Halobabe

I'd recommend that you do research on the sizes of bands and discuss with your surgeon which band they may place for you. I never anticipated having the larger VG band which holds a max fill of 10cc. My starting weight was 227.5 and I was 215lbs on the day of surgery. Dr. Ortiz placed the VG band because the majority of my weight is carried in my abdomen and it made for a safer, easier placement. I wasn't every educated on this VG band which is typically used for morbidly obsese patients. I never considered that I would have one. My lack of education on this size of band did cause me some distress, especially when I'd gotten two fills and had no restriction. I later found out that it sometimes takes up to 3cc of fill just to prime the VG band. I thought my band was leaking! The decision of which size of band to place is up to your surgeon. Communicate with your doctor pre-operatively and ask which option is best for you. Chelley

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

I just spoke to Cingular. I also posted this on another site so others could be informed. Cingular cell phone plans have coverage in TJ, but the rate is $.099 per minute. You can purchase an international rate for $4.99 a month and get a reduced rate of $.059 per minute. I cannot address other plans, but assume most are similar. Every person will need to call their carrier to be sure.

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!

hey banders, I have set my date for sept 21st, I would love to know if anyone else has the same date. I was wondering what to pack, coming from Virginia I did not want anymore than necessary. This was great info my concern was the flight back home. With surgery on Friday and back to work on Monday I was concern. Love to hear from anyone. thanks Dixie Darlin

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

Hi - I financed my surgery via credit card. I got a really good locked in 5% interest rate as a special offer from my mastercard. That rate was far better than anything else I could afford. Of course, now my little cedit card is smoking and is in danger of being sliced in the shredder ... but I'd do it again. It was the only way I could afford the airfare, the band and the fills. Chelley

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

Hi Pamela!

Just wanted to introduce myself to another Aug. 7th-er. I am coming down with my neighbor/friend on the 5th and not heading back home until the 10th. I have two boys 5 & 3 (the oldest has autism) and a 7 month old baby girl. So, needless to say I will be enjoying the time away (though acting brave I will secretly be missing them terribly).

Do you know of anyone else that will be joining us that day? Keep in touch, we MUST hook up!

Yipee! So glad we found each other!

CJ

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!!!

I have to tell you I was looking for excuses to say no. I could not find one reason to stop, the facility is great, the people are great and the overall experience was excellent. I have lost 12 lbs in less than a week.

Don't judge the experience by the city, we all know TJ is not the best place but the hotel is great (awesome pool) and Mrs. Ortiz will treat you very well.

Don't have any fears, you will have a great time and love the outcome

John Ketron

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

There are some very good reasons they are soooooo strict about you loosing weight before surgery. The most important reason is that they must delicately pull back your liver during the surgery. The liver is a very vascular organ and is fatty and soft in large people. When you go on the crash diet of salad greens and protien shakes, you loose water weight rapidly and this helps shrink your liver and make it more firm so that it is not damaged in surgery. When you loose the weight and your liver shrinks it actually makes the band placement go much more smoothly for the surgeon and is safer for you!

The second reason they want to see you loose the weight pre-op is to see what level of committment you have to making this work. If you can't commit to a diet for a few days pre-op then what chances do you have of following the post-op diet for the rest of your life? The band is a TOOL. You can still overeat with band and risk your health. Someone described the band as a gentle reminder ... if you ignore that gentle reminder then there are consequences to your overeating and I'm not just talking about a little vomit... I'm talking about serious complications like band slipage.

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

Hello all,

I am a band surgeon in Cincinnati, Ohio, and we have just opened our practice up to patients from Mexico for aftercare. I am an experienced surgeon and have done thousands of fills. If you need our help just call us at 877.442.BAND or 513.559.1222

Dr. Trace Curry

330 Straight Street #401

Clifton Surgical

Cincinnati, Ohio 45219

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

You can sip water before the pre-op labs - just make sure not to sip anything - even water before surgery! Just to make sure your labs are absolutely accurate, I wouldn't have anything but sips of water.

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

I am getting very nervous. Another day without weight loss. I wrote to Dr. Miranda about my lack of weight loss and she said that "you will have the surgery when you lose the weight." I just wrote back and asked if there is a chance that I might not have the surgery, since I have not lost the 10 pounds. Has anyone had similiar trouble? I am flying in from NJ and have made many plans...a friend to come with me, time off from work. Does anyone have any advice?

