julestpafl

Congratulations on your decision to be banded. I had my surgery on 6/28/05. I lost about 12 pounds before my first fill on 8/28 and have lost about 36 pounds since. More importantly for me I've gone from a size 24 to a size 16. As long as you are losing pounds or sizes you will be doing fine. I've found that working out helps the most. The weight loss may be slower because of the muscle you are gaining but it's worth it. If you didn't buy Dr. Ortiz' book, I highly recommend it. It will help you in knowing what to expect and how to recognize problems should they arise. I'm going for my 2nd fill in a couple of weeks. Good luck to you!

Dr. Tiffany Jessie in Largo, FL will do fills on Mexican lapband patients..... Her cost is about $550 and she requires that you provide her with the registration card for the Inamed Band and would like a copy of your operative report if you have it. I met her at a seminar and asked her if she had any problems with those banded elsewhere.. she didn't. Her website is www.shedthepounds.com Julie H. Tampa, FL

It's something I think we all have faced. Recent news reports about surgeries in border towns hasn't helped. I too faced concern from my family and friends. I was fortunate to have a dear friend who is a licensed medical doctor go with me to Tijuana. Dr. Martinez and Dr. Ortiz allowed my friend to scrub in and attend the surgery. They were very informative and explained each procedure as they worked. Afterward, she let me know that they are excellent surgeons who are highly skilled in this procedure. It made me feel better about recommending the doctors to others and gave my family and friends assurance that I'd made the right decision. Hope my story helps!

I'm 6 weeks post surgery and have had 1 glass of red wine. It's true it doesn't take much to get tipsy.

Depending on your weight, you may be asked to go on a liquid diet. Dr. Ortiz advised me to go on a low fat diet prior to surgery... but didn't require me to go on a liquid diet. Good luck on your surgery... I was banded on June 28th and am going for my first fill on August 27th. Jules