Infoblog

Yes, quite a few have, at least in Mexico. Dr. Ortiz and others will
put a band on someone with your type of BMI (over 33 from what little
you say below). I know of at least one lady who had it done with a 31
BMI.
dan
Wednesday, November 19, 2003, 6:54:17 PM, you wrote:
a
a
a
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

Wednesday, November 19, 2003, 7:14:10 PM, you wrote:
SH
SH
SH
SH
SH
SH
SH
SH
SH
SH
My wife and I both believe that the loss of all of the insulation
makes a big difference. I've certainly been colder this fall and
early winter than in the past.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

Ardie,

I was banded Aug 26 in Acuna Mex by Dr. Rodriguez. I just had my first fill Nov.15 so thats why I am on liquids & mush.Today is my 5th day so I will try other things now just dont want to damage band -may not feel like I am having trouble now,but in 6months or 2 years you can lose your band because you never let it heal properly.I listened to my dr. because I invested too much not to plus I want this to work.The lady that wrote about cheating on day 9,boy did I want to!!!!!!!!!! butdidnt want to have complications later on.I say do what dr. tells you.We have the rest of our lives to eat solids-a month isnt that long.

Beverly

I am new and have narrowed my choice for surgery to Dr. Ortiz.
Could anyone let me know their experiences. I read his
qualifications but still would like to know how people are doing.
You can email me or post.
Thanks in advance
Elle

Hi,
I had my surgery October 26th with Dr. Ortiz and paid by Credit Card.
My surgery went extremely well and I just adore the Doctors. The
attention and care they gave me was better than anything I every
experienced.
H.T.

Hi,
Will any of the Drs take credit cards? Let me know, Debra

Ardie, Bev and I just got our first fill and our doctor made us stay on liquids for several days and then pureed and then soft foods and Bev is just to the soft , mushy foods part of the after fill diet, we both are, but I'm starting solids , well, I'm supposed to be still soft, so I'm sort of mixing soft and solids the rest of this week, then we are supposed to go just to solids next week, that's why Bev is doing what she is doing right now, I know it sounds like we are not doing what we are supposed to do, but we really are, we just have not gotten to solids yet.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Don't rule out the doctor's in Western Washington to do the fills. Just a suggestion since you are in Oregon.

Beth

I too am not sweating all day any more. I used to fight with my husband over the thermostat , and I wanted it cold in the house, year round. I wanted the heat turned on today, and it was only about 66 in the house, usually I'd love that, not any more. I'm sleeping in a winter gown this week too, I'll bet I haven't had this gown on but once since someone gave it to me at least three years ago. My feet are cold, I think it's not enough food to eat and drinking cold water all day long that is causing it.

My husband keeps remarking that I'm losing weight and that he is proud of me for sticking with this so well, but what else can one do ? Can't eat enough to keep a bird alive any more, so can't help but lose weight, and sticking to it isn't too bad of a problem, you just know what you get and may as well blow off what you don't get, so there you are. I just quit thinking about food except the need to make something for my husband every now and then. If I can eat it, good, if not then I find what I can eat and go on about my business.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Beverly, How long have you been banded? If you've already told us,
forgive me for not remembering. If you have had a fill, I think
maybe you should try eating "normal foods" like meats and veggies
and occasional fruits. You won't barf if you listen to your band
and stop when you get the lump in your throat or pain in your chest.
Believe me your band will let you know when to stop. Soup, mushy
foods, and the like will go right through your stoma and you might
be eating more then you think. Try 3oz of meat and if you have room
eat veggies and chew, chew, chew. Eat small bites, don't drink with
your meal (drink a glass or bottle of water before eating and wait
for about an hour after eating to drink another glass or bottle of
water). I don't think you want to go through your banded life eating
only soup and mushy foods. <G
Ardie
//I just hope we continue to fair so well.Yes,I have the 11cm so I
guess 5cc arent too much. I dont feel much different but I havent
had anything but soft,mushy stuff-mashed potatoes,cottage
cheese,vienna susage mashed up,tuns mashed up & I chew chew chew
even the mushy stuff.I dont want to vomit at all!!!!!!!!.. I stick
to liquid protein drinks & soup all day(its easier going to work)
but for dinner,I try soft, mushy stuff. //

Ardie,

Yes mine is the 11cm & I guess that makes sense.What do you think about the tube holding some of the saline? Mine tube isnt but about 4 inches long so I wondered how dr. can make saline JUST go into band without knowing if there is some left in tube.Does this make sense?..LOL I always think of the weirdest things.

Beverly

I personally started slowly exercising again when I was 4 weeks post-
op. I was used to exercising so it wasn't difficult for me to start
up again. I exercise daily for an hour - sometimes it's a mixture
of stretching, walking outside or on the treadmill. Yes, I'm sure
it has helped with my weightloss but it's hard for me to give a
definite reason as I also adhered to proper eating. Each person is
so different but I do know that exercise is a tremendous help to our
well being and a wonderful road to better health.
Ardie/Fl.
Dr. Sanchez
01-15-03
226/170/130 hopefully

Hello Marilyn,
I has a 30 something BMI when I went to Dr. Joya. I also had RA,
high colesterol, acid reflux, fibro my., and other health worries.
Last March I took out a loan and flew to Mexico. I have lost 65 lbs
since then on one fill at Tacoma Radiology. I have changed scales a
couple of times so not only has my weight fluctuated so have the
readings. But according to my Dr. here I have gone from 209 lbs to
144 and still slowly losing. My knees feel a lot better and I am
was happy about this adventure.
Im still me but a lot less! I went from a size 24 to a size 8. I
even bought a pair of pants yesterday at the thrift shop that said
size 4. Lol, probably the tag was wrong and that was why a brand
new pair of Eddie Bauer pants were for sale for $3.99 but they fit
and gave me an extra thrill.
Can anyone tell me how long it will take for maximum skin shrinkage?
I eat well and get more excersize than I really need.
Diane 55 years old
03 04 03

Has anyone had lapband done when they were less than the typical BMI?
I'd like to know how weight loss goes for you. I'm 200+ on a 5'5"
body - Thanks!

Somebody tell me what is going on. I am freezing here in So Cal.It was in the mid 60s last week and I was so cold all the time. I wore sweats and at night had to have a thermal blanket, quilt , and a goose-down comforter on the bed before I was warm enough to get to sleep. Up until I was banded and lost 50 lbs. (so far) I was never cold. I'd run around in shorts all winter. Today it warmed up to 81 and I still had to wear a sweater all day! Is it all the "insulation" I have lost perhaps? All I can say is thank God I don't live where it really gets cold. Thanks in advance for any help. Sue H. (the human popsicle)

I'm curious to know who exercises, how much, how soon after the
surgery and has it increased your weight loss?

I'm thinking of having it done by him in Puerta Vallarta. Any one
have experience?

Hi, I read your message. Im going to Mexico and Dr Sanchez is doing my surgery. He paid for my trip so I could bring a friend with me. You just have to ask. I'm flying from Colorado and he gave me $500.00 so basically he paid for my ticket. If you go to www.belighter.com you can get in touch with a girl named Shelly. She will talk to the Dr. too see if he can cut you a deal on the airfare. And you can also look at the hospital it is beautiful. We went to Oregon in October and drove the whole coast. What a BEAUTIFULL place I want to go back. I was in love with coast.
Debbie
elizwyatt2003 <elw@...

