Infoblog

I was down at Dr. Lopez's for an unfil last Wed. and Dr. Carmen was there. It must have happened after that. She never said anything.

Sonja

Dr. Lopez 9-02-03

I had recently contacted Dr. Wynn's office in Delaware about having a
fill done, as they are only about an hour away from me. This is the
response I received:
Sorry, but our policy has just recently changed. We can not do your
Lap
Band fill. I apologize for the earlier response. This has just
become
policy.
Marie L. Lewis
Office Manager
mlewis@c...
(302) 369-4300
I doubt that it refers to any of you that are already her patients. I
did mention that my band had been placed in Mexico. I am only posting
this as information. You may want to change your files regarding
contacting her for fills.
Janice

I was banded the end of July 2003 and am on ly 1/3 to goal but have
hit my first mini-goal. I am down to 198. My mini-goal was to
break the 200 mark which I havne't seen without the phen-fen assist
of 5 years ago since I was.....well along time ago.
Just wanted to share...
Eileen
230/198/140/130?

Rite Aid (and I'm sure all other major drug stores) carries liquid
tylenol (it tastes horrible but works great!). The outlets are the
same. You should probably plan on changing some money for
incidentals, even though credit cards are taken. I needed money for
the farmacia in Mexico (I ran out for zantac the night before
surgery) and for cab fare one night while I was there.
Good Luck! Julie

Oh, don't think a thing about it, they do it after you go to sleep in surgery and take it out before you wake up, you never know you had it at all. LOL It's ok, maybe your doctor didn't do it, you'll never know unless you just want to ask. It's too late to yuck over it now, you've past that point and didn't even know it. How bad is that? That's the kind of stuff you don't want to know before you have it done to you anyway. I know some people might, I could care less.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Okay, I leave Sunday for Monterrey and a few questions have come up
during my preparations. First, has anyone found liquid Tylenol for
adults? Next, does Mexico use the same appliance outlets we do or do
I need a converter? And last but not least, will I need any pesos or
can I do everything with dollars? Thanks everyone for your help!
Louise in Omaha
11/18/03 Rumbaut

Oh my God - I was catheterized!?!? I'm horrified!!!!!! No one said
anything about catheterization! Oh my God, you've freaked me out!
What else did they do? I understand the balloon part, it seems
logical, make it easier to stich, etc., I had a thorough explanation
of the stitching and buckle, etc., etc., but catheterization... I
thought I had done a lot of research into how the surgery was done...
Yuk, yuk, yuk, yuk, I'm so horrified and embarassed, yuk, yuk, yuk,
yuk.... EEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
(I don't know exactly why, but this has really upset me!)

to prevent slippage (I understand from another post that Dr. Kuri does this as well). I
~Lea
*************************************************

You were a very observant student , did Dr. Sanchez try to get you to come work for him! LOL, he probably could use a good nurse!

Dr. Lopez does that in his surgeries too, I think it is standard procedure now and that's how it is taught now, so only some dumb ninny would be doing it differently , the whole purpose was to correct the ease of slippage. Also , the really smart doctors will overlap that stomach along the part of the band that is not exposed to the buckle on the band to help prevent some erosion, I hear. You hear stuff all the time. It's interesting, I did not know we were catheterized either, I did not know about the balloon put into the top of our stomach during surgery either, all that would be fun to watch , is he going to give you a copy of the tape? Now that would be fun to have, why not ask for one, I'll bet he'd make a copy for you. What an interesting event your surgery recovery was.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

BTW, I forgot to add two things to my original post after getting back from MX.
The first is that I would not recommend the pain meds in recovery if you don't really drink. They knocked me out for almost 6 hours (they gave me Nubain). The meds that the nursing staff administered once I was in my room were much milder and were probably helpful in avoiding inflammation.
Second, I got to see a tape of my surgery! The anesthesiologist came into my room to check on me the afternoon after my morning surgery and he had 3 videotapes in his hand. I knew that Dr. Sanchez only had 3 surgeries scheduled for that date so I asked him if one of those tapes was of my surgery and it was! Anyway, my best friend (hubby stayed home with our daughter) and I watched the tape right before we went to sleep. Dr. Sanchez actually came to see me in the middle of viewing it and he narrated the whole deal! It was so cool (speaking as a nursing student here)! After seeing the tape, I am even more convinced that the surgery was the right decision as I had plenty of fatty deposits around my organs. I also wanted to add that Dr. Sanchez does stich the band to the stomach quite a bit. He almost makes a partial sleeve of the stomach which fits around part of the band. He said that that is to prevent slippage (I understand from another post that Dr. Kuri does this as
well). I am wondering now how long the sutures are good for? Dr. Sanchez's assistant Claudia is going to make me a copy of the tape and mail it to me in a couple of weeks and I am going to try my darndest to gross out my hubby with it ;) .
~Lea
11/8 Dr. Sanchez
252/.../199 mini goal

That makes it mighty tempting to come listen in on that discussion, but alas I have to use that Vegas money to go to Mexico for a fill but if they get something going, maybe I will get to come to the next one. I really would enjoy going to a bash, that would be great fun. I love support meetings. They are so educational and you meet such wonderful people to share stories with.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Good for you Julie. Wishing you well and glad things are going as you thought. Everyone I have talked to said they woke up the next morning saying "What have I done to myself" that scares me. Smile, you have already taken a huge step to prolong your life and I am sure your family is happy about the choice. God Bless.

Beth

Anyone scheduled for the first week in January in Monterrey?

Beth

Hi my name is Caroline and I set my banding date for Nov.25th -
Tuesday.
I am having Dr.Kuri do my surgery.
I had my consult with him today and I also got to go check out the
hospital he uses in TJ- it was small but clean and decent- nothing
real fancy. That's ok because I know I am not going to be there that
long- just over night because I live in San Diego.
Anyone else having there surgery Nov.25th or around then?
Caroline

Here is some information on the Dr that performed my daughters and my
surgery in Tijuana, MX on 9/26/2003. He and his staff are
wonderful. Our expierience was great.
http://www.lapbandclinic.com/lap_band_clinic_surgicalteam.html
DRagsdill

Gosh, Dr Carmen did a fill on me just a couple of months ago!!! Is
Nora still there? Kathy from Concord

I had my first fill on 11/3. And they only put in 3/4 of a cc. As
the Doc said I was pretty tight to begin with. Before that I was
able to eat a chicken strips with no problem, last night I ate one
and all night long my stomach ached and all day today it is soooooo
tender. Any Advise?????
Deb
Dr. Lopez 9/26

I see on Dr. Lopez website that someone found out as of today Dr.
Carmen was not with Dr. Lopez staff any longer. Does anyone know
what happened?
Debbie
Dr. Lopez
9/26
260/240/170

Ok - I type fast so please excuse any typos - but I was banded by
Dr. Kuri - so let me set the record straight. Dr. K does use a
smaller pouch - for a very good reason - with the smaller pouch you
have less chance of errosion and slippage. Also Dr. K does "sew"
the band to the stomach to reduce almost all chances of slippage -a
fairly new proceedure done first by dr. Favoritte(sp) in Italy -
Inamed has the paper on that - really interesting if you like
pictures.
So in answer to any questions here on pouch size and/or slippage-
from a horse's mouth or pouch in this case- there are usually good
reasons for what a doctor does - if you ask. You are the captain of
your ship, your band, your life...ask questions - do your homework
and be happy!
I love the boards - smartbandster, PNW and Mexican Bandsters are my
top favs...lots of useful information - but like all boards - lots
of other stuff as well - that's why there is a delete key and a down
arrow. I probably dont post as often as I should - so I thank all of
you who share so graciously with others.
DonnaC in Seattle
Dr. Kuri 3/22/03
265/171/140 -

