Infoblog

I had surgery on October 10th. One week of liquids, one week of soft
food and one week of pureed foods. ON my 3rd week, (3 days ago) I ate a
hard boiled egg in the morning. This went down just fine. Later that
day, I let my head hunger win and I had half a Danish. It came back
up. Then again later that same day, I had another hard boiled egg.
This resulted in lots of slime and pbing until the whole thing came up.
2 days ago- only liquids- no problems
Yesterday for breakfast.. One over easy egg. I pb'd it immediately.
In the rest of the day, I then had two protein drinks and one starbucks
coffee. No problems.
This morning (5 am), a Halloween candy followed immediately by a
protein drink. I pb'd it as well. After getting rid of the candy, I
was able to slowly finish my protein drink.
I think that my lesson is that I'm still restricted in the morning and I
don't need to tempt fate with food. In my mind, the fact that I am
holding down liquids means my band hasn't slipped even though I had very
bad food choices a few days ago- but am I drawing a logical conclusion?
I think that perhaps my esophagus is a bit swollen and I need to go back
to straight liquids for the next several days.
Any other insights would be great. Especially, if you think I've made a
wrong conclusion- I would love to hear input.
Cathy

Dear Don Mills,

Thank you so much for the wonderfull course that was offered in Monterrey this past week. Everything went great and all International Doctors are very pleased that Inamed is starting to take on the role of getting more medical professionals trained in aftercare and adjustments. There was much information presented that was usefull to all of us that attended.

Sincerely, AnnMarie

Dr. Rodolfo Sanchez & Staff

Tell the "kids" you are going for surgery and bring them back
plastic cups from the hospital with its name on them! Kathy

I am happy to announce that we have another doctor in Washington who will do fills for patients banded outside the US and/or Washington. Dr. Antonio Mangubat is a board certified cosmetic surgeon and a really nice guy! His certified medical assistant has had her band for 2 years and looks awesome! Her name is GG and she is a wonderful person.

They are taking appointments now for fills. They will do fills on all three bands, the Inamed, Swedish and AMI French. Please note that when making your first appointment it might be about 6 weeks before you can been seen as the doctor wants to meet with you and get to know you. They do not use flouroscopy or barium swallow. So here is the awesome news, the cost is only $175!

Here is their information:

Dr. Mongubat
Southcenter Cosmetic Surgery & Hair Restoration
16400 Southcenter Parkway Suite 101
Tukwila, WA 98188
206-575-0300
info@...

www.southcentercosmetic.com their website is under construction

Brenda Hakimi
5/16/03
Dr. Joya
-48 pounds

**Notice!: I am in no way affiliated with this facility nor am I being compensated for passing this information on to you. I am just happy that they are willing to provide this service!!!! When responding to this email please do so directly to me at brendadee1968@... as I do not read all the message boards all the time.

I am having surgery on Tuesday in TJ ( dr Ortiz) all the kids (
including my 40 year old one :) are telling me to bring back
souvenirs- did you guys see any place to buy toys or wood carvings
etc and notice how much they are?
Peg

Hi All,
I can't remember if I posted this copy of my correspondence from Inamed to
this group, but it is interesting, so you can read or delete.
---------
Hello Bill,
As you would suppose we are well aware of the follow-up issues for patients
banded outside of the US. A couple of comments relative to your
suggestions.
1. We do strongly advise that patients leaving the US should line up their
post-surgical care prior to surgery. We also let the patient know that the
cost savings achieved by going to Mexico may be offset by increased costs
for follow up care (either by returning to Mexico or to a US surgeon).
2. INAMED does not want to have a support group and most support groups
would not want INAMED in the Group for obvious biases. However, any patient
that contacts INAMED with a question or problem will have an answer from
us. We are always available on a one-on-one basis. Keep in mind that we
are not (and most self appointed experts too) qualified to give medical
advice. There is a legal liability in giving medical advice and advice from
a corporation (or an individual) can be questionable when it is given by
e-mail or phone to a person whose circumstances are not well known. Our
preference is that the patient contact their surgeon with their questions or
issues. Naturally there are many questions that we do answer.
3. Online chat rooms can be a good source of information but it is not
always correct and the information is always anecdotal. You are correct in
that caution should be used if this is the main source of information for a
patient.
4. We do provide very basic after-care information and depend upon the
surgeon to provide additional information. Because there are many
differences in surgeons' opinions we would not presume to publish our
opinion. It would not be possible for us to agree with all the various
surgeons' opinions. It is the surgeon's job to practice medicine not
INAMEDs.
5. I do agree that INAMED can always do a better job of assisting patients.
Answering questions, writing insurance appeals and providing patient books
and videos are all being provided now. These items are available through
your surgeon's or doctor's office. Many patients' meeting are supported and
attended by INAMED. I personally have attended several.
6. Band surgeons are well trained in follow-up care and know full-well of
its importance. We actually do recommend to the surgeons that we train that
they see all patients that come to them for service. However, there is no
way that we can dictate to a surgeon how he/she should practice medicine or
what patients they should accept. For many US surgeon the issue is one of
malpractice insurance. When they see the patient of an international
surgeon the US surgeon accepts the liability of that surgery much as they
would for one of their own patients. Simply put, the surgeon may feel that
they have not been compensated for the risk involved. For many US surgeons
they are to busy with their own patients follow-up to include patients of
other surgeons. This often not only extends to international patients but
to patients of US surgeons moving to a new location.
This month we are sponsoring the first workshop for doctors (not surgeons)
to learn band patient management issues. In other words we are training
"fill" doctors to support patients who have surgery out of the country or
move within the US. This and future workshops like it are an effort to help
with the problem which you stated.
7. None of my comments are meant to suggest that generally speaking the
band surgeons in Mexico and their facilities are not very good. Most are
excellent as are the Mexican hospitals. We would like all patients who
consider going to Mexico for surgery to be completely informed of all the
issues before making a decision.
Your comments are appreciated and we are taking steps to be more supportive
of all band patients.
Regards and best wishes with your band,
Don Mills
INAMED Health

Well, It's finally Autumn here in So Cal so the weather is cool enough for more than tank tops and shorts. When I got up this morning I grabbed my sweats to wear. The pants would not stay up!!. They have an elastic waist, not a drawstring so I couldn't tighten them up. This is the first time since last Winter that they have been out of my dresser and it looks like they are going straight to the Goodwill bag. It's time to go shopping for new ones. I hopped on the scale for the first time this week ( i have been too sick to care) and I am down 46.5 pounds in 15 weeks. Is this band great or what??? I must say that everyone on the boards has been an inspiration to me since day#1 I have seen what you have accomplished and know that I can and will reach my goals too.. Sue H.

Chrissie, walking was fine..but didn't work for me either. Go to the store and get some Mylanta for Gas or Gas-X (max strength). Take one in the morning when you get up and one in mid afternoon... and if you need it before bedtime. I had surgery on Oct 21st and since taking the pills havent had any gas pain since taking them. I even went through the entire day yesterday without one. woohooo. As far as the pain in you chest, your drinking too much fluid at one sitting. It is important that as soon as you feel, even slightly full, stop drinking. The pain is your new tummy stretching, and we dont want that to happen after all the money we just spent on making it. I am new to the Band as well, but this is what has worked for me...maybe for you too.

