White Dove

Hi All :-h

I wanted to know if anyone had a fill doctor that they knew of that is close to my area that has a Fluoroscope for my first fill once I get banded on the 9th of February. :-? I see that the fill center USA has one in Tampa and St. Petersburg FL. but that is still far for me looking closer to Ft. Lauderdale or West Palm Beach.

Thank you in advance

Sand Pirate

Here is the link www.fillcentersusa.com

Hi All :-h

I wanted to know if anyone had a fill doctor that they knew of that is close to my area that has a Fluoroscope for my first fill once I get banded on the 9th of February. :-? I see that the fill center USA has one in Tampa and St. Petersburg FL. but that is still far for me looking closer to Ft. Lauderdale or West Palm Beach.

Thank you in advance

Sand Pirate

I went to TJ for my first fill but after that I been going to the Fill Center USA. They have fluoroscope and you will have a doctor near home incase you need anything. First fill with the fluoroscope is 375 after that it

I am scheduled for my first fill Aug 18th.. Is there anyone who is getting a fill at this time? I am also concerned about getting to the border from the airport the most cost effective way.. can anyone help????? with some good suggestions.

Shannon

Call OCC and have the driver pick you up. No worries

Don

Thanks for the help. I wish they could post an Q&A some place.

How long after a fill before you can eat? How long after you eat before a fill?

I was under the impression you only had to wait 4 hours after a fill.

If I

Know before you go!

If your considering making reservations in San Diego at the Best Value Inn you should know that they will mislead you, quoting one price and charging another. I understand the place is not the best kept nor is it the cleanest.

This is my personal opinion

:-h I intend to get the lap band in this summer, I know about Dr. Ortiz but husband won't go for the TJ thing (even though he is from there). So my option is to find one in the San Diego/Riverside area and in between. I live in Temecula. Has anyone done research on the prices for self pay in the area? I found one in SD charging $14,300 but with almost no refills. Can anyone offer help? This is my first posting here.

Jeri :-h

I think everyone has the same fear but you should have your hubby read/talk to people that have the band. Also have him read about Dr. Ortiz. he should change his mind if he wants the best for you. I was scared to death but got the best surgery and the best of care. Good luck

Hello...

Just got back this afternoon. Got banded on Monday. It was a great experience. Everything went like clockwork. My incision sites are a bit sore, but this pain in my upper body (assuming it's gas pain) is killing me. I've taken Gas X strips, I've walked and walked and walked, I tried the heat pad this afternoon, my hubby even tried massaging it. The only thing that helps are the little disolvable pain pills they gave on discharge. The problem is I only have one of those little pills left and I'm going back to work tomorrow. Please tell me this pain will go away soon. It is a sharp stabbing pain up in my shoulders. It feels like a knife is just sitting in there. Also... is there anything else I can take that will help?? I was thinking of trying to find some liquid tylenol, but thought I would seek your advise first.

I'm completely happy with my surgery!!! I just need a little help with this post op pain. I didn't get any sleep last night at the Lucerna and am hoping to try and get some rest tonight since I'm home.

Thanks for any thoughts or insight!! I really appreciate it.....

ps. How long does this pain last?? What is "normal"???

Theresa :-)

Theresa,

I

I had my surgery in TJ and had planned on using Dr. Thomas Lavin for aftercare. When I got up enough money ($1000.00 for a year) I found out that they are in the middle of deciding on wheather or not to see other doctors patients. I called my second choice, and found he was no longer seeing patients from Mexico! So the first one that would see me I made an appointment. Fill went ok ...BUT....he offered no nutritional advice or even told me anything about what to eat after fill. He is 3 hours away, which is ok, but I really want support besides fills. I live in Mobile, Al so I can go to Panhandle of Florida, Mississippi or Louisiana. Flights to Houston Tx. are cheap from here but I would have to stay overnight and get a taxi. Please, anyone out there have any ideas if this is the best I can do.

Thanks to any and all suggestions,

Cheryl

Try this...

http://www.fillcentersusa.com/locator/index.php

Here is a deal for Dr. Ortiz patients flying into the San Diego airport for a fill and wanting to stay overnight. The shuttle service from the airport to the hotel is $50 (round trip) and then you get freeeeeee shuttle service to the clinic and back. The hotel has great rates (currently King size bed with kitchenette (microwave & frig.) - $71.77 includes taxes or 2 beds with kitchenette (microwave & frig) - $77.29 includes taxes) Make sure you mention Dr. Ortiz!

