Halobabe

The same thing happened to me. I am lower BMI of 35, apple shaped, and received the VG 10cc. band. I went for my first fill last Friday ($300 for first visit & fill) and my aftercare doctor couldn't believe that I had a 10cc. VG band! He gave me a 5cc. adjustment but said it would probably take 2 or 3 more fills before I felt ANY restriction at all! I am getting very discouraged, as I still have NO restriction at all. $10,000 later. I am REALLY anxious to start losing weight! Ugh! I've only lost 8 lbs and that was in the beginning in the first 10 days when I was on liquids and was still swollen and had 'some' restriction. I am getting discouraged and running out of money! I am maintaining only because I am dieting...which we all know stinks!...and not the reason I got the band. I don't want to feel hungry and I want to feel FULL after eating a small amount! Karen MT from Kentucky 7/25/06 placement Ortiz in TJ 8/25/06 5cc. fill Dr. Curry Cincinnati, OH

Sometimes I was able to get US coverage while in TJ. If it didn't say 'Cingular' on my phone, I turned my phone off and it usually did then say Cingular. I didn't get charged any extra from Mexico because I only called when it said I had Cingular coverage. I used my phone a lot while in TJ for no extra charge. Karen MT from KY Banded 7/25/06 lost 8 lbs so far 52 more to go! Get 1st fill in 2 weeks!

I know people do it all the time, and I don't know how old you are Dixie Darlin, but there ain't no way I could have gone back to work that early. I am 47 with a low BMI and flew in to TJ on Mon, had surg on Tues and flew back Friday morning (8 hr flight) I was completely and utterly worn out. All I did the whole weekend was 3 loads of laundry and made dinner each evening---didn't even go to church. Before surgery, I was doing 45 min of aerobics 3 x per week and was still physically worn out and wimpy feeling on Monday when I went back to work. It's now Friday of that same week, I am 10 days post op and I am just now feeling like my strength is back. Don't get me wrong, you do what you gotta do, but I'm so glad I was able to take the week off. Good Luck honey! Karen MT

So, will someone correct me if I'm wrong. Doesn't Dr. Ortiz's office pick you up from the airport for a fill, for free? When I flew in, there was one girl with us that was just there for a fill...but she went back on her own. They may not make a special trip for you, but I'd imagine if they are there, you could ride along, surely. And...what is the $130 charge all about? Karen MT

People spend $30,000 on a jazzy new car and people don't think anything of it---I decided to have this operation instead, (for ~$10K) and look good driving my older model car but looking jazzy in my new body! It's all our priorities! I decided I was worth the expense---and my health was worth the expense. Hey, in the long run, I will spend over a hundred dollars less a month in food for myself, anyways! Of course, I'll be having to buy new clothes, and having more pictures made of myself, but I would have bought new clothes to make me 'feel' pretty anyways. Now I'll be able to look in the mirror and see the person I truly am inside! Karen MT Kentucky banded 7/25/06 Ortiz in TJ

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TAKE A CARRY-ON on THE PLANE WITH YOU THAT DOESN'T HAVE WHEELS! I only put in a few souveniers, but it was still heavy!

I'm following the post op to the letter, and I am really hungry! I don't know if it's head hunger or not, but my mouth is watering thinking of eating a plate of some healthy food...vegetables! I've been eating jello and chicken broth and beef broth and popsicles, and I'm so sick and tired of clear liquids!!! Ugh! I need real food! I feel nauseaous, I'm so hungry! I wasn't really hungry the day after my surgery, but now I'm 4 days post op and I'm really struggling! I really think I'll try some really really thin liquids other than clear because this just ain't getting it! I have to return to work Monday and all I can think of is how hungry I am! Any ideas??? Helllllp!!!

This is probably a dumb question, but I was wondering if it is a problem to be on your period during your surgery and post op? According to my calendar, I should "start" the day before my surgery. Do you think the band will be too loose, since I tend to gain water weight? Also, I have a tendency to "flood" and usually feel more comfy wearing a pad (I know, how archaic) but I'm afraid of making a mess, while I'm unconscious, and/or recovering. Are you allowed to wear panties during surgery? Pad? Tampon? Diaper/Depends, LOL??? I'm being banded next week, so I need to know. Karen MT from KY 2B banded 7/25/06 Ortiz TJ

I am "only" a 35.1 BMI, and Dr. Ortiz's pre-op directions only say that you need to go on a pre-op diet if you are 300> lbs. I haven't been dieting...and I"m getting banded in 8 days! Do you think I should??? I"ve just been eating normal, and enjoying some things before I won't be able to anymore. Karen MT from Kentucky 2B Banded in TJ by Ortiz 7/25/06