Kelly In KY

Dr. Rumbaut 10/21/03

-16.5

Hi Trish, Many thoughts and prayers coming your way. Enjoy the
journey! Ardie/Fl.
prayers. //

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of mexicanbandsters
Trish's lap band surgery!!
Friday October 31, 2003
All Day
This event does not repeat.
Event Location: Oasis Hospital, Tijuana, MX
Notes:
Dr.Lopez will be changing my life today!! Keep me in your prayers.
trishnewman@...

Hi! I am from Georgia (really close to Tallahassee). I will be
getting banded in Monterrey on Nov. 14th! Good luck to you on your
journey! I am not sure who will fill your MidBand but I am PRAYING
that Dr. Ponce in Dalton, GA will do my fills (Lap Band)! Dalton is
probably 5-6 hours from me! YIKES...thats a DRIVE! If you find a fill
Dr. in Fla let me know! I would much rather drive south than north!
Beth

Hey, I had my surgery on saturday, and I still feel like doody. I
did a lot of walking at the hospital to try and move the gas, so why
do I still feel like it's still all trapped? I seem to feel fine
when I get up in the morning, but then as soon as I drink the
littlest bit of anything I feel horrible. There is some serious pain
in my chest, like what I just drank is just stuck there putting
pressure on it, right under my breasts. When will this feeling go
away? I sure hope soon. I hate to whine, because it was my choice to
do this. I have had two other lap surgeries in the past and have
never had this much pain afterwards. I don't remember the gas ever
being a problem as a matter of fact. Let me know when this feeling
subsided for you all. thanks, chrissy

Hi
Good luck Sandy. I live in Marin. Are you close by?

i'm flying down on the 6th for pre-op tests and then having surgery
the morning of the 7th. Returning on the 9th. would love to hook up
with anyone else heading down :)
by the way, i just called to get my date - couldn't believe it could
happen so soon!! i'm a bit shocked, but happy...i think ;)
sandy
norther cal

Meredith, there is such a thing as forgiveness. Forgive yourself the slip-up and go on like you were before you ate the cookies. You will have this band for life and you will want to eat something that brings back fond memories every GREAT once in a while. Eat one or two , not four, and go on with your life. The more junk you eat the slower your weight loss. Thank the good Lord that you are human just like the rest of us. LOL

Martha
Dr. Lopez/Tijuana, Mexico
9/26/03

Well if you want to sleep I wouldn't take pseudophedrine which is a decongestant and stimulant. I would try some nyquil-nightime formula and use a nasal spray decongest to uncog your nose.

Melinda R.N.,F.N.P.

Thursday, October 30, 2003, 10:42:05 AM, you wrote:
MH
MH
MH
MH
MH
MH
I understand all that. We've all done that. First, you don't have a
fill yet, so you're not as restricted as you will be. Personally, I
can't eat cookies at all. They get stuck same as bread and cake and
pastries. But ice cream still slides through.
MH
MH
MH
MH
We're coming up on a tough time of year with all the halloween candy,
thanksgiving pies, christmas goodies, and all that. But that doesn't
mean you have to eat it, though I know full well how tough that is.
Remember the saying that "just because you CAN eat it doesn't mean you
HAVE to eat it." Yeah, easier said than done, but keep repeating that
a hundred times a day.
MH
MH
Part of learning to live as a bandster is to learn to eat "normally",
whatever the hell that is. I'm not yet sure, but think that after six
months it is finally starting to sink into my tired old brain. At
least most of the time.
Hang in there and don't beat yourself up. We all make mistakes and
can learn from them. One more old saying that works at our house:
"Don't should on yourself" Pronounce "should" however you wish....
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

Hi Sandy,

I really do not know a bunch about the Midband although I know this it is very difficult getting an American Doctor to adjust or follow up on any other band besides the Lap-Band.

I know there are a few Doctors that fill the european ones although it is tough. I arrange for aftercare all day long on many patients and feel it is better when working with Lap-Band patients. I also know that there is a great need for help with the American patients who have european bands. There is much literature on the differences between bands just go to the ASBS for more info on this. I wish you all the best with your decision.

AnnMarie

banded March 2002

Dr. Rodolfo Sanchez

245/145

Congrats!!!!

I envy you. i am so proud of you for losing all that weight. I too have a problem with my brain getting in the way. i was banded on 9/26/03 by dr. curiel and it has been 5 weeks. i lost 25lbs so far but last night i made halloween cookies for my daughters poarty and had 4 of them. well needless to say i couldn't eat my dinner and feel terrible that i ate them. how do i cope with this. the first four weeks i didn;t crave any sweets and now i want them more than ever. i can control myself but lat night i just broke down. i don't want to gain back what i've lost. hearing your success does give me the strength to continue on my mission to lose this weight. thanks dan for your wonderful words.

Meredith/IL

264/239/160ish
Dan Lester <honu@...

Greetings to all,
Just wanted to report in that six months ago today I was in OASIS
Hospital in Tijuana, the morning after my late afternoon band surgery
the day before. Since then I have lost 88 pounds, several sizes in
clothes, and gotten even happier and healthier than I was before. (I'm
a fortunate one who has never had problems with joints, heart,
diabetes, etc....which is pretty amazing for someone that size at age
sixty). My wonderful wife Gail and my family and work colleagues have
been supportive, though I didn't tell them about the surgery in
advance (except for Gail, of course).
I did spend three extra days in the hospital due to pneumonia, partly
from other causes, partly from aspiration. I aspirate particularly
easily since I'd previously had a UP3 surgery to cure my sleep apnea.
Anyway, all is well now and I got my first fill four weeks ago today,
and continue to be very restricted. I still struggle with head and
mouth hunger, but the band regularly reminds me when I do "bad
things", and I keep trying to learn to break sixty years of bad
habits.
I particularly want to thank folks in the Seattle area who went to the
Splash and Bash the two days before I got banded. I'd bought tickets
to the Bash in Seattle and then on to San Diego. I figured that the
fine folks at the Bash would confirm my belief in getting banded, but
I was also ready to fly home instead and blow off the deposit I'd sent
to Dr. Ortiz, just in case something there changed my mind. Of course
it didn't. I fully expect to be at the Bash next year, too. And maybe
even the one in Las Vegas, though if I have to choose it will be
Seattle.
Last night my stupid old brain got in the way of my band....my brain
said that a McFlurry had fifty calories an ounce, about the same as
most meats. So one of those evil things wouldn't be bad at all to
celebrate. Later I realized that I'd consumed the twelve ounces of
ice cream and such, and that there is no way I could have eaten that
much meat. Of course the meat would have been higher protein and much
lower in carbs and sugar. I know there are no bad foods, so I'm not
trying to beat myself up too badly. I just need to wait another six
months before I eat another one.
Again, thanks to all for their love and support the last eight months
or so. And if any of you in Idaho aren't yet signed up for
IdahoBandsters, please do so....you'll get only a message or two a
week.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:

Ok, here is my opinion and you can take it for what it is worth, but
the most important factor is not which band you have, but which
surgeon you have. Both the lapband and the mid-band work great. If
you have to get aftercare in the states then it would probably be
better for you to have a Lapband as many doctors/places will not do
fills on Mid-band because it is not FDA approved. So it is very
important for you to know who is going to do your aftercare before
you even have surgery. Whatever you choose I'm sure will work very
well for you and you don't need to worry too much about the
appliance, but about the surgeon.
Best regards,
Debbie B
Dr. Kuri 12/13/02

hi there,
don't want to get into a "mine is better than yours" kind of
discussion, but i do need some info on the pros and cons of the
lapband and the midband. i know fills can be a problem, but what
else should i be considering? thanks!