Hi all.
I am a newbie trying to decide who to have the surgery with.
I like talking to Dr. Sanchez's folks down in Monterray Mexico - it sounds like a
great experience there. They've done a lot of them too. But it is a long way if I
need help and fills. They are inexpensive $10,800 not including $800 airfare
for my mom and I to go down there and that includes staying two nights.
I live in Oregon and was looking in the database provided in these message
boards and there is a place in Kirkland Washington (4 hours away) Brad
Watkins and Kevin Montgomery that I called. They have only been doing this
a year. They have done 190 and have only had to remove one. It is done as
an outpatient "day surgery" for $16,000 but that includes the 1st year
maintenance.
I need all of your opinions. Is there someone better in my area? Someone
better than the rest that's not $25,000 anywhere in the US?\
Thanks. I really love reading everything that everyone has to say.
E
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:

Since you're in Oregon, you'll probably find it less expensive to go
to one of the surgeons in Tijuana. Flights to San Diego are MUCH
cheaper than to Monterrey. They're also much shorter. No objection
to the doctor you mention, but there are ones in Tijuana (I'd start
with Ortiz or Kuri, but there are others too) who'll do it for same or
lower price, as well as being closer and cheaper to fly to.
dan
Wednesday, November 19, 2003, 12:12:11 PM, you wrote:
e
e
like a
e
if I
e
e
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

I've answered this one before, but maybe on SmartBandsters. Tanning
beds are fine. You wouldn't want to be on it when your scars were
still really fresh as they might burn.
Of course then there's the issue of skin cancer and tanning beds being
inherently evil.....but I won't try too hard to convince you on that
one. I just know how many sun/UV caused skin cancers I've had frozen
and cut off of my body....
dan
Wednesday, November 19, 2003, 10:35:31 AM, you wrote:
cac
cac
cac
cac
cac
cac
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

Hi all.
I am a newbie trying to decide who to have the surgery with.
I like talking to Dr. Sanchez's folks down in Monterray Mexico - it sounds like
a
great experience there. They've done a lot of them too. But it is a long way if
I
need help and fills. They are inexpensive $10,800 not including $800 airfare
for my mom and I to go down there and that includes staying two nights.
I live in Oregon and was looking in the database provided in these message
boards and there is a place in Kirkland Washington (4 hours away) Brad
Watkins and Kevin Montgomery that I called. They have only been doing this
a year. They have done 190 and have only had to remove one. It is done as
an outpatient "day surgery" for $16,000 but that includes the 1st year
maintenance.
I need all of your opinions. Is there someone better in my area? Someone
better than the rest that's not $25,000 anywhere in the US?\
Thanks. I really love reading everything that everyone has to say.
E

Hi All,
I have exactly a week before my surgery on 11/26/03.
I would appreciate any suggestions on diet and any tips on how you
prepared yourselves.
I am so excited and a bit nervous.
My surgery is with Dr. Kuri.
I'll appreciate your input.
Thanks,
Joyce

Odd question. Does anyone have any info on using a tanning bed? As far as, is it OK or if there is a certian time period that one should wait before tanning after being banded? I forgot to ask Dr. R, but will this week when I have my first fill. But I thought I would ask everyone else that has the band if they knew.
Kelly in KY
Dr. Rumbaut 10/21/03
-20

Sylvia asked:

<<Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 07:51:05 -0800

Norma as Marilyn already discovered, Dr. Brinkley is already in the database as provided by you, but thanks very much for the update. Just to keep us completely updated, is her price still $150?

Thanks!

Sylvia

Dr. Kuri

Originally she was doing just fills at the $150 cost. After the Inamed conference last month they recommended measurements, photos, consultations on medications, having patients keep an exercise/food consumption diary and a continual follow up program. They also recommended significant changes to documentation requirements, etc all of which require a longer office visit. Now I don't know what the cost of subsequent visits that do not require adjustments may consist of yet. I guess I will find out next month. Nor do I know if these visits would be covered by insurance if they involve management of co-morbidities, I suspect that would vary from patient to patient, insurance to insurance. If I get that information I will let you know. (I also don't know how to change the information in the database and think the database should also be changed to add the clinical specialty of the fill practitioner because you will be seeing PAs and advanced degreed nurses doing them very
shortly if Inamed has their way.)

One of the problems with the whole issue of post surgical care for AGB patients, both for patients operated on in the US and outside the US, is that many Bariatric surgeons don't want to do any post surgical care of the level of intensity that lap-banding requires and with the involvement of different medical disciplines. I'll give an example using the model used for Cardiac patients in the US. The Cardiac patient is usually seen by a Cardiologist for the continual monitoring of their medical condition. When it is determined they need surgery this is usually performed by a Cardiac Surgeon and then they return to the Cardiologist for monitoring of their post surgical progress. There is no equivalent system for AGB Bariatric patients. They see themselves in the same way as a heart surgeon who only goes in and cuts/stitches and checks the post op healing process. The equivalent of a Cardiologist for Bariatric Surgery should be the Primary Care Physician but they are just
now beginning to train them in the US to do this type of care including adjustments. PCPs are trained in the day to day management of post surgical management of Bypass patients, because their issues usually relate to management of co morbidities and malabsorption issues.

Another problem that US Primary Care Physicians face when treating AGB patients is that they do not usually have radiological privileges at the local radiological facility, be it lab, hospital clinic, whatever. This means that doing it under fluoroscopy must be done by a Radiologist who is not trained in the other support needs of these types of patients. My sister has trained our two local radiologists to do fills but she has been unable to get them to commit to doing them without her being present at the hospital and they have not given her any idea what it would cost to do this. Additionally, many community hospitals are moving to a Hospitalist system of providing medical hospital services-which will make it less likely the Primary Care Physician that sees patients in their office will have access to diagnostic or hospital services in a hospital setting that uses a Hospitalist.

Another issue is personality. Years ago I was a hospital administrator in an 800 bed hospital and worked a lot with the Medical Staff there as it was a teaching hospital. I know this is a generalization, but different types of US Physicians in my experience, have distinctly different tolerance for one-on-one patient interaction. People joke about the prima dona surgeon but it is not far from the truth. Many of these highly skilled people went into surgery because their people skills or interest in people was minimal. They tend to avoid social contact as a group. On the other hand, in choosing a specialty many an excellent surgeon is lost to the fact the new doctor feels the need to spend time with his or her patients which the surgical suite does not offer enough of.

I am interested in hearing back from anyone who had the surgery and
their BMI < 40. How much weight have you lost and in what period of
time.
Thanks!
Marilyn

I also have the 11 band, and I recived 4cc's on my first fill and
1cc on my seconed. Im getting another fill soon, becuase I dont have
very much restriction. The folks getting .5 or 1cc fills have bands
that only hold about 4cc (I think) of fluid. abut half of ours.
hope this helps!
Vanessa

Bev. I'm going to try to address all the questions and comments you made to me, so this is sort of long.

Bev., what kind of band do you have, a Swedish? Does yours hold nine cc's? I thought you had an Inamed which held 4 cc's. Why did I think that?

Yes, Dr. Rodriguez is a very charming man with a good sense of humor and much consideration of fellow human beings. I paid a visit to my GP yesterday when I took my husband and gave him an Inamed book to read and told him I went to Mexico to get the band and he just sat there with his mouth open. I'm sure he thought I was lying to him about how good the Mexican doctors are. He could not believe they trained any American doctors, he wanted to know where they did that and when they did that. I couldn't answer him about that. I wished I could have. I told him to go get trained to do fills. Don Wilson from Inamed told me Inamed was trying to get GP's interested in doing fills but said they weren't too interested since they didn't have many patients who had the band, well, duh! Of course they don't since they don't do bands themselves. My doctor doesn't even deliver babies any more due to malpractice insurance for those deliveries having increased so much over the
years. He could not come out unless he paid to get to deliver them.

