newdawn

DAWN, DID THEY DO A COMPLETE UNFILL? IF SO, GO IN AGAIN ASAP

Thanks for the info. I talked to Dr So last night and he said the same thing. He also said that it could be a sign of band slippage. I wish the fill centers did the fills with fluorescope. He wants me to get a total unfill and then come to Mexico in 4 to 5 weeks to have them check it out. I live in Florida so that's a long way to go. We have a doctor here that will do it, but it's really expensive. I'm not sure what to do, but I will try and get unfilled on Monday. It's going to be a long weekend because I've only gotten about 9 hours of sleep in 4 days. When I lay down everything comes up.

New Dawn

Just wanted to say, if really don't need a fill then don't get one. I just spent two miserable weeks before I conceded and got an unfill. I too just wanted to tweak the band when I should have paid better attention to my diet and exercise. Like you my hubby was opposed to the fill and I suffered two weeks with reflux, unable to eat or drink, because I didn't want to admit he had been right. So as much as it kills me to say this, listen to your husband.

I got a fill in November and had the acid reflux so bad that they unfilled for a couple of weeks. Now, three months later I'm miserable with it again. Went to my primary care doctor and got a prescription for nexium. Three days have gone by and still miserable. I don't know if it has anything to do with the band or not. Probably.

New Dawn

Cassie,

You did a great job on Oprah. I think all of us wish that we had the opportunity when we were your age. I'm just jealous that you have so many years of being thin ahead of you. I was 53 when I had my surgery.

Dawn

Hi Dawn,

when Rene sent me my forms to be submitted they were all in English. He didn't send a Dx code or a procedure code. I have not gotten an answer from the claim I submitted. I'd better check up on it Monday while I am on my lunch break. I am really praying I get a little back.

Dawn, I just called your house and left you a message. I wish I was going with you to get my first fill. I hope to get a fill with a local doc here. I can't leave the kids to make a trip to TJ.

Hi Minnie,

I didn't go to TJ for my fill. I ended up getting it here last Wednesday. I didn't feel a thing. They told me that they would be taping it for training purposes. I'll have to tell you about it on the phone. It was pretty funny.

I have sent mine in to insurance also. I mailed it twice and they say that they've never received it. So I faxed it. We'll see what happens, but it sure would be nice if they would reimburse us for some of it anyway.

I call you soon.

Dawn

Hi I had my surgery on 7/9/07 and I have officially finished the liquid stage

Tomorrow I begin the mush stage and I am actually looking forward to eating something with some substance.

I had an adjustment today and was told to stay on liquids so I've had a tomato and bacon soup for dinner thus far no problems with it going through the band

I was 200kg on the day of the operation I am now at 186.5kg which is a 13.5 kg loss which I'm really happy with and now I'm glad I didn't cheat in my first week when I was craving to do so.

I haven't vomited yet and don't hope too.l

I'm very excited as I'm already seeing results

matt

Matt,

I have my first adjustment next week and am pretty nervous about it. How was the actually procedure? It must not have been bad because you would have said. I think I'm more nervous about the adjustment then I was the surgery.

Hello out there.

I was just wondering if anyone out there has had there surgery only 5 weeks after finding out about Dr. Ortiz.?

I have been looking for a Dr. in the states but no one would do me. I had to be 100lbs over or 40 BMI.

A friend told me about this forum and her experience and I signed up to have surgery October 11th. I have

already booked the flights and sent my down payment. Now I am having seconds thoughts, did I move to fast?

or should I just go for it.

Can I have some input on this.

Thanks

Newme63

Your so lucky that you are only having to wait for a few weeks. I had to wait 2 1/2 months because of social commitments. If really want this surgery, the best thing to do is just think positive and don't look back. Think of how great you're going to feel and look. It's really a wonderful journey to the new you. Just hold on and go for it. You're going to love it.

New Dawn

Just want to share an experience from this past weekend. Last Tuesday I had a fill in St. Petersburg, Kathie is great and the facility is very modern and nice. I seem to be one of the unusual people who tighten up a few days after my fill. Anyway, Friday night I tightened up to the point that I couldn't even drink water. I tried warm tea, walking anything I could think of. I even spoke to Dr. Romero on Saturday afternoon, who was very sweet and gave me the best advice he could from Mexico. I called several emergency rooms who basically said there was nothing they could do, but if I continued to dehydrate they could possibly give an IV.