Hi Michelle,
I had to respond to your post re: Mexican doctors. For one, they have been
doing the band for many years and have much more experience. Most of the
doctors in the states have done less than 100 and some have done very few
surgeries. The fee in Mexico, if you are self pay, is about 1/3 what it is
here in the States. My doctor, Ariel Ortiz is in Tijuana and is very well
know and respected in the bariatric community in the States as well as
Mexico. He has been doing the surgery for the last 7 years and has done @
1000+. He is an Inamed approved doctor and has proctored many doctors in
the States on how to do the surgery. He is President of the Bariatric
Surgeons for all of Mexico (or may be past Pres. by now). There are many
fine doctors in Mexico that you can't go wrong with: Dr. Lopez, Dr. Kuri,
Dr. Rumbaut, Dr. Sanchez, Dr. Rodriquez all have a lot of experience. If
possible, I would suggest that you choose a doc that is closest to where you
live.
My nurse girlfriend was having a fit when I told her I wanted to have
surgery in TJ. She was adamantly opposed and we had arguements over this.
She & I did drive to TJ and meet with Dr. Ortiz and saw the hospital (3 hour
drive for me) before I ever decided to use him. After our meeting, my
friend changed her mind and saw how professional he is and that the hospital
was clean and modern. She has since become a very big supporter of Dr.
Ortiz and the Lapband. If you are interested in more info on Dr. Ortiz, his
website is Tijuanalapbandcenter.com or obesitycontrolcenter.com.
I wish you much success whatever you decide.
Carolyn
Dr. Ortiz 10/5/02 -87 lbs.
Michelle writes:
I would love to talk to some people that have had the band done in
Mexico. I am seriously considering this option as neither one of my
insurance companies will cover the surgery, but some reservations
about this. Everyone I talk to tell me that they would not do it,
so I am very confused.
If someone out there could give me some assistance in my research
and which doctors are reputable I would appreciate it.
thank you
Michelle

hi marylee--i am speaking from experience here..i had my lapband done and after losing 65 lbs. my daughter approached me about being banded. i made her join the different sites and read email pro and con everyday. i asked her questions and when i was sure she knew what she was getting into it was only then that i made an appointment with dr. kuri and took her down. she has since gone from a 26-28 to a 16-18 and is managing her band quite well. we have gone down for fills together and it's wonderful having a banded buddy who knows what we go thru. when we have dinner together we eat off bread and butter plates..we both can't eat bread and certain foods and she loves being banded.

judy m. in ny

-97.5

I had Gastric bypass in Dallas in Jan of 2001 and have done very well
my daughter is considering the Lap Band in Mexico because of the high
cost here in the US I want to be able to help her make an informed
decision about this Too often we make this decision out ot fustration
so hopefully with 2 of us her decision will be the best for her. I
really want this for her and if there isnt a safety issue in mexico
and the procedure is the same it would be great. I hope to talk to
some of you that have experienced this procedure in Mexico Thanks
Corky

Talk to the doctors who may work on you about that. Let them know how
bad your apnea is (what is cpap setting, etc.). Plan to take your
cpap with you, as they'll want you to have it after surgery.
dan
Tuesday, November 11, 2003, 7:12:15 AM, you wrote:
g
g
g
g
g
g
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

What doctor is the best choice to research, my husband is very
concerned about the whole issue of infection rates and stuff like
that. I have sleep apnea and there is also the concern about that.
Did any one of you have sleep apnea and how did they deal with that
issue. I have been instructed by my doctor that I should spend the
first 24 hours in ICU after any type of surgery due to the problem.

Hi Diana - we were scheduled to be banded the same day in different
parts of mexico. I'm wondering how you are doing! Please post or
email and give an update! Julie

Liz,
I was operated on by Dr. Kuri in August and just came
back from my 1st fill. During the flouro and barium
swallows I definitely saw a pouch above the band and I
am definitely not over restricted from the fill. He
put in 1.5 cc's and I could probably use more. I
think you should do more research rather than taking
the advice from just one source. I did extensive
research before my surgery and the only thing I
remember reading about the stomach pouches above the
band are that some surgeons may leave too big a pouch
which may compromise weight loss. I could be wrong
but I can't remember anything about too little a pouch
- and if so, it certainly hasn't affected me at all.
Bunnie

He can not ethically dismiss you, I imagine he'd like to get rid of the lady who wrote him the letter fussing about her price of fills. Coleen, only say what you feel is comfortable to say to Dr. Snow, don't ruin your relationship with him. I'm sure you won't do that, you seem like a person with nice tact. Good luck.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Hi Lori,

You know I joined this support group along with many others because like many of you out there I am suffering from obesity and wanted to be free from this. I have read over many posting over the past two weeks and the only thing I can tell you these groups have done is give me a better understanding of how our world is so screwed up.. This is nothing more than he said , she said , and whos who.. from where?

In a world where so many of us are fighting obesity one would think we obese people would be here to help one another all though instead you argue, and try to emotionally debilitate each other on a daily basis. I am sure that as children we were all taught that "if you having nothing nice to say then please say nothing at all"

can anyone remember back to childhood when another child hurt your feelings at school? Does anyone think that because we become adults that we no longer have feelings? I beleive that whom ever controls this group ought to make a habit of posting something motivational everyday instead of trying to convince obese persons what doctor they should choose for their procedure. To think there must be a good reason why you must be giving your time to this group to help control it why not try to do some good with what you are doing?

Liz
"Lori A." <loribelle59@...

Liz,
It's important not to use second hand information when reporting on a
doctor. Only your personal experience with a doctor should be posted
regardless of what a "friend" experienced. Otherwise anything you say
that a "friend" said is SUSPECT and doesn't shed favorable light on
you. Good luck with your surgery in Monterrey.
Lori A.
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:

I just wanted to quickly post to let you all know that I was back from
surgery. It was really a great experience; the staff, the hospital,
the hotel, and Dr. Sanchez were all SO wonderful! I am in very little
pain now, just some soreness at the incision sites and a LOT of
burping/ gas issues ;)! My surgery and recovery were uneventful and I
am now an official bandster! YIPPEE!! My only issue now is convincing
my 2 year old daughter that Mommy isn't a jungle gym....
~Lea
11/8 Dr. Sanchez

I just can't believe this! I just got back from Mexico today and was
feeling so pleased that I already had aftercare lined
up....grrrrrr..... I am going to call Dr. Snow's office tomorrow to
find out a little more, but I am so disappointed. I am going to need
to go back to Dr. Sanchez now for my fills, not that I wouldn't love
to make the trip but the time and the cost will be so much more now.
~Lea
11/8 Dr. Sanchez

Martha - hang tough!!! Where do you live - perhaps you can go on

He has caused me a great deal of hardship as I counted on him for fills before I left to get a band and he promised to do them, but I understand his point , it would have been better if he'd just not taken any more appointments for those he chose not to band rather than go back on his word and cancel appointments already made. That would only have been two people and neither of us griped about anything. He could just have poisoned the other lady that wrote him an ugly letter and then we'd all be happy. ;o) But I guess it's water under the bridge now.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

