Advice from all of you!

[Momof4]

I have been considering the lap band for some time, and now within the last few weeks have decided to go for it. Can you give me your honest thoughts and opinions on the OCC, your experience, the process, do you think it's truly helped? I've seen some really great success stories and then others don't seem like they have lost as much as I would think. Just trying to make sure this is the best decision at the right place. Thank you so much now for all of your thoughts! I think sometimes this is the BEST way to make decisions, hearing from all of you

[nothereanymore]

Its the best thing I ever did for myself - my highest scale weight was 275, I was much higher than that - wouldn't get on the scale for a long time - my surgery weight was 265. I'm now go from 128 to 133 and I can't tell you how amazing it is. I love Dr Ortiz and his staff, I have sent many (MANY) people to him and they all feel the same and are doing wonderful. The surgery center is top notch and noted as one of the best in the world. (How can you beat that)?

Just do it. You wont regret it, you will if you don't - being obese is horrible - I didn't realize how horrible till I lost the weight - I feel better, my health is amazing and life has improved sooo much!

Go girl!!

[Momof4]

Its the best thing I ever did for myself - my highest scale weight was 275, I was much higher than that - wouldn't get on the scale for a long time - my surgery weight was 265. I'm now go from 128 to 133 and I can't tell you how amazing it is. I love Dr Ortiz and his staff, I have sent many (MANY) people to him and they all feel the same and are doing wonderful. The surgery center is top notch and noted as one of the best in the world. (How can you beat that)?

Just do it. You wont regret it, you will if you don't - being obese is horrible - I didn't realize how horrible till I lost the weight - I feel better, my health is amazing and life has improved sooo much!

Go girl!!

How long did it take you to lose that much weight? Did you feel safe in TJ? Any advice you can give, fills, diet, patience? How long have you kept the weight off? Thank you so much for replying! It feels great to see someone else have the success and share the excitement!

[Tangerine]

How long did it take you to lose that much weight? Did you feel safe in TJ? Any advice you can give, fills, diet, patience? How long have you kept the weight off? Thank you so much for replying! It feels great to see someone else have the success and share the excitement!

I have lost 50 lbs since December 09. I am about half way through my journey I think... we shall see. This has been the best thing I have ever done for myself and my future. Just one thing to remember, this is still hard work. I work out 4 times a week in the gym, and join any activity I can, and am very careful with what I put in my mouth. I think as long as you are dedicated to your success, and you really honestly want this for yourself. You are ready. The OCC is the place to do it as well. It is the cleanest clinic out there. The nurses are sweet like candy. Dr.Ortiz is fantastic! You won't regret your decision once you make it. You can do it!

[becca2]

Best decision I ever made, period. The band is not magic, but if you follow the rules (chew well, don't drink with meals, get some exercise, etc) you will have success. I feel like I now have a "helping hand" with my weight loss and for the first time, I now have Hope that I will finally be able to keep off the weight that I lose. The OCC was fabulous and far exceeded my expectations. They take really good care of you from the time they pick you up at the airport and through the surgery process. TJ also was not what I expected. It was lovely. Our hotel was beautiful and had exceptional service. I could not have asked for a better experience.

Best of luck to you in your weight loss journey!

[Lindsay]

I have been considering the lap band for some time, and now within the last few weeks have decided to go for it. Can you give me your honest thoughts and opinions on the OCC, your experience, the process, do you think it's truly helped? I've seen some really great success stories and then others don't seem like they have lost as much as I would think. Just trying to make sure this is the best decision at the right place. Thank you so much now for all of your thoughts! I think sometimes this is the BEST way to make decisions, hearing from all of you

This has been a god sent for me.

Once I wrapped my head around what the band can and can not do for me, I was able to focus on the more positive, and work towards my goals.

[Momof4]

This has been a god sent for me.

Once I wrapped my head around what the band can and can not do for me, I was able to focus on the more positive, and work towards my goals.

when you say what the band can and can't do for you.... I guess I'm worried I might find ways to cheat and I want this to inhibit that, will it?

[btradio]

you can find ways to cheat on any diet or surgery.

The question you have to ask yourself, especially before you go and have a surgical procedure done, is are you ready to do what you have to do to succeed? If you aren't, then don't waste your time or money.

However, I think the simple fact that you have come this far shows that you are serious and that you are ready for the change. Just take that next step and commit to yourself. I had surgery 2 months ago today. I have lost 65 lbs. and I feel better than I have in YEARS. It was the best decision I have ever made. I can't say any more than that.

