Infoblog

First, call your doctor and ask him. Mine would say stay off all liquids for 12 hours and see how it goes, if it won't go down stay off all liquids for 6 more hours . Then he'd say do not stay off more than 24 hours with no liquids, yours may not say that since you already have had the fill for several days, you must be careful not to get dehydrated. That is most important. If you are not getting down liquids, you must go get some taken out, you can not go much longer with no liquids, has it been two days already? Please don't wait around too long.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Weezie, I think that one thing is for sure. Nobody here will make Jello and chicken broth ever again after they are on the liquid diet.

You sound like you are doing extra good, luscious creamy potatoes for Thanksgiving, you will be surprised how good old runny stuff can taste. I could not wait to get some oatmeal, and cream of wheat, and cottage cheese, who'd like cottage cheese, the most non flavored thing I ever ate, but I eat it now even , if I ate lunch too late and then got hungry right before bedtime, cottage cheese is not the end of the world, especially if I've not had any diary products that day. So I understand how you feel. Everyone has been there and wishes you continued success.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Hi Bandsters,
Went to TJ yesterday, Friday, to get a fill. I got an additional .3 cc's
which put me at 1.5. When I left TJ I was fine and okay on the
long drive back to Thousand Oaks. When I went to bed I began to
PB. Took my medications and Pb'd again. This morning drank a
sip of water and Pb'd.
I called the good Dr's and was told to come down and have a
little taken out. On the LONG drive down I was able to drink a
little water, so I stopped and got some broth. All went well and I
was able to drink about 4 to 5 oz. I called Dr. Ortiz and he said if I
could keep liquids down I would be okay.
Turned around and came home. I was at the half way point. After
about an hour of driving I took a sip of water and guess what?
Yes, that's right, I Pb'd again. Haven't been able to get a
mouthfull of water or apple juice down since then without having
it come back up within 5 minutes.
I hate to drive back down there tomorrow. Whatcha think?
Many thanks,
Lorane

Hi everyone!
I am now 11 days post-op. I'm finally starting to understand all of
the things I have been reading on this website for the last few
months.
First of all, I am sick to death of chicken broth and jello. I can't
wait til Monday when I can eat soft food. I have been very good
though, even sat at the table with my family for Thanksgiving dinner
and only had runny mashed potatoes. I think they were the best
potatoes I've ever had!
Next, the scale is not my friend right now. I weighed myself at my
in-laws on Wednesday and weighed 217. I weighed myself on my scale
this morning and it said 226. Now I know I did not gain 9 pounds in
3 days, especially on a liquid diet. I'm inclined to believe my
scale though, so I thought I had had a big loss but I really didn't.
Still, 5 pounds in 11 days in not bad!
Lastly, I'm having that feeling that I would get at the beginning of
a diet. That "there's no way this is going to work" feeling. I'm
starting my exercise program tomorrow and I'm going to start
journaling and keeping track of what I eat so I think that will
help. It's nice to know I can vent here, it helps to clear my
thinking also when I write things out. Thanks everyone for your
support!
Louise in Omaha
11/18/03 Rumbaut
231/226/150

With this procedure you will lose or be messed up ALL the time.

Beth

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

With this procedure you will lose or be messed up ALL the time.
Beth

I'm sorry , I don't understand this part of your response, could you explain what it means to be "messed up all the time"? Do you mean throwing up or what? I guess that must not be what you mean because then you'd be losing weight for sure if you could not keep anything down.

I know that you could not get fills and even though you have a band, you can then gain weight still, so it is possible that one could not lose weight with a band. so anyway I need some help to understand what you want me to understand, although I know you were not writing to me but I want to learn anything I can.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

For those of you who are Kuri patients, but not on his support group,
he wants to make sure that all patients are notified of his holiday
party for his patients. The part will be on Saturday, December 6th
at 2:30 in the afternoon in Orange, CA.
If you are in the area, or you can try to make the party, please
contact either JoAnne at bugbug@... or myself at
queendeb317@... for details. The zip code in Orange is 92869
in case you want to map it and see approximately where it is
located.
Hope to see you there! Debbie

I have passed two goals this week! I have lost 1/4 of the weight i would
like to loose AND when i presented my driver's license for ID today, i
noticed that I now weigh less than the lie I told when I took it out!!!!!
Joan
Dr. Rumbaut-4/29/03
281/246/141
2 fills-seem to be at max

Joan:
Congrats on your achievement!! I personally am 75 pounds from my "person goal" and 25 pounds away from the lie that I call my driver's license weight.
I think we should all start posting our drivers' licenses lie weights and when we achieve them to motivate other mexican bandsters! LOL!
Keep up the great work!
Pamela
Lap Banded: 9/26/2003
Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana, MX
First fill: 11/12/03 1.6 cc's
Drs. Ortiz/Simpson Phoenix, AZ
I actually lost a pound during Thanksgiving weekend and I ate pumpkin cheesecake!
250/225(current)/200(lie weight on my driver's license)--hope to break 200 by February2004/150
--- On Sat 11/29, Joan Best < joanbest1@...

