msvanessa143

Hello! I have relocated to Dallas TX and cant find a fill doctor - I had an unfill in September and its time for a new start. I desperately need to get back on track as I just got ENGAGED!!! I saw that fill centers usa has a doc in Houston but he was deployed to Iraq until Feb. Does anyone have any referals???? I would be willing to drive a few hours if needed, or if you know of a fill doctor out of state but a quick flight away and close to the airport that would be appreciated! Thank you! Vanessa

Hello Fellow Bandsters, I have a situation I would love some feedback on. I was banded 02/21/2006, I have since lost 50 pounds and have had NO COMPLICATIONS. I have dedicated myself to a gym and have been following all the rules in terms of my diet. I got a fill in the beginning of April to tighten things up, I apologize I am not sure of the amount of cc's but the fill amt was perfect for me. I have been steadily dropping 1-2 pounds per week as expected. However for the past week or so my band feels as if it has tightened up on its own. So bad that I cannot keep anything down! Even Fluids are getting "stuck" and I am PB all the time. This is a major concern, I am currently on an all liquid diet p/Dr Martinez my stomach may be swollen due to irritation. I have been trying to brainstorm what may have caused this, I am due for my period and have read many times that your band can get tight around this time of the month... water retention? I am really trying to avoid getting an unfill of a .5 cc because its $350 for that and a 2 hour trip to my local fill doctor. Plus I would hate for my period to go by and low and behold I need a fill again. I am going to do the liquid diet thing until next Tue and see if the "swelling" has gone down and I can eat again, in the meantime ANY HELP WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED!!! Thank you~~!!

I am trying to get on a short term leave of absence after my surgery, my work allows me up to 90 days leave if I get the consent of a doctor. From your experience had anyone else gone on leave from work after surgery.. and/or would Dr. Ortiz condone approving such a leave. I understand that I may only need a few days to recoup, however I want to come home and really get into the swing of things, regarding eating and excersize. I have a very strenuous and active job and would hate to have to go back to work right after surgery. Especially while I was on the all liquid diet phase.. Just trying to get some feedback. Thanks! Vanessa

Thanks for all info, I was pretty sure that I wouldnt need one I appreciate the quick responses. I am so excited.. lets see what else can I ask.. Will I want to bring spending money for when I am down there?? I am staying a couple extra days so is there any place I might one to check out??

Hi There, I am getting banded on 02/21/06. I am very excited and am working out all the kinks as we speak. My research proves that a passport is NOT required to travel to Mexico but may be in the future. However, many sites claim that a passport is highly recommended. Would a birth certificate and a drivers liscence be sufficient?? Hoping to get some input from past/frequent travelers. THANK YOU! Vanessa

Thanks Jenna, I actually did check out that link and was relieved to say the least. Were both of these patients of Dr. Ortiz??? My second question to throw out is regarding stretch marks. I have some that I am hoping will disappear after the weight comes off. Maybe not entirely but I hope to see some serious results. My mom was 380 pounds and had the gastric bi pass surgery. She has NO STRETCH MARKS!! It was phenomenol.. Has anyone seen stretch mark results that they are willing to share?? Thanks, Vanessa

Hello~! I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. I have been reading from this forum for a few months now and you ladies have taught me everything I needed to know. I have decided to get banded... for $$ reasons I need to wait until Feb of 2006 but my surgery is scheduled and my airfare is booked so I am well on my way. I am currently 265 pounds. I am 22 years old and anticipate a great New Year in 2006. I am going to TJ with my mom, we are making a mini vacation out of the trip and staying a few extra days to enjoy the pool Anyway, I will be popping in every now and again to say hello and read all the interesting info everyone has shared. My biggest concern was the scarring and the port. I have researched for weeks online to try to get pics of the port or the scarring and luckily there was a great post on this forum recommending an alternate site that really answered all my questions. THANK YOU!~ If you have any extra tips I should take advantage of let me know. Because my surgery is still 3 months away I have a lot of time to prepare and really do this thing right. ~Vanessa