Will be going to TJ nov 6th. Can't decide if I want Lap or midband. I
feel I want midband, but the fills will be a problom. I'm in Florida,
and I hear you can go to Ga. I don't know, I think I might just go
crazy.

Well, on top of breathing all this filthy, smoky air here in L.A. I have come down with a cold. I need to SLEEP tonight and want to know if I can take an OTC cold relief pill since I have the band. Getting it past the band won't be a problem(I hope). The ingredients are: Acetaminophen,Dextromethorpan,Doxylamine succinate, and Pseudoephedrine. God, I hope I spelled those right, the print on the box is tiny!! I am allergic to nothing BTW. Hope you guys can help, I feel like s**t. Sue H.

Happy Baniversary Dan!! You are doing great. You are an inspiration
and I LOVE your posts, ALWAYS straight to the point. Keep up the
awesome work and you'll be at goal in no time!!!!!!!!!
Congrats!!
Terri pre-band

Hi fellow bandsters,
I got my first fill yesterday in TJ (1.6cc's). I felt a bit clammy and
faint during the procedure, but within minutes I felt fine.
I'm happy to say that I went in spite of the fire situation. There
were no visable flames and the air quality was okay. Soot and
ash were somewhat noticeable, but nothing to be overly
concerned about.
Because I took the train, I avoided the traffic jams. I understand
that highway 5 was packed with trucks and trailers hauling the
possessions of those unfortunate enough to have lost their
homes.
The train out of Union Station in LA was pleasant, spacious,
clean and stress free. The trolley that goes to the border is
located directly outside the station in San Diego. $5.00 round
trip. Seniors 50% less. Walked across the border and then took
a taxi to the office.
I went with a friend that was also getting a fill, but I would have
felt perfectly safe going it alone.
Lorane 9/19/03
Dr. Ortiz
205/190/150

I am going to TJ on Friday for my second fill....the first fill had
no effect. I will report on conditions in San Diego City and TJ when
I get back.....will anyone else be at the Lucerna on Friday night
(halloween)??? Sara in Santa Cruz, 8/15/03, -35

Hi Sil,
Well, I thought I was doing better. Kept everything down yesterday. Then today
I suddenly became a starving maniac! I mean REALLY REALLY hungry! I thought
that since I've kept eveything down yesterday and most of today I would try a
spoonful of jello. Silly me. Nope. Right back out again.
So it looks like I'm gonna be hungry, and on liquids, for a while to come.
How are you supposed to know when to try something new if you don't try it?
Suzy
banded 10/24/03
-11

*I will cross-post this on several boards.
Just in case you live in or around the Orlando area, we are having a Bandster get-together this Saturday, November 1st at Crispers at 2228 S. Kirkman Road (4072964551) at 1:00 P.M. Everyone is welcome to join us!!! :)
Julie Hunter

I was too stupid to realize that I would not be eating certain things again. You are right, you won't eat everything you ate before and you will have a hard time eating what you do get to eat, but that is not important right now, if you go, best wishes.

Martha
Dr. Lopez/Tijuana, Mexico
9/26/03

Hi Trish, You're reacting perfectly normal. Once you go out your
door, get into the plane, take off and land and head to the doctor's
office, you will start to calm and go with the flow knowing you're
on your way to good health. Good luck, do a lot of walking after
your surgery and do keep us posted as soon as you can.
Hugs,
Ardie/Fl.

Just doing my last minute packing, etc. Today hubby took me out to eat Chinese. I had tears well up in my eyes..........isn't that crazy?!?!?! Thinking "oh, I will never be able to eat this again.... poor me."

I know that isn't true, but the mind wanders in mysterious ways, doesn't it? LOL!

I have been kind of jittery all day today. About the flight (longest one I have ever taken), about the surgery, about the change afterwards, scared of not having anyone there with me.

Is this just all normal pre op jitters?

Someone please tell me you went through this too.

Trish......IL

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family ( and critters) for
your safety. I'm praying that the winds stay favorable for you and
others in your area.
Carol from Kansas

The Simi Vallley fire got a about that close to me before the wind
changed yesterday. Hew!
How are you feeling?
Sil

My home is about 4 miles from the fire right now. It's scary. I have
all the windows closed, and wet towels under the doors to keep the
smoke out. The schools are closed so my daughter is home from school
today. The smoke is so thick you can barely see the school from the
parking lot.
I have moved all my critters indoors until the smoke clears. My dog
won't even go outside to pee, which is NOT a good thing.
They say the winds are in our favor right now and moving the fire
back the way it came.
I guess I picked a good week to take off and get banded! At least I'm
home with my daughter!
Suzy
banded 10/24/03
-11

Aviacsa, AeroMexico, American West, Mexicana, I think there are more, Pauline T.

Yes, deductible, along with travel and other related expenses. IRS
doesn't care WHERE your medical care is obtained.
Whether it will save depends on whether you itemize and whether your
expenses for medical for the year are over 7.5% of your AGI.
dan
Wednesday, October 29, 2003, 11:48:19 AM, you wrote:
JN
JN
JN
JN
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

Does anyone post op know if surgery in Mexico for weight loss is
deductible on income tax? The IRS publication does not say it isn't.
Just wondering if anyone has deducted for this and if it saved you
much on taxes at the end of the year??
Thanks,
John

Greetings to all,
Just wanted to report in that six months ago today I was in OASIS
Hospital in Tijuana, the morning after my late afternoon band surgery
the day before. Since then I have lost 88 pounds, several sizes in
clothes, and gotten even happier and healthier than I was before. (I'm
a fortunate one who has never had problems with joints, heart,
diabetes, etc....which is pretty amazing for someone that size at age
sixty). My wonderful wife Gail and my family and work colleagues have
been supportive, though I didn't tell them about the surgery in
advance (except for Gail, of course).
I did spend three extra days in the hospital due to pneumonia, partly
from other causes, partly from aspiration. I aspirate particularly
easily since I'd previously had a UP3 surgery to cure my sleep apnea.
Anyway, all is well now and I got my first fill four weeks ago today,
and continue to be very restricted. I still struggle with head and
mouth hunger, but the band regularly reminds me when I do "bad
things", and I keep trying to learn to break sixty years of bad
habits.
I particularly want to thank folks in the Seattle area who went to the
Splash and Bash the two days before I got banded. I'd bought tickets
to the Bash in Seattle and then on to San Diego. I figured that the
fine folks at the Bash would confirm my belief in getting banded, but
I was also ready to fly home instead and blow off the deposit I'd sent
to Dr. Ortiz, just in case something there changed my mind. Of course
it didn't. I fully expect to be at the Bash next year, too. And maybe
even the one in Las Vegas, though if I have to choose it will be
Seattle.
Last night my stupid old brain got in the way of my band....my brain
said that a McFlurry had fifty calories an ounce, about the same as
most meats. So one of those evil things wouldn't be bad at all to
celebrate. Later I realized that I'd consumed the twelve ounces of
ice cream and such, and that there is no way I could have eaten that
much meat. Of course the meat would have been higher protein and much
lower in carbs and sugar. I know there are no bad foods, so I'm not
trying to beat myself up too badly. I just need to wait another six
months before I eat another one.
Again, thanks to all for their love and support the last eight months
or so. And if any of you in Idaho aren't yet signed up for
IdahoBandsters, please do so....you'll get only a message or two a
week.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

Yeah, Bianca! Good luck, enjoy the journey and walk, walk and
walk. Ardie/Fl.

