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lah34

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  1. Does anyone know of any fill doctors in Utah? I would really appreciate any information! Thanks!
  2. I HATED the slimfast optima in a can, but found the powdered version where you mix it yourself much more palatable. I like to put in a cup of milk, scoop of powder (milk chocolate flavor) and a cup of ice in the blender and it thickens it. It isn't so bad! Hang in there, do your best, and good luck with your upcoming band! Leah
  3. Hey! Hang in there. This is advice for me as well as you. I was banded on Sept 13th, so we just missed eachother! I am trying not to step on the scale. It's almost been a week (really, just one week?) and the liquids are tough. I was ok until I went grocery shopping last night for the family. You know, I just keep telling myself this isn't magic. It is for the LONG HAUL, you know? My weight didn't come on overnight and it certainly won't come off in a week, even if I am barely eating any calories. Let's keep positive and help eachother through so we really can make it! Leah
  4. Hi everyone! I was banded on Tuesday and all is going well. I went by myself to Tj for the surgery since I felt it was better to have my husband home with the kids. You know, it wasn't too bad being alone. I was well taken care of by the staff, esp Mrs. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez. Monday for pre-ops was a bit crazy since the clinic was closed due to computer troubles and believe it or not, everyone had fills at the hospital for FREE since flouro wasn't used that day. (I was picked up from the airport with two people getting fills and they were done at the hospital and I waited with them. They told me they weren't charged- score! They had never had fills this way there.) Anyway, I think my whole experience was different from what I read on the web, but it was still good. I just didn't really talk with Dr. Ortiz much. The anasthesiologist talked with me before the procedure, and Dr. Martinez did after as well as discharged me the next morning. I really liked him. He answered all my questions. I then after being discharged went over to the office only to drop someone off and then I said I had never been there so I went in also. Mrs. Ortiz explained how everything had been a little bit crazy with the clinic down for few days. At any rate, I guess everyone who reads the sites may want to know that things are different sometimes, and that doesn't mean it's bad. I was well attended to by the nurses at the hospital and loved them. I was a little dizzy after I first got up (I have never had anasthesia before, but think I am a little sensitive to the anasthesia and was pretty sleepy for the day (I did some walking and reading). I only had pain if I twisted in bed and it is still pretty minimal. I know this is super long, but a couple interesting things for me (I am a nurse and made assumptions) is that I didn't have a breathing tube placed for the surgery. Because of how short the surgery is, they use a laryngal mask called an LMA and therefore are able to control the airway without a "breathing tube". It was great! No sore throat after surgery. And, my wounds were closed with derma bond (a newer product kind of like superglue). I loved this, too, because they feel protected.Anyway, just wanted to share my experience and hope it is helpful to some of you! Today I feel good, a bit tired, a bit hungry, but happy. P.S. I did end up going on a pre-op protein shake diet once I talked with Dr.Miranda. She said they are using them to shrink the liver. It's no longer just for those who are over 300 lbs or have a high BMI. Make sure if you are having this surgery to call her about a week before the procedure! Leah 255/?/170
  5. Hello Hawaii Girl! I was banded Sept 13th, but I think I saw you in the hospital the day before. I also drove over to the hospital with Mrs. Ortiz and your husband on the 13th. He was going to pick you up. How are you doing? I am feeling pretty good. I just got back from San Diego today. I think the pain in your shoulder is gas from the surgery- the CO2 they use to visualize the organs during laparoscopy. I have read previously that walking will help it to go away. Good luck and if you'd like to email and keep in touch with our progress, that would be great! Thanks, Leah
  6. Hi Katie, I will be having my band placed by Dr. Ortiz on the 13th of Sept. Hope to see you there! I remember reading if you are greater than 300 lbs, you have to go on a liquid diet. Good luck with everything. Are you as excited and scared as I am? Leah
  7. Congrats to ALL of the newly banded. I will be joining the ranks in a short week and a half. I love reading about everyone's experience and I wanted to say thanks to all who post. It has confirmed by decision to go for this. Thanks, Leah
  8. Hi everyone! I am going to have my procedure on Sept 13th. I am so excited (and naturally nervous!). I have been waiting to hear from Dr. Miranda (nutritionist) and haven't yet. Can any of the most recently banded (I know there are several of you) tell me if you had all liquids the week before per instruction? I am not over 300 lbs, so I didn't have to lose weight before banding. BUT, I think I have heard comments about liquid the week before. Was this your experience? AND, I will confirm with the clinic. Thanks, Leah
  9. Thanks for sharing your experience. I will be banded two weeks from today and I need the reassurance. I am excited, but nervous, too. Change is really hard for me- even positive change. I find myself thinking what I will do if it's not eating? What will give me instant pleasure to pick up my mood if it's not a treat? I know it's been a dysfunctional system, but it's been MY system, afterall. I look forward to finding support from this site after, as well as I have now. Thanks to all who take the time to share; it's what helped me decide to go for it. Leah
  10. I will be banded on Sept 13th and I take effexor xr capsules. I talked with Dr. Ortiz about them and he said that I should be able to still swallow them. I think I maybe don't understand how tight the band will be because I have heard other people post that they take liquid tylenol, etc. Can someone explain to me if the pills are supposed to go through the pouch to the rest of the stomach, or can they stay in the pouch and get absorbed? I am concerned about not being able to swallow them right after being banded. It can really mess you up to even miss one dose! Thanks, Leah
  11. Lyndy, Congratulations with your success so far! I am so happy when I hear others are doing well. I have my surgery scheduled for September 13th and I am a little nervous and a lot excited. I want this to be a tool that can help me the rest of my life. Keep posting your story! It encourages me and others reading the posts. Leah
  12. We are going to miss eachother by two days!!! My surgery is for September 13th. I will be one day post-op when you arrive for tests. Hopefully we'll cross paths! LOL, Leah
  13. Hi! When I called the number three weeks ago on this web page (1 866 Dr Ortiz) and spoke with Carolyn, she had openings from two weeks away. As to anyone getting turned away, I don't know. I do know that when I was sent the paperwork to initial and fax back, there were some stipulations for pre-op diet if weight was above 300 lbs or BMI was 48 or higher. Also, there could be a delay if the pre-op testing turned out abnormal. Hope this helps!
  14. Your post really makes me doubt my plan to have the band placed next month. I certainly can't do everything that is required of me now, or I too, wouldn't need the band. And, I certainly do have worries that it will be hard after. Is there anything specific that you found didn't work? Have you been eating large quantities, or high calorie foods that go down easily? I am really sorry that this has been a miserable experience for you. I wish you the best in the future.
  15. Hi! I am thinking about having this done and weighing having it done locally for more money, but with a doctor close by vs travelling to Mexico with Dr. Ortiz. It sounds like the fills are unpredictable. Some have several and some have few to none (wow). I guess I wasn't expecting to have to travel quite that much if I am one who needs more frequent fills and/or removals. Do any of you regret traveling far and not having a doctor closer? Or has anyone had this done in Mexico and then found a doctor closer by to maintain the band? I really want to make a good decision and any advice would be great!
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