Dr. Rodriguez told me to go on liquids for one week. His assistant, Barbara, had told me to go on liquids for 24 hours, 2 days of pureed and 2 days of soft before going on solids. I actually went on liquids for four days and soft one day and tonight ate some very moist solids and I'm stuffed. It was about 3/4 cupful, maybe just a half cupful. I have had no problems with food consumption at all. So far, no vomiting, no Pb's, no anything, but I cut my turkey meat into pea size tonight and chewed it well. And yes, I have restriction, thank goodness, but I wonder if it's enough, it will do for now anyway. I'll see with future meals how much I eat and still feel fine. I'll try an egg tomorrow morning and see how that does. I'll try some turkey tomorrow for lunch and see how just that, without anything else, does. I don't intend to put any more in there than about a half cup of solids. Yes, he told me not to eat spicy stuff this week. I had chicken gumbo broth for
lunch today, but was out in Dallas and had to eat at a restaurant and that's what they had available and I thought it a tad spicy but not way too spicy. I had no problems with it. I think so far I am one of the average bears, one who is lucky enough to have no problems. I hope that keeps up.

Bev, I think liquids should always just flow through unless you are swollen shut. I thought even soft foods are supposed to slide on down, that's why they don't want us to stay on those too long, they are usually not the choice foods to consume, i.e. potatoes, noodles, cottage cheese, etc. (How come you are eating cottage cheese when you are supposed to be on liquids, girl --via doctor's orders?)LOL Liquids get old , don't they, but we have to get that healing time in there.

My husband is better today, thank you for asking and wishing him well. He is taking a ton of medicine but I can't believe the overnight difference it has made. He can get out of a chair by himself today and he has been able to walk by himself today , he holds onto car hoods and stuff to go up and down curbs but that's ok.

I noticed today that my watch is loose. It has never been loose since I've had it and that's been at least 7 years , maybe longer. I've had my rings resized many, many times over the years and I'm afraid to have them made smaller, in the back of my mind, like with all diets in the past, I think , "what if the weight doesn't stay off this time". LOL But we know this is for good , don't we? That is still a hard thing to let yourself believe. It is going to be hard for me to get rid of clothes as I lose weight , since I've always saved them for later when I grow back into them.

I think I covered all your areas of interest and then some. I hope you do as well as me. We are lucky, lucky women.

Martha
Dr. Lopez-Tijuana, Mexico
9/26/03
fills by Dr. Rodriguez- Acuna, Mexico

11/14/03=first fill

Glenna:

I needed my certified copy of my birth certificate, but I was flying into Monterrey. If you are driving, you only need your drivers license.

Lynn

Hi Beverly,
Do you have the 11cm band? If so, that might be why you got the 5cc.
I got 5cc on my first fill also. The 11cm will hold up to 9cc if I
remember correctly.
Ardie/Fl.
// Was wondereing how that works.I read where everyone got 2cc or
1/2 more & couldnt figure how I got 5cc!!!! //

Sandy, I would LOVE to read the report that Dr O gave in Spain as I was banded by him in July of this year. I went to the website you gave (www.facs.org) and searched but could not find it. Could you send more specifics as to where to look please? Thanks!! Sue H.
Sandy <zsflower@...

As I complete my packing tonight, it just hit me that I may need my
birth certificate when going to Mexico. Or is a driver's license
enough? I am flying in to San Diego tomorrow afternoon and having
surgery on Thursday with Lopez.
Thanks for the advice, glenna

Robin: Thank you for your well worded message. I believe all doctors are just as willing to do everything they can for their patients, for which I will be forever grateful.

Lynn (Yakima, WA)

Dr. Rumbaut 7-1-03

Hello Everyone,
I feel the need to clear up the following misinformation and present
the facts. Dr. Ortiz has performed over 1000 surgeries. He is a
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), designated
Proctor for Inamed, Bariatric Expert for a major news organization
and past President of the Mexican Bariatric Association. That
being said I must address the following.
1. We do not discharge patients who can not consume liquids. I
would also like to remind everyone if your are flying home after
surgery and prone to motion sickness, please ask your Doctor for
something to prevent vomiting on the plane. Vomiting causes
increased swelling which can lead to complications.
2. We do not catheterized our patients during surgery.
3. If by chance we can operate sooner than scheduled and feel it
would benefit a patient by allowing us to monitor them for an extra
day we will try and to so. This has happened twice in 1000
surgeries.
4. For patients with hypertension, or severe sleep apnea there is
the possibility of going into ICU after surgery. Their you will be
monitored and seen by a Critical Care Specialist. We want to give
you the best care possible and do not cut corners.
5. We strive for excellence. If we find an area to be improved
upon we will do it.
Lastly I would like to add that we are all here together working
towards the same goal. I feel extremely blessed to have had Lap
Band surgery and regain my life. There are so many people needing
this surgery who won't have the opportunity. Over 250,000 people
have died so far this year from obesity. Let's support each other.
Robin Mancini

Sandy,
So sorry to hear about your gall baldder surgery. See my private email.
Great weight loss of over 100 lbs. Congratulations!!!!
Carolyn

I have been told that the complication percentages in
the Inamed booklet were calculated during the early
years of lap band development. There have been many
improvements in design and procedure since then that
have reduced the numbers significantly.
Bunnie
///BowedOak@... wrote: Subject: the 20%
complication link. actually it's higher that i
thought. On one website page it lists all the
complications in chart form and the leading paragraph
makes the 20% statement, i oculd not find that one but
this is from Inamed's patient booklet.//

//Not to minimize legitimate issues, but INAMED needs to update their
website. That data is based on the original FDA studies and things have
improved greatly since then. Those same studies are the ones that many docs
use to say that you'll only lose 40 percent (or some such number) of your
excess weight. Most of us know that is nonsense.//
****************************************************
Dan, you are right! One doctor told me they could not update that
information for a certain length of time , probably some FDA rule, and
however long that was, he knew, but I forgot, anyway, the time was not up
yet. That's why it has so much stuff in there that is no longer true and
also he said that none of the trial patients had any fills put in their
bands, so that information about how much they lost was not as accurate as
if they had fills. This doctor was one of the doctors who did the trials.
Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Norma as Marilyn already discovered, Dr. Brinkley is already in the database as provided by you, but thanks very much for the update. Just to keep us completely updated, is her price still $150?

Thanks!

Sylvia
Dr. Kuri

Here is their information:

Brinkley Bariatric Services, LLC

198 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 200

Frederick, MD 21702

301.668.2800

Norma Brinkley-Staley

Dr. Sanchez

2/21/03

<<Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 18:12:30 -0000

From: "mp1266" <map39@...

Subject: Re: Fill Doctors- Dr. Green in DC & Dr. Brinkley in Maryland

Sylvia, thanks for your reply! I found 2 drs in your database. Dr.

Green in DC and Dr. Brinkley in Maryland - is anyone familiar with

these doctors?

I am happy to announce that we have another doctor in the Washington-Baltimore area who will do adjustments for patients banded outside the US and/or the state of Maryland. Dr. Susan Brinkley is board certified in Internal Medicine and was banded herself by Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey, MX earlier this year. There she was trained to adjust bands implanted outside the US. Recently she was certified by Inamed.

She has recently established Brinkley Bariatric Services, LLC. She is taking appointments now for new patient appointments for adjustments. She will do fills on all three bands, the Inamed, Swedish and AMI. Please note that your first appointment will be longer than normal. You will need to complete an extensive medical questionnaire on your medical and surgical history, get a before photo taken and body measurements.

If at all possible for those patients banded outside the US whose surgical records may be in a foreign language see if a translation is available from your surgeon. She does not use fluoroscopy or barium swallow, as it is not recommended by Inamed for routine adjustments, however for patients experiencing more critical problems with their post surgical care arrangements can be made in consultation with your surgeon through referral for these diagnostic procedures. The cost is $200 for an adjustment. Monthly follow-up bariatric care and "band friendly" prescription medications can be obtained.