If you have been on the moon and have not been reading the plethera
of posts regarding fills please do your research on your after
care. Many of the fill doctors in the DFW area (and I'm sure many
other states) are NO LONGER taking Mexican patients as their own due
to liability issues. If you can afford the $1000 fills that New You
in Dallas is going to start charing in January ($500 for now), then
you're ok, but for most of us $1000 is unattainable, so we are
stuck. Most of you need to budget into your surgery the cost of
follow-up and fills. I know this has been said many many times, but
so many newbies don't bother to read previous posts therefore they
are out of the loop.
Good luck to all,
Coleen
7/19/03
222/194/185 mini/140 goal
2.5 cc total - 2 fills - Dr. Snow

Someone posted this on Dr. Rodriguez's site they said FYI...
Damn Beverly, that's too bad. I talked to Dr. Snow's office this
morning and she explained to me what happened. They had a Mexican
bandster who came in (I doubt it was Dr. Rod since Dr. Snow said
only good things about him). Dr. Snow had a really hard time
finding the port so he requested a fluroscopy. Now we all know that
there is always a possibility of having a fluroscopy in case there's
a problem or the doctor can't find the port. Anyway, the patient
wrote an extremely "ugly" letter to Dr. Snow complaining about
having to pay for the fill and the fluroscopy. So, that's why he
has decided to stop taking Mexican bandsters.
Good luck!!
Karin

Michelle,

I would do it again in a heartbeat. I was just banded on 09/26, by Dr. Lopez in Tijuana and my experience was great. Everyone was very nice and knowledgeable. I had all my friends and family scared because I had chosen to do this, but once I finally got them to look at the research that I had done, they felt much better about it. My mother actually ended up going with me and having the surgery as well!! If you decide to go to Mexico to have this done, you will NOT regret it. It's worth it. Good luck ....these boards will give you lots of valuable information. This is where I started and everyone is WONDERFUL!!

Traci
Dr. Lopez 09/26
208/196.5/140

---Hi, Check the calorie count of the juice you are
drinking....some juices are VERY hi in calories. I just read a post
on margaritas....having 1600 to 1800 calories in a really big one.
Some juices can have a whole bunch of calories. Try and get fluids
in the calorie free zone! Kathy
thirsty the past few days. So I have been drinking some juice. Today
I get on the scales and am up 2 pounds. Is this just water weight? I
HOPE!!

I would love to talk to some people that have had the band done in
Mexico. I am seriously considering this option as neither one of my
insurance companies will cover the surgery, but some reservations
about this. Everyone I talk to tell me that they would not do it,
so I am very confused.
If someone out there could give me some assistance in my research
and which doctors are reputable I would appreciate it.
thank you
Michelle

Stephanie, THANKS for your answers. Dr. Kuri told me
the same thing but I guess I still somewhat worry...
Thanks for ease my mind of the concern.
Tina

I read this article on Medscape (www.medscape.com) and thought it might
be of interest.
--
Crys Harris
crys@...
Physicians Not Immune From Anti-Fat Bias: A Newsmaker Interview With
Marlene Schwartz, PhD
Laurie Barclay, MD
Sept. 30, 2003 Editor's Note: Even health professionals specializing
in obesity tend to be biased against overweight individuals, according
to the results of a study published in the September issue of Obesity
Research. Although the level of bias is lower than in the general
community, it is striking in a group trained in the genetic and
environmental basis of obesity.
In this study, 389 health professionals attending an international
obesity conference in Quebec City completed the Implicit Associations
Test and a self-administered questionnaire measuring explicit
attitudes, personal experiences with obesity, and demographic
characteristics. These clinicians and researchers associated the
stereotypes lazy, stupid, and worthless with obese people. Bias was
less in older individuals, in men, in those working directly with obese
patients, in those who felt they understood the experience of obesity,
and in those who had obese friends.
To learn more about the implications of these findings, Medscape's
Laurie Barclay interviewed lead author Marlene Schwartz, PhD,
coordinator of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders and an
associate research scientist in psychology at Yale University in New
Haven, Connecticut. The study was funded by the Rudd Institute, a
nonprofit foundation studying anti-fat bias. Dr. Schwartz has no other
financial disclosures.
Medscape: What are the main study findings?
Dr. Schwartz: The primary findings of the study are that health
professionals who specialize in obesity exhibit an automatic anti-fat
bias. The level of this bias is lower than [that] found in previous
research with community samples; however, it is still significant.
Medscape: Is there any explanation for the findings that younger people
show greater bias than older people, or that men tend to be less biased
than women?
Dr. Schwartz: My hypothesis is that these findings are consistent with
research that young women are the group at highest risk for body
dissatisfaction. This is probably due to the fact that young women are
also exposed to the greatest societal pressures to be thin, such as
viewing fashion models or TV characters.
Medscape: Were you surprised that health professionals tended to show
the same bias as lay persons? What can be done to counteract this bias?
Dr. Schwartz: The health professionals in our study were less biased
than lay persons, which was encouraging, but the fact that they did
have the bias did not surprise us. We all have grown up in the same
society and are exposed to the same media messages and societal
pressures to be thin. The fact that even health professionals have the
bias reinforces how incredibly pervasive and powerful the stigma of
obesity is in our society.
Medscape: If understanding the experience of obesity and having obese
friends tends to lessen bias, does this suggest that sensitivity
training might be helpful?
Dr. Schwartz: Thank you for asking this question the purpose of this
study was not to simply say that professionals are biased; it is to
move the field forward in finding ways to combat this bias. In fact,
the North American Association for the Study of Obesity is the group
that we studied, and it was their journal where the study was
published. This group is courageous in acknowledging this bias and
wants to be in the forefront of making changes to promote positive
attitudes toward obese individuals.
So, yes, sensitivity training might be helpful. Trying to understand
the experience of an obese person for example, by wearing a "fat
suit" for a day might help. I think that one way to change our
thinking is to substitute another physical condition or medical problem
for obesity when we think about what is appropriate. For example, in
professional presentations, it is not uncommon for researchers to have
unflattering pictures of obese people eating large amounts of food, or
wearing clothes that are too tight, to illustrate their talk and be
humorous. I've often thought that if we were at an AIDS conference it
would never be tolerated to have pictures of emaciated people using
intraveous drugs or having unprotected sex as a way to illustrate
talks.
The researchers associated with the Rudd Institute have been doing a
number of studies to test different ways to change levels of bias, and
we haven't yet found a solution. Ongoing research by Rebecca Puhl
suggests that people are most likely to change their attitudes when
they find out that others they respect do not hold those attitudes. In
other words, knowing that anti-fat attitudes are not tolerated among
respected groups may help people change their own attitudes.
Medscape: Could some of the negative stereotypes endorsed by physicians
in this study, such as linking "obese people" to "bad," be explained by
the negative health consequences of obesity?
Dr. Schwartz: This is an excellent question as well. Yes, some people
say that they associate "fat people" with "bad" because it is bad to be
fat; it's unhealthy in a number of ways. It is possible that this
accounts for some of the effect, and that the positive versus negative
valence of the adjective pairs was responsible for the effect more than
the actual words themselves. However, I think about the research on
anti-fat attitudes among young children (a study was published earlier
this year by Latner & Stunkard in Obesity Research on this) and I'd be
willing to bet anything that elementary school children do not
discriminate against their overweight peers because they are thinking
about their increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Medscape: Does weight bias among health professionals endanger obese
patients or increase the risk of less-than-optimal care?
Dr. Schwartz: This is an important question to study. We do not know
the relationship between implicit attitudes and actual behavior around
patients, but we hypothesize that our attitudes do affect care. Our
hope is that increasing awareness will help all of us be more mindful
of the assumptions we make about our patients such as whether or not
we believe they will be compliant, or whether we believe they are doing
all they can to take care of themselves are influenced by their size.
As a psychologist, I have worked with patients who have made tremendous
behavior changes in terms of exercise and healthy eating and haven't
lost as much weight as their physicians expected. My patients felt
their physicians didn't believe how hard they'd worked or didn't value
the changes they'd made as much as the number on the scale. My message
to physicians is to focus on the behaviors of their patients more than
the number on the scale. We are all limited in how much absolute
control we have over what that number will be.
Medscape: Is there anything you'd like to add in closing?
Dr. Schwartz: We have put the Implicit Association Test on the Web, and
it would be great if you could encourage your readers to take the test
themselves. It takes about 20 minutes and is at
http://www.weightbias.org. This site links to [the Rudd Institute Web
site], which describes the organization that funded this study and is
committed to addressing obesity bias in our culture.
What makes me panic about this study is that demonstrating anti-fat
attitudes in health professionals specializing in obesity might
legitimize these attitudes in the general population. These findings
should not be used to justify anti-fat bias, but rather to point out
that even physicians and other providers need to be aware of their own
bias and take measures to counteract it.
Obes Res. 2003;11:1033-1039
Reviewed by Gary D. Vogin, MD