From: Joan Best [mailto: joanbest1@...]

My Kimberly, you are in a worrying mode today. That's OK, as we all
go through phases of it. Reading messages here about problems is sort
of like reading a medical book....you soon start to think you have
every disease in the book.
Saturday, November 29, 2003, 10:51:32 AM, you wrote:
K
K
K
K
K
Normal weight loss with the band is one to two pounds a week. Anything
extra is bonus and unusual. It is good to weigh no more than once a
week, as anything else will make you crazy...or it will many of us.
K
K
K
K
To quote a good banded friend, "the band is a fickle bitch". We all
vary by times of day, from day to day, and so forth. Women in
particular vary by their monthly cycles.
K
K
K
K
Remember, it isn't how much you CAN eat, but how much you SHOULD do.
We can all do things we shouldn't, and not just things related to
food. Right? Well, same here. I say that as one who ate nuts at the
football game today....which I shouldn't have done. But I'm human,
and I'll try not to do that again.
Don't worry about the band having to be removed....not likely at all.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

I was banded 9/30/03 and lost 17 pounds the first month. I was
hoping to loose an average of 3-4 pounds a week since but am loosing
1-2 pounds a week. My clothes are bigger and I'm not obsessing with
weighing because I don't want to weigh myself and be disappointed
because I "only" lost 1-2 pounds a week.
I am happy by the results and so thankful to God to afford the
band. I have one fill of 2 cc and 1-2 weeks out the month I get an
increase in appetite and can eat more than I feel I should be able
to eat.
Then I read a post about erosion... I had a drink for the holidays
and think about how much I can eat this week and wonder if I'm doing
something wrong. I know many people go through the same thing I
guess I just worried about having to get the band removed one day.
I don't want to go through all of this loose weight and then loose
the band. I pray long-term I can stay banded. Loosing 1-2 pounds a
week I'll take any day. I just don't ever want to be back on the
other side of not being banded.
Kimberly

I have a question for Sylvia. I was wondering if you get your fills in Vegas or go back to TJ? I live in St. George, just up the road from you.
Thanks for the help.
Brad
iamyuneek <iamyuneek@...

Oh (((((((Ester)))))) prayers going your way hon, you can always come here for support,

any kind of support.

Take care.

Sylvia from Vegas

Subject: re: long post...the worst thing

Through it all, this has been the greatest 4 years of my life. I loved having
a band and am happy and jealous of those of you out there who still get to
have it. Well, that is all I can muster up to discuss today.
Ester
banded 3 years and counting till it is removed
down 120 pounds
married to a bandster

But....if you have such excellent connections there, I would think
that they'd be willing to do your fills. It just takes a needle and a
bottle of saline. If they can learn to do what you need for RNY
followup, they can certainly can quickly learn to do your fills. In
fact, I think Dr. Rumbaut has a video on how to do it.
dan
Friday, November 28, 2003, 2:36:36 PM, you wrote:
h
h
h
h
h
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

I am going to him for my rny....all the way from saskatchewan.
heather pre rny

I'm confused. I thought that you were wanting to go to Dr. Rumbaut in
Monterrey for your RNY.
dan
Friday, November 28, 2003, 2:30:00 PM, you wrote:
h
h
h
h
h
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

Well thank goodness she is on the other end of all this! I am sure she will continue to get better and stronger, and give her my best and we look forward to her posting :-)

Sylvia

Subject: [mexicanbandsters] glenna's sister can swallow!

Well numerous prayers have been answered. On Wednesday, Nove. 26,
Deborah swallowed 4 oz. of tea and the staff at Loyola sent her
home. Unfortunately, the day before, she was in horrid pain with a
kidney stone, which she said was worse than child birth. We are both
at home and doing well. Thanks for everyone's support. glenna

Oh (((((((Ester)))))) prayers going your way hon, you can always come here for support,

any kind of support.

Take care.