Here is their information:

Brinkley Bariatric Services, LLC

198 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 200

Frederick, MD 21702

301.668.2800

Norma Brinkley-Staley

Dr. Sanchez

2/21/03

**Notice!: I am in no way affiliated with this practice nor am I being compensated for passing this information on to you. She is my sister, she recommended we get this surgery together which we did and I am happy that she is willing to provide this service!!!! You can contact me at nbrinkley-staley@... if you have any additional questions. Until she has HIPPA approved email access she cannot receive email requests from patients to protect their privacy.

Not to minimize legitimate issues, but INAMED needs to update their
website. That data is based on the original FDA studies and things
have improved greatly since then. Those same studies are the ones that
many docs use to say that you'll only lose 40 percent (or some such
number) of your excess weight. Most of us know that is nonsense.
Monday, November 17, 2003, 11:36:54 PM, you wrote:
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Well, yes. Most of us have PBed. But I don't consider that an
adverse event, but a learning experience. Same with nausea or vomiting
(which I'm not sure if they distinguish from PB anyway). In three
years most of any group will have nausea of some sort for some cause.
Bac
This one is particularly high for contemporary bandsters. I'd also
never include those two together, as they're quite different. Slippage
is very rare now that they surgical techniques have improved.
Bac
This sounds like folks who were filled too tight. Imagine many of us
have been overfilled at one point, but that is easily solved and
nothing I'd consider a "complication".
Bac
Bac
Bac
I can't imagine even five percent have them removed any more. Problems
like Angie's are rare indeed.
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
These two nine percent numbers are also much lower now.
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Bac
Yup, this is common sense. Learning with experience.
I'm not minimizing that bad things can happen to good banded people,
but I'm pretty surprised that INAMED hasn't updated this. Either that
or they're doing the same kind of CYA stuff that you read on the
prescriptions and OTC drugs you buy. Read the fine print on the
aspirin or tylenol labels or inserts. Take that stuff and you MIGHT
DIE! To me the key point is that my risk of dying with tylenol or my
risk of dying with a band is SO MUCH lower than the risks of staying
fat, that they're inconsequential.
No, I didn't think it was trivial when I was in the hospital three
extra days with pneumonia caused, at least in part, by aspiration of
materials from my pouch. But it was trivial in comparison to a heart
attack or diabetes.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

FYI...

Dr. Benavides won't take Mexican banders either, he has over 500 patients of his own and can't fit us in.. (so they say)!!!!

Traci

Dr. Lopez 09/26

actually it's higher that i thought. On one website page it lists all the complications in chart form and the leading paragraph makes the 20% statement, i oculd not find that one but this is from Inamed's patient booklet.

Click here: INAMED Corporation: Products: Obesity Solutions (US Patients)

Patients can experience complications after surgery. Most complications are not serious but some may require hospitalization and/or re-operation. In the United States clinical study, with 3-year follow-up reported, 88% of the 299 patients had one or more adverse events, ranging from mild, moderate, to severe. Nausea and vomiting (51%), gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation) (34%), band slippage/pouch dilatation (24%) and stoma obstruction (stomach-band outlet blockage) (14%) were the most common post-operative complications. In the study, 25% of the patients had their band systems removed, two-thirds of which were following adverse events. Esophageal dilatation or dysmotility (poor esophageal function) occured in 11% of patients, the long-term effects of which are currently unknown. Constipation, diarrhea and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) occurred in 9% of the patients. In 9% of the patients, a second surgery was needed to fix a problem with the band or initial surgery.
In 9% of the patients, there was an additional procedure to fix a leaking or twisted access port. The access port design has been improved. Four out of 299 patients (1.3%) had their bands erode into their stomachs. These bands needed to be removed in a second operation. Surgical techniques have evolved to reduce slippage. Surgeons with more laparoscopic experience and more experience with these procedures report fewer complications.

Gina? you are in Eugene? Oregon? I am a newbie in Corvallis! When did you
have your surgery? Do you have info about it?
Excited,
\Elizabeth

Dr. Fredereico Maese in Dallas
************************************************
How much does he charge?
Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03
Martha, Dr Benavides and Dr. Maese are my doctors. Benavides is the surgeon
and Maese does the before and after care. He is a cardiologist and works out
of the Ferris Heart Center in Ferris, Texas, about a 45 minute drive from
where I live in Richardson. My daughter was banded by Dr Rodriguez (we all
fell in love with him!) because she was a self pay and I had hoped that Dr
Maese would do her fills, since she was my daughter and all. NO WAY! They
will not touch any Mexico banded patients. It seems that they used to, and
one of them sued Maese for something that was not his fault, but was due to
how the port was done in Mexico. It only takes one case like that, and the
doctors are no longer willing to deal with the problems caused by patients
who are not theirs. So, one ruined it with Dr.Snow, another ruined it with
Dr. Maese, sigh..... I guess I can't blame the doctors.
Judy C

Good Luck Louise and speedy recovery.

Mexico here I come, January 04

Beth

I've done ok with cornbread, in small amounts. It crumbles rather
than balling up like most breads do.
dan
Monday, November 17, 2003, 5:19:53 PM, you wrote:
T
T
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of mexicanbandsters
Louise in Omaha-Surgery Day!!!
Tuesday November 18, 2003
All Day
This event does not repeat.
Notes:
Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey. Pray for me!

I am making a pot of beans, good protein, right? What have some of your experiences been with cornbread??

Thanks,

Trish

I am a little scared..but I know that I need to get control of my
weight. I am scheduled to get banded by Dr. Kuri on Jan 15th 2004.
Just FYI the database is not correct for the new hospital, the cost
is $9750, not $9500.
Mel

Marilyn, you might want to ask that question on the main boards, most of us here only know Mexican Docs lol

Sylvia

Subject: [mexicanbandsters] Re: Fill Doctors- Dr. Green in DC & Dr. Brinkley in Maryland

Sylvia, thanks for your reply! I found 2 drs in your database. Dr.
Green in DC and Dr. Brinkley in Maryland - is anyone familiar with
these doctors?

Marilyn, not sure if there are enough Drs on this list (in our database) to help you out, but take a look just in case. We are trying to add more as we find out about them. http://tinyurl.com/s8xh

Also $475 is high when you compare going back to Mexico, but probably not for the US; also if you only need 2 fills in the first year then it isn't too bad, you just need to budget for them.

Sylvia

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

Sylvia, thanks for your reply! I found 2 drs in your database. Dr.
Green in DC and Dr. Brinkley in Maryland - is anyone familiar with
these doctors?

Both my husband and I are considering having a lap band done in
Mexico for financial reasons and what to know how do I find a fill
doctor in the U.S. in the mid-atlantic region. We live in North
Carolina and the only fill doctors I saw on the www.bandster.com were
in Texas or Conneticut. I've called a couple doctors in NC and they
won't see us since they are not performing the surgery. The only
doctor who would see us quoted me $475 for the fill/visit. Does
anyone know if this price sounds right? Help!
Marilyn

In a message dated 11/16/2003 11:27:11 PM Central Standard Time, holly_1948@... writes:

I was not aware it is anything like 20%

this is according to inamed and includes every complication from nausea to migration.

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

Go to your GP and let them take a look at it, if it is a yeast infection it will only get worse, and it will take forever to heal unless you get the right medication for it. I got a yeast infection under my boobs and the bends of my legs in my groin area and did not go to the doctor because I never had one before and thought it was heat rash, and tried treating it for a month and by then it was way out of control and I'd scratch it during the night until it bled. It took a good long month to heal to the point that I don't scratch it every night. Terrible stuff to get.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

I have the same rash, first on my IV tape area and then it spread but not too badly. I think it's an allergy to the plastic look over wrap they put on the IV to protect it from the shower since I have used tape many times with no problem but never used that.

Sandy, it is so good to get the word on your gall bladder. They have found some small stones in mine and said I should have it out but warnings have been to be careful because of unnecessary surgery. I'm in no pain and there is no infection so I am in a some confusion about what to do. Thanks for sharing you story . I have my banding 01/04/04.