Good luck to you with whatever you decide though!!

[Momof4]

I have lost 50 lbs since December 09. I am about half way through my journey I think... we shall see. This has been the best thing I have ever done for myself and my future. Just one thing to remember, this is still hard work. I work out 4 times a week in the gym, and join any activity I can, and am very careful with what I put in my mouth. I think as long as you are dedicated to your success, and you really honestly want this for yourself. You are ready. The OCC is the place to do it as well. It is the cleanest clinic out there. The nurses are sweet like candy. Dr.Ortiz is fantastic! You won't regret your decision once you make it. You can do it!

This might be silly, but as I read what you said, i think to myself.. if I would just exercise now and watch what I put in my mouth now I could lose the weight. I can't and that is why I'm looking for a tool to help. How do you think this helps you? Just trying to hear from those that have already done this... Thank you for sharing!

[Momof4]

you can find ways to cheat on any diet or surgery.

The question you have to ask yourself, especially before you go and have a surgical procedure done, is are you ready to do what you have to do to succeed? If you aren't, then don't waste your time or money.

However, I think the simple fact that you have come this far shows that you are serious and that you are ready for the change. Just take that next step and commit to yourself. I had surgery 2 months ago today. I have lost 65 lbs. and I feel better than I have in YEARS. It was the best decision I have ever made. I can't say any more than that.

Good luck to you with whatever you decide though!!

WOW! Now that is what I'm talking about with weight loss!!! I need to lose 75 lbs, so I have a journey, but I also know that I've tried so much before and "thought" I was ready. How do you think this has made it different for you this time? Have you tried other diets before?

[CanadianBandster]

I was always chunky. The band was the best thing I ever did - although, the most difficult! I NEVER regret having the band, though some days are a little frustrating or difficult. The benefits like being off meds, or walking into a store and being able to wear anything I want (was size 5-6ish, but am 6.5 months preg right now) definately out weigh those days I miss being able to eat a huge plate with steak, potatoes and who knows what else I would shovel in.

I honestly did not do a lot of exersize. 99% of it was how I ate. I needed to learn to eat smaller amounts more frequently. Which the band has helped me learn.

I will not lie - it is not easy. I find this more difficult than say weight watchers or jenny craig - but guess what, this is the only thing that has EVER worked for me in 30 years. I love it and would never go back.

Feel free to PM anytime with questions, I dont mind

[CanadianBandster]

Oh! I forgot to add - I felt fine in TJ. I have been there 8 times and will be there more, I have met some great friends there

[ValleyGirl]

Basically the band is "forced behaviour modification". I used to joke that the only way I'd lose weight was if I had my mouth wired shut and having a band is pretty much the same thing- it does not allow you to eat- at least very much. The problem for me has been that I can lose weight when my band is tight but I can't keep my band tight without complications so I've been chasing that perfect fill for over a year, have had unfills and fluctuations along the way, and now I have to stay at a very low fill level, white-knuckling it and not losing any more weight. Luckily, I lost a lot in the beginning because I would be very discouraged if I started having these problems from day one- which some people do.

If you can't tolerate much of a fill, you'll be back to counting on your willpower and we all know how well that works for those of us with weight problems. If you have no problems keeping a tight band- great, you'll lose weight and lots of it! That's what happens when you can only eat a half cup of food! I don't want to be negative because I don't regret it but I also want you to know that for some people (and you won't know who you are until you are banded and start getting fills) it doesn't work and they get beaten up bad on here and I feel bad for them.

I've been on the message boards for five years and have seen it all...like losing 65 pounds in two months, or over 100 in less than a year with no fills...those cases are NOT THE NORM. It does happen for some people but you need to go in to this with realistic expectations. MOST people lose 60% of their excess weight with a band, some lose it all, and some very little. I knew this going in and would have been happy enough losing 60 of the 100 pounds I needed to lose and I did even better, now down 95 but no it's not easy and there's no guarantees. I say do it FOR SURE but do it with realistic expectations.

Sabrina:)

[Momof4]

Basically the band is "forced behaviour modification". I used to joke that the only way I'd lose weight was if I had my mouth wired shut and having a band is pretty much the same thing- it does not allow you to eat- at least very much. The problem for me has been that I can lose weight when my band is tight but I can't keep my band tight without complications so I've been chasing that perfect fill for over a year, have had unfills and fluctuations along the way, and now I have to stay at a very low fill level, white-knuckling it and not losing any more weight. Luckily, I lost a lot in the beginning because I would be very discouraged if I started having these problems from day one- which some people do.

