OnlyMe

Ok... first off - as for Dr. Grossbard - he will ONLY fill patients he banded, it has nothing to do with Dr. Ortiz!

Try to find another location for www.fillcentersusa.com that is near you - if not, give me a call and I will help you find someone else that can do a fill for you in Florida

Oh I know it has nothing to do with Dr. Ortiz... but its frustrating that even after being banded by a Mexican surgeon that this doctor would exclude other patients like himself. Per Dr. Grossbard's office, he will accept patients banded in the US only (its not exclusive to patients he has banded). He will not accept any patients banded outside the US.

I am in Orlando and know there is a Fill Centers USA location within 2 hours from me. I am trying to stay away from the Fill Centers USA location in Tampa. I've read too many negative comments about this location.

Where is everyone in Florida getting their fills? I would really like to have the first few fills with fluro (figure I've invested way too much $$ into this for a blind fill).

The whole malpractice/medical insurance situation in Florida is totally out of hand. I've called a ton of surgeons in the area and no one is willing to take patients banded in Mexico. What was most surprising to me is that Dr. Lee Grossbard (who was trained in Mexico, is one of the co-founders of Fill Centers USA and was banded by Dr. Ortiz) won't take patients banded by Dr. Ortiz either! *sigh*

I am willing to travel anywhere in the state for a fill doctor that uses fluro and won't bankrupt me in the process. (Heard Dr. Kim is great, but $1000 just to be accepted as a patient is a little crazy.)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I am trying to stay away from the Fill Centers USA location in Tampa. I've read too many negative comments about this location. Where is everyone getting their fills? I would really like to have the first few fills with fluro (figure I've invested way too much $$ into this for a blind fill).

The whole malpractice/medical insurance situation in Florida is totally out of hand. I've called a ton of surgeons in the area and no one is willing to take patients banded in Mexico. What was most surprising to me is that Dr. Lee Grossbard (who was trained in Mexico, is one of the co-founders of Fill Centers USA and was banded by Dr. Ortiz) won't take patients banded by Dr. Ortiz either! What in the world is going on? *sigh*

I am willing to travel anywhere in the state for a fill doctor that uses fluro and won't bankrupt me in the process. (Heard Dr. Kim is great, but $1000 just to be accepted as a patient is a little crazy.)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

PS: I am due for my first fill around the 20th of May. If anyone else in the area wants to get together before hand (meet, exercise, share a ride...whatever) let me know! The forums are great but I would love to have a local support group.

I live in Tampa, Florida and just reading all of your person comments are very exciting.

My main question regarding this is your recommendation for a local Tampa Bay Dr.

Thanks,

Bill

Hi Phoinix! I'm from the Orlando area and was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. However you can try finding local doctors through the American Society of Bariatric Surgery's website: http://www.asbs.org/html/about/patients.html Good luck to you!

Hi, I'm a Sydneysider, two weeks banded and looking to talk to other bandits both here and Internationally. I'm finding the restriction very limited and want to know if it changes radically after a fill and if that feeling lasts for a while. Drop me a line if you can :-)

Hey there. I am not an Aussie <--- Didn't want to get your hopes up. But I've met quite a few Australian bandsters on another forum. Try lapbandtalk.com as well. I'm sure you'll fly plenty of people there.

Good luck!

Thank you so much Onlyme for your info reply. But, why 9 nights? I thought you are usually only there for 3 nights or days total. Glad you made it ok and back home now. How is the pre-op diet working for you? Do you have restriction?

Thanks also for your best wishes for my surgery. It means alot. I am waiting to hear back from Lori for a date in mid May.

Take care and good luck with your band journey.

Peace,

Judy

Heh that was supposed to be a 9 hour trip. My flights home just took forever. Didn't help any that I was in the airport like 10 hours before boarding. :-(

My post-op liquid diet is working great! I can honestly say that I am not hungry. My problem is that my stomach is making all these gurgly noises that I can't decipher. So I don't know when I am hungry or when I am full just yet. I've been told there is no way of getting "full" on liquids since they go right through you.. but just in case I am sticking to the 1/2 cup per sitting guidelines.

Hello everyone.

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz this past Thursday (4/5). After making the long trip back home, I've decided I won't be able to telerate the trips back to TJ for fills. Where is everyone else getting their fills? I'm in Orlando. I would love to meet any local bandsters for support, or even have a fill get together, lol!

That's good to know. I know that after some surgeries I have been so thirsty and dry mouthed. Do you use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea and if you do, do they let you use it right out of surgery? I know you won't probably get this until later, but one more question in regards to the gown and panties...can you wear panties, and what kind of gown should you have in case you want your own to roam the halls? LOL I want to be able to walk, walk, and walk very comfy like.

Peace,

Judy

Hey Judy!

I am finally back home after a 9 night trip and almost 25 hour day. But I made it!

I don't use a CPAP and don't recall seeing anyone there with their little portable machine. I believe this is something you may want to discuss with the doctor. However I can't think of any reason why they would not allow you to use it.