Beth

Hi, My sister broke out too, but it was from the adhesive. She went
to the dr. got come cortisone cream and it disappeared in I think a
day.

Does anyone know of a cosmetic dentist in Progreso or Nuevo Laredo
Mexico?

This months Eastside Soup night will be held Wednesday November 19th 6:00pm at Lombardi's. Lombardi's of Issaquah
695 N.W. Gilman Blvd., Issaquah, WA 98027
425-391-9097

Tell them you are a bandster with Brenda Hakimi. We have our own banquet room.
For menu and location visit their website at http://www.lombardiscucina.com/MainPages/Locations/Issaquah.html

We will have special guest speakers at this soup night. We will be discussing several different topics to include how to deal with new emotions during weight loss (bandster rage etc.)

Our guests are Vivian Cook a Licensed Massage Practitioner specializing in Rekei, Psych-K, Shiatsu and Hot Stone treatments.

Annie Wall, a Licensed Massage Practitioner, specializes in Rekei, flower remedies and polarity treatment.

Dr. Michael Corsilles is a Naturopathic Physician who emphasizes education, nutrition, herbal medicine and hydrotherapy in his treatments.

Hope to see you there! Everyone is welcome, banded, prebanded, not sure, friends, family etc. Any questions contact me at brendadee1968@... as I do not read all the message boards all the time.

Michelle,

That is great news that you chose your surgeon. That was a hard road of researching for me. I really don't think you'll regret your choice (and I don't think you'd regret any of the other fine Mexican surgeons anyway). I can't tell you how much better I feel after this surgery...what a difference even 33 pounds makes. I am SO glad I did this.

Unfortunately I didn't go through the financing part of it so I can't be of any help there but if you have other specific questions about Dr. Ortiz, just let me know (I sent you an E-mail yesterday telling you a little bit about my experience.)

J

Take care, Michelle!

Michelle

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

365/332/180 - 5'7" - 33 yrs old

Olympia, WA

I have finally decided on my doctor and have set my date for
February 17, 2004 with Dr. Ortiz.
Has anyone had problems getting ahold of Al Cervantez to get
financing for the procedure. I have left a message for him to
call, but have had not return. Just wondering if you just have to
apply online and not go directly through him
Michelle

I haven't posted in a while and it's been a wild ride! I finally had
my gall bladder out. As some of you may remember, I have been having
terrible bouts of pain for 10 months now! My doctors here in the
states have been sending me for all kinds of tests and hadn't been
able to find out where my pain has been coming from. Dr. Ortiz has
been telling me it's my gall bladder all along. He spoke with my
doctor, yet my doc would not take out my gall bladder because all of
their tests could not confirm a gall bladder problem. Once I even
showed up at the ER with excruciating pain and a fever of 102. They
just gave me a shot of morphine and sent me home; telling me there's
nothing they could do for me.
Well, finally during my third ultra sound, they found a bunch of
small gallstones. FINALLY! I sarcastically told my doc, "I guess
that crazy Mexican was right!" She referred me to the surgeon and he
scheduled my surgery. At least the surgeon I was referred to was
Mexican (Dr. Rodriquez) lol! Unfortunately it had been so long that
my gall bladder had gotten worse. I ended up back in the emergency
room a week before my scheduled surgery. This time they took me
seriously and did more tests and admitted me to the hospital. I had
also developed pancriatitis and had to stay in the hospital until
that cleared up before I could have my gall bladder out. I was just
lucky that I didn't develop an infection near my band and have it
erode after having that diseased gall bladder in me for so long! Boy
would I have been pissed!
Going through this surgery was not difficult at all. I guess losing
all that weight and starting an exercise plan really does make a
difference. I didn't have any trouble breathing after the anesthesia
and was up and around in no time. I'm just glad that it's finally
over and done with after all this time and NO MORE PAIN!!!
I just returned from TJ after finally being able to get another fill
and I'm back to losing again. I am SO thankful for Dr. Ortiz. He
has been there for me, by telephone and e-mail all the way. He spoke
to my gall bladder surgeon before my surgery, called me while I was
in the hospital and was even on the cell phone with me while they
were wheeling me into surgery. He really does go above and beyond
the call of duty!
Okay, I've rambled on long enough!
Sandy
Dr. Ariel Ortiz, FACS
9-5-02
328/229/180

Hi Michelle:
It's Pam, your bandita bud across the hall from the Oasis. I was
banded just after you by Drs. O/M... I heard that you didn't need a
fill a few weeks ago and I was so jealous.. I did need a fill and I
was hungry all the time! As for pb'ing, I have pbed about 20 times
since our surgery September 26th and not only on solids but also on
hot tea, cold apple sauce and rice. Remember when I woke up from
surgery and you, your hubby and Amy got to see me pb on apple cider?
I think I should be the pb poster child! I pb because of esophogal
spasms or if I eat or drink something too cold or two hot or too
fast. I am extra, extra careful because I never want this lap band to
slip!
Well, since my fill on Wednesday, no more pb!!! Yippee!! Dr. Ortiz
was in Phoenix and was proctoring a doctor for Inamed named Dr.
Simpson (who happens to be a neighbor of my parents--small world,
huh?)). The doctors invited me to be their lab rat/guinea pig and get
a fill. They were kind enough to find a facility that had fluoro for
me. The lab cost was $300 and the Phillips x-ray machine was ultra-
modern. I was Dr. Simpson's second fill patient ever and under Dr.
O's guidance, it went wonderfully. I DO BELIEVE MY SWEET SPOT HAS
BEEN FOUND!! LOL!!!! The docs also told me my band was in perfect
position!!! Whew...
My first fill was at 1.6 cc's. I wanted a tighter fill but started
having choking feeling at higher cc levels. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Simpson
were so attentive and caring. They were always making me laugh even
when the big needle was first injected into the port!! Small OUCH!
The great thing is that I only had to drive 15 minutes to get my
first fill-I got to be taken care of by two of the world's best
bariatric surgeons and I didn't have to go to Mexico!
I was debating whether to stay in Phoenix to get my future fills or
go to Tijuana. My cost here would be $150-$200 with no fluoro and
$400 to go see Drs. Ortiz/Martinez with fluoro. I decided that fluoro
fills are best for me because of my esphogal spasms (pb) and I was to
always make sure that my band and port are always in perfect
position. So it's TJ for me!! I think I will be down there mid Jan or
early Feb 2004... So email me, Michelle, when you are getting ready
to jet to San Diego for your first fill!! Maybe Amy can come too!

Vegas Bandster Ball is end of February beginning of March.

Sylvia

Dr.Kuri

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

I asked once before, but nobody answered. When is the Vegas Bash? Asking mainly because I will be in Vegas in Dec.
Kelly in Ky
Dr. Rumbaut 10/21/03
-19.5
first fill on 11/24 with Dr R.

Hi Cathy!

I just think this is so great that you are getting banded.

I was in TJ for three days and it was enough time for me. The cost of package I got with Dr. Ortiz included two nights in the hospital and two nights in the hotel or if you didn't want to stay in the hospital for two nights and you were feeling good enough..you could go after one night back to the hotel. I arrived in TJ on Thursday, had my tests (for the majority of the day on Thursday), was banded on Friday and stayed Friday night there at the hospital and then I spent Saturday night there as well. I was okay but I just wanted the assurance that if I wanted pain meds or something that the nurses would be there. And then I went back to the hotel and spent Sunday night there and then we left on Monday and everything worked out just fine for me. The airport took GREAT care of me. When I made my flight arrangements I told them I wanted a wheelchair and it was there...they wheeled me to the gate and I got to early board too..the flight attendants knew I had surgery because
I was wearing shorts but I was also wearing the lovely compression stockings. Ha! I didn't care though. I knew they were important to prevent leg swelling. So they were so attentive to me...they were right there asking me if I needed anything to drink or a pillow or a blanket. (I love Alaska airlines!!!)