If you can't tolerate much of a fill, you'll be back to counting on your willpower and we all know how well that works for those of us with weight problems. If you have no problems keeping a tight band- great, you'll lose weight and lots of it! That's what happens when you can only eat a half cup of food! I don't want to be negative because I don't regret it but I also want you to know that for some people (and you won't know who you are until you are banded and start getting fills) it doesn't work and they get beaten up bad on here and I feel bad for them.

I've been on the message boards for five years and have seen it all...like losing 65 pounds in two months, or over 100 in less than a year with no fills...those cases are NOT THE NORM. It does happen for some people but you need to go in to this with realistic expectations. MOST people lose 60% of their excess weight with a band, some lose it all, and some very little. I knew this going in and would have been happy enough losing 60 of the 100 pounds I needed to lose and I did even better, now down 95 but no it's not easy and there's no guarantees. I say do it FOR SURE but do it with realistic expectations.

Sabrina:)

Sabrina,

That is what I need to hear! I want to see the great weight loss stories because it provides inspriation! Even your journey still gets me excited, but I need to hear this is not the miracle I might want it to be. I still wish there was just a little pill you can take! Wouldn't that be nice? I need to lose about 75lbs. I guess if I lose 60% I need to see if that is worth the money! I'm thinking yes!

One last question, are you happy with the OCC? Is that where you went?

[Momof4]

I was always chunky. The band was the best thing I ever did - although, the most difficult! I NEVER regret having the band, though some days are a little frustrating or difficult. The benefits like being off meds, or walking into a store and being able to wear anything I want (was size 5-6ish, but am 6.5 months preg right now) definately out weigh those days I miss being able to eat a huge plate with steak, potatoes and who knows what else I would shovel in.

I honestly did not do a lot of exersize. 99% of it was how I ate. I needed to learn to eat smaller amounts more frequently. Which the band has helped me learn.

I will not lie - it is not easy. I find this more difficult than say weight watchers or jenny craig - but guess what, this is the only thing that has EVER worked for me in 30 years. I love it and would never go back.

Feel free to PM anytime with questions, I dont mind

Congrats on the pregnancy. I don't know how to PM, do you do that here? LOL I would like to think I'm technically saavy, but I leave that to my 15 year old. I just chase my two youngest at 18 months and 3. :-)

I do have a few questions on eating etc... so would love to chat more freely. THANK YOU!!!! Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts. This really does help!!!

[hope2lose]

I went to TJ by myself and felt completely safe. Of course, I was nervous, but once the driver picked me up and took me to the hotel I was fine! I met a couple there and we went shopping the day after surgery! I lost about 25 pounds, but am still trying to lose more - I have about 50 more to lose, but I have only had 2 fills and my band is still very loose! I would recommend it to anyone! The staff was super and the place is immaculate! Go for it! I will say, since I haven't found the right fill, I am able to eat anything, the band doesn't keep me from eating bread and stuff like other people, BUT I do get full faster and stay full longer! Once I get the right amount of fill I'm sure I'll lose more! I lost 25 and then stopped, but I haven't gained anything so I can't complain! I have a fill appointment here in Houston (25$ covered by insurance) on Monday so that will help! I was worried about finding a fill place, and I did pay 200$ for my first fill and then I called a doctor here and found one that called my insurance and found out for me that my insurance would pay and all I had to pay was copay! I wasn't sure I'd find anything like that since I got my surgery in Mexico, but once I actually looked it wasn't a problem...that's another thing to think about!!

Good luck!

[Tangerine]

This might be silly, but as I read what you said, i think to myself.. if I would just exercise now and watch what I put in my mouth now I could lose the weight. I can't and that is why I'm looking for a tool to help. How do you think this helps you? Just trying to hear from those that have already done this... Thank you for sharing!

I think it is just a tool. Like a hammer or a drill. Sure you can bang things in using a shoe, or screw things in with a butter knife, but things are just so much better and faster with a drill or a hammer. It is all about the right tool for the job. It is 50 pounds that I will never have on my body ever again. The band is quite restrictive. I can eat half or less than what I used to without feeling hungry or deprived (ex. half a sandwich, one small piece of pizza, quarter of a noodle bowl, or one small chicken breast with nothing else on the side).The exercise is just a reality of weight loss. This isn't magic. However, now I have the energy to work out at lunch in a high intensity cardio class, go back too work, then go out and play 9 holes of golf before sunset. Before I was dragging my butt by 3:30 in the afternoon and plopped myself on the couch until I went to bed. As for the exercise, I was always more interested in looking like Wonder Woman than Kate Moss.