Hi Tina,
I have been banded now just over a month and the samething happened
to me after surgery. I vomited three times really hard and I asked
the doctor and he told me not to worry because the bands are stitched
into place. He told me yes there was a chance that the stitches could
be damaged but it was not likely. If you have any uncertainty or
questions you should always ask your doctor.
About the liquids.... it is suggested that you drink small sips a
little at a time but as your stomach heal the more you will be able
to drink. I gulp down water allday long with no problem but I know
that will change after my first bad adjustment.
So to answer you question...yes you are normal. ;-)
Stephanie
Dr. Rodriguez
10/03/03

Monday, November 10, 2003, 10:37:19 AM, you wrote:
T
T
juice.
T
T
Probably so. But that is also a good example of why many of us don't
weigh any more often than once a week, if that. It is too easy to
make our feeble little brains crazy if we gain a pound at that time of
the month, lose some weight, gain when we're constipated, or
whatever....
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

I just had my band surgery for about 10 days.
Immediately following the operation, when the
anesthesia wearing off, I woke up and felt so
extremely nauseous that I vomited couple times. My
doctor gave me an anti-nauseous shot to calm me down,
and I slept through the night of surgery. I have a
concern and somewhat worry about the vomiting because
recently I have read that if vomiting happens, it may
stretch your new stomach pouch before it heals and
increase the chances of stomach tissue slipping up
through the band. How would I find out whether my new
stomach pouch might have been stretched? Or the
stitches may be damaged by the vomiting? Am I worrying
too much?
By the way, for the past 10 days, I am on the liquid
diet, mainly fruit juice, water, and clear broth of
chicken-veggi soup. Instead of taking small sip of
liquid, I can easily drink large amount of liquid
without feeling any difficulties or restriction (I
know..no restriction until a fill!). However, I wonder
is it normal to be able to take a large amount of
liquid?
Thanks in advance for your help answering.

I had lost 12 pounds as of yesterday, but I have been incredibly thirsty the past few days. So I have been drinking some juice. Today I get on the scales and am up 2 pounds. Is this just water weight? I HOPE!!

Trish........IL

Wouldn't it be best to have the fluoro since you will not be where you can get there and back easily. That's what I have decided to do. I am thinking it would be as much put in as they can see that safely passes through the stoma. It seems that maybe you would get it to be a little tighter than if you just put in a little at a time. I'm not sure if that would work or not, but I still want them to use the fluoro machine on my first one. I think I'll call and see about getting an appointment too.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

ortiz

ortiz, iposted twice sorry. forgot to say that i had
a lot of work up done too.

Who was the doc for that price?
dan
Friday, November 7, 2003, 9:20:01 AM, you wrote:
jc
jc
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

Yes, Dan , I'm thinking it will be the best, if I can figure out my transportation, but still I want to have as much information to use to figure this out as I possibly can, so I will do as much as I can. I know the cost of the fill will be the best price in Mexico but if I figure in the plane trip, it may not be. If I can drive somewhere and get a fill for twice as much, I'll still be ahead. My doctor in Mexico told me he charges $160 for a fill so if I have to pay two or three times that much but can find a doctor in Texas, I would still be ahead unless I can get low air fare to San Diego. We'll see what comes out of all of this. I'll consider all options.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

That's what I call them. Filling stations is an antique term I've not
heard in a long time. And you're right about service, as long as
you're not in Oregon or New Jersey.
Sunday, November 9, 2003, 1:58:23 PM, you wrote:
d
service?
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

Sunday, November 9, 2003, 1:56:47 PM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
TJ docs will arrange for you to get from San Diego airport to their
office. Those who do arranging will speak English very well and will
take good care of you. So, don't rule out Mexico, as it MIGHT be your
best deal on doctor and on cost.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

I thought this might be useful to some here. Barbara, Dr.
Rodriguez's assistant, posted this on his group site.
Kimberly
Barbara Posted:
This is such disappointing news! But , Recently I have learned that
many (not just in Texas) doctors are not taking new patients for
adjustments, because of this everyone needs to budget & plan for
travel to Mexico for adjustments. most of us here are lucky that we
do not need to take an international flight to get back to our
surgeon.
No doctor is required to take on a new patient that is not an
emergency & adjustments are not emergencies.
Whether someone picked a doctor that offers free adjustments with
only a fee for the x ray (fluro) or a doctor that does charge , we
all have to plan to budget for travel expenses & the possibility of
x
rays.
Many have asked if Dr. Rodriguez will do adjustments for patients
that did not choose him for surgery, So far his schedule does allow
this, but as we loose more American locations, appointments for
adjustments with Dr. Rodriguez might required more planning (time
wise). AS of now ,the cost is $35.00 without x-rays (fluro, barium
swallow, etc). The $35.00 fee goes directly to the doctor. If you
need x-rays, the fee is paid directly to the hospital and the cost
is
approximately $100.00.
Payment is rendered at the time of service and in cash. American
currency is accepted. Neither the doctor nor the hospital can
process
credit cards nor do they accept personal checks. Having exact change
is best since the doctor generally does not carry much cash on his
person and the hospital may not have change in American dollars -
they will have to give you change in Mexican pesos.
Adjustments are done M-F 11 am - 1 pm & Saturday from 10:30 am -
noon, by appointment only.
Please remember to not have any solid food for at least 5 hours
before adjustment.
Please plan to stay in the area for about 2 hours after adjustments
in case of delayed distress.
Following the adjustment you should have a low spice, low acid,
liquid lunch followed by 24 hours of liquid - then another 24 hours
of pate-textured foods. Liquids should pass easily - if not - this
is distress and you must return to the hospital (nurses station or
administration office) and request the nurse or administration
person
to
telephone Dr. Rodriguez for you.
If at any time there is distress (persistent reflux or vomiting),
please contact the doctor - Joseband@... or your local
doctor.
Please be advised that persistent reflux or vomiting is serious
distress and should not be ignored.

I call 'em "gas stations" , what are they now? "Service stations"? With no service?