Don't you have a website? I will probably be coming from Lexington to get my fills from you! Should I set up my fill in advance, or just call when I feel I need the restriction? Karen MT-from Kentucky 2B Banded 7/25/06 35.1BMI

Well, MY flight is going to be 7 1/2 hrs long!!! I believe I'll have a light breakfast before I leave for the airport which is 1.5 hrs before takeoff, so I should be okay. I worry more about getting thirsty! How long do I have to absolutely not have anything to drink before my labs? My surgery isn't scheduled until the next morning. Karen MT from Kentucky being banded 7/25/06

For a smile: Ya know, I really don't understand the problem with not losing weight before surgery...IF we could lose weight that easily, we wouldn't be getting banded now would we? It's like my aerobis instructor said to wear loose clothing to our aerobics class---well, IF I had loose clothing---I wouldn't be needing to go to aerobics!!! LOL Good Luck! WE can do this!!! Karen MT from Kentucky being banded 7/25/06 9 more days!!!

Will SOMEONE please schedule their surgery for July 25th??? Arriving on the 24th? Am I the only one for that day??? I am going to be all alone and need a friend! Remember, what happens in Mexico STAYS in Mexico---it ain't no body's business!!!!--Karen MT

Well, I sent in my deposit this morning, so my SURGERY DATE HAS BEEN SET!!! for Tues. July 25th, arriving in TJ the morning of the 24th. My husband says I can carry on a conversation with a wall, and I don't know a stranger, so as long as "someone" is there, I will not have a problem. Thanks for the support, and congrats on your new life! I keep thinking how this Christmas I will be so much thinner and healthier and may actually WANT my picture taken this year with my 7 year old! Keep in touch! Karen Kelli, Good for you! Sounds like you have a wonderful & supportive family. I have 2 grown daughters, and when I mentioned having surgery in Mexico they went OFF! So much for support! I am now officially going on a business trip in July, LOL. Only my husband knows. I told him if he tells anyone, he will PAY............LOL My husband said he would go with me, (you know, one of those half hearted, I don't really want to go, but if you REALLY want me to, I will, comments, LOL.......but I'll do fine. I'm so happy for you! Keep us all posted! Karen M-T

Did you say cravings? Oh Lordy! I thought this operation was supposed to make us feel full? I am worried to death that I am going to feel like I'm starving which is what dieting did for me. I can do that without spending this much money...it's worth it if it works, though. ---Karen bmi 35.1 2B banded end of july

So, since Dr. Ortiz is cheaper, what made you guys decide to go with Kuri? I am trying to decide.

Do you have to do anything special like fill out any forms or anything to go across the border or for airport security? I will also be bringing my levoxyl in my purse with me---all will be in original container. ---Karen

So how was your experience with Dr. Kuri? Are your friends going to him or Ortiz? I was debating on whether to go to him or Dr. Ortiz, but it looked to me like Dr. Ortiz is cheaper and looks better on paper. How are you doing? ---Karen 35.1 bmi

I am getting banded on July 25th...arriving on the 24th. I am going all by my lonesome from Kentucky. Any one else coming in on those dates?

This may be a dumb question...but why do we have to eat DIET popsicles and DIET jello? I would think we would need "some" calories...I am getting banded in July and am worried about getting the "shakes" from not getting enough sugar, I was on Atkins for years, and am used to diet stuff, but also with protein to counterbalance. (I am pre-diabetic) Karen 35.1BMI

Okay, MY question is....if there IS a complication, will our normal health insurance cover it? Has anyone had this come up? Has anyone had surgery in Mexico and had insurance pay for fills??? I know every insurance is different, but any personal experiences...I'm getting banded in July...anyone else out there??? Karen BMI 35.1

Can anyone tell me if there is any problem getting your pain meds back across the border? Also, I am allergic to codeine---will that be a problem? Tylenol 3 and Hydrocodone/vicoden has codeine in it. I am getting banded in July---haven't set the date yet, but near the end. ---Karen

Good Luck! You took the words right out of my mouth! I just got denied from my insurance company, and am debating the whole thing too. My family thinks I'm nuts! I'm not telling anyone else---it's none of their business. I would like someone to go with me, but the costs would be probably be prohibitive, plus since no one wants me to do it, looks like I'll go alone. I'm from Kentucky, so I'll have to fly in. Keep us posted!!!