Sylvia from Vegas

Subject: re: long post...the worst thing

Through it all, this has been the greatest 4 years of my life. I loved having
a band and am happy and jealous of those of you out there who still get to
have it. Well, that is all I can muster up to discuss today.
Ester
banded 3 years and counting till it is removed
down 120 pounds
married to a bandster

Hi, Dan. I am 32, 5'7" and weight 255 lbs so have a bmi of about
41. I do know of a few people who have had the srvg and the vbg and
had success, also know of many who have failed. I also work with
some bandsters. i belong to another band group from when i was at
that point in my research as well.
I would have no way of having follow up here for a band of any
sort. it is not an approved procedure here in canada(i am in the
saskatchewan prairies) so few docs do it and you have to wait
forever to get in in the first place(with all wls the wait is years
here) and then for a fill it is again a year or so. ridiculous. i
have talked to my doc and she and a couple surgeons i know here will
be willing to do my follow up for the rny if i have any complications
(which dr rumbaut has very very very rarely). but for fills etc, no
one.
i talked at great length with dr roberto rumbaut and after telling
him the research I have done and my eating habits etc he agreed that
the rny will be a good choice for me. I am fully confident I will
do well with it.
canada heather pre rny

thank you for your post sam! i think the rny is where i draw the
line-the ds scares me. i read so many stories on its side effects
and i ruled it out almost immediatly. the doc in the city i live in
does the ds. he has a 5 year wait list though.
i agree, the road to hell is paved with good intentions....all
surgeries have their failures. I was very careful to get a surgeon
who is very competant and does not bypass too much of my
intestines. I also have made sure i know exactly what I am going to
have to eat and what supplements I will have to take so that i know
what I am in for.
the band would not work well for me for a number of reasons, one is
that I am in canada, the fills are not covered(nor is the band) and
I would have to travel to the other end of the country to get a fill
after waiting for 2 years to get it. there just would be no
point....
canada heather pre rny

Well numerous prayers have been answered. On Wednesday, Nove. 26,
Deborah swallowed 4 oz. of tea and the staff at Loyola sent her
home. Unfortunately, the day before, she was in horrid pain with a
kidney stone, which she said was worse than child birth. We are both
at home and doing well. Thanks for everyone's support. glenna

Sorry to hear of that. At least moving to Santa Rosa gets you close
to Calistoga. As to getting it reomved, do it NOW before there are
added complications, and because of the insurance. Others can do or
help with the packing and moving. Maybe his company will pay for that.
Whatever that costs, it will still be less than paying for the surgery
yourself. But the key thing is to get it out before things get worse.
dan
Friday, November 28, 2003, 6:46:52 AM, you wrote:
bac
bac
bac
bac
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

Ester, this Thanksgiving season, we are thankful that you are here writing information that may help someone else one day. We wish you to be contributing to this band site, without a band in the future and we wish you best of health in the coming year.

Perhaps your husband's company will pay someone to pack for you, as most do who transfer their employees, so take advantage of that because , of course, your immediate health needs come first. Let the realtors deal with selling your house and you sit back and be a diva who is only 15 lbs from goal and will probably lose that when she gets her band removed soon.

God bless and keep you safe and best wishes in your next new house so far across America from DFW.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

I can relate ester, I really can, I had my third surery for my port last august, four total.....I am almost at the right restriction, just have to make better food choices, and I will be there,,,,,,,,when I can not get a fill, I gain weight, it drives me nuts! I would have the band removed and hire a moving company,,,,,,or some local teenage kids to lift the heavy stuff,,,,you will only be out for a couple of weeks,,,,,,,,have a garage sale, get rid of what you dont want to take, and voila,,,,,half teh junk is gone,,,,,,

you may not want to this this over, but perhaps you can talk with the surgeon about a "stapling" or something like that, when he goes in to repair the erosion,,,,,just a thought,,,,good luck, amy

I have been silent long enough. It is time I share what is going on in my life. Writing has never been my forte, however, there is much I need to share.

Last Friday was maybe the worst and best day in my life. I found out my husband got a transfer to Santa Rosa, CA. We had a five year plan to try to move to Calistoga, CA in the Napa Valley area. Not only do we love it there, but it get us close to his mom, who I love like my own mom. She is one of the most important people in my life. Just didn't expect it to be a five minute plan. The same day, I also confirmed that my second band has eroded into my stomach and needs to be removed. I will probably never have a band again.

For those of you who do not know me and my band history, I had my first band placed on July 2000 in Monterrey Mexico. Before they were being performed here in the states. I had just lost 65 pounds on my own the prior nine months and just like other times, I started to gain back the weight. I decided to get a band before I put back on all the weight I worked hard to lose. I got a Swedish band, which at the time was what my banding doctor used. I started the DFWBandster list here in Dallas, TX on Oct 2001 because I saw a great need for support here. We have grown int a large group that supports each other and hold several get togethers every month now.