Anyway, Monday a.m. I was very grateful that another bandster in this area had been talking to me all weekend and she could hear the shape I was in and she was at my house at 7 a.m. to start the trek across the state because she didn't think I should be driving. When it got to be 8 a.m. when the office in St. Pete opened we called to give Kathie a heads up that there was an emergency and we were told that she was off till Wednesday and there was nothing they could do.

Fortunately, since it was still too early to reach Fill Centers, I did know the name of the facility in Tampa, got the number from information, called her and she gave me directions and got me in. She also made sure when we left we had her cards on which there is an emergency number that she answers after hours and on the weekend. She told me that had I contacted her, she would have come in on the weekend and helped me out.

Her facility is much more modest than the facility in St. Pete, but I think her dedication more than makes up for it. She ended a three day nightmare for me, probably just in time as I know I was very dehydrated, starting to have pain in my kidneys, etc.

Anyway, to sum this up, I am so grateful for Darlene who was by my side and drove me across the state to get care because she wouldn't let me go alone and for Dr. Rose, who was so compassionate and accommodating even though she wasn't the Dr. who did the fill. I think that having a number that can be reached outside of office hours is such a plus that it puts her at the top of my list in Florida.

I guess the bottom line is, doesn't matter how great the facility is, or the provider. If they aren't available for an emergency, it's a problem.

Hi,

Would you mind giving me the emergency phone number. I have an appointment in St Pete in a couple of weeks and now I'm really nervous. If not, I'll be sure to ask them for a number. My appointment it on Friday afternoon. Maybe that's not too smart.

Dawn

I can def relate Barb! You get to the point that you are sooooooooooooooo desperate for relief. The pressure and pain in your chest is so severe. I remember times I counted down the minutes, then seconds, literally for the moment they withdrew some saline. It is comforting when you need someone in an emergency and they can be reached to help. Glad things are better for you and you were able to have compassionate people surrond you. Teri

Hi,

I haven't had my first fill and and now I'm very nervous. I have an appointment at the St Pete office in 2 weeks. How many others have had this problem where they need an emergency room? How come you have had so many fills? Dr Ortiz said that you should only need 2-3.

Dawn

hi Amberlam! i know exactly how you feel! i was banded 8/17/07 and words cannot describe how perfectly EVERYHING went! the day after my surgery i walked for 3 1/2 hours just shopping and enjoying the sites of TJ! and as i walk more and eat less i notice changes already and they are great! i know i have a long road and lots of work ahead of me but, this time TRULY is different! thanks to this wonderful band i dont have to worry about the inevitable re-gaining that has been the story of all my weight loss attempts for the last 20 years! words truly cannot describe how wonderfully i was treated at OCC.

the whole experience has been so great that now my mom has decided to get banded by dr ortiz and the OCC! and my aunt is scheduling her surgery there now, too. i dont want to sound like a broken record i just cannot imagine having it done anywhere else now! i am already looking into my closet for smaller things to wear! im looking forward to my fills!

dallas

Hi Dallas,

I met you in the waiting room at the OCC. I was leaving and you were checking in. I'm glad to hear that you are doing so wonderful. I am, too. I hate it say how easy this has been because I don't know what's around the corner, but I've not been hungry at all. Did you buy some neat stuff in TJ? Are you going back there for a fill? I'm looking for somebody to go back with around Sept 28th.

Dawn

HI Dawn,

I have actually changed my date and will be flying into San Diego on 9/14.. but we are neighbors.. I live in Parrish ,Fl but work in St Pete... used to live in St Pete Beach...

I had my surgery 11 months ago.. 9/18/06 and have lost 80 lbs... This will be my 3rd

( and hopefully last fill) It has only been recently that I can eat much more than I should be able to and I am desperate to get these last 25-30 lbs off.. How are things going since surgery??? If I can be of any help please let me know...

Peggy

pscen@msn.com

Hi Peggy,

Sorry that you had to change your date, especially since we live so close. I'm already down about 25 pounds and not hungry. Which I am so grateful for. Have you gone to TJ for all of your fills. I hear that the US Fill Center in St Pete is good, but I still think that I need to go back to TJ for them.

Maybe you could answer a question for me. Do we always have to crush our medication? Forever?

Thanks,

Dawn

Hi all,

wish me luck. I just submitted a claim to my insurance company. Cross your fingers and pray for me, it would be great if I could get a little back.

Minnie : )

Hi,

Are you dreading going back to work tomorrow? I am. Anyway, what all did you send you insurance company? I'm going to try to file also. It sure would help wouldn't it?