Continental Airlines!

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of mexicanbandsters
Bianca Gets Banded!!!!
Thursday October 30, 2003
All Day
This event does not repeat.
Event Location: Acuna with Dr. Rod!!!
Notes:
I am so excited!

Please send hugs and prayers to your neice and to all in this
horrendeous area. Ardie/Fl.

can someone tell me which airlines fly into Monterrey?

Got mine in August. Dr. Martinez did the deed as Dr. Ortiz was out
of town. Paid the radiology lab $110 in US money for use of teh
fluoroscope. The procedure took ten minutes, and I got a video of
the fluoroscopy. Martinez/Ortiz charged nothing. They are gems.
Tom Newport Beach
Dr. Ortiz 2/27/03 -94

People aren't rude to any other people...how in the world can
a "friend" say something like that to you? I also am a nurse and
wear scrubs at work (I work in the o.r.) The problem with wearing
scrubs at work is that they have the whole variety of sizes....if
one gets a little tight...just go to the next size up!...That was
what decieved me for about three years...I fooled myself into
thinking that people weren't really noticing the huge weight gain I
was having....until they took pictures at the Christmas party in the
nurse's lounge....and Krikies! I couldn't believe how I looked.
When I discovered "the band" I was so excited...I went and did
pretty quick research and decided to have it in about two months. I
am so glad I did have surgery...but I would certainly suggest people
do a little more research than I did. It just really saddens me
that some people can be so cruel with their words. Don't be so nice
from now on...think of a really good retort to stupid
comments....and just wait...after your surgery and weight loss, you
will really feel like a million buck...and you can be nicer to other
overweight people than others were to you! Kathy from California
I thought I was keeping it together

Some people just dont know when to zip it, and are ignorant to boot. But soon you will have a friend in Dr. Kuri, a friend in your tummy, and plenty of friends here. Your time is coming Terri, hang in there!

Sylvia

Dr Kuri

Register for the 2nd Annual Vegas Bandster Ball!!
Sunday Feb 29th - Tuesday 2nd March
http://www.geocities.com/vegasbandsterball

Hi All,
I don't post much but do lots of reading! I just want to vent about
my awful day at work. I will be banded by Dr. Kuri in January and
can't wait after the day I've just had.
I work at our local hospital (been there 14 yrs so most know me real
well) today could not END soon enough. I was approached by a co-
worker and asked if I was pregnant, I handled the situation well and
responded "NO" that I'd had a tubal 5 years ago. She apologized and
I told her its okay I'm just overweight. Well to make matters worse
the next patient I had asked me "when are you due?" I again said
I'm sorry but I'm NOT pregnant. I thought I was keeping it together
pretty good until a friend of mine later stated that I was getting a
triple chin - I totally lost it! I went off on her and everyone
around me (later to apologize).
Terri pre-band
Dr. Kuri 01/24/04 - Hosp by the sea
To

Hi All,
I don't post much but do lots of reading! I just want to vent about
my awful day at work. I will be banded by Dr. Kuri in January and
can't wait after the day I've just had.
I work at our local hospital (been there 14 yrs so most know me real
well) today could not END soon enough. I was approached by a co-
worker and asked if I was pregnant, I handled the situation well and
responded "NO" that I'd had a tubal 5 years ago. She apologized and
I told her its okay I'm just overweight. Well to make matters worse
the next patient I had asked me "when are you due?" I again said
I'm sorry but I'm NOT pregnant. I thought I was keeping it together
pretty good until a friend of mine later stated that I was getting a
triple chin - I totally lost it! I went off on her and everyone
around me (later to apologize). I don't know if it was the scrubs I
was wearing today or what, but I didn't need the abuse! It haunted
me all day. Now that I am home, had a good cry, and read lots of
encouraging messages about the band. I am feeling much better -
people can be so rude!!
Sorry, i just needed to talk and no one understands at work. I am
very short and carry most of my weight in the abdominal area, maybe
I'm in denial but I didn't think I looked that bad!! Sorry for
rambling on - thanks for listening.
Terri pre-band
Dr. Kuri 01/24/04 - Hosp by the sea

Do you know if that's for patients or non-patients or both?

Thanks

Sylvia

Dr. Kuri

Register for the 2nd Annual Vegas Bandster Ball!!
Sunday Feb 29th - Tuesday 2nd March
http://www.geocities.com/vegasbandsterball

I just went to the fill doctor's list and would have changed some of the information for Medical Imaging NW in Puyallup, but was told I did not have edit permissions. They cost $275 for a fill with fluoro and a barium swallow. They prefer to do a barium swallow on all fills. But if you insist, it only costs $200. They prefer the swallow for their own peace of mind and to limit their liability I am sure. They are very good to work with. Their phone # is 253-841-4353. You want to talk to Cindy, she does all of the fill scheduling. Their website is:
http://www.medimagingnw.com
Lynn

Hi Kelly--

This is just my story...I know we're not all the same because so many of us on here have such different experiences but for me...I felt hungry most of the time while on liquids. I was finally able to graduate to solids last Friday and yes...I definitely feel fullness now that I'm on solids. In fact, while I was on liquids..I thought for sure I needed a fill because I was always hungry. But guess what? Solids is a whole new experience. So I'm just learning what I can and can't eat now...eating slowly (even though my brain wants to devour it) and chew, chew, chewing and then chewing some more. Here's something I JUST figured out...For some reason..tortilla chips..not for me..I only ate 7 and I have a bad, bad pain in my chest and I'm completely filled...so now I can't even eat my chili. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I know better. Protein first..then veggies, then carbs. I will live and learn and make mistakes along the way but I don't regret this for one single second!

Michelle

Banded by Dr. Ortiz/Dr. Martinez in Tijuana, Mexico - 9/26/03

365/338/180 - 5'7" - 33 yrs old

Olympia, Washington

From: chancesno1@... [mailto:chancesno1@...]

....but it will get better when I start regular foods, right, even though there is no fill?

Also it's a huge holiday there this weekend. November 1st (All Saints Day) and 2nd (All Souls Day.) Make absolutely sure you hear from them before you set out.

Sylvia

Dr. Kuri

Register for the 2nd Annual Vegas Bandster Ball!!
Sunday Feb 29th - Tuesday 2nd March
http://www.geocities.com/vegasbandsterball

You can get a refund for your ticket, just call and let them know.

I am sceduled for surgery for tuesday in TJ but don't think it's going to happen due to the fires.

It is really miniscule compared to what is going on in California.

Peg

I wonder what the going rate is for a taxi crossing?

Sylvia

************************************************

We were not charged for the taxi costs, as Dr. Lopez paid for it both ways. We tipped the driver $5 each way for a 20-30 minute ride.

Sylvia, I did not have any interest in what people packed to go to get their banding done, so I did not research any of that type of information but I've had lots of people ask for suggestions along that line. Do you have a list for that like the one for fills that you made? Is there someplace that people can be referred to for that kind of information. I don't believe in packing and the less the better for me.