Found out on May 2002 that my band had eroded. Had all my fluid removed and was on my own to try to keep this weight off. Finally got the band removed on Oct 2002. Managed to keep the weight off till January 2003 and then gained 30 pounds that month. Finally had a lap band replaced on April 2003. Ended up with an incarcerated bowl and hospitalized the whole month of April. Had to be opened up and have the bowel obstruction repaired. Through that all I managed to keep my band.

Was happy that I got a second chance. Unfortunately when you reband a person who has experienced a prior erosion, the chance of having it erode a second time quadruples. About a month ago I noticed I had little restriction so I went in for a fill. Went a few more times and still no difference. I pretty much knew or felt that erosion was the culprit so I went for a fluoroscope last Friday and my worst fears were realized. You could see the barium swallow go through and around my band which means half my band is in my stomach essentially making it useless.

My husband has to leave to CA no later than Dec 4th leaving me to deal with packing and selling of the house. Being that this is peak season for his company he will not be able to return until after the holidays. I am in a quandary because if I get this band out now, I will not be able to handle packing and lifting. And the other dilemma is if I wait till after the holidays I am concerned that my insurance company may not cover me to come back to Dallas to have it removed. That is my preference because the doctor here has a lot of experience removing eroded bands. Also, there is a possibility I can cause other problems the longer I leave this eroded band in me.

Of course the other issue I am now dealing with is how do I keep this weight off. I am not even at my goal, but I am 15 pounds away from it. Would be happy if I could just stay here. My history has shown that I have never accomplished that before banding. So needless to say this all weighs heavy on me. I think I need to change my screen name which I created after my second banding, being that I obviously will not be banded4life.

Through it all, this has been the greatest 4 years of my life. I loved having a band and am happy and jealous of those of you out there who still get to have it. Well, that is all I can muster up to discuss today.

Ester
banded 3 years and counting till it is removed
down 120 pounds
married to a bandster

Hi Laura, I'll be there on the 7th, for surgery next day or so. Hope we meet at
hotel! Cathy Godwin, Olympia
//I'm being banded by Dr. Kuri (at the new hospital) a week from Friday
(12/5/03). Laura//

The separate checks business was for my convenience. My youngest daughter has a severe neurological handicap and I have a boat-load of bills and Dr. payments to keep track of. Sue H
Dan Lester <honu@...

Seattle Winter Bash and Splash is January 17th, 2004
The hotel will be the same as last year which is the Marriott
Courtyard at Southcenter near Seattle. The conference will be held
nearby in a Casino conference center which can accommodate 200
conference attendees. The conference is scheduled to start at 9:30AM
and will include lunch at the casino and dinner at the hotel.The
hotel offers frequent complimentary airport transportation. Most
people will be checking in January 16th and staying till Sunday so
one can participate in Saturday nite frolics.
The Seattle Winter Bash web site will go live soon.
the hotel or $82 if attending for just the day. This fee will include
an all
activities such as ?yoga, swimming aerobics, aerobics class and
the traditional late night swim and hot tub gathering.
If someone has special dietary needs please don't let this hold you
back from attending. We will make every effort to accommodate.
There is currently several surgeons, nurse specialists and
therapists
speaking. The Agenda will be posted soon when I get their written
commitments.
For those needing to
make hotel reservations (not conference registration) can call the
Marriott at 1-800-321-2211 or in Seattle area 206-575 2500 and ask
for In House Reservations. You need to give them the Group Code- BSTC.
This is important for a variety of reasons. Mainly being you will be
given a special rate, you will be assigned to a special block of
rooms in a certain location, and the group will get credit which
reduces some of our catering costs. Remember the code is BSTC.
If you should desire a suite which has a sitting area- the hotel is
creating a special rate. You need to call the hotel directly -206-575-
2500 and ask for Traci-who is the hotel meeting planner.
For those who have emailed about special meal requests i.e. kosher-
weve come up with some solutions. Call or email me.

Welcome back. :) Glad to hear all went well, I'm considering Dr. Kuri
myself as well as the old hospital. :)
Good luck with your recovery.
Korina
investigating again :)

I paid $8995.00 in September 2003.
All inclusive fee. (Pre-op tests, hospital stay, hotel stay,
transportation to and from San Diego Airport, post op care and tons
of attention in person and on the phone!)
Call Robin his U.S. coordinator (203) 467-0720 and see if you can
still get that same fee.