Bottom line is you just can't eat very much and you have the energy and motivation to exercise more.

Good Luck!

[ValleyGirl]

YES I went to OCC and I'm going back tomorrow to get my port relocated `cause it's rubbing on my ribs now that I've lost weight. IT is a wonderful place and they will take very good care of you.

Sabrina:)

Sabrina,

That is what I need to hear! I want to see the great weight loss stories because it provides inspriation! Even your journey still gets me excited, but I need to hear this is not the miracle I might want it to be. I still wish there was just a little pill you can take! Wouldn't that be nice? I need to lose about 75lbs. I guess if I lose 60% I need to see if that is worth the money! I'm thinking yes!

One last question, are you happy with the OCC? Is that where you went?

[btradio]

WOW! Now that is what I'm talking about with weight loss!!! I need to lose 75 lbs, so I have a journey, but I also know that I've tried so much before and "thought" I was ready. How do you think this has made it different for you this time? Have you tried other diets before?

First a comment on my loss so far, yes it is amazing (to me) and it is a large amount, but keep in mind I had a LOT to lose. I still have 90 lbs. to go to get to goal. Also, I have worked my ass off in the last 2 months to lose that 65lbs. :-)

Secondly, to answer your question, I (like I would imagine a lot of people here) have tried just about every diet you can think of: diet center, nutrasystem, jenny craig, atkins, etc. And they all worked somewhat, though some better than others. The problem was that none of them worked for a long period of time. I would lose some weight, but then get bored with the food or tired of the restrictions and then just stop. Of course, I would then gain back all the weight (plus some) and be right back where I started. So I started trying to really get to the root of my problem and what I discovered was that my main issue was portion control. This was why the lap band seemed like a great option for me. And so far, it has been amazing. Whereas on those other diets, I could still choose to gorge and overeat if I wanted, the lap band prevents that (mainly because it will punish you if you try to overdo it!) This was exactly what I needed!

Like I said, I am someone that failed on literally every other diet out there. On March 1 of this year, I weighed 420lbs. On May 7, I went to the OCC and had surgery with Dr. Ortiz and as of today (7/12), I weigh 326.8. So in about 4.5 months, I have managed to get rid of almost 100 lbs. Do I give all the credit to the band? No. However, I think it is the primary reason for my success. Because I know what I paid, what I went through and what I *HAVE* to do to succeed. And in the two months since surgery, I have made lifestyle changes that I think will be with me for the rest of my life. I exercise a lot more (including some running), I eat way less and I eat only good food. I have made a lot of sacrifices in my life to get rid of foods that I used to love. But I am in no way bothered by that. I spent 37 years of my life eating those foods (in large quantities!) and it made me fat. So now I am going to put those things aside and try a different lifestyle. And let me tell you, so far, it is has been wonderful! :-)

[canuk98828]

First a comment on my loss so far, yes it is amazing (to me) and it is a large amount, but keep in mind I had a LOT to lose. I still have 90 lbs. to go to get to goal. Also, I have worked my ass off in the last 2 months to lose that 65lbs. :-)

Secondly, to answer your question, I (like I would imagine a lot of people here) have tried just about every diet you can think of: diet center, nutrasystem, jenny craig, atkins, etc. And they all worked somewhat, though some better than others. The problem was that none of them worked for a long period of time. I would lose some weight, but then get bored with the food or tired of the restrictions and then just stop. Of course, I would then gain back all the weight (plus some) and be right back where I started. So I started trying to really get to the root of my problem and what I discovered was that my main issue was portion control. This was why the lap band seemed like a great option for me. And so far, it has been amazing. Whereas on those other diets, I could still choose to gorge and overeat if I wanted, the lap band prevents that (mainly because it will punish you if you try to overdo it!) This was exactly what I needed!