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

I'm no wizard. Have heard on SmartBandsters that Inamed is training
docs to do fills. Don't know any details. That's all I know.
dan
Sunday, November 9, 2003, 12:51:27 PM, you wrote:
d
d
d
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

I have been writing the Medical Imaging Centers in the Dallas area to see if they do fills, I've been writing the Medical Universities, the teaching schools , etc. anyone who looks like the right place to write, but I'm not sure I'm picking the right kind of places and I'm not even sure I'm asking the right question. I'm explaining that Inamed makes the band and it needs to be filled and there aren't many in this area who do the fills and the number of people needing the service is constantly rising. I explain how the fill is done and the fluoroscopy machine stuff. What else can I say? I was thinking of flying to some of these states that do fills in the US. I just feel like would be able to get around in the US better because I know how to speak English.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

I read a post where someone was wondering how that machine looks
like. I have a trip report with pics of the actually fill. Feel free
to have a look here:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze6pwwz/id18.html
Leo

Sunday, November 9, 2003, 10:17:30 AM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
Imagine it has happened, but....when I got filled under fluoro the doc
filled until nothing went thru, then backed off and watched small
quantities go through, which is what it is all about, right? Then
went and had some nice thick cream soup and that was fine, so I went
home.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

Sunday, November 9, 2003, 8:56:07 AM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
You do have a legitimate gripe, and it is unlikely there is a damn
thing you can do about it. That is crappy, to be as polite as
possible.
d
d
d
d
Yes, you got a bad deal. And I hope you can find someone else to fill
it. But....even if you'll have trouble getting fills, you are still
eating less and making progress. So keep on doing the things you
should be doing as far as living like a bandster goes, even if it
isn't a tight band.
d
d
d
d
d
It isn't tight, but it isn't useless either. Hang in there.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

Dan, what is Inamed doing to get help with fills? Who are they training and how many and where will they be located and how much will they charge? I'm asking just in case you are a wizard.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

I like that explanation, it's really clearly put. Thanks Dan.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Sunday, November 9, 2003, 1:52:47 AM, you wrote:
SLP
You say pessimist, I say realist. I'd NEVER try to stop ANYONE for
fighting for what they believe in, or what they think is right. And
there is certainly nothing wrong for fighting for insurance reform.
But, as a number of others have also pointed out, insurance companies
are not about making you healthy. They're about making money for
their stockholders, like any other business. If they lose money
because of paying for bands, they won't do it. Even though you may be
healthier in the long run with a band, that doesn't help the insurance
company, since you're not likely to have the same company when you're
healthier. Plus, they look at the bottom line now, for this year, not
for the long run.
SLP
SLP
SLP
Apparently it is necessary to keep repeating the obvious as Jessie,
Sandy, and others also do, partly because there is such high turnover
in these groups.
SLP
SLP
Nope. All my socks are in a cubby in the closet, in whatever way they
go in (I do roll them when I do the laundry so they will stay in
pairs).
SLP
SLP
SLP
SLP
SLP
Oh, they're concerned, as they should be, but they're also not in a
position to change insurance companies either. They ARE doing their
part in training people to do fills, and that may help in the long
run.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

Trish, I was banded on Oct. 25th. I also went to Dr. Lopez. I
understand about much of what you mentioned, I just made sure I
stayed on top of the nurses. They were pretty constant about
bringing in my meds to put in my IV. I did a lot of walking though,
so they saw a lot of me. I would remind them of stuff if it started
getting much later than they had told me. I guess the one thing we
hae to remember is their time schedules and how they deal with them,
they are not as prompt as we would like, but I believe that is just
part of their culture. As a matter of fact one girl actually told us
that if she was having a party at 4 she would tell people to be
there at 2, because they are notoriously late. I just found the
humor in it and dealt. I had about 6 days after surgery where I had
that stuck, pressure and pain in my chest after I would even drink
water. I called Dr. Carmen and she said the esophagus gets swollen
and that the feeling would subside, and it did after about the first
week out. The second week was just more a week of feeling
uncomfortable, and just a little bit of a problem getting stuff
down. I didn't have any problem with my protein drink. I am now on
the 3rd week, and I do well with like cream of wheat, and crackers,
and I like to have my protein drinks with crused up ice in it, kind
of like a slush. I actually am feeling great so far today, Nov. 9th.
I have lost 14 pounds, but I am sure alot of it is water. You have
to remember that you started out at a much lower weight than some,
so it may take longer to lose the weight. I experienced a PB
yesterday, because I tried to eat some not so runny refried beans. I
got about 3 bites in and I jumped out of the car and it started just
shooting out of me, the beans and saliva mixed, it's not like really
vomitting, I didn't have to force it at all, it just fountained out,
I know that is gross, but that is the only way I can explain it. I
felt much better when it was out of me though. I imagine all people
are different as to when they can switch to different foods, I guess
i'll just stick to the creamy for awhile. I feel like I have some
restriction, and I'm hoping to not have to go have a fill for
awhile. Yes I do still get the growling in my tummy, but I don't get
the headaches and nauseated and light headedness like I did before
when I get too hungry. It's really weird because it's like the
bottom of my stomach is screaming out to feed it, but when I eat I
can only get so much in. I guess all I can say is please be patient,
I know how frustrated you are, cuz that first week, I really wanted
this thing out of me. It may take you a little longer to feel
comfortable again, but when it happens, you then will start to see
that you made the right decision. Best of luck to you, keep in
touch. Chrissy

I also live on the Olympic Peninsula [PT]. Fills are able in at three locations: Shelton, Tacoma and Puyallup. I talked to all three, decided on Puyallup and am very satisfied. It costs $275 with barium. They are very careful, take measurements while you are on the floro to make sure they are in the right spot, etc. This is an imaging place. Some of the rest of you looking for a fill doctor might quit looking for a surgeon and look to imaging medical facilities to see if you can find someone willing. They want to know who your local doctor is and will send the results to your GP. My suggestion: get a referral from your GP. Call around to the various imagining places or go see them. You don't need a regular doc [these are docs too] you need someone who has a floro machine, can read a floro and can figure out how to hit the port correctly.

Joan

I am paying for my surgery and figured I'd be paying for my fills as well. Will I still be facing the problem of finding doctors to perform my fills?

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

answer: Yes

You mean that you are paying someone in America to do your fills? I thought you are paying someone in Mexico to do your fills. It doesn't matter that you will be paying for your fills, you will have to pay for those unless you get a doctor who offers free fills when he does your surgery. You will have to have a doctor somewhere who does your fills. If you live in America and have surgery in Mexico and plan to have a doctor in America do your fills, please talk to one who will agree to do it before you go to Mexico, otherwise you may have to go to Mexico to get the fills and you need to know that up front before you go get surgery so you can plan to make those trips.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Traci, I wonder how many ever had to go back and get unfills, if they use fluro every time, is it less likely they may be over filled? I thought you really couldn't tell for sure if you were too tightly filled when using fluro. Or maybe it was that you could not tell exactly how much fill to put in. Something about that you can't gauge a fill perfectly under fluro, but it seems you'd be able to get closer to what you need if you could see how fast the liquid was flowing through there. I'm scared that I would have to go back again and again to get it unfilled, and what do you do if you need it unfilled the same day after you got home. I think there must be something that prevents over fills, people just can't go that far to get unfills. Did you ever hear of people having to go back to Mexico to get unfills?

