice (white) watered down for a day or two. Beef broth was my friend, as was coffee. When I got brave after a day or two, I pureed onion soup and soon got to the Campbells "Soup at Hand" microwaveable soups. They were God-sent, I'm sure. I relied on V-8 juice (still do) for two or three servings of veggies per day. After 11 months, I'm down 92 pounds, don't use Oxygen any longer, have virtually eliminated insulin, and reduced blood pressure meds by more than 3/4ths. I still enjoy a good glass of wine occasionally, and have begun to play golf again. I just KNEW that would never happen again. Life is good once more...I even bought a convertible earlier today.... Best wishes... Arnold