Right before the surgery, you are asked to change into large comfy hospital gowns and a paper-type panty. For the first few hours after surgery (and right before bed), we all roamed the halls in the hospital gowns. (I have to admit the first thing I did after coming to is to remove the awful paper panty.) We saw quite a few patients from the previous night roaming the halls in their house dresses, workout type clothing etc.

The staff is there to help you feel comfortable and make sure that you are doing well. If you ask, I'm sure they will let you change into something different. (Although the hospital gown was great, no restriction, flowing with every movement, etc)

Good luck with your surgery.

PS: And yes, I am 1 pound heavier today than surgery day.... darn IV fluids! But there's hope... I know I will be on a losing streak soon!

=D> Do they constantly take your blood to see any problems, like when you mentioned a high sugar problem that needed meds? Sounds like they are totally on top of everything.

They are totally on top of things. You will have to nurses and quite a few doctors checking in on you. Depending on your needs/symptoms, they will order extra tests as necessary.

Congratulations! now you are officially a member of the bandster club.

What was it like? Did the staff keep checking in on you or just forget you were there? Did you share a room? Could you get away with wearing panties and a A-shirt instead with of PJ

Greetings to all April Bandsters!

Its official! > I got my lap band placed today.

I am typing this from Dr. Ortiz's office just to let you all know that the pre-op, surgery and recovery thus far have been a breeze. You are in good hands here! The pain in minimal at best (more like muscle workout soreness). I'll post more as soon as I start drinking my clear liquids and will keep you in my thoughts.

Well everyone, this is my last post until after surgery (if I am able to get to a PC). I leave for San Diego tomorrow morning at 5:00 am and have surgery Thursday morning.

I'm extremely nervous since I'm going alone... but am sure things will be ok. Please keep me in your thoughts!

I went on Goggle and did a search for Profect protein drinks. Have you heard of or has anyone heard of it?

Never heard of Profect protein drinks, but I recently bought a few samples of Unjury. All I can say is wow. Even the chicken broth protein mix (as horrible and strange as it may sound) tastes great. I would recommend them. (All expect the strawberry one, as I have not yet sampled this flavor.)

OMG OMG OMG =D>

Surgery is less than a week away!!!! I am sooo excited!

How is everyone else doing with their pre-op diets? I've lost 7 lbs of the 12 lbs I need to lose. I stalled there for a bit and keep losing and gaining the same 2 lbs. I finally broke down and spoke to Dr. Miranda. She recommended that I take chromium picolate and I've been losing ever since! YAY!

I look forward to meeting all the April 4th & 5th bandsters!!

Hello Linda! Congratulations on your lapband surgery! I'm not yet banded, but from what I've read the left shoulder pain is normal and should subside in a few days. Also on the gas thing, it's been suggested that you take GasX and do ALOT of walking to get it out of your system.

You'll find this forum full of friendly and supportive bandsters! Welcome to the group! I wish you much success and weight loss with your band!

PS: 120 kilos = 264.5 lbs

I'm also drinking the EAS AdvantEdge vanilla shakes. They are not as thick as other protein shakes and the after taste isnt tooo bad. I'm not much of a sweets person, so that shake thing is really killing me.

I ordered the book from Amazon and have already finished reading it. It is very informative. I have sections of the book marked to read before and after my surgery. The book even has a troubleshooting section (which I feel will be extremely helpful).

I don't know about Lori, but I am sure Carolyn would be happy to help you with your questions/concerns. You can reach Carolyn at 866-376-7849 x82 or Carolyn@obesitycontrolcenter.com

Hi there. I'm also in Orlando and will be banded on 4/5. MCOBandita, how did your surgery go?

Hi there, Only Me. I am scheduled for the 6th, but would like to have a bandbuddy, especially since I am coming alone too. I can call to see if I can move up a day so we can go together. I will be taking the Amtrak down since I'm only a few hours away. What time are you coming in on Wednesday?

Hi Heather.

I'm flying in Wednesday morning (my flight arrives at approx 11 am) and then I'll be doing all my pre-op testing that afternoon. If you are able to move up your surgery date, I would sure love to the company! (I've sent you a PM as well).

I am confused? I am having procedure on Mon, 3/12. I do not recall them talking about a pre-op diet, yet I am reading that many people were on one consisting of liquids? Today is Sat, my surgery is on Mon and I probably cannot get in touch with the MD? Help!!pre-op diet question

Ginger,

If you are having surgery with doctor Ortiz, you should have received a pre-operative diet sheet with three options:

1- Seven days prior to surgery: One (1) protein shake for breakfast, lunch and dinner.; OR

2- Twelve days prior to surgery: One (1) protein shake for breakfast and lunch. At dinner, one Lean Cuisine. OR

3- Three weeks or more before surgery: The induction phase of the Atkins Diet

You should contact Dr. Miranda (Nutritionist at Obesity Control Center) asap. You can reach her at 866-376-7849 x86 or 619-270-1126.

Good luck with your procedure!

Hello everyone!

I'm scheduled for surgery April 5th. I am very, very excited. I've decided to fly out there alone since my fiance is unable to take time off. Any others scheduled for this date?