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Bill Hermes wrote:
Subject: trim your posts please

This message is for Sam Houx<houx99@...
<<snip

How to trim and/or clip your replys to your email messages.
First you need to copy contents from the received email message or
received post from this group and paste it in your reply email.
<<snip

Hi!

I would like any information on the availability of
any doctors in Western Washington who will do fills for
patients who have had their surgeries outside the U.S.

I'd also like to know what they charge roughly. I live
on the Olympic Peninsula, but have no problem traveling
the length of Western WA for this service. Eastern is out
of the question, however.

Anyone know where I can find a list of Western Washington
docs who will do fills maybe? Thanks for any info....

Aunti
===========================
Lap-Banding scheduled for 12/15
in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
5' 7" / 336 lbs.
57 years old
Port Angeles, WA

Dan, I did find someone local, close, and affordable and he saw me in consultation at which time he told me he did fills for others, and I called before I went to Mexico an arranged an appointment to get my fills done there and they agreed to do it, but then cancelled. So I believe I did my job, as much as I saw I needed to do it, now they have cancelled and I do believe I have a legitimate gripe, that doesn't mean I am right, or that it's fair , or that the doctor doesn't get his way. I just feel I got the shaft in this case, because if I'd known he would not do my fills at the time, I would not have gotten the band. Period. I can't afford to go to Mexico every month to have a fill adjusted. I can't afford to hop on a plane and get a hasty unfill if needed. So I am sort of stuck with a useless band . I could have afforded to go to the local doctor and get fills.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

This message is for Sam Houx<houx99@...

Dan, you're such a pessimist. Though I can appreciate your candor at times (which is invaluable to groups such as this) and have learned much from your posts, your knack for pointing out the obvious is rather static. I bet you organize your sock drawer!

Now Martha, though Dan approaches this one way, I like your stance. I love the hairy fists of change. Inamed would do good to heed our position. Though I do agree that it's not their 'problem', it should be their concern. Why should I bother buying their product if I can't get the batteries...ya know?

DX, Dr. Kuri, 11/21, 329/320/160

It isn't Inamed's problem. It is the patient's problem. If you go to
Mexico, you should plan to return there for fills. End of story. If
you find something local, or fairly local, and affordable, be
thankful, and be particularly thankful if they know what the hell
they're doing.
Inamed can't do a damn thing about surgeons and other doctors and the
amounts of malpractice insurance they have to pay.
dan
Saturday, November 8, 2003, 10:08:33 PM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

guess you will have to take me with you!
********************************

I'm sure my hubby would love that!!

Traci

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

He can still go. LOL

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

it is Ezel in Washington.

Beth

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

Goodness, don't feel bad, it was just a misunderstanding. Not a major sin here. LOL You know I asked the Dallas Fort Worth web bandsters for a reference to a fill doctor and got not one single reply. How's that for community support?

What are you doing so far from home?

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Here is the report of a paper presented at the American College of
Surgeons 2003 Clinical Congress (where Dr. Ortiz was made a Fellow
of the American College of Surgeons). It is alarming that the death
rate from gastric bypass (RNY) is 1.9% within thirty days of
surgery, or four times what had been reported previously. Yet it
stated that even this dangerous surgery improved long-range survival
rates. Just think what the lapband numbers are, given the
negligible death rate of the surgery.
Tom Newport Beach
Dr. Ortiz 2/27/03 -96
From DoctorsGuide.com
ACS: Gastric Bypass Surgery Has High Short-term Mortality But
Improves Long-Term Survival By W. A. Thomasson, PhD
CHICAGO, IL -- November 7, 2003 -- Almost 2% of the patients
undergoing gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity will die within
the first 30 days, according to a report presented October 21st at
the American College of Surgeons 2003 Clinical Congress.
David R. Flum, MD, MPH, and E. Patchen Dellinger, MD, University of
Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States, said this mortality
rate is four times that extrapolated from reported case series of
experienced surgeons.
The good news, however, is that gastric bypass patients reduced by
4.5% their chance of dying over the next 15 years, they said.
The study used data from an administrative database that reflected
hospital admissions in the state of Washington for 1987 through
2001. Patients who were admitted to a hospital with a diagnosis of
obesity or morbid obesity and underwent gastric bypass surgery were
compared with patients who did not undergo such surgery (excluding
those who died during that hospital admission).
Patients with co-morbidities such as HIV infection or cancer that
might have confounded the results were excluded in both groups.
There were 62,781 patients in the surgery group and 3,328 in the
control group. The two groups had identical Charlson score, an
index of co-morbidity. However, patients undergoing surgery were a
few years younger, more likely to be female, and more likely to have
diabetes or renal disease, but were less likely to have liver
disease.
The researchers found that 1.02% of surgical patients died in the
hospital but when they added those patients who died shortly after
hospital discharge, the total 30-day mortality was 1.9%.
There was a non-significant decrease in 30-day mortality after the
introduction of laparoscopic surgery in 1997. There was, however, a
strong correlation with surgeon experience. Surgeons who had done
fewer than 20 such procedures had almost a 5% rate of 30-day
mortality while for those who had done 250 or more procedures had a
rate that was nearly zero.
Follow-up ranged as high as 15.5 years, with a median of 4.4 years
and 25% of the patients having been followed for at least 8.1
years. Cox regression analysis indicated an expected 15-year
survival of 11.8% for operated patients and 16.3% for control
patients. The difference was even greater for patients under age 40
years -- 13.8% versus 3% -- although this calculation is based on a
relatively small number of events. For all patients who survived
for 1 year, the chance of death thereafter was one-third lower if
they had had the operation.
These data thus support the benefits of gastric bypass surgery and
informs the cost-benefit analysis that insurers and others are now
carrying out.
They also, however, indicate that institutions need to take steps to
minimise the effects of surgeon inexperience.
[Study title: The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Patient Survival: A
Population-Based Study]
URL of this article:
http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/8525697700573E1885256DD
7005A916C?OpenDocument&c=Surgery&count=10

Though everyone is different, my surgery was 3 months ago and I've
only had to have one fill. My current fill is still working like a
charm! I found a fill doc within driving distance that does them for
$150 (in office, no flouro, sternal port). I used the surgeon
locator on Inamed's site and then started calling around like
madwoman until I found what I was looking for. My second line of
defense was going to be to find out about cheap round trip deals from
my local airport to ANYWHERE in the U.S. You never know where you
might find a doc who will work with you. I've heard you can get
inexpensive fills in NJ and I think my local airport has regular
cheap fares to/from there. I'm sure there are other places like that
as well. Just a thought. Good luck!
wendy from birmingham
Dr. Rumbaut
-29 at exactly 13 weeks post-op