Martha
Dr. Lopez/Tijuana, Mexico
9/26/03

Dr. Ortiz just did my surgery and I had a BMI of 30.
I think he's fantastic! (Most of us love our Mexican Doctors!)
Check him out: http://www.obesitycontrolcenter.com
Even if I had had a higher BMI and qualified to get it done in the
US, I wouldn't. Once you do your research you'll find if you want a
surgeon with a lot of experience placing the band, you'll have to go
south of the border.
Sil
9-19-03

I hate to be a party pooper here....but as a resident of California
and a visitor (this last weekend) to the Northern edges of the fire
in California.....unless I got specific information from your
doctor's office....and confirmed it with the hospital where you will
be operated......I WOULD NOT GO TO SAN DIEGO RIGHT NOW. The fires
are rampaging and moving into Mexico. San Diego airport has been
closed off and on these last days....due to the fire airplanes and
helicopters using it to load fire retardant over and over. This
fire is no joke....people are losing their lives and property damage
is in the Billions. The fire is no where near under control. You
can always re-schedule your surgery at a safer time. I know some of
you have planned your vacation or sick-time already. I would just
check with specifically the hospital and border crossing authorities
before I went anywhere near there. Kathy from California

someone at Dr. Lopez's office??

I am beginning to get upset here. My flight reservations have been made, and I haven't gotten confirmation of ANYTHING from his office.

I have spoken to a guy named William at 1-800-700-1850 ext. 729, three times now and he told me the first time I called that I was scheduled for the 31rst. I was supposed to get some sort of patient info packet via email.....never got it.

I have been unable to reach him and let him know my flight arrival.

I definitely do not want to be stuck in San Diego with no one to pick me up and no where to go!!

Trish....IL

Dan,

How long it sits there will depend on how restricted you are.

If you are newly banded or newly filled and very restricted

then try to stick to water and sip it often. If it goes right

through then you will be able to drink more often, especially water.

Sylvia

Register for the 2nd Annual Vegas Bandster Ball!!
Sunday Feb 29th - Tuesday 2nd March
http://www.geocities.com/vegasbandsterball

Hey I was hoping that someone could tell me, how often i can drink
fluids. The nutritionist stated that the stomach will only hold 2
ounces at a time, but how long will it sit there?

Hi Sue,

I would suggest you go to the Group website, go the search box, and punch in these Drs names one at a time.

Dr. Kuri

Dr. Lopez

Dr. Ortiz

Dr. Rumbaut

Dr. Sanchez

Dr. Rodriguez

To banded members, Please forgive me if I forgot anyone, feel free to add them.)

It will then bring a bunch of emails with these Dr. names in them. It may take a while but eventually you will

get an idea of who had surgery with whom. We do not all use the same Doctor and we all think our Doctors are the best,

so it is hard for us to answer that (very common) question objectively. Also look for the people that sign their Dr's name after their own name, you can then contact them privately and ask for information about their own Doctor.

Be very wary of people that try to scare you away from other Dr's, their hospitals or their facilities, unless it is a PERSONAL experience. Or if they do, come back here and discuss the problem openly on this board, so you get both

sides of the story.

Amy more questions just holler.

Sylvia

Dr. Kuri

Register for the 2nd Annual Vegas Bandster Ball!!
Sunday Feb 29th - Tuesday 2nd March
http://www.geocities.com/vegasbandsterball

My cell company Nextell charged me $2.00 something per minute for calls in
Mexico.

Hey I was hoping that someone could tell me, how often i can drink
fluids. The nutritionist stated that the stomach will only hold 2
ounces at a time, but how long will it sit there?

Several have reported one in Downers Grove, I believe. Check the
chicago bandsters group...or whatever it is called.
dan
Friday, October 24, 2003, 8:01:22 AM, you wrote:
dg
dg
dg
dg
dg
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

I've been researching the lapband and thinking about having it done,
but don't think I can have it done in the states because my BMI is
only 33. I think 33 is too high and I'm still considered obese, but
I can't seem to take the weight off and it keeps crawling up. I've
heard there are good doctors in Tijuana, but I'm also kind of scared
to go there and when I mentioned it to a few people they said I was
crazy.
Anyway, I was thinking of setting up an information appointment with
Dr. Pedro Kuri as I've heard some nice things about him. Has anyone
here ever been to Dr. Kuri and if so did you like him? Is he willing
to band a low BMI person? What kind of aftercare does he provide? I
appreciate any comments you can provide as I'm really anxious to have
this surgery done if I can find a surgeon I am comfortable with.
Thank you for your help.
Lauren

Friday, October 24, 2003, 7:21:47 AM, you wrote:
d
d
I've seen this name mentioned several times. Am I correct that this
is actually Dr. Kuri? I can't find any info on a Dr. Curiel in TJ.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

Norma, wonderful info! Interesting to know about over fill & lung
problems. Did the conference folks mention prevention or causes of
erosion or slippage?
Barbara

When you cross back into the USA with Mexicoach you also have to get out go through customs and then get right back in again. Mexicoach is $6 round trip. When we came back across from the TJ bash, again we had to get out and meet the driver on the other side, we got a mini van and all chipped in and paid about $15 (the more people the less it is.)

I wonder what the going rate is for a taxi crossing?

Sylvia

Register for the 2nd Annual Vegas Bandster Ball!! Sunday Feb 29th - Tuesday 2nd March
http://www.geocities.com/vegasbandsterball

It all depends on the situation. When I've crossed the border in the
shuttle van they take you, drop you off, and then the licensed shuttle
van driver stays with the van for his inspection. You walk across and
meet him on the other side, a few yards away. Why is that better? You
don't sit in the main lines, and it is very quick. If you sit in the
main lines of hundreds of cars you can easily take a couple hours to
get through customs due to the backup of cars.
Either way has its advantages and disadvantages.
dan
Saturday, October 25, 2003, 3:16:07 PM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d

Norma,
Very informative. Thank you for the information on the Mexican conference.
Joan

Dr. Sanchez visited me in the "hotel" and hospital at least three times
after the surgery. His nurse and office manager visited about the same.
Just came back from Monterrey where my sister and I went to get adjustments
and for her to attend a conference for primary care practitioner support of
lap-band patients put on by Inamed. I partially auditing the conference and
recognized several names as speakers and attendees such as Rumbalt,
Lindstrom, Ferrar (sp), Pinar, Sanchez, Tiesi, Alma, etc. The content of
the conference was very well done, but unfortunately not as well attended as
anticipated. I attribute this to the fact it was almost impossible to get
information from Inamed about it. I know, I spent weeks just trying to get
an agenda and location from them for my sister. Inamed is making an effort
to get non bariatric surgeons involved in post surgical support and training
them to do fills, etc. (Its about time). Primary Care Physicians, Nurse
Practitioners, PAs, etc. I hope they continue this effort as it will make
getting adjustments more readily available and less costly for many US
patients.
Speakers stressed the need for a multidisciplinary approach utilizing the
services of nutritionists, exercise physiologists, mental health
professionals and primary care practitioners to oversee the management of
co-morbidities and general health during the period of weight loss. Lots of
discussion about what types of medical emergencies to look for relating to
erosions, slippage and overfills and what to do about them. (Interesting
thing: overfills are consistently associated with chronic lung infections,
removing a small amount of the fill often corrects the problem.) Also about
when to use fluro during a fill and what documentation was needed from the
lap band surgeon to provide post surgical care for their patients and reduce
the risks of liability for the supporting primary care practitioner. They
recommended all foreign patients have with them a copy of their surgical
record fully translated into English prior to being seen as patients in the
US for follow-up care.
They recommended fills not be done under fluro unless certain circumstances
exist. They said only 1 of 200 fills should be done under fluro in the US.
Mexican Docs argued against this but their access to the fluro equipment is
unrestricted, different from physicians in the US. Radiologists control the
fluro in most medical environments in the US and they don't want to do lap
band follow-up care as a rule, just take pictures. My sister is running
into this problem, which is common. She is approved by two band
manufacturers to do adjustments, but since she is an Internist she does not
have radiology privileges at the local hospital. So she had trained the
radiologists to do adjustments under her supervision when fluro is necessary
(so far they have flatly refused to do them unless she is physically present
which is absurd), which puts the costs up considerably for the patient.
More docs + more facility resources = more cost. The cost of renting or
buying the fluoroscope is not justified by the number of patients in our
rural Maryland area.
Where is the list of medical professionals that do adjustments located in