All went great and Dr.Kuri is the MAN!
What a great man/surgeon. He came to visit me 3 time last night and
then discharged me this morning and right before I left he made sure
to say goodbye.
As for anyone who is afraid of using the "Old Hospital" don't be!
It was great and the staff was wonderful and very accomodating. I
brought my mother with me and the gave us a room w/2 beds in it .The
hospital was VERY clean and so were the rooms and that bathroom.
Can't complain about a thing!
I am glad I saved the 1,000 (=
Other than some gas pain and some port pain I am doing great.
I think most of my pain is my fault because I am overdoing it. I can
never just sit stil. Luckally my husband is around to remind me to
sit and relax.LOL
Oh I got to meet anothe bandster at the hospital yesterday. Her name
is Tamara from Oregon and I don't know if she posts on these boards
yet but hopefully she will find us here.
Caroline
235/233/150
Dr.Kuri

Hi,
Thanks for all the advice. My sister Deborah was released from
hospital today. She can swallow. She is feeling pretty rough
becasue she passed a kidney stone while in there. Boy--it never
rains but it pours. thanks for your advice, glenna

Please unsubscribe me. Thanks

Can anyone who has been banded with Dr. Ortiz tell me how much TOTAL costs were?
pbparanoid <pbparanoid@...

Hello Elle:
I don't post very often, but I just wanted to let you know how
impressed I was with Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez and my whole surgery
experience. First off, I'd like to thank Robin who is always so
patient and full of information. I call on her quite often and she
always has a listening ear, great suggestions, and genuine concern.
Because I did not have surgery state side, she and my other bandster
buddies are my main support. Support is an important aspect of
banding; you have to have someone to go to with questions, who can
understand your bad days, and rejoice in your successes.
I feel the same way about the whole team with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico.
They are all very caring and professional people. Your surgery will
be state of the art, in a very clean and modern hospital. To prove
how modern their techniques are, my husband just had hernia surgery (a
laproscopic procedure). He was complaining about how his throat hurt
after being under anesthesia and how his stitches pulled and itched.
My surgery was done without the tube down my throat and with no
visable stitches that had to be removed. I recovered smoothly and
with hardly any pain at all. I credit much of this to my care in Mexico.
I did have a problem with my port scar area leaking a little fluid
post-op. I called Dr. Ortiz and left a message (on a Saturday). I
received a call back within a half hour directly from Dr. Ortiz. Now
where in the United States can you get personal service like that. He
explained that my problem was nothing to worry about and occured in a
small percentage of patients. He was very kind and answered all my
questions.
I state to all thinking of going to Mexico...go for it! You pay
less (in come cases less than half) and YOU GET MORE!!! So much more!
Email me if you have any questions; I'd be happy to answer ???s.
Amy in Utah
9/26/03
Ortiz/Martinez
218/194/Mini-goal...Less than my husband!

To Norma,
Have you used Dr. Brinkley in Maryland for any fill??
If you have, do you know how much fluid will Dr.
Brinkley give the band for the first fill, and for
each subsequent fills there after? Say, if after a
week or so, you realize that the fill needs some
unfill, will she charge for the unfill service also?
I have tried to call the office but I have no luck to
get the infomation yet.
To all,
I also find out that Dr. Elariny in Arlington
Virginia, he does accept patients banded outside the
US or from other states.
I have not use him for any adjustment yet, since I am
only 4-week post-op. However, it is good to enter the
info into the data base. Here is his info
Dr. HAZEM A. ELARINY, MD, PhD, FACS
Advanced Laparoscopic & General Surgery Associates,
P.L.L.C. (ALAGSA)
1635 N. George Mason Dr. Suite # 455
Arlington, VA 22205
Tel (703) 465-5060
Fax (703) 465-5062
Tol (888) SCALPEL
www.alagsa.com
helariny@...
From his staff's email to me, Dr. Elariny has two
programs:
(1) Pay $799 for 3 consulting appointment with a
nutritionist and 2 fills, after that $200 a fill or
unfill;
(2)First Visit is $400 ($200 for consulting and $200
for fill) subsequent fills $200.
The fill is done without flouro. If they try, you buy
(i.e., fill or unfill still have to pay $200).
Good luck to you for finding a good fill doctor and
for finding your sweet spot.
Tina Lee

