Lisa

I think if you have the money, you will qualify with Dr. Ortiz. He advertises the lapband for 50 pound weight loss. I sure wish I had done it at 186 instead of 206!!! It is the answer to years of prayers.

I had the lapband surgery 18 months ago and love it. Now my sister wants to have the gastric balloon or BIB system for a short term loss. Does anyone know about it? She is already within a normal BMI range, but wants to lose 20 pounds for a film. I heard Dr. Juncua does that. Please help!!

Patty, Good luck!!! It was a difficult decision to be banded, but now I just feel blessed! I can highly recommend that you contact "marys." She talked to me online and on the telephone. Mary helped me to stay calm, learn from her experience, and to be realistic as to what to expect. (Thanks, Mary...you've been a great support to me!) Lisa

A couple of years ago I lost 25 pounds in two months. My hair started falling out rapidly after that. I went to a dermatologist who looked at my follicles under a microscope. He said that it was temporary. The body can have a very stressful event and then lose hair. He suggested I take gelatin (from drug store.) It worked. My hair stopped falling out and now my hair is healthier than ever. It will come back. Make sure you are getting nutrients you need!

Hey! I would have loved to come to the bash, but I had family visiting. I am actually from Seattle, but live in California. I'm glad to hear that you chose Dr. Ortiz. I scheduled with him for April also! Good luck! (We can share stories) Lisa

Oops! These are great questions, because I have been wondering the same things. I am also a 30 BMI, and am considering having surgery in April. Some of our experienced friends can help us both out!

Great response, thank you!!! I love the analogy of an "affair". It is so true. I am still a little worried about Mexico, complications, aftercare.

i want to do it over spring break, if dr ortiz is available then. i maily stand when i teach. is standing hard?

Thank you for the info!!! I really want to do this, but am unsure if I can handle work and family responisibilities while going through the first 6 weeks. I am a teacher and my job is pretty demanding. I also have a large family. So, I appreciate all of your encouragement, resources and frankness. Lisa

why don't you have a band any longer? problems?

I am seriously considering having the surgery. I really want to know how life is different. I keep reading that it will never be the same. Is it really difficult to change? What is most difficult about your new life? What is most challenging? What has changed the most? I am terrified, not of the surgery, but the lifestyle change and how hard it will be. Is it the worst month of your life to recover from the surgery? Do you want to eat all the time? Do you feel sick from not eating? Headaches? How hard is it to give up diet soda? Do you have to give up diet soda forever? I know this sounds so trivial, but I want to be prepared for what i am committing myself to. I would appreciate any guidance!!! Also, are there any long-term success stories? 10-15 years? Where can I find them. Lastly, did you trust the anesthesiologist in Mexico? Thank you!!! Lisa