Why did you tell them your weight? Have you flown before OK? I flew
regularly when I weighed 355. It wasn't comfortable, but I did it. Be
sure to ask for an aisle seat, preferably on the right side of the
plane. Those seats have an arm that raises so your butt can hang out
in the aisle a bit. The seat arm goes up so someone handicapped can
slide into it without climbing over the arm.
dan
Saturday, October 25, 2003, 10:25:37 AM, you wrote:
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

Tuesday, October 28, 2003, 5:38:57 AM, you wrote:
JN
JN
JN
JN
JN
JN
I'm glad you clarified what you meant by "North Central". To me that
means the Dakotas or Minnesota. I realize that it is all relative,
and that to those in Boston you're "out west". I hope someone can
find a fill doc for you in PA or NY or somewhere else nearer for you.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

Hi Kelly,
Congrats on the weight loss. That's a doozie of an amount and just
think of how much better you'll feel with every pound that goes
away! ;) Good for you!
Yes ... the INSTANT hunger is an amazing thing to feel. It doesn't
hurt anything to have something when you feel that instant hunger
since you are on the liquid phase after surgery. This routine will
all change soon. I'm not sure who your doc is or what his
instructions are for your post-op diet, but you'll feel better once
you start on your soft/mushy foods because they have some substance
and then you can get into the routine of eating 3 times a day like a
normal Bandster. I had surgery with Doc Rumbaut and I was able to
eat soupy oatmeal and yogurt and blended soups by the time I left
Mexico. However, I wasn't able to eat much ... but at least a
little food with some substance satisfied my hunger when it hit.
Wishing you well on your Bandster journey,
Lori in Oregon
Dr. Rumbaut 07/09/03 -31 and counting

It all depends on the situation. When I've crossed the border in the
shuttle van they take you, drop you off, and then the licensed shuttle
van driver stays with the van for his inspection. You walk across and
meet him on the other side, a few yards away. Why is that better? You
don't sit in the main lines, and it is very quick. If you sit in the
main lines of hundreds of cars you can easily take a couple hours to
get through customs due to the backup of cars.
Either way has its advantages and disadvantages.
dan
Saturday, October 25, 2003, 3:16:07 PM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

John,
Have you contacted Inamed yet to see if they can give some help on
this? I'm glad to hear that you're not scheduling surgery until you
get your after care/fill doc in order. GOOD FOR YOU!
Lori in Oregon
Dr. Rumbaut 07/09/03

The price is theoretically $110. When my AmEx charge came through it
was about $104, as the exchange rate varies daily. That was for
barium and fluoro. Even have the video of the whole fluoro. Will try
to get them on the web soon.
dan
Saturday, October 25, 2003, 4:05:21 PM, you wrote:
Bac
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

Well, I am one week post op today. Jumped on the scales and wooohoo.... 16.5 lb. in seven days!! I know it is do to all the liquid, but it sure does feel good to look down at the scale and see the numbers going backwards for a change!

I feel great, the gas has been tamed due to thoughts great lil gas pills, but I do have a question for thoughts of you that have banded. Seems like I need to put something in my body every 1.5 hr. to 2 hr. or so, and it when my body says now... it means NOW. I go from full to empty in a snap. I am sure it is due to nothing hanging out in the new lil pouch I have because I am still in the liquids fase....but it will get better when I start regular foods, right, even though there is no fill?

Kelly in KY

Dr. Rumbaut 10/21/03

299/282.5/205

Sylvia, thanks for the update, I have posted the Vegas information on all of my other boards and will continue to do so. Can't wait to see my roomies again (Patricia, Tania, Jen, Cathy and Joanne) but I think that Jen will not be with us this year as her wee one is due about then. Gee, any chance you can round up that lounge singer again (wink), he was really something!

Saludos,
Judy
SAGB 3/17/00
Dr. Sanchez
204/140/130?
5' 2"

I have been talking with some Mexican drs about the band but I still
have yet to find anyone in the north central part of the USA that can
do after care maintenance and fills. I know I could fly back to
Mexico to do this but I really can't afford to do this too often. I
will be self paying for the surgery.
Please if anyone has names of doctors in the North Central part of
the USA that does "fills" for the Inamed band let me know. I am from
PA and to find one in my state would be really awesome. I am not
getting surgery until I have found at least one who will do this. The
doctors in Mexico I'm talking to said they can do me in 2 weeks if I
am ready!!
Anything you can help me with I would appreciate.
Thank you,
John

I just received my Sprint PCS phone bill which covered the period of time I
was in Tijuana being banded. NO EXTRA CHARGES whatsoever!!! My cell
phone worked the entire time!! (I don't know which carrier my friend had on
her phone- but she didn't have a good signal). I thought I'd let you know. It
was easy to use and no hidden surcharges!!
Karyn

Hi Mike I went to Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey. It has absolutly changed
my life. I did a lot of research on different Dr.s prior to my going
and found Dr. Sanchez to be the most experienced, ha has performed
over 4000+ bandings with a zero mortatlity rate and a ver, very low
complication rate. I chose him and his team because I knew that I
would be safe!!! And my thoughts were proved true. 3 months later I
am down almost 40 pounds and over 19 inches and haven't had a single
sick day! I was sore for about 1 1/2 weeks but that was to be
expected. I would go to him again tomorrow!! And pay double.
I hope this helps you.
Shelly

Hi Slyvia,

It is nice to see you are so active here on the bandsters. I think you are a great source of help to everyone. I just wanted to say hello and let you know it would be great if you go to the Dr. Sanchez official Bandster support site and put the link where all can see so that we can see many of our patients again this year in Vegas, it was great fun last year. I hope it is a success this year again. I look forward to seeing you there again and we will all attend from Dr. sanchez's office again.

Sincerely, AnnMarie

Well, it takes me at least an hour to eat the cookies. I eat VERY
small bandster bites, and after smashing each bite to nothing, then I
swallow it and immediately drink. Then I drink some more. After a
few minutes I eat another small bite. Probably not a lot different
than drinking the liquid. As long as the liquid goes thru the stoma,
it doesn't matter if it swells in the rest of your stomach/intestines.
Some may find it easier to just drink the liquid and let it go thru
the stoma. Or drink prune juice.
dan
Monday, October 27, 2003, 9:28:11 PM, you wrote:
T
T
T
T
T
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

Hi All!