Hi all - Thought I'd share my band "highlights." I'm back and
successfully banded. Dr.'s Ortiz and Martinez were very
professional and everything went smoothly. The nurses were
attentive and the hospital room was comfortable, still, I was
itching to get home. I'm feeling pretty good, I'm taking liquid
tylenol only for pain and haven't had to do it yet today. I've been
pretty successful with liquids but am definitely aware something is
different. If I take too large a sip, I'm really uncomfortable for a
couple of minutes. I think I'll try using a straw so I don't gulp
too quickly.
I drove down with my mom and daughter on Wednesday(we live in so.
cal.) - she ended up leaving early Thursday as my daughter was
climbing the walls (she's 3). It was nice to have them there for
my "last meal!" I talked my way into getting discharged Friday
afternoon (my surgery was early Thursday morning) because I live
fairly close. Coordinating pick-up was a bit of a fiasco! I ended
up taking a cab from the hospital back to the Lucerna where the
shuttle picked me up, then the shuttle took me across to San Diego.
Unfortunately we got a flat tire just across the border so we ended
up spending 40 minutes in a gas station just across Otay Mesa - Oh
well. Needless to say it took a long time to get home.
I've been having some gas pains and some pinching pain in my port
area but other than that I feel pretty good. I'm sort of waivering
between "oh my God, what have I done to myself" and "this will
probably be okay." Oh, and I have some pretty purple bruising,
especially over the port area.
I'm sad to read about Angie losing her band and Peg (sorry if I've
gotten the names wrong) having dehydration. It's especially scary to
read about it 2 days out of surgery. But I'm optimistic. Wish me
luck. I'm sure I'll have a million questions once suspended
disbelief wears off. Julie

---Judy - I'm sorry I don't know much about the mechanics of the
Swedish band. But I've had mos of self tightening and then looseness.
When I talked to Dr. Rumbaut about this esp. the hormone effect on
self ightening he said the following. He felt that studies showed
that
the band/stomach is more affected especially if the stomach is
irritated already. Dr. Enzman -an Endocrinologist who spoke at last
years Seattle Bash and will speak again this year spoke to about 25
hormones that reside in the stomach. We know these hormones are
triggering the hypothalmus to tell us/ rats that were full, it would
make sense to think they are playing are role in stomach swelling.
Just my thoughts. It's nice to hear from you. Joanne in Seattle

Have you been to him yet? I hope he keeps you guys & just means new people.Keep us posted.
Beverly

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

I had gone to Dr. Snow on Sept 8 to discuss getting a lap band, my insurance later said they would not pay. But he told me he did lap bands for other people that he did not band. I called and asked ahead of surgery if I could come back to him for after care and for fills, and they were not very interested in doing any aftercare from what the nurse said, she told me after care costs $350 but you don't get anything for it. I asked why anyone would do that if that was the situation and she said nobody does. So I made my appointment for my first fill, when I was back from surgery as they would not let me make it beforehand. Then they cancelled it yesterday, saying they were taking no new patients for fills who were not banded by him. No amount of pleading changed their mind. I never complained about anything to them so they did not turn me away for that reason, and I imagine that they are not doing them for insurance purposes to be truthful. I don't blame them but it
sure makes me sick, now I have to see if I can find a place to get my fills somewhere in the Dallas area. I'll begin calling on Monday but if all else fails , I know the way to the airport, but it may be fun to drive down with someone else getting a fill to Mexico and split the costs. I wish Dr. Snow had just kept me and started with the next new person who asked to be scheduled for a fill, that would have been nicer. ;o)

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

I believe the main reason for the price difference is essentially the difference in the economic climate of the two cities. Monterrey is the third largest city in Mexico, an international business center with many universities, hospitals and medical facilities. Tijuana, as a border town initially had little industry of its own and was dependant on tourism for much of its revenue. Tijuana, like much of Mexico is growing up rapidly as Mexico capitalizes on a resource the US doesn't have, cheap labor. We are seeing the economic climate of both cities change as all of Mexico is changing, slowly but surely. I guess an appropriate analogy would be the cost of a medical service in Chicago as opposed to the cost of the same service in Little Rock, Ark., or the cost per square foot of housing in Los Angeles as opposed to Omaha, NE. Economics even here in the US can vary wildly from various regional areas as they do in Mexico.

I have a home do business in Quintana Roo, Mexico and the changes both politically and economically over the last six years have been pretty radical to say the least. I think we will see huge changes in many of the border towns as more US companies move labor intensive operations south of the border in search of cheap labor. This will in turn increase the economics of these areas and the border towns may indeed become business centers that flourish independently of tourism on par with Monterrey and Merida.

On a lighter note, in Quintana Roo we have many illegal aliens from Guatemala and other economically depressed areas slipping across the border into Mexico for jobs. I have to smile a little when I hear the local Mexicans talk about how these illegals are stealing jobs the rightfully belong to Mexicans and complaints that the southern borders should be monitored more carefully. Boy does that sound familiar?

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

Cathy, my "light bulb" didnt really light up either when it was time to stop. So I thought. I started paying a little more attention while I was eating and started taking deep breaths about midway through a meal. I started to feel a tightness in my chest, BINGO!!! I was filling up!! Don't know if it will work for you, but that is what did for me.
Kelly

my band will be two in march,,,,,and I have not had any trouble,,,,but I have noticed that I can get a fill, of saline, and be tight for a week, then I am not tight,,,,,then out of nowhere, I am tight for weeks,,,,,,so you just never know,,,good luck, amy

Not sure about financing options, but there is two ways that you can pay Dr. Rumbaut.
-$10,000 takes care of surgery, dr fee, hospital, meds...etc and if any problems arrise
-$7,000 for his doctor fees and you pay the hospital yourself ($2500+/-), but if something should happen, it could be a lot more.
Safest is the $10 K.
Kelly in Ky
Dr. Rumbaut 10/21/03
-16.5

can someone explain why the prices in Monterrey are so much higher
than TJ

Beverly,
I live in Houston and if I book my flight at least two weeks in
advance with SWA I fly in San Antonio for $100 RT. Then rent a car
and drive to Del Rio $40 day take a cab to Acuna $35 RT, get a fill
Saturday morning $35 drive back to SA (2 hours) and fly out at 8
PM. That way I only have to drive to Del Rio and San Antonio and
get to spend some time in Acuna. It only costs about $250 RT and I
can make it in one day. It works better for my than putting all
those miles on my car or renting a room for the night.
Kimberly
9/30/03
314/297/150

FYI...just read on another board that Dr. Snow of Decatur, TX will
no longer be doing fills on those of us who were banded in
Mexico..too many complaints about the added cost if he can't find
your port. To my understanding, if you were already a patient,
he'll continue to see you.
Another challenge to bear. Dr. Snow is such a great person/doctor,
it's too bad that a few people had to ruin it for everyone else.
But, I guess this is part of it.
Coleen
Dr. Rod 7/19/03
-30 lbs

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of mexicanbandsters
Lea's Surgery Day!
Saturday November 8, 2003
All Day
This event does not repeat.
Notes:
I am so excited at this first step to a new healthy life. Please keep me in your prayers today!
~Lea

Has anybody else on this board with a Swedish band changed out their Iopamiro for saline due to self tightening and still had trouble with the saline? I thought because of the different osmolarity the incidence of self tightening would be less with saline but my band is up to its old tricks again. I seem to go for months just fine then all of sudden too tight and gargling all night. I will have a bit removed but I am wondering if any others out there particularly with the old style Swedish bands have experienced this?

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

Thanks all for the info about the balloons. I never thought about how
the pouch was actually formed. Thanks again.
Cathy

Please be very careful. If your still spitting up saliva, your very
swollen. You might be needing to get rehydrated before Monday. How
close do you live to TJ? Call them tomorrow if you still can't keep
liquid down. Don't let this go very long. Susan Helms can tell you her
story.
Cathy

I know this is what's happening, but I must be missing the signal to stop eating. I had two bites of chicken, some cabbage and a cooked carrot. It's now sitting in the esophagus and it's been there for 3 hours or so. I can feel it when I swallow. I haven't pbed nor do I have any strong pain in my chest. I know this is wrong and I'm not doing myself any favors by getting so backed up. What is the signal like that says stop? I know it's different for each person but I'm looking for ideas as this isn't the first time that I have ate too much. I haven't had any fills yet and am not inclined to get one until after the holidays. I am the non dieter. I'm going to have my holidays on my schedule with the restriction that the band provides which for me is a lot. At least this is my plan until I change it.. Which may be tomorrow.