Like I said, I am someone that failed on literally every other diet out there. On March 1 of this year, I weighed 420lbs. On May 7, I went to the OCC and had surgery with Dr. Ortiz and as of today (7/12), I weigh 326.8. So in about 4.5 months, I have managed to get rid of almost 100 lbs. Do I give all the credit to the band? No. However, I think it is the primary reason for my success. Because I know what I paid, what I went through and what I *HAVE* to do to succeed. And in the two months since surgery, I have made lifestyle changes that I think will be with me for the rest of my life. I exercise a lot more (including some running), I eat way less and I eat only good food. I have made a lot of sacrifices in my life to get rid of foods that I used to love. But I am in no way bothered by that. I spent 37 years of my life eating those foods (in large quantities!) and it made me fat. So now I am going to put those things aside and try a different lifestyle. And let me tell you, so far, it is has been wonderful! :-)

[Lindsay]

when you say what the band can and can't do for you.... I guess I'm worried I might find ways to cheat and I want this to inhibit that, will it?

Oh, you can cheat it.

There are MANY MANY people in this forum that do that, and aren't successful because of it.

[Bandiva]

I think a lot of people eat around the band...I know I have from time to time. I have found once you get going you are motivated to keep doing well. Exercise was key for keeping me motivated.

[Sherri]

I have been considering the lap band for some time, and now within the last few weeks have decided to go for it. Can you give me your honest thoughts and opinions on the OCC, your experience, the process, do you think it's truly helped? I've seen some really great success stories and then others don't seem like they have lost as much as I would think. Just trying to make sure this is the best decision at the right place. Thank you so much now for all of your thoughts! I think sometimes this is the BEST way to make decisions, hearing from all of you

I had my surgery 6 weeks ago at the OCC. Before having the surgery I did LOTS of research about Dr Ortiz. I decided to print off his education and training record that is on the OCC website and my printer almost ran out of ink. I think it was 19 pages long. I felt very safe with Dr Ortiz and his staff. I have been a nurse for 25 years now and I can tell you that Dr Ortiz is wonderful. My best friend and I had surgery on the same day. We stayed in the same room at the OCC and it was more like a slumber party than surgery. We decided to stay the night at the OCC but several people went to the hotel after their surgery. I usually get very sick with anesthesia but after my lap band surgery I had no nausea or vomiting and very little pain. We were up walking right after the surgery. They have computers for you to use at the OCC during your stay. I will be getting my first fill this weekend. I have gained three pounds since my 21 days of liquids were over. I have not had any restriction so far like some people get right after their surgery.

Best of Luck!

Sherri

[Momof4]

First a comment on my loss so far, yes it is amazing (to me) and it is a large amount, but keep in mind I had a LOT to lose. I still have 90 lbs. to go to get to goal. Also, I have worked my ass off in the last 2 months to lose that 65lbs. :-)

Secondly, to answer your question, I (like I would imagine a lot of people here) have tried just about every diet you can think of: diet center, nutrasystem, jenny craig, atkins, etc. And they all worked somewhat, though some better than others. The problem was that none of them worked for a long period of time. I would lose some weight, but then get bored with the food or tired of the restrictions and then just stop. Of course, I would then gain back all the weight (plus some) and be right back where I started. So I started trying to really get to the root of my problem and what I discovered was that my main issue was portion control. This was why the lap band seemed like a great option for me. And so far, it has been amazing. Whereas on those other diets, I could still choose to gorge and overeat if I wanted, the lap band prevents that (mainly because it will punish you if you try to overdo it!) This was exactly what I needed!

Like I said, I am someone that failed on literally every other diet out there. On March 1 of this year, I weighed 420lbs. On May 7, I went to the OCC and had surgery with Dr. Ortiz and as of today (7/12), I weigh 326.8. So in about 4.5 months, I have managed to get rid of almost 100 lbs. Do I give all the credit to the band? No. However, I think it is the primary reason for my success. Because I know what I paid, what I went through and what I *HAVE* to do to succeed. And in the two months since surgery, I have made lifestyle changes that I think will be with me for the rest of my life. I exercise a lot more (including some running), I eat way less and I eat only good food. I have made a lot of sacrifices in my life to get rid of foods that I used to love. But I am in no way bothered by that. I spent 37 years of my life eating those foods (in large quantities!) and it made me fat. So now I am going to put those things aside and try a different lifestyle. And let me tell you, so far, it is has been wonderful! :-)

Congratulations! I've made the decision and I go on August 6th! I'm excited, nervous, anxious and just a little hopeful! I want this, so I'm hoping this is the right mix of cost, effort and help! I'll let you know how it goes.

[Momof4]

I am going on August 6th!!!! Wish me all the luck and please send me any helpful hints, before, after, during this journey. I want to learn and succeed with all of your help! Thank you so much for sharing, this is a tough topic and you all have been very kind in giving me information.