Greetings all!
My surgery has come and gone and I'm happy to announce that I'm now a very very
very very happy LOSER! :)
My experience...
On 11/21, I took Continental flight 'Sardine' as I was stuffed into a middle
seat between a size 2 barbie doll and a rather portly grandmother. A flight
attendant discreetly asked me if I needed a seatbelt extension and I graciously
accepted. I didn't even know they had those things! I usually fly with the
belt laying across half my lap and hoping for unobservant flight attendants and
minimal turbulence! The worst part was that I had to sit through almost the
entire flight with my arms crossed over my chest because between grandma and I,
there was NO ARM ROOM! Sheesh! Thank goodness it was only 3 hours!
So I arrive at SAN airport and as I walk toward baggage claim, I see a driver
holding up a sign with my name or atleast an interesting spelling of it. We
greet and I meet two other bandsters, Mary Ellen & Louise, of 'Ohio Bandsters'.
We all get into the van and are taken to Dr. Kuri's smaller hospital. Others
told me that Tijuana was dirty and noisy and cluttered and they were right
BUT...it wasn't as dirty as I pictured and actually found the aged city to be
rather charming and colorful. After a short wait, I was escorted into a small
private hospital room where all the pretesting was done inside of an hour. Why
can't they get bigger hospital gowns!?!? SHEESH...so embarrassed! :) A
highlight was that I met Polar Bear Mike! He frightened me a little, looking
like a skinny Santa Claus !LOL! (Sorry Mike) but as he began to speak, I
realized why he was there and was quickly comforted. He told me all about his
experience and assured me I would do fine. I was then wheeled
into surgery.
I have no recollection of the time it took but when I woke up I was calling for
my Momma! The anesthesia made me feel like crappola and there was a very sharp
pain in my stomach every time I took a breath. I learned quickly to take
shallow breaths but felt like I was suffocating after too many of them and had
to endure the pain. I shouted for someone to come help because no one answered
the Call button! GRRRRRR! After several minutes, Mary Ellen heard me and came
in. I think I was crying at this point but as I look back, I was probably
crying from the fear of what I had done to myself and not the pain. I'm not a
baby...really I'm not...I'm not I'm not I'm not! :)
Just the fact that Mary Ellen was there made me feel better. Her soothing words
(though I don't exactly recall what she said) were like medication. I had made
the trip alone and am incredibly grateful to her for caring for me the way she
did.
After I got the nurse to understand me (they spoke little English) she finally
removed the catheter which was an uncomfortable task to say the least. Dr.Kuri
had told me that it would be removed before I woke from surgery. Grrrrrrr! I
spent the rest of the night falling in and out of sleep, dotted with several
trips to the bathroom.
In the morning I saw Dr. Kuri again and told him of my pain but by that time,
though still present, it had drastically subsided. I assume that&#8217;s
because they gave me a continuous stream of pain medication. Before getting
dressed I had the pleasantry of meeting Angela from SmartBandsters. We're BAND
SISTERS! :) She lives in SoCal and was on her way home. I then got dressed and
Mary Ellen, Louise and I prepared to leave the hospital for the hotel.
This is turning into a novel so let me give you the remaining in a gist. The
hotel was breathtaking with marble floors, rich woods, beautiful wall art and
tasteful, comfortable furnishings. Thanks to Mary Ellen, I got plenty of
exercise during my hotel stay. I was able to down liquids with no problem but
that barium swallow was intolerable as I gagged and almost threw it up. Every
day has been great improvement and I was able to return to work the following
Monday, 11/24. Unfortunately, I developed a bad cold and had to call in today
but that&#8217;s getting better. I&#8217;ve yet to have an appetite or
experience any hunger pangs but my stomach growls like a rabid dog! Because I
know absolutely nothing about nutrition, I&#8217;m adhering to Dr. Kuri&#8217;s
diet plans for each day. I still experience discomfort with my incisions
(especially my port area) but ultimately, I am back to my old self and am so
grateful to God that he brought me through this so favorably! T
o date, I&#8217;ve lost 18lbs (8lbs post op). I know that this is a time for
healing and not losing but I can&#8217;t help but be excited at watching the lbs
drop off. This is going to be a breeze and I know that because I am going to
enjoy relearning how to eat, giving my body the things it needs instead of the
things my taste buds like. Most of all, I am looking forward to teaching my 6
y/o son how to eat. Had I not done this, future weight problems for him would
have been inevitable. Thank you God, thank you Dr. Kuri and great thanks to my
fellow bandsters for all of your support.
DX
Dr. Kuri, 11/21
329/311/under 300 by The New Year/160
--