LOL
Cathy

I am so tickled for you & wish you the best.

I am posting this with you guys too. Dr. Snow in Decatur Tx cancelled my appointment today for follow-ups & fills.Says too many complaints about added price of finding ports.I am really disappointed but not giving up. Have scheduled with Dr. Rod in Acuna who did my surgery. Best part about all this is I get to visit with him & all his great staff again.Guess there are always silver linings..lol

Beverly in Azle

I am so excited! I'm getting my band November 21st by Dr. Kuri!
Thank you guys so much for all of your help. I can not tell you how
much I worried about choosing the right doctor before I found you.
I'm on a high right now at the thought of getting my band and can't
find the words to express how I'm feeling but I'm sure all of you
bandsters know this feeling well.
My pledge: To NEVER own another pair of pants with an elastic
waistband! To NEVER wear a pair of shoes just because their
comfortable...I look forward to cramped toes in my 5" stelletos :)!
To NEVER walk around again with ashy feet because it was too
exhausting to reach all the way down there and rub lotion on them.
To NEVER wear Grannie Pannies again!
THANKS AGAIN GUYS!
DX, 329/320/160

I replied to a post recently that was posted from a person's
computer digest file....and somehow the whole dang file went with my
reply.....I am sorry and it won't happen again....even though I
didn't do it on purpose this time!!! Kathy

Hi all you Illinois folks! I was born and raised in
Illinois...Peoria...lived in Eureka all my life untill I turned 21.
Then I moved, first to Texas, then Arizona, now Northern
California.....the weather is definitely perfect here. The trees
are sure beautiful in Illinois for about 3 weeks. Now winter is
starting. brrrrrrrrr. Kathy
I just moved from Rantoul right next to

Meredith,

Hi, I live in very Southern IL. south of SIU Carbondale.

Trish

HI TRISH
What part of IL are you from? I too am from IL
I live in Round Lake
Meredith
264/236.5/160ish
9/26/03

HI TRISH
What part of IL are you from? I too am from IL
I live in Round Lake
Meredith
264/236.5/160ish
9/26/03

Kimberly, when I began my search for a surgeon and found Dr. Sanchez, I had the same experience. It's one thing to rival another business...it's another to put potential customers (patients) in the middle of it. They have to be pretty dull to think it won't hurt their business or peoples perception of them.

My decision not to use Dr. Sanchez had nothing to do with this but it definitely didn't help his chances of getting me as a patient.

DX, nyb, 329/320/160

I was going to use Dr. Sanchez until his staff started bad mouthing
each other and debating over Belighter and other affiliates of Dr.
Sanchez. Dr. Sanchez seems to be a great doctor and man. The petty
squabbles his staff is having needs to stay off the message boards.
Dr. Sanchez lost me as a potential because of some of his affiliates
bad mouthing one another. I know you lost others too because of the
same childishness.
This is a support group for banded patients. A support group, not a
place to bash one another with litigious grievances that are
unrelated to the band.
Anyone that has anything negative to say about Belighter, Ann Marie
or any other non-band/non-doctor subject need to keep their negative
comments to themselves.
Kimberly

Hi all. For any of you considering the band I would highly recommend
Dr. Alberto Aceves and his hospital and staff. I just completed my
surgery with Dr. Alberto Acevas in Mexicali Mexico on 10/22/03. The
Dr., hospital and nurses were absolutely wonderful and the surgery so
far has been trouble free, considering he corrected two hernias ( 1
Hieatal and one Navel) in addition to my band.
Dr Aceves is a caring and concerned person. His niece Nina is his
patient rep and she is very knowledgable and fluent in English. I can
talk to Dr. Aceves daily on his cell phone with a US number or by
email. If anyone wants information on him please contact me. The
Mexicali area is much less congested than the Tijuana area and about
a 2hr drive from the SanDiego or Palm Springs Airport. Border
crossings are easy and uncongested and the hospital is about 1/2 mile
from the border crossing. Bruno Galliano

Same here Dan, I was pretty restricted for about 4 months after
surgery and so far I have had 1 fill and still feel restricted. I
don't expect to be needing another fill until at least another 4
months.
Leo Man
Dr Verboonen and Dr Ponce de Leon
07/07/2003 255/208/155
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze6pwwz/

I am truly sorry to hear about your erosion, I know that is something we
all fear and I hate to hear it is become a reality for you. There are
several people that have been eroded had their bands removed so their
stomach can heal for a period of time, then been rebanded. Don't give
up hope!
Saludos,
Judy
SAGB 3/17/00
Dr. Sanchez
204/140/130?
5' 2"

Angie, I am praying for you. You spoke elequently about your experience and I, for one, did not read any deterrence of having the surgery in it. I am pre-band and will use your experience as additional knowledge of knowing the risks I'm facing with having it done. Thank you for sharing. Stories like yours is what makes this board so important to everyone on it.

DX, NYB, 329/320/160

hi cathy--the balloon she mentions is used to measure out the size of the pouch. it's a tube it goes down to the top of the stomach, filled to the capacity that the pouch size should be and the band is placed under that.measure. balloon deflated pulled out and voila! a pouch. we all have POUCHES. it's like the top of an hour glass. newbies need to do their research to understand what's being done to them and be able to explain the procedure in case of an emergency.

in 1985, i had a balloon put in and inflated in my stomach. it must of been a prototype of the balloon they are able to use in europe and mexico now but it's not approved in the states. i worked in the OR. and was a guinea pig for our gastro doctor who was trying it out. two nurses had the balloon deflate and caused intestinal blockage. they both needed emergency surgery to remove it. i soon had it removed by an endoscope. weight loss, none..gained a few pounds.

judy m. in ny

--97

dr.kuri

or

What balloon? It's done by putting the band around the stoma. I don't
ever recall hearing of any balloon.
Have you seen the pictures of the inamed band. There is no balloon
there.
(I believe that Imamed, midband and the swedish agb are all similar-but
I could be wrong.)
Cathy

Oh dear Angie....so sorry to hear about this. I'd thought that when
we had our fill adventures on the first of october that the things
were taken care of then. But I know how well you've done and how
beautiful you look, and know you'll continue to do well, even without
your little band buddy.
AG
AG
Gee, talk about bad stuff happening to good people. But it is good,
as you said, that they found the polyps and can keep you from getting
the cancer.
AG
AG
AG
Hope you mean that they'll all be in January....so that all your
medical expenses are in the same year for tax benefits. Or else that
it can all happen at the very end of december to get it all in this
year.
AG
AG
AG
I bet that after the surgeries you'll still be able to maintain it,
and lose even more.
AG
AG
AG
Well, as your basic guy, I can say you're a babe now and look pretty
damn good already. I understand wanting to lose a bit more, and I'm
sure you will, but you're looking good now.
AG
AG
AG
AG
AG
AG
AG
AG
removed!
This is good. From the first part I'd thought you wouldn't be able to
get it back. And even if you gain a bit, you'll lose it back with the
new band. Besides, after all that surgery you may not feel like
eating much for a while anyway....or the docs won't let you while you
heal the stomach and everything else.
AG
AG
AG
AG
and love and hugs to you too, dear Angie,
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199