Angie0316

Name and Location: Angie from Keizer, Oregon

Age: 40

Gender: F

Band Date: March 28th

Height: 5'4"

Highest weight: 324

Current Weight: 265

Goal Weight: 145

banded on 04/08/05 with Dr. Ortiz,

285/218/145

band removed on 5/2007 slipped band

285/165/145

rebanded on 10/2007

265/145

port replacement on 06/05/2008 leakage

265/145 goal starting all over

Dr. Romero is pursuing some other interests... yes, but he is still a member of the OCC crew, he's just taking some time off.

We still have 2 great fill doctors! Dr. Acosta and Dr. So... or as we call him, Dr. Marco. He has been a member of the OCC staff for well over a year, he has been our over night doctor and "back-up" fill doctor for quite some time, so most patients are familiar with him and he has been a LapBand doctor for quite awhile now. He has had the same training as Dr. Romero & Dr. Acosta and is now moving up to "prime time" and working during the day. So he isn't new to OCC or to our patients!

Lori is right I have had fills by all 3 of the Dr.s they are all wonderful. Dr. Romero is a great Dr. but please know the other Dr.s are wonderful and not so bad to look at either (real eye candy). I had to had a port replacement on June 5th and Dr. So and Dr. Acosta both worked with me throughout the day the are wonderful. Dr. So did my fill after the port replacement and finally I have great restrictions. I really do like there bed side manor they are both very caring Dr.s They are wonderful and I look forward to getting my fills from them in the future. And Dr. martinez is great as well. I thank them all 3 for there care they gave to me when I really needed it. I was very scared when I was on my way to TJ for my surgery but not once when I was there under there care. The USA really needs more Dr.s like these men.

Shell, I'm so sorry for your erosion I know you don't want that from all of us but your going to get it. you have been are rock of hope down this bumpy path we have all taken you have given us advise wether it be bad or good. Sometimes it was things that we didn't always want to hear, but it was honest and very helpful advice. You will get through this because you are a very strong person. And because you have learned to live as a bandster just because the band is gone you are still going to have the knowledge of what the band did for you, and you have your bandster family here to walk with you and hold your hand just as you have did for us. I do have a question if you don't mind. Do you have to pay to have the band removed and what are your options for getting another band when it is time will you have to pay for it as well.

Hang in there, it will get easier for you , in no time you will be able to look back and be glad this stage is over, try to keep yourself busy ice chips helped me alot. I know it is hard try in the begining to stay away from the crowds of food until you have control over your eating. I know how hard it is. I was a social eater and a big time stress eater I had my band on 04/08/05 and on 04/15/05 my father died. it was very hard getting through that stress and the family gathering and the usual comforting myself with food. but I can look back now and say I am very glad that stage is over. I can also now go to gatherings, parties and etc And Keep control I don't even miss the food. keep up with the group here or find a local supprt group that will also help alot to be able to talk with others that know what you are going through. It also helped me that I had friends that had went through the bypass, there experience was very similiar to what we are going through. I hope this helps.

When I had my surgery in April 2005, Dr Ortiz explained that the diet prior to surgery is to shrink your stomach for the surgery so that the band will fit. Hope this helps.

Hi I recently got banded on 04/08/05, I too was very nervous about going to tj for surgery. I have traveled to Mexico many times. Have been in some of the hospitals there and have heard alot of horror stories. But I was determined to get this done to my surprise the Hospital was nothing like I expected. The Hotel we stayed in was beautiful the staff there wa very nice and very helpful , the day at the hospital I was very scarred I remember my stomach was in knots, The hospital was very nice nicer than some I have seen here in the states my room had a beautiful view was a very nice room the staff was wonderful. And Dr Ortiz (look at his picture need I say more) No just kidding he is gorgeous, but he also was a wonderful Dr. explained everything very well and literally set and held my hand for comfort my mother and my sister went they loved him and his mother is the one who takes you back and forth from the hospital and the motel and the clinic , very pleasant woman, She was the nicest lady I have met in along time. If I had to do it again I would do it ten times over.

Hi all this is the first time I have posted to this group, I have some questions that I was hoping some of you all can help me with.

I need to get a fill asap had my lap band done on 04/07/05. Well anyway, any of you that have been back to get your fill. Did you fly into San Diego and then how did you get to the clinic for the fill , and what are the cost. Sorry for all of the questions at one Time. I am so happy to be a part of this group. And look forward to a long time friendship with you all.