Beth,
Clear liquids for three weeks after surgery? Awh na na na. When I had my surgery they hospital brought me a cream of wheat type dish (not bad, add splenda), puree cantelope (not only liquid, was thick), yogurt that you drink, and tea. Ah ha!!!, so right off the bat they brought me what I would consider mush. For dinner I got chicken broth, jello, and fruit juice for (little more liquidy). I tolereated it with no problems, except for drinking a bit too much broth...OUCH!! Chest pain for 2 hours!! Take it easy when you first eat, take your time. But after that, all was good. For the next 10 days I did an Adkins shake and soups (broth and creame style). Manuel (Dr. R assistant) told me as long as there were "no chunks" I could eat any type of soup I wanted. So while you are there head on over to Applebees and get the broccoli and cheese soup, and have them blend it for you. Then for about 5 days I did "mush" pasta, mashed potatoes, etc....Then I went on to
solids, just making sure that the food was the consistencey of applesause before I swallowed. It has worked well for me, just do what you feel you can do.
I just got back from Monterrey last night. I got my first fill, 2 cc's. I even got a video tape of it. How cool~! So for people like my Dad, who really dont understand the whole "fill" thing, I can now show him. I did clear liquid the day of the fill, with no problem. Day two, the first part of the day I did liquids, and the second I implemented a few softer solids..crackers and pasta. Still no problems. So we will see what today has in store for us food wise!!
Have a great Thanksgiving!!!
Kelly in Ky
Dr. Rumbaut 10/21/03
-22.5

Sounds like she's very swollen.
Have you or your sister spoken with Dr. Lopez?
Is she getting any fluids down? If not, she could be getting
dehydrated, which is very dangerous.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR!!!
Sil

Tuesday, November 25, 2003, 8:19:41 PM, you wrote:
SH
SH
SH
SH
SH
SH
No problem, but curious about what possible tax benefits there could
be from two checks? Medical expenses are medical expenses. Period.
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

In a message dated 11/23/2003 6:54:29 PM Eastern Standard Time, honu@... writes:

If you're restricted in the morning, there is NO reason to get
ANYTHING down besides water or coffee or something calorie free. You
don't NEED any of that stuff

Same for the bars....it is much better to eat real food.
Sure there is....water and coffee (of which coffee I dont do) dont FILL me up, and I would rather get something of substance with the extra protein in where I can.
There is nothing wrong with substituting or implementing the bars or shakes with "real food." I offered advise of what works for me, and it has been working for me. Each person to their own.
Kelly in Ky
Dr. Rumbaut 10/21/03
-22

Hi,
In regard to recent questions pertaining to Dr. Kuri's new hospital,
I want to share with everyone how wonderful the facilities truly are.
I, had my surgery with Dr. Kuri at the hospital in Tijuana and had an
excellent experience this past year. With the new hospital option
available, we recently visited the facility after our fills. The
hospital sits on the beachfront--magnificient views! As I've told
numerous people, I personally think that being able to walk outside
in the fresh air on the gorgeous, private (patients were walking in
their robes--very comfortable) hospital grounds/walkways while
walking off the "gas" after surgery would've been sooooo much better
than walking hospital hallways or the streets of a busy city (like
all of us who have had surgery in Mexico have done). Everyone we met
spoke English. I was told the staff is English speaking. The patient
rooms look like 4* hotel rooms, although appointed with high-tech
hospital equipment. Each room also has a seperate guest room attached
for your loved ones to stay in during your stay. Most
of the rooms Dr. Kuri utilizes for his patients have sliding glass
doors with patios/balconies that overlook the ocean. The patios have
chairs/lounges to relax on outside if you want to enjoy the sunshine
and the sound of the waves breaking. We didn't see many patients,
those we saw were American. I was told by one patient she had plastic
surgery while she was there in Mexico. I've been to the finer hotels
in Tijuana, Puerto Vallerta, Mazatlan, et.al, the hospital by the
sea, is more beautiful. I asked if they had rooms available for a
vacation :) I guess I'll try to talk Dr. Kuri into having his fill
patients stay overnight at the new hospital to be certain their fills
are okay (maybe the room will be free like his fills too :)perhaps
even throw in a margarita on the patio...a massage and then a swim in
the pool(s) or the jacuzzi(s)--what a fill dream :) The place is
beautiful, as you can tell from my post, I'd love to vacation there!
Dr. Kuri's office is about 20 minutes away. The border is about 20-25
minutes away. Once you cross the border, you bypass Tijuana and take
the road towards Rosarito. There is no traffic congestion. The
seafood is delicious! My kids love the fireworks they can buy and
light-off in Rosarito on the beach at night. Anyone considering
becoming one of (soon to be a 1000) Kuri's Cheerleaders, jump onto

Check out your regional bandster groups. Try not only your local one,
but ones for Chicago or where ever else might seem close enough for
you.
dan
Tuesday, November 25, 2003, 4:26:09 PM, you wrote:
m
m
m
m
m
m
m
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

does anyone here know how i might be able to find fill doctors in
the US.. i used to live in san diego.. but now i live in columbus
ohio.. and i need a fill.. well soon i'll need a fill.. things are
slowing down for me a bite.. i noticed probably a month or so ago..
there were posts for a doctor in decater and one in st. louis... if
anyone knows either of these two doctors or anyone in ohio or
indiana.. please let me know!
also has anyone used an american doctor.. if i could i would go back
to dr, kuri.. but i don't know if it's really feasable for me to fly
out there for a fill....