Sheila

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

Halobabe;

I just want you to know....I was banded June 9th along with CindyK.....I didnt know her from a hole in my head....she too was going alone....however....her and I got to chatting on this forum a couple of months before our surgery and got to be good friends...and she will ALWAYS be there for me....I beleive this friendship I have created through this forum was/and still is a GREAT deal of my strength....by the way, Cindyk ended up getting her surgery done the same day as myself....we were the only two there that day....and we had a BLAST!!! I beleive if I didnt have her to vent to PRE-OP during that lovely Salad & Protein Drink diet, I would have went nuts!!!!...however....instead of just me going nuts WE BOTH DID....LOL....her and I did everything together, along with my friend who came with me, during our stay there from Pre-op testing, "THE LAST SUPPER" together, surgery together, discharged together and spent that same day walking our butts off in TJ with my friend egging us on....IT WAS WONDERFUL...i am sure by the time u have your surgery you will have met a wonderful friend as I did....CindyK and I still converse almost every day venting to each other and asking questions...The other thing is....this forum was a great deal of information and strength before and after my surgery....you would be surprised how many friends you will find on here pushing you all the way....ITS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE....I wish you the best of luck with your surgery....please keep us posted.....Cathy

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

Karen,

I'm also getting banded on the 10th. I'm driving from Oklahoma with my parents and sister. We decided to make a family vacation out of it. My sister, though, will probably be the only one with me in Mexico except on the day of surgery.

I'm so excited. I weigh 427 pounds, and I'm tired of being unable to keep up with my friends.

BTW, I'm 40. Saying I'm coming with my folks makes me sound like a teenager. ;-)

Kelli M.

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

Hi Lori,

I too was banded on 6/15/06 and I too am very sore around my port area. I'm sure you and I met. It's consoling to know that I'm not the only one feeling the soreness. Ive had to take some pain meds to ease the pain. Have you? How are you doing with your diet plan. Ive been mentally struggling. Have you?

Its the cravings that are killing me the most. Otherwise, everything else is fine. I weighed myself today I've lost about 10 pounds thus far. How are you doing? Love to share my experiences with someone who had the same surgery as I.

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

Dr Kuri was wonderful, the hospital was beautiful and everything went really well. My sister also used Dr Kuri about a year and a half ago - she has done extremely well also. both of my girlfriends are using Dr Kuri too. I loved him and his team - for surgery, it was a wonderful experience. I am doing great - at 6 weeks I am about 22 pounds down. I have a little restriction - if i forget and take too big a bite or don't chew enough, it lets me know. I have not pb'd but have been uncomfortable for a short while. I am excited about having a fill since my weight loss has slowed - very slow, i am hitting around a 1/2 to 1 # a week - I want it a bit faster and i don't want to feel like i am dieting as i do now. I have been told this is the most difficult part - between the surgery and the fills - anyway, if i can help in any way or answer any other questions, feel free to write. Good luck

Reb

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

Dr. Ortiz dispenses a medication similar to Toradol here in the USA. I also have the same drug allergies you have and I did not have a problem taking this medication. I had no trouble getting my medication across the border or through airport security.

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

Hi, I live in Tracy and you are the first person I have heard from that lives in San Joaquin county - I have heard of a doctor in Truckee and also one in San Jose. If you are interested in either of these - write me and I will see if I can find the info on them. Also, I have 2 friends also in Tracy that are being banded on July 6th - we are going to form our own support group and wondered if you would be interested or know of any other San Joaquin County people that may also be interested. When were you banded? I had mine done on may 11th in TJ with Dr Kuri and am going down again on the 5th to get my first fill (and to hold my 2 girlfriend's hands during their surgery) am a little nervous about what will happen after the fill but hopeful that it will speed things up!

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?

clear means only

apple just

cranberry juice

clear broth

consomme

diet jello

diet popsicles

you can have protein drink made with WATER not milk

week 2 you can start full fluids...meaning with milk and cream soups etc...

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

Upon discharge from the OCC, I was given a discharge education packet that contained the CELL PHONE numbers for Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Martinez and other staff members. Dr. Ortiz personally told me, my mother and sister (we all had surgery together) to CALL if we needed ANYTHING. That aside, I can understand how a phone call might not suffice in an emergency situation. Should an emergency arise, you can present to any emergency room at any hospital in the USA for treatment. Part of my discharge packet was a medical card that gave medical information on my lapband. Also, you can follow up with your family doctor. Most surgeons release their patients back to their primary care doctor for follow up care after laproscopic surgery here in the USA (if no surgical complications). I would also encourage you to seek a telephone consult with Dr. Ortiz and to perhaps check with the lap band clinic in your region for cost on maintenance and fills. Best wishes!

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

I hardly had any pain at all... mostly discomfort from the gas, but no real pain... I've heard the same things about pain meds in Mexico, but I tell you, whatever they gave me kept me happy and in good spirits... and I didnt take any pain meds after they released me from the hospital.

Kyle

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

Surgery date is set (28 August 06) - Plane ticket purchased - Now I am nervous. Am I doing the right thing? Mexico? What am I thinking, what should I expect? I have read nothing but good things on this site. Every thing I have found on Dr. Ortiz is great. Yet you hear nothing but horror stories about going to Mexico. I guess I need a little advise from some people who have been there, nerves and all. Any advise and stories is helpful to me. Thanks is advance. Lanie

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!!!