You'll do fine!

I don't know the answer about the fill question because I'm not quite sure if Dr. Kuri is licensed to do fills in America? He may be. I just don't know. That sure would be great though. I'd pay to get a fill at the Vegas bash!

Okay..take care, Cathy!

We'll definitely reschedule lunch!!!

Michelle

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

365/332/180 - 5'7" - 33 yrs old

Olympia, WA

From: cliffcath@... [mailto:cliffcath@...]

Subject: [mexicanbandsters] Two preband questions! Please advise

<Is three days enough time?

<Can we get fills at the Seattle Bandster Bash?

If anyone is interested: There are 2 fill Dr.'s in the Baton Rouge
area that do fills once a month. They use flouro and charge $250
for the first visit and $200 thereafter. They "may" decide to do
blind fills later and then they would charge $150. If you are
interested you can email me at kjharroun@... and I will be
happy to give you their phone no. The Dr.'s names are Tina Wells,
M.D. and Elizabeth Curtis, M.D. They're really good Drs. I had my
surgery in Monterrey with Dr. Sanchez and Dr. Sanchez trained Dr.
Wells and Dr. Curtis on how to do fills.
Karen H.
Gonzales, LA
Dr. Sanchez 8/6/03

I second what Diane said below. I had a facelift 3 months ago with Dr. Quiroz and I couldn't be happier. After 87 lb. weight loss, my neck was really hanging, something I didnt have when my fat filled my face out. I have been told that I look 15-20 years younger. The fee for the facelift (brow lift, upper & lower lids, neck & cheek muscle tightening & lift) was @ $6500 for everything. My daughter's friend just had a nose job by Dr. Quiroz's partner, Dr. Fuentes, yesterday and it cost @ $2000 (less than 1/2 what is would be here in the US). I was quoted $4000 for a full tummy tuck. I think a breast lift is @ $2000 and if you want implants added it is only another $1000. These are approximate prices and I am sure it depends on the individual and what they want done. The office is very beautiful and they have their own surgery suite with 2 full operating rooms, fully equipped, and 4 beds. I had a private nurse all night long for my one night's stay.

The staff are all English speaking. Dr. Quiroz had a practice here in the US for 15 years and is still licensed in Calif. Dr. Quiroz's US phone # is 619-428-4803. Ask for Perla or Lissette.

A word of caution: There are doctors in Mexico who say they are plastic surgeons and perform plastic surgery when they are only licensed in Mexico as a general surgeon. Be sure and check your doctors credentials, whomever you choose, to be sure you have someone who has the proper training, no matter what other people say.

Carolyn

Dr. Ortiz 10/5/02

Message: 22
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2003 03:50:26 -0000
From: "Diane" <beckfamily8@...
Subject: Re: TJ Cosmetic Surgeons
My surgeon's recommendation is: Dr.Alejandro Quiroz www.cosmedtj.com
Diane
Dr. Lopez Corvala
1.31.02
-90 lbs. BMI 23

My surgeon's recommendation is: Dr.Alejandro Quiroz www.cosmedtj.com
Diane
Dr. Lopez Corvala
1.31.02
-90 lbs. BMI 23

Let me know if anyone had their gall bladder removed at the same time of the banding and how it went. Thanks

Beth

In a message dated 11/14/2003 2:40:58 PM Central Standard Time, nynadell2003@... writes:

. When I read Peg's
story I wondered if I was with the same Doctors at the same
hospital. My story is so different.

As I have said a few times, the difficulties I had were because of my own body reacting to the band and had nothing to do with Dr Ortiz's ability as a surgeon. I have also said that the first two days at the hospital the nurses were kind. on the third day when the nurses changed it was different. I am assuming that most people on this list were not hospitilized past the second day.

most of the stuff that was a bother were little things that on thier own were nothing but a week of little things combined with dehydration created a much different picture than what I have read. i think sue h can testify to the fear that overcomes you when you get dehydrated- and I am not talking hangover dehydration, i am talking about 9 days of not being able to take a sip of water when everything you read for three years says you are likely to be able to do this hours after the sugery. the dehydration risk is only one percent.

i was told and knew that because of the bigger size of my stomach that there would be excessive swelling and it would take maybe up to 72 hours to go down.

it took nine days.

I think had they done the barium swallow the second day and noticed the obstruction due to excessive swelling then things would have been fine. It was the not knowing that was frigtning but I also can understand why after doing 700 swallows with no obstruction that they decided not to do it.

i am sure to those of you who had no complications my story sounds bizarre but inamed says 20% of band surgeries can have some kind of complication. People need to know that even if they research ( and I would not have chosen ortiz if I had not researched) that that 20% is a real number.

Did anyone see Dr Phil today?

Any of the band surgeons in TJ will gladly give you recommendations on
docs who'll do your TT, batwings, or whatever. There are also some I
know who've gone to Costa Rica, where they claim things are even
better AND cheaper.
dan
Friday, November 14, 2003, 2:09:42 PM, you wrote:
K
K
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

Does anyone know of any good Cosmetic Surgeons in TJ? If so please
post the doctor, facility, costs, and any other information. thanks.
Kimberly

Friday, November 14, 2003, 12:07:33 PM, you wrote:
kac
kac
and
kac
Yes, Dr. Kuri is quite amazing as a magician. At the Seattle Bash
last year he performed a number of tricks for over half an hour.
Naturally, doctors have to be very good with their hands, able to tie
teeny knots, work inside of you with great delicacy, etc. So, I
understand that he developed the skills in parallel, surgical and
magical.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of mexicanbandsters
ggeorgiagirl gets BANDED! Wish me luck!
Friday November 14, 2003
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
This event does not repeat.
Event Location: Monterrey
Notes:
I am gone to Mexico to see Dr. Arturo Rodriguez!
Keep me in your PRAYERS!

Hi everyone,
I want to thank everyone for posting. All your information and
experiences help me choose my Doctor. I emailed over 2 dozen of you
for you opnions and again my sincere thanks. I had surgery with Dr.
Ortiz, FACS and Dr. Martinez on October 26th. When I read Peg's
story I wondered if I was with the same Doctors at the same
hospital. My story is so different.
My surgery went very well, but due to my weight and the size of
my 'big ole tummy' it was difficult for me to swallow anything.
I spit up everything for the first 2 days, and wondered why did I
have this surgery, but then was able to slowly drink some tea, and
have been doing a little bit better everyday. I did my research and
knew it might be difficult. Because of my size and severe sleep
apnea I was put into ICU right after surgery where I was
monitered. AFter I returned to my room, a critical care specialist
and cardiologist came to see me and told me they where there with me
in the ICU. That give me great comfort.
Due to the fires the smoke and ash was thick, but my prayers went to
those victims, and I felt sad to see the destruction. Mrs. Ortiz
was wonderful, but when I arrived I forgot all my numbers and called
Robin who emailed them to me at the hotel and I was able to email
them to my family.
Randy, my (male nurse) was wonderful. The nurses at the hospital
where kind and spoke English. I had no problem. They came in
periodically for meds and such, but I was left to rest and
encouraged to walk. I did stay for an extra day at the hotel. I
had a long flight back and wanted to make sure I felt up to it.
I am down 21lbs and very grateful to my Doctors and Nurses and the
staff. My life is starting over and I ever so happy.
Lori
340/319 - anything under 200

I can't say I don't care how much it costs. I'm hoping for the best
care and surgical skill at the best possible price. I would have it
done already (and done stateside) if money weren't an option but
unfortunately it very much is.
I'm hoping to be in touch with Dr. Kuri because he seems to have the
combination that meets both my needs. If I can get scheduled before
the end of the year (if there indeed is a special going) I'll opt for
the 'new' hospital. Otherwise I'll take my chances at the older
hospital and know the sisters will take excellent care of me.