Well, my day finally came. Friday we arrived in San Diego and were greeted by Sra. Kuri at the airport. Did all the pre-op stuff and settled into the hotel. Two words...tortilla soup! Mom and I loved the tortilla soup at the Palacio Azteca hotel restaurant. I was pleased to see my weight down to 223 lbs on Friday afternoon--down from 242.5 lbs. Aug 1st. I must say I had a pretty uneventful surgery and recovery. Very little pain, mostly in the left shoulder. Thank you Wayne for visiting me--I was quite surprised and happy to see you. From all I have read on these boards and your site I felt I already knew you. I also made a couple friends who were banded the day before...I hope they find their way to our boards. There is so much information here for them. I must say the most "exciting" time of our trip, if that's what you want to call it, was coming back to San Diego and the mess that was unfolding there. BTW, Wayne, I hope you're place is okay. Our flight was
cancelled and we stayed an extra night. It was an eerie, awesome and spooky sight to see. The best way to describe the skyline was "gold". The sky looked gold and the sun was red (when you could see it anyway). It was wierd to say the least. The hotel was passing out pollen masks for those that wanted one. All three of us (my parents were with me) took one just to be safe. All the time we were there Sunday and Monday it "rained" ashes and soot. So sad. Anyway, off to a happier topic. I feel great--despite a day walking around SD airport. I am returning to work tomorrow, too, as I have a no-brainer slow desk-type job. I didn't know what to expect of my body after surgery, but I must say I feel really good. Of course, I really should have taken a couple more days off just because--oh, well!

I've joined the land of the banded and I like it--and not a bit hungry, too ; ) !!

Jill in AZ

242/223/petites (5'0")

I don't know your name, doc. but enjoyed your post as I didn't feel like traveling the day after surgery or two days after. I stayed in the hospital two nights and a day and a half and stayed at the hotel three more days, and I would have stayed there three more just to be waited on for a while. Lots of people don't have any problems and the pain is not bad but let's face it , it is there the first day and the next two weeks it's sore, not pain, but bad sore where that big cut is. And that gas, it takes weeks to get rid of all that gas that keeps building up and popping out. I believe, now that you mentioned it, that I did have a helping hand a couple times getting out of bed, just a little extra tug, and that was only cause it was sore. I got out of bed on the first day by myself, but it seems like it was at the hotel that I had a couple hands to hold onto to pull up. but if I got in the side position , then I could push myself up and so that's what I did.

Don't worry, it gets lots, lots better. LOL, can't be any worse, right?

Martha
Dr. Lopez/Tijuana, Mexico
9/26/03

Dan,

I would be afraid to use any of the metamucil type products. Don't they swell in your stomach while they sit there? That is how they move the stool.

Trish

Commonly known as marblepoops. Yeah, take metamucil or something, just
be sure to take LOTS of water with it. Also prune juice. After
you're on regular food for a while things will settle down, though for
me I eat two metamucil "cookies" (120 calories for the pair) every day
to keep the poops a bit softer so I don't rip myself a new one....
dan

Monday, October 27, 2003, 9:19:01 PM, you wrote:
d
d
Commonly known as marblepoops. Yeah, take metamucil or something, just
be sure to take LOTS of water with it. Also prune juice. After
you're on regular food for a while things will settle down, though for
me I eat two metamucil "cookies" (120 calories for the pair) every day
to keep the poops a bit softer so I don't rip myself a new one....
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

My US doctor, Dr. Billy, requires a 1200 calorie/day diet two weeks
prior to surgery and then a liquid diet two days before. He says that
you lose weight first on the inside and that it really helps with
surgery. I guess it shrinks the liver(which is usually enlarged in
obese patients)and makes laprascopy easier.
Sandy B

Hey Suzy,

CONGRATULATIONS on being banded.

I wanted to tell you that I had the same thing happen to me...big noises..but now I'm a month out and the noises are all but gone. It'll be okay.

And don't push the gulping/guzzling..your stomach is probably swollen and thus things will be tight. You really will get enough liquids in because for a while..that's all you get. Just don't force it.

If you ask me...the part of the journey you're in now was *very* difficult and there times I really didn't' think I'd make it...what is up with this FOUR weeks on liquids??? (Plus if our doc put you on liquids *before* surgery then that's five weeks!)...but I did it...I just started solids on Friday and I feel so incredibly good. I'm down 26 pounds and I really don't feel deprived at all.

You will make it...it'll be hard..but you will...

Also..the pooping rocks thing..uh...I hate to say..but it sort of got worse for me after I went to solids. I can say that Benefiber worked really well for me...(so did drinking broth for some reason..that stuff causes the OPPOSITE)

Congratulations on losing 7 pounds in three days. WOW!

You will do this!

You can write to me anytime.

J

Michelle

Banded by Dr. Ortiz/Dr. Martinez in Tijuana, Mexico - 9/26/03

365/348/180 - 5'7" - 33 yrs old

Olympia, Washington

Looking for a reputable surgeon for getting a band any one know of a
good Dr. please let me know. Thank you Mike

Hi Suzy,
I went through the same thing after getting a fill. I barfed
constantly with sips of water. I was up all night with such pain
and next day went back to the doctor. I had too much fill. Had a
little taken out and all was well. The relief was wonderful!
Ardie/Fl.

The *Vegas Bandster Ball* is at last ready for registration, and we are lucky enough to be holding our event at Treasure Island (at the Mirage) Resort & casino, (now known as TI) Center of the Las Vegas Strip. So come join us and put some faces to those email names you read everyday. http://www.geocities.com/vegasbandsterball

Please make a note of the dates, (Sunday Feb 29th - Tuesday 2nd March) don't forget to ask for the time off at work, (sooner rather than later! ) and come and join us for some guaranteed motivation, priceless Bandster education, heart warming Bandster reunions, and some good old Bandster R & R, in the most exciting city in the world, LAS VEGAS!!! http://www.geocities.com/vegasbandsterball

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about this event.
Sylvia

I'm tired, and cranky. Every time I take a sip of anything I hear
LOUD gurgling for the next 15 minutes. I can barely get 3 sips of
anything down without it coming back up or causing pain.
I know it's barely been 3 days but... but... I don't know what I was
expecting. Maybe to take a drink of something without my stomach
yelling at me for it.
Good news.. I've lost 7 lbs since Friday. How can that possibly be????
I'm used to sucking down a 16 oz. Diet Pepsi and still going back for
more. Now I want to take big drinks of water and I can't, and it
pisses me off.
Now for the unpleasant part. I'm pooping rocks!! Anyone have any
suggestions??
Martha HELP!!!! I need to laugh.
I'm also a little worried that I'm not getting enough fluids. I'm
carrying a bottle of something around with me constantly, but I think
I've drank maybe 1/2 a cup of fluids today if I'm lucky. It's 94
degrees here. This can't be good can it?
Ok... thanks for listening. I'll be better tomorrow.
Suzy
Banded 10/24/03 Dr. Ortiz

Monday, October 27, 2003, 11:47:00 AM, you wrote:
m
m
m
A clue for others, especially if traveling alone. ASK FOR HELP. There
are the carts at the airport, and if you just tell an airline person
at a counter that you need help they'll get it for you. A cart, a
wheelchair, whatever you need. That's their job, no extra cost, etc.
m
m
m
m
m
Having gone alone I agree it is better to have someone with you.
As to the death of your best friend, it is sad, but that friend has
gone to a better place than being stuck forever to your belly and
butt. Maybe that best friend will now help to feed some of the hungry
of the world.
Good luck, and keep posting,
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

Is it routine to stitch the band to diaphaphm to prevent slippage?

