cynderlla1

Hi, I had my first fill by Dr. Martinez on August 1, 2005. I live in Orange County (so about 1 1/2 hours), and having only been to Mexico once before for the surgery and having never driven, a friend went with me and we drove down. I got insurance just this side of the border (it was $17). Once over the border, it took about 15 minutes to drive there (stay to the right), and I parked under the building in a pay parking lot (for $3). It really isn't bad to drive now that I've done it. As far as the fill, I too am a big baby with needles, and was surprised it didn't hurt. It was fun to watch on the flourascope as you get the fill and watch the actual restriiction. Dr. Martinez is wonderful at the fill. You do stay on liquids for for 3 days after (went back to the shakes). I am not scheduled to go down until the holidays now. Oh, and don't eat before you go. They'll tell you when to stop eating or drinking anything before your appointment. Hope this helped

Hi, I agree, try eating more protein than bread. A bagel is heavy to eat and than it swells up. I myself don't do well on breads. The headaches could be lack of protein ... but what about your sugar intake? If you are cutting down on sugar (which you should) you will get headaches for the first few days. Also, I just had my 1st fill ... 9 weeks post op. Are you sure you need a fill??? I noticed I started eatiing a little more than when I first had it done about 2 weeks before. I use the rule - eat about 1/2 to 1 cup of food. I found myself eating 3/4 to 1 1/4 cups of food. The weight was coming off in oz. instead of by the pound, because of eating more calories and carbs at that point. Since my fill, I am now back to eating a little less than I was when I 1st had the surgery, so about a 1/3 of a small child or senior plate if you go out to eat. I always have take home food for a couple of days :-). And yes you need to drink lots of water (and no soda). But remember, don't drink before (1hr), during, or after (1hr) eating. It is so important not to wash the food down, it will make you eat more.

HI, Why go anywhere else??? These surgeons are world renowed experts in the field. They go around the world and train other surgeons on this procedure. Dr. Martinez and Dr. Ortiz did my surgery on May 27, 2005. I had the surgery on Friday and was back to work on Tuesday. I felt so good, I had to remind myself I had just had surgery and not to lift anything over 20 pounds for the 1st 6 weeks. I had my 1st fill on August 1st. It was so easy. Their office was easy to get to, and best of all if you need to talk to them, they are just a phone call away. I have found a local support group I attend (attending support group is so important) and have had no problems. I'll go back for my 6th month post surgery sometime in Nov to Dec. So to go back 2 -3 times in the 1st year, that is not bad at all. A local Dr. will have you back twice as much, and spent 1/4 of the time with you. You'll really be happy you made this decision!!!