LoriBecky

be careful about studies, sometimes that is a fancy word for doctors that are training in the band - ask how many bands the surgeon has placed and how many teens the surgeon has performed Lap Band surgery on! Experience is very important for proper band placement!

Hey Judy, you can call or email me anytime with questions! I'll be happy to help any way I can.

The most frequently used bands are the 10 cm (4cc) the "standard band", and the larger VG (Vanguard) band is which is 14cm long (10cc's). The VG band is generally used on patients with a higher BMI with more belly fat, but strangely enough some of the higher BMI patients have rather small stomachs or not much fat accumlated right next to their stomach, and a few lower BMI patients that from the outside would appear to need a standard band have a lot of fat accumulated on their stomach hence they need the VG band. That's why the doctor can't make a final determination until he's "in there" I hope that helps.

Jennifer - i can't make a recommendation but I can give you some names - email me!! Lori

no surgery on the 21st.... but I'm hoping to be there for a fill on the 21st!!

FOLLOW YOUR DOCTORS ORDERS.... PERIOD! If you have a question about what your doctor has instructed then call!! I'd be happy to put you through to Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Miranda if you question the post-op diet regimen

Not true The VG band is reserved for those patients that have the BMI or anatomy that requires it. The standard band is still just that... standard and most frequently used.

Judy, if you do forget you'll have a reminder that you need to eat more slowly and chew chew chew... it hurts when food gets stuck! I still haven't PB'd (knock on wood) but I work very hard not to get food stuck because it doesn't feel good!!! Make sure you are taking in plenty of fluids, it really does help! Remember, this is a process, not a quickie fix. Be patient with the band and yourself. You both need time to get used to each other and play nicely LOL It does get better - we are all here for you!

hmmmm this gives me an idea for an alternate income stream.... how much is your secret worth bwahahahaha I'm just kidding My name is Lori and I'm a secret bander (well kinda)

Rick is arriving at 9:30am on Thursday, May 31st at San Diego Airport and wants to know if anybody is interested in sharing a ride email rickrush@sbcglobal.net or call him at 469-693-9598

*********UPDATE********* I had been given misinformation the about the cost of the airport shuttle to the motel - they charge $50 EACH WAY not round trip. As always, please call the hotel to verify all information is up to date as rates change depending on season and vacancy The direct number to America's Best Value Inn is 619-690-2633, the name of the front desk supervisor is Mary Quintana. Sorry about that! Here is a link to their website: America's Best Value Inn San Diego

Ok OCC Bandsters... as you can see we have a new section called Testimonials... I'd love to people posting their successes and experiences with OCC and Dr. Ortiz so we can help other patients find their way to him. We also have a testimonial submissions section on our website at OCC Testimonial Submission We would like to see our patients reach out and help others in need to find their way to Lap Band surgery with Dr. Ortiz, so please post your testimonial on other Lap Band sites like www.lapbandtalk.com or post your before and after's at Obesity Help before & after photo's or anywhere else you can think of to reach out and help others! If you have any questions - just let me know >

Ok OCC Bandsters... as you can see we have a new section called Testimonials... I'd love to people posting their successes and experiences with OCC and Dr. Ortiz so we can help other patients find their way to him. We also have a testimonial submissions section on our website at Testimonial Submission for OCC. We would like to see our patients reach out and help others in need to find their way to Lap Band surgery with Dr. Ortiz! If you have any questions - just let me know

Cindy is arriving at the San Diego airport on May 9th on 10:35am and would like to share a ride for a fill you can contact her at cindyrueck2000@yahoo.com she's having trouble posting to the forum right now - so contact her directly through her email.

I had the exact same problem - seems like people are either constipated or running a marathon LOL Once you start back on solids - it will all "work itself out" hahaha You're OK - just take immodium if you need to go somewhere - that's what I did

Ok people... i just have to say something I'M HERE!!!!!!!!!! and all patients have Rene's cell # - just call us! The clinic was not closed... but just call somebody, we could have helped!! You also have the doctor's cell #'s if you need them. Just a suggestion - when traveling to Mexico - give a call and take the # in mexico with you to the clinic 684-9505. The only time we close early is on Saturday when there aren't any patients scheduled for fills. I'm sorry she wasn't able to get upstairs - not sure what happened there, that's the first time I've heard of that happening. Dont' forget, Dr. O patients have a friend in the Hotel Lucerna - they can always try to get in touch with someone for you! By the way... I can tell you as someone that works for OCC - they never take holidays!!! U.S. or Mexico - we work... always LOL (can't you see my bleeding finger tips hahahaha j/k

Support & coordinate with other June Fill Patients here Here is the link to the Bus/Trolley Info Info (FIXED THE LINK!) Just call the clinic 1-866-376-7849 ext. 2 to schedule your fill.

Support & coordinate with other May Fill Patients here Here is the link to the Bus/Trolley Info Just call the clinic 1-866-376-7849 ext. 2 to schedule your fill.

Come on June surgery patients... I know you're out there

Aleve, Aspirin & Ibuprofen are all from the same class of drugs called NSAIDS and all should be avoided for the week preceeding surgery. You can take them after you are healed from surgery without problem - I have to take anti-inflammatories for my back problem. Tylenol is always OK as is Vicodin (tylenol with opiates) - it won't thin the blood and can be prescribed by a doctor for stronger pain relief. Anything in the shape of a capsule, a liquid, or a pill (coated is better) smaller than an advil is OK but take with 8oz of water to make sure it passes through the band. It used to be thought that NSAIDS could cause problems for banded patients, but that research has proved to be inaccurate. NSAIDS pose the same health risks for banded and unbanded patients, that is an increased risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding if you are prone to that problem. They can also cause stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach. I usually take them just prior to eating with a glass of milk, that's just what works for me

Since Dr. O has taught a lot of the U.S. surgeons and is considered by Inamed to be an "expert among experts" Dr. O's technique is similar... but quicker and done with more experience! (i've watched him do a surgery!)

we don't perform those at our office, but we have a doctor that we use. I've heard he's very good! Just call Rene at the clinic 1-866-376-7849 ext. 83 if you'd like to schedule one. I believe its $250 and you get a report and I believe digital images or a video, but check that with Rene.

Cindy is arriving at the San Diego airport on May 9th on 10:35am and would like to share a ride for a fill you can contact her at cindyrueck2000@yahoo.com she's having trouble posting to the forum right now - so contact her directly through her email.

Hi Glenda, Its unlikely your insurance will cover a minor - but call me for more information about saving money by having her surgery at our clinic with Dr. Ortiz - he has lots of experience banding teens. It will cost you just over 1/2 of the price you quoted.

check out our estore! You can buy chewable vitamins & supplements that are made for band patients!! Obesity Control Center Estore - supplements