Here's the website: America's Best Value Inn San Ysidro Here's their direct number 619-690-2633

To be honest, I have never been to this hotel so I don't know much about it, so if anybody stays there please come back and write a review But they are offering a nice rate and include the free shuttle service to all the TJ Medical clinics so I wanted to let you guys know about it!

This is great! I was so worried about my return trip. Where to stay, how to get around and the cost.

Can you recommend a place to eat by the Lucerna hotel for the last meal?

You

Hi Everyone,

New here, this is my first post. Im scheduled for surgery April 18 with Dr Ortis, coming from Vegas. I have been getting nervous over the last couple of days, but reading all the posts here sure has helped. Thanx for sharing guys! :-h

Preop Weight: 235

Surgery Weight: ?

Goal Weight: 135

You are having surgery the same day as I am. What day do you have your pre-op test? Are you flying into San Diego? =D>

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.

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

[color="#800080"]That will be wonderful. maybe the 3 of us can get together for a trip to TJ. I will keep you updated

Dove[/color]

Hi, GiBaby71, Beery and White dove,

First of all if we are going to be lap buddies I must know your names. Mine is Sue.

I am getting excited now. I've been doing pre-op now for 3 days and have lost 4 lbs. Boy does this bring back memories of the milk shake starving days only to gain all my weight back plus some.

But this time will definitely be different. I said by the time Im 50 I am going to have this done. Well I'm only 5 mos. past due. So here we goooooo. See ya all there.

Hi Sue, the more lap buddies the better. LOL

Sorry Sue but I can

Hey Dove! I am arriving at 9:50 on the 17th also. I only used "Lap Buddies" because someone else had used it earlier in the posts. I thought it sounded funny as well. I will be traveling alone so it's nice to meet someone else who will be coming in on that day. I am on Continental Airlines though. Good Luck!

That

It looks like my plans maybe changing. I just found out that I am expecting! I have to say I have mixed emotions about it. But that will be my new bundle of joy. =D>

Congratulations Regina on your new bundle of joy. Sorry we won

I was just wondering if there are any bandsters out there in Florida. I met some great people when I was in TJ, but it would be nice if there were someone around that we could occasionally get together for support and maybe socialize with someone that understands what we are dealing with. It would be very cool to be able to get together.

This is wonderful, I live in Sarasota Florida

Getting a fill in Tijuana about the end of May if anyone would like to share a ride/cost from the San Diego airport. :-h

Boy am I embarrassed ! I had the impression you could get fills in one month. Guess I need to wait until the end of May or beginning of June. :-?

That is mine as well. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet and form a support circle of our own. My name is Regina and I will see you there.

GiBaby71

Regina,

That would be great! I hope we can all meet up and be as Beery put it

I just thought this was kind of cool... You can actually watch the operation and what exactly happens to you, or a person who is about to have a lap-band procedure... If you have a weak stomach you may not want to watch!

http://www.or-live.com/hartfordhospital/16...ex.cfm?r=orlive

Kristy,

I guess I

=D> Hi all,

Just scheduled with Carolyn April 17-20. Need to fill out papers, fax and send money.

Sue

Congratulations Sue, GiBaby71, Beery and anyone I may have missed!

I am scheduled for April 17 -20. I hope we can all meet up and be as Beery put it

Are there any April surgery dates out there?

I my surgery date is April 18.

Hello! I am Annette and have my surgery set for April 19th. I will fly in from Texas on the 18th and do all my pre-op testing that day then to the hotel. I am still confused on how I get back and forth from the hotel to the clinic. I don't know how far it is either. I am traveling alone and am excited and scared at the same time.

Would love to have a lap band buddy just for peace of mind.

I fly in on the 17th and have surgery on April 18 if you would like to coordinate. I would love to have lap band buddies.

I am scheduled to have surgery on the 18th so maybe we will see each other in passing.

GiBaby71

I am scheduled to have surgery on April 18! I wonder how many they do in one day? I am traveling with my significant other on this trip but would love the company. When I return for a fill I will be alone if you would like to coordinate.