Why is it in the US most docs want a clear liquid fast two weeks
before and the Mexican docs only request a night before?

I, too, as Martha, was scheduled for surgery with Dr. Lopez on Friday
and flew in on Thursday for pre-op tests and to settle in. They were
able to do the pre-op work-up pretty quickly, including the
psychologist, nutritionist, bloodwork, and cardiologist preop
clearance and ekg. My plane got in at 11:30 am on Thursday and I
waited for my companion traveling from another city until 12:30. We
got to the first appointment by 2 pm. I saw Dr. Lopez by 5:00 pm.
He showed us a cd-rom of the surgery and answered all our questions.
He asked since I finished everything pretty quickly, would I like to
get the surgery done today so that he would have more time to observe
me after the surgery and I could rest an extra day. My immediate
response was that I wanted to get settled in TJ, have my last meal,
(I was TOTALLY STARVED after having no food or water for 8 hours),
and read my novel to get psychologically prepared for the surgery--
that's the kind of person I am. But after thinking about it, and
that I had already fasted and it wasn't that late, and it did make
sense to spend more time recovering without travel too soon. So I
did have the surgery that evening. Things happened pretty quickly
after that and I don't wear a watch, but I remember the nurses trying
to get mefrom the hospital cart back to the hospital bed at 9:30 pm.
I was glad that I had the surgery done the same day because I needed
the time to recuperate at the hospital. I was discharged from the
hospital on Saturday afternoon, stayed saturday night at the Lucerna
hotel then flew home Sunday. I didn't have an easy time as many have
posted on these groups. I didn't know anyone personally who had had
a lap band. I knew several who had r-n-y's open and laparascopic and
that their recoveries were 1-2 weeks and more. I could barely get
out of bed on my own the morning after. I needed my companion to do
EVERYTHING for me. I was so sore, couldn't pass gas, had too much
pain and whined to Dr. Lopez to give me something else for pain and
that I had not expected the post op course to be so rough. By the
way the trip home was hell as the sandiego airport closed due to fog
and we had to be shuttled to the los angeles airport by a bumpy van
then wait 2 more hours for another plane. That definately set my
recovery back by a day or two because I had to pull my own luggage
from plane to shuttle and back to the next plane. My port hurt too
much. I would never recommend to go it alone as others say they have
done. Well, 1 and 1/2 weeks out my port still hurts but I'm back to
work and now dealing with my issues of being depressed that I no
longer have my best friend to help me solve my problems--food.

I don't think anyone has to be afraid of surgery in Tijuana. The
city looked like any large city with clean and dirty parts. I didn't
see any strip clubs or hookers but I wasn't looking for any either.
The hosiptal Oasis was clean and all the nurses were professional and
spoke english. I am a physician myself and was never suspicious
about any procedures or sterile technique. The Operating room was
clean and well equipped, but looked a slight bit older than the state
of the art facilities in newly equipped hospitals in the USA. The
Hotel Lucerna was first class. My travel companion , also a
physician was also impressed. If I were to need plastic surgery I
would return to the same place. Ida/Dr. Lopez/10/16/03/244/229/165

Dan good morning, from Tijuana. Karen and I came down on Friday and
had our surgeries on Sat. as of this morning i don't know if i get
to go home or not. i have Nora and my hubby checking on my flight. i
do so hope to get to go home, i miss my family. i came alone, but
karen and her boyfriend have been great company. i am doing well
this morning. i've been up since 4:00, basically worrying about
whether or not i'm going home today. i feel much better today then
yesterday, minimal pain, just a bit of gas. i did a lot of walking
and did those breathing exercises as much as possible. as for what
it is like here in tijuana, it is a bit smoky, the smell is horrible
from the fires, there is falling ash, comes down like a slow snow
drizzle. i'm hoping to get my last meds here at 8, get this iv,
thing out of my arm, take a shower and maybe walk down to the ocean.
As for Karen, i think she is still a bit more sore than i am, but
she also had another procedure done, that could be causing a lot of
her excess pain. i will keep in touch when if i ever do get to go
home today. i am not supposed to get home til 10;00 TONITE. BUT THAT
IS BETTER THAN NOT AT ALL TODAY. take care all, and wish me luck,
chrissy--

YAY!!!!! Thanks everyone!
Louise

Hi,
I'm wondering what's happening with folks who went to TJ late last
week. Or those who are trying to get there now for surgeries. I know
flights have been cancelled, and now they're saying that the airports
may be closed for some time. I'm sure this is extremely frustrating
for those who've scheduled surgery, or who are stuck and unable to get
home with no flights out of San Diego or elsewhere.
Anyone in TJ to tell how bad things are there? I'm sure it isn't
nearly as bad as it is for those who've lost homes, had to evacuate,
and so forth. I also hope that all the bandsters are all right and
that they've not lost houses or lives.
Good luck to all,
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/235/199

Yes, you will like the answer! Crystal Lite, tea, coffee,fruit juice, water----- all the same towards your liquid intake. Some choices are just more caloric than others. I drink Crystal Lite all the time and never skip my A.M. coffee. Sue H
weezie724 <Weezie724@...

Hi everyone!
I don't think I'm going to like the answer to this question, but does
Crystal Light count towards daily water intake? I have such a hard
time drinking water. Does anyone have any suggestions for getting
all of that water in? I'm trying to work up to it since my surgery's
in 3 weeks (YAY!) Thanks!
Louise in Omaha
11/18/03 Dr. Rumbaut
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:

Lisa, Dr. Kuri's price includes free fills for life. The only charge
is the radiologist which is currently $50. This is an important
factor when choosing a surgeon. Some doctors charge up to $250, in
addition to expensive radiologist fees. Dr. Kuri also provides
transportation from the airport - check out his web site. If you
need more information, feel free to email me privately at
queendeb317@... - aftercare is a significant issue and should
not be taken lightly. Debbie

Yes, it does Louise. Ardie

Hi everyone!
I don't think I'm going to like the answer to this question, but does
Crystal Light count towards daily water intake? I have such a hard
time drinking water. Does anyone have any suggestions for getting
all of that water in? I'm trying to work up to it since my surgery's
in 3 weeks (YAY!) Thanks!
Louise in Omaha
11/18/03 Dr. Rumbaut

I have just got off the phone with a representative from Dr Autoro
Rodriguez's office. I have been inquiring about lap band in Mexico. I
guess I am wondering if any of you have had this surgeon do your
operation? If so could you please share your experiences with me? How
are you getting your fills done now? I live in North Central PA and
am concerned that if I don't have a good doctor state side to do the
fills- I'm wasting my money getting it done.
Please let me know.....thanks.
John

yes: drlopezbandsters

Martha
Dr. Lopez/Tijuana, Mexico
9/26/03

Hi Kelly,
Are you overeating? Once you feel that burp, stop eating. Also,
get up and walk around and generally once your mind is off it, the
burps will come and make you feel better.
Ardie/Fl.

-Basicly
It is not that the docs are bad in fact they are great but the
problem for those of us on the east coast is what to do after and
what to do even if there is a small problem. One can't just up and
get on a plane. So if the doc sees you for a day or two after it
goes a long way.

I am having the feeling of wanting to burp, but I cant "force" it out myself. I have had two slip out on their own and have felt much better when they did. The question I have is will I ever get to burp again (forcing them out) or will I constantly feel the need to and cant?
Kelly in KY
Dr. Rumbaut
10/21/03