Hi
Are you having your surgery done in the new or the old hospital? I've been
in an older Mexican hospital. I'm sure they are safe but the one I was in
didn't look anything like a hospital or clinic you would see here. They were
very nice and I am still alive. I don't care how much it costs, I would just
like to figure out where I would be the safest. Any ideas. I would rather pay
more and have the best.

I also am having problems getting e-mail through to Dr. Kuri.
My sister is a doctor. She spoke with another doctor that went to Medical
School with Dr. Kuri. He said he's a magician. He did actual magic tricks and
kept everyone laughing in medical school.

Hi Kelly,

The only way you will know for sure is to get a fill under fluoroscopy.

If you had a tubing disconnect, you would probably feel some intermittent

sharp pains like a stitch. When I had my disconnect all of a sudden all food

started going down so easy, that's how I knew. However mine was instantaneous,

like all the fluid leaked out at once, and you say your restriction has declined

over a few weeks, so if you have no strange pains and a little restriction, then

it might not be a disconnect. It could be that you have lost fat around your tummy

area and that will loosen you up. But either way you need a fill, and if you voice

your concerns to your fill Doc, I am sure they will check it out for you.

Sylvia

Dr. Kuri

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

Hi all. Hope everyone is doing well. I really need some advice for
all you experienced bandsters. I have been banded for 3.5 months,
and had 2 fills in that time. The first was 1.5, second was 2.5, but
too tight, so back to 2.0, which is where I am now.
Over the last few weeks, I seem to have lost most of my restiction.
I have noticed I am able to eat more and more and they days pass. I
realize I need a fill, but I'm worried I have a leak or something. I
don't know how that would happen though, seeing as my last fill was a
while agao, and I had good restriction for quite some time. Could it
be disconnected tubing perhaps....?
The thing that really got me worrying, was last night we went to
dinner for a friends birthday. I normally try to stay away from rice
and noodles, but he wanted Chinese. We were talking and having a
good time, and all of a sudden I looked at my plate....I had eated
all my orange chicken, kung po chicken, and shrimp w/ beans. I onny
ate afew bites or rice and chow mein though. I was shocked! I could
have ate more too...I felt no sense of restriction. I am worried.
Do you think something is wrong, or a good fill will fix me right up!
I have done very well so far, and want to continue to do so. Please
let me know what you think. I appreciater all your advice!
Kelli Harrington, Bakersfield, CA
Dr. Kuri, 7/29/03
291/241/150

Hello, I'm scheduled for Dr. Kuri on Dec. 9.
I'm planning to fly in for testing on the 8th, and have tentatively reserved
seats back on Dec 11 late afternoon. Is three days enough time? I know many
people up here in Seattle/Kirkland do this in day-surgery now, so it sounds
okay, have others flown out two days after surgery?
Can we get fills at the Seattle Bandster Bash? The timing would be about
right for my first fill, and then if all went well, I could do the second at the
Vegas Bash in March and then head to TJ for the third maybe in May???? WOW THAT
SOUNDS FUN!
If there will be fills, anyone know how much and who doing them? Dr. Kuri
told me he was planning to be in Seattle for the Bash and I see he's on the
Vegas schedule too. Will I be so lucky as to have him both places for fills?!
Thanks!
Cathy Godwin in Olympia 250/planning for 140

-Like many of the bandsters I know, I have a pretty good problem
with arthritis and muscle aches and pain in my mid-back and neck. I
am a nurse and could not do the lifting and work I do without pain
relief. I confess....I take one Aleve morning and night....and wash
it thru with at least 24 ounces of water or coffee (decaf) in the
morning. I have NOT had any problem with gastritis...and I DO take
a Zantac every night. I just believe in prevention...I do not have
any symptoms of GERD any more. I understand NSAIDS are to be
avoided, but when you just CAN'T avoid pain relievers, what can you
do? Tylenol is pretty useless...and you would have to take several
every 4 hours or so...that , to me, seems worse. Kathy

Someone asked me how I felt about having surgery the same day as
arrival. Now looking back, it was fine and I would choose to have it
done that way again. I just wished I had known ahead of time before
arriving at the hospital. Every one was very nice to me when I
arrived at the Oasis and I was fine after the initial shock.
Jill in Vacaville

Anyone interested in attending that lives nearby is welcome

Carolyn

Bandster Support Coffee
Sunday, Nov 16th at 2:00 pm

Starbucks -Sycamore & Cochran
2410 Sycamore Drive
Simi Valley, California 930652302
805-581-8060

118 Fwy, exit on Sycamore, go South to Cochran- On the Corner

See you there!

Sil

I use Liquid Advil gel caps. I feel that they are pretty safe, as soon as the gel cap melts the liquid inside is dispersed.

Trish...........IL

I just wanted to let you both know that New You is adding another more hours for fills this month because so many people are trying to get in before the rate hikes in December and January. Here is the msg regarding fills:
Fill Dates
If you would like to book an appointment for a fill, feel free to check the dates below and contact us. Fills usually are between 2:00pm and 5:00pm and we book them in 10-minute intervals.
Where:
Texas Imaging and Diagnostic Center
3840 W. Northwest Highway
Suite 400
Dallas TX. 75220
When:
The first and third Monday of each month.
The remaining 2003 schedule is as follows:
Mon, November 17th
Mon, December 1st
Mon, December 15th
Cost: Fills include a fluoroscopy guided examination and (if needed) a secondary, standing barium swallow.
For all New You patients: $250.00.
1-800-383-0605.
Please leave your full name and phone number, state that you wish to have a fill, and what date you would like, and Cynthia will call you back to confirm the date and time. We ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to fill out paperwork, and be prepared to stay 30 minutes afterwards to make sure you got the proper amount!
"Subject: expanded times for fills at New You - Mon. Nov. 17
Everyone,
Since prices for many patients are going up in December at New You, and we have received far too many requests for fills to be able to accomodate everyone, we have made arrangements with both Dr. J and the imaging center to add a couple of hours to our schedule next Monday. We will be starting at 12:00 noon (so we

Acetaminophen should not be as *much* of a problem for banded stomachs (still can take but exercise caution according to my doc), but ibuprofen and asprin can be a BIG problem for banded stomachs because they can really irritate the stomach causing inflammation and possible stomach erosion at the banded site.
~Lea
11/8 Dr. Sanchez
253/249/219 mini goal (less then my hubby)
In a message dated 11/13/2003 6:33:46 PM Central Standard Time, scltv@... writes:

Question:
I took Advil the other night because I had a head ache. Are you
sayig I should be taking liquid tylenol as long as I am banded or I
could damage my smaller stomach?
Kimberly

Thanks for the info. I live in Lebanon, Missouri, which is about a 3 hr drive. I called a Dr. Sandhu in Coffeville, Ks, which is 5 hours the opposite way and his fee is only around $100. I'm not banded yet. My surgery is in January with Dr. Kuri. I'm still researching fill docs. Thanks
Van Wagner in Saint Louis will do after care and fills for Mexican patients. He does not know if the hospital will allow flouroscopy due to malpractice issues and i think he prefers you go to a Dr like Ortiz who he is familier with, but he will do your fills. i believe the charge will be $400.