Good luck tomorrow and don't over do it.

Dawn

So I have less than 1 week to go before I get banded. I arrive in Tijuana with one of my best friends on Sunday. It's exciting and nerve racking at the same time. I'm sure you guys know how I feel. Can't wait!

Mikey,

I was just banded 6 days ago. Just think positive. There is nothing really to be nervous about. It's a great journey that we are all beginning. I haven't been hungry at all. It's so weird because I don't think that I have ever said that. Have a great trip and let us know how you are doing.

Dawn

I am hoping to go to Mexico for a fill either Sept 21st or 28th . Looking for someone that will be going to Mexico either for banding or a fill on that day. If anyone is , please let me know...

Thanks ,

Peggy

I'm thinking of going to the OCC for my first fill on September 28th. There may be a couple more of us also. Where are you coming from? I'm in Florida. I'd be flying in at probably 11:00 a.m. and leaving the 29th.

Dawn

Hi all

I am leaving tomorrow 8/15/07 and being banded on 8/16/07. I may not sleep tonight just because my nerves are working over time. Does anyone have any last words for me or any helpful hints ? I will leave from seattle at 6:05am and arrive in San Diego around 10:00am. Wish me luck all. I will write to you when I return and let you know how my trip went.

Minnie : )

Hi,

I'm leaving tomorrow too. See you at the airport. Can't wait to meet you. We're going to do great.

Dawn

> HAHA!! I DID IT!!! I DID IT!! I DID IT!!! I GOT BANDED TODAY!!! I was so nervous!!

AND FOR NOTHING!! Ortiz's staff was completely professional and efficient and so very kind!! We've had quite a few laughs here too!! LOL

I'm currently writing you from my hospital bed. They have wifi and a flatscreen TV with satellite in each of its private rooms!!

The only discomfort is UPPER ABS (LIKE AFTER A GOOD WORKOUT or AFTER YOU'VE BEEN SICK WITH A COUGH FOR A WHILE AND THOSE MUSCLES ARE SORE) and where my port was placed. It's still swollen there, but I've been assured it will go down soon. I can feel the outline of the port... Docs told me that since my BMI was on the low side, my port might stand out more. HE SAID IN 6 MONTHS THEY WILL MOVE IT `FOR FREE `IF ITS AN ISSSUE!! =D>

Earlier this evening, I woke up from a nap with cottonmouth..... So without thinking, I took a couple of big gulps from my melted ice. #-o OUCH! Felt pain similar to having a huge glob of peanutbutter stuck there!!! Walked around for a bit after. That helps. I guess that's a common early side effect of band. There's also a cute little gizmo with 3 balls that you inhale deeply into 10 x's and that helps move around the air in ur lungs which helps dislodge some air in the intestines. Watever it is, it really helps! (bring GAS EX strips with you! A total must!!)

A couple of the patients had issues with throwing up afterwards.... Poor dears..... But they still trooped along as the 4 of us walked around the clinic dragging along our IV poles in our hospital gowns and paper underwear!! SEXY!! HAHAHA!

BTW, there was no cathater needed or used, nor were any of us intubated for the general!!!! Those were 2 things I was pretty nervous about.....

Well, I was just given a pill to help me sleep and it's kicken in!!! I hope everything I've said makes sense!! I've taken tons of fotos, so as soon a i get a journal started, I'll uplaod them.

Thank you so much for your all prayers!!!!!

Kimmie :-h

Visit My Website

Thanks Kimmie,

I leave tomorrow for test and surgery on Thursday. Glad that you are doing so well. Can't wait for the paper underwear.

Dawn

Hi,

I'm originally from the Davenport. How long have you been living there? My husband is from Bettendorf. Our kids and grandchildren live in Davenport. We now live in Florida. I'll be having surgery next week. Thanks for all of the information. It's all the things that I'll need to know. The only thing I'm worried about is not getting any protein in the first week. Any suggestions?

Dawn

Anyone else booked on these dates? 8/15 to 8/18

Minnie : )

Minnie,

Don't worry about going alone. My husband and I will be there on exactly the same dates. You won't be alone. We're all in this together and will watch out for each other. We'll be flying in at 10:55 a.m. How about you.

hi.. my surgery is on august 17th.. and im flying solo, too. im coming from the dallas texas area.

Hi 2 the beach. I'll probably see you because my surgery is the 16th of August. Have you started the pre-op diet yet?