CindyK

I was banded June 9th and have decided it's time for my 1st fill. Since I live in the Los Angeles area, I was trying to decide the best way to go. When I went for surgery I took Amtrak - this was great! But since pickups are no longer free, this is not the best option for me. I must take my son along who is in a wheelchair - I'm not comfortable putting him in a 'cab' through Mexico even for a short ride.

My other option (since I didn't want to spend $$$$ for Ortiz transportation) was to buy Mexican car insurance for the day. Much to my delight I was able to secure great coverage for $6.00/day with a $10 charge for processing. Since the clinic is only 5 miles from the boarder (directions sent by Rene) this sounds like a good choice.

Rest assured that I will be driving very very carefully

I have lost a total of 34lbs, but have been on a plateau for about 2 weeks - so I figured that this is just what I need to jump start me into further weight loss. I've got a looong way to go!! I'm still a bit confused if I'm eating right....I think I need to email Dr. Mirada for some answers

Hi everyone!

I was banded Fri June 9th with the hilarous Dr. Ortiz and his lovely staff! Great male nurses, BTW Previous to heading to TJ to get banded, I found another "soul" on this forum having the surgery the same day as myself and we started to write to each other every day (or more) sharing our experiences and frustrations. What a delight and help this was to have a "surgery mate". When we met at the clince during pre-op we were already old friends Let me tell you that this bonding brought the whole surgery experience to a delightful level! She brought along a good friend of her's (I was by myself) and the three of just had the best time! It was a mini-vacation....we almost forget what we were down there for in the first place!

I encourage all those that are gearing up for surgery to find another that is banding the same time and make it a time of celebration together. After surgery we were up and "racing" each other around the clinic....getting rid of all that gas! LOL

I am home and feeling great....yes, I have gas but not painful....just embarassing if out in public! The clear liquid diet is doable and yes, I do get hungry - but then that's when I 'eat'. The best clear liquid for me is... I put a rump roast in the slow cooker along with 1 potato, 2 carrots and 4-5 cloves of garlic and vaious seasonings. I gave the 'solids' to my son and kept the flavorable broth for myself. YUMMY YUMMY! Beats that old canned stuff! I am looking forward to some great weight loss....BTW - I started off with a BMI of 62.

Good luck everyone!

Cindy

Hi Cookgal!

I, too am trying my hardest to lose weight before my surgery on June 9th. Have been dieting for 1 week and only 2 lbs! It's killing me! LOL I am afraid with my diabetes it's making losing so much harder! I hope that I lose more....

Good luck with your efforts and let me know how you do!

Cindy

I have heard that other doctors doing weight loss surgeries recommend removing the gall bladder at the same time if you are prone to attacks or possible problems.

Does Dr. Ortiz do this? if so, has anyone had it done at the same time as their banding?

Has anyone had (or is having) any problems with their gall bladders after surgery?

Thanks....my banding is set for June 9th!

Thanks Arnold....I'm booked with Dr. Ortiz for June 9th!

I don't know your California surgeon...it doesn't matter anyway. I've never in my almost 60 years met any medical person more skilled or more caring that Drs. Ortiz, Martinez, and Jimenez. They'll work with your schedule, but you need to call quickly...

Thanks so much for your reply I am scheduled for banding on June 9th! I am so excited! My BMI is really high, so I need to lose some initial weight to help with the surgery and the recovery time - I started the Atkin's diet this past Monday and have lost 2 lbs. so far

Good luck with your surgery!!

Cindy

I booked surgery for myself, mother, and sister within two weeks of intial contact with Carolyn. I could have picked an earlier date, but we couldn't get airline tickets that soon! Since the majority of Dr. Ortiz's patients are private pay there is little waiting.

Yes, I'm coming down on the 8th. Since I live fairly close (actually too close to fly) I'm taking Amtrak so that I don't have to fight the freeways and traffic. My mom was wanting to come along, but I'd rather have her staying at my house with my son and his caretaker in case they have any problems. I don't think I'll have too much time to be lonely

Looking forward to meeting you!

OMG!!! Cindy that is soooooo AWESOME!!! omg...I cant wait to meet u...now I am really excited...I take it you are having your pre-ops on the 8th? I am flying in from Florida and bringing my friend, Sherry....are u coming alone? OMG...this is awesome...the same day!!!!

Hi Darrin

I did attend one of Dr Liu's seminars - in fact it's where I learned about the Lap Band procedure. I enjoyed the information and the team was nice, but if you don't have insurance....you're looking to pay just under $19,000 big ones!

A day after I scheduled my surgery with Dr. Ortiz, I was "googling" and ran across a site that is by the creators of Lap Band, Inamed Health.

Now don't get mad at me, because I AM NOT providing a referral to this Seminar, but I plan on attending it, if only to gain more knowledge. I've made my decision, and its obvoiusly Dr. Ortiz.

But is anyone in interested in more information and live in Southern California, you may also want to check this out:

May 26, June 8, 22 July 13

Garden Grove

Garden Grove Patient Information Seminars

Dr. Carson Liu is offering free patient education seminars and support groups. The seminars will be held at 12555 Garden Grove Blvd at 6:00pm. For registration and additional information, please contact Valerie at 714-741-4844. Please visit our websites: www.ifoundthecourage.com or www.gardengrovehospital.com/weightloss.

I am attending the May 26th session, but as I posted before I'm already scheduled for June 23rd. I doubt anyone will try to convince me to jump ship now.

Darrin S.

5-10", 320lbs, BMI 46

Age 40

Scheduled for June 22 - to be continued...

Hi Cathy.....

I just signed up for banding also on June 9th!!! I live in the L.A. area, so I thought that I would just drive down. Man! am I jazzed!!!! Hope to see you there

Cindy

Hey There Honey;

Well I figured I would write you...since u have wrote me...lol....I just wanted to let u know that I will update you with things as soon as I get my surgery...since I am being banded on June 9th....I AM SO SO SO EXCITED!!!!...I also ordered the book the end of April...however..I am getting upset..I still have not received it....I was really wanting to get that read before my surgery....maybe I will be able to while on the plane there....Well I may catch up with u before my surgery....and I will try and write u while I am there also...Take care and Stay Safe!!! Hugs...Cathy )

After learning about the lap band surgery, I jumped on board and scheduled mine for June 8th. However I had not yet heard about Dr. Ortiz and now I"m having second thoughts about having my done here in Calif. for twice the price.

Since I'm a single parent with a handicapped 15 yr old, I had to do a lot of planning and scheduling to make arrangements for his caretaking. I really would like to change my surgery to Dr. Ortiz and am wondering how quickly it can be done.

Is there a long waiting period??

Thanks...Cindy