His number is 314-776-7112 his exchange is 314-771-6080

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Thursday, November 13, 2003, 5:31:02 PM, you wrote:
K
K
K
K
K
NSAIDs, such as aspirin and advil and all the similar things are very
hard on your stomach. Always have been, but it is more of a problem
after a band. Tylenol (acetominophen) will not harm your stomach.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/234/199

Mike,
would love to hear that story. All you people posting are keeping
me sane during my last 7 days pre-surgery. glenna

//I never needed to take any pain meds after the surgery. Especially when I saw
they came in a shot form. lol.//
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Absolutely hilarious Jill!
My surgery date was moved back to my arrival date in TJ. I'll be arriving at
11am and assume that I will have enough time to set my bags down at the hotel
before I am taken to the hospital for surgery. For me, this has it's advantages
and disadvantages. How did you feel about being rushed into surgery so soon
after your arrival?
DX
Dr. Kuri, 11/21/03
329/320/299 by the New Year/160ish

Hi Donna,
I too live in Seattle. I am scheduled with Dr. Kuri on 11/27.
Have you done any fills in Seattle??
Any additional advice will be helpful!
Thanks,
Joyce

Peg,
I've been reading about your banding experience and am so sorry
you have had such a difficult time. I'm sure it's not what you
expected but I'm sure glad you're going to be alright! I was the
girl who flew in on Thursday and was thinking I was getting banded on
Friday. Big surprise......... they told me I was going into surgery
in an hour! I did have a chest x-ray, lab, EKG and meet with Dr.
Alvarez,a Cardiologist (totally darling and a sweet heart) who is Dr.
M's wife. She stayed with me and really helped me feel ok. And I
can truly say the worst part for me was the three IV fishing sticks.
The Anasteseologist finally got it in. And for their benefit, I do
not have veins that pop out and have always been a hard stick. My
concents were in Spanish and English. One line in Spanish and under
it was the same but in English.
Peg, I think I might have meet you really quick on Thursday, as
we were walking by Dr. O told me that she just had the band done. I'm
thinking now it might have been you? My surgery went really well and
I never needed to take any pain meds after the surgery. Especially
when I saw they came in a shot form. lol. For two days after I did
feel tightness in my chest and just kept up with the breathing
excercises and by the time I got to the Lucerna I was able to get all
three balls up an felt much better. As for the gas, it was honestly
never painful for me and I didn't have a lot of it.
I couldn't wait to fly home on Monday but really wished I had
taken someone with me or spoke up more often........ I had to drag
my suitcase up the park-n-ride bus, then down. Then forgot where I
parked, great timing Jill......... Maybe it's a blonde thing, I
don't know....... But, I had to drag my suitcase which seemed like a
football field to where I finally found my car. Bought grocery's on
the way home and was really tired when I got home. Now, I might be
paying for that because where my port incision is there is a knot
right under the skin. I'm hoping it's just skar tissue that's formed
and not the port out of position because of all my lifting trying to
get home. Dr. Ortiz said to put a heating pad on it off and on
during the day and call him in four days. I've been doing that and
the heat feels really good. It just feels really weird at the port
site. It's like I can feel something moving in there when I get up
from sitting or laying down. Is that how you guys felt? I'm not
stressing over it just wondering. Then on Tuesday I woke up with
Thush, sp?. It's like a yeast infection on my tounge. I know, how
special.......... Dr. Ortiz told me I was special, I'm thinking I
don't know if that's what I'd call it. I guess I got it from the IV
antibiotics. I went to Kaiser Tuesday night and saw a Chinese Dr.
who told me it was, "white film on tounge". I was like no ***t
sherlock. She said it wasn't Thrush and was from stress and in
Chinese medicine the can tell how you feel from your tounge. I
insisted on a coulture and am sooooooo glad I did. Today my PCP
called and said you have Thrush and am calling in losenges for you to
suck on 4 times a day. So, I'm on my way to the pharm. Sorry for
such a long post just wanted to give an update so far. I've thought
of you too Julie and thought you were brave asking to be discharged
the next day. Glad everythings going good for you! Let me know if
you have any questions. Jill in Vacaville Dr. Ortiz/Martinez
P.S. Just a big thank you to Angie and Sandy who searched me out at
the Lucerna. It was so nice meeting you guys and Angie I'm so sorry
you had to have emergency surgery but you'll feel tons better with
out that gallbladder in!

Hey Judy! I fully intend to have wheelchairs waiting for me on the
trip back from Costa rica. I did that coming back from banding
going thru Houston Hobby Airport....the walk would have been well
over a mile I think!!! Kathy from Concord

Hi Julie,

Azle is NW of Fort Worth TX & not sure if we have Savon & Rite Aid but will start looking. Sure will be better than children's brand & half a bottle...LOL.May look when I go for fill this weekend with Dr. Rod

Thanks,

Beverly in Azle

In a message dated 11/13/2003 12:37:28 AM Eastern Standard Time, BowedOak@... writes:

A friend of mine told me that the flight
may "stir up" pain or cause internal bleeding

Dr. Rumbaut said to make sure you sip water so not to get dehydrated and get up and walk around the cabin about every 45 min to an hour....mainly because all the sitting with dehydration could cause blood clots.
Kelly

Is anyone planning a trip to have surgery with Dr.
Rodriguez the week of 11-25-03???
Valerie
Prebander who no longer lurks

I understand that there can be some bickering but give me a break.
Yes, this is life changing surgery and for that exact reason
emotions run very high. Especially 6 days post-op (as I am). I
don't really have anyone here that I can talk to, gripe to, or
compare notes with as no one in my immediate circle of friends or
family has had this surgery or is even well informed about it. And I
don't particularly feel like marching into work saying "Gee, I've
just had fat woman's surgery and now I have problem X, what do you
think?" If you want a clinical, non-emotional opinion, then contact
Inamed and the doctor himself. Read the FDA reports. Contact the
Mexican Medical Society and see if there have been any complaints
filed against Dr. X. But don't blast me or anyone else in this
forum for talking about whatever is on our minds or hearts at this
particular moment in time. My opinions and problems may not be
important to you, but they damn sure are to me.
This a community forum. We should be respectful of other people on
this board. If you don't like what you're reading then go away.
As for Dr. Joya, your choice is your own. I was referred directly
to an archive which revealed a first hand experience and I found the
knowledge of this experience to be helpful in choosing a surgeon. I
didn't go for the "I love so and so the most" because what was most
important to me was choosing who I felt was the most qualified to do
the actual surgery, even if he wasn't the most "caring." For the
most part, all the doctors you read about on this board are
extremely well qualified and do a wonderful job.
I don't know what you were expecting to learn here, but in the
future I suggest you reevaluate your research methods and be careful
about criticising people en masse. Julie

criterianinfo it seems to me that you've already determined that you cannot get
the help you desire from this group so I must ask, why are you still posting? I
feel bad that your first experience here has turned out to be an unpleasant one
but the way I see it, you didn't give the board a chance, you gave those two
individuals a chance. We don't condone that behavior and normally ignore it.
Maybe you should try that.
Try not to be so close minded and tempermental. There is a wealth of
information here that will no doubt be able to sufficiently assist you in
answering all of your questions but people normally don't respond well to those
that are attacking them. Have you ever heard the saying, "You get more bees
with honey?"
Good Luck to you.
DX
Dr. Kuri, 11/22/03
329/320/299 or less by '04 New Year/160ish
-After WLS one breast said to the other breast, we better get some support soon
or people are going to think we're nuts!-

I had gas really bad on the flight home. Once we were down on the ground
again, it was ok. It wasn't smelly but did make a noise.

I have been researching Surgeons for a little while now, and through
my research I found this group. I did a search on a doctors name
(Joya) and the only thing I find is some big argument between a few
members over a couple of complications someone they know had. I
didn't get the type of helpful information I had hoped and expected,
instead I got a soap opera. I guess I expected a little more from a
group of people who had or will have such a life changing surgery.
This is surgery, and I'm sure we all know that anytime someone goes
under the knife, there are risks. I doubt that you could find a
doctor anywhere that has never had a patient have complications. It
happens. Does that make that Doctor a crapy doctor. In my opinion,
probably not.
FYI:
Do I have my heart set on Dr. Joya - NO
Do I have my heart set on any Doctor - NO
Did this sight help me narrow down my decision - NO
Did this site (at least what I read) waste 2 hours of my life - YES
I'm sure there