Hi ALl:
Just a quick note to find out if anyone out there has tried to bargin
with the MX surgeons on cost. I know I did and was able to have a
net savings of 750.00. Just a thought, you can always try it and see
if you can't get a few hundred dollars taken off the top.
Cheers!

Thanks Sylvia. I've joined the site. :)

There are quite a few people on this list that have been banded by Dr. Kuri myself included, and we all agree that he is a remarkable man, both professionally and personally.

Since the new port became available I dont see that many problems, unless you are filled too tight but then that is a generic problem and goes across the board no matter which surgeon you use. You will get your post operative instructions from Dr. Kuri regarding how to keep the wounds clean etc, and he uses dissolvable stitches now. You should also get a food plan, and I think that's about it. If you have any post op swelling when you get home or any concerns, he will be easy to reach. Congrats, and trust me you are in good hands. :-)

For more info on him you can join his group

Hi Mel have you joined the Kuri list yet?

I'm in the process of formulating a plan. I'm researching Dr. Kuri,
whose website I encountered. I like that the info. included on his
site was straightforward, it gives me the impression he's trustworthy.
How can I find out more about him? I want your experiences, problems
people may have had, etc. Also, aside from fills, what other
post-operative care is needed, required, or recommended?
Any help or guidance would be appreciated. :)
Thanks

Has anyone had surgery in his new facility? If so can you tell me
what your experience was like. Thanks... I am planning on getting
banded in January.
Mel

I hope that she and her doctor there have been in contact with Dr.
Lopez. If not, get in contact NOW. Sounds like she has more swelling
than most. Could she swallow before she left? The reduced pressure
on planes will cause swelling. Hope she is also getting fluids. What
day did she come back?
dan
Tuesday, November 25, 2003, 10:49:49 AM, you wrote:
g
g
g
g
g
g
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

Caroline,
Congratulations, hope all goes well tomorrow. I was banded on the
20th with Dr. Lopez and am doing fairly good.glenna

Hi,
Both Deborah, my sister, and I were banded on the 20th with Lopez. I
am worried sick about Deborah. We had to go directly from chicago
airport to hospital. She still can't swallow, is spitting up saliva,
and becoming depressed and agitated. She is a strong person and it
breaks my heart to see her this way. Anybody got any helpful words
or experience so I can pass this on to her. thanks, glenna

You can do a cashier's check, bank draft, or bank transfer into his
account. You can also charge it on your credit card,but there is a
surcharge. Talk to Robin, his US coordinator (203) 467-0720, she can
help you with that decision.
Sil
9-19-03
Dr. Ortiz, FACS
180/163/130

I imagine cash would be OK, but take a cashier's check. He takes Visa
and MC, but the Mexican banks add a six percent service charge that
you can avoid by not using it. He does not take Amex or Discover.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003, 2:46:22 AM, you wrote:
B
B
B
B
B
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

The easiest way is to take a cashiers check, or even a money order, and they might even take travelers checks. At least if you lose any of them you haven't lost your money. Your credit card company will charge you extra, and taking cash is not a wise idea under any circumstances.

Sylvia

Dr. Kuri

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

Monday, November 24, 2003, 7:58:13 PM, you wrote:
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Remember, even losing only half that per month is still good, though I
understand frustration if that's the case. Plus loss will most likely
slow down as you get closer to goal. But you're doing great. I also
gave away a ton of clothes, but kept a pair of pants so maybe someday
I'll do one of those "jared pictures" of me in pants that are way too
big.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

Oh yes they are.....I've got an old woman who's nekked most of the
time....and she's wonderful, as I'm sure you are too.
dan
Monday, November 24, 2003, 7:40:40 PM, you wrote:
d
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

I went down there with that much in my pocket and I was just as safe in America and I was in Mexico. I had no problem with having that much money in my purse. Ask your doctor what kinds of options you have for paying. He may accept credit cards, but someone said you have to pay extra if you use them, some kind of tax? What was that Dan? You can pay half of one way and half using another way if you want to.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

I know the cost savings is quite considerable by going to Dr Ortiz
in Tijuana, but if you are self pay does anyone know the options for
payment?
Visa.MC, cash, check?
I hate the thought of going down to Mexico with $10g's in my pocket.
Thanks
blair@...

Yeah, some of these lessons have to be learned the hard way, at least I didn't throw up from eating too much. That was good. Nobody can tell if they are swollen inside and going to throw up from that problem but I will always recognize when something is not going to sit on my stomach from now on, if it's something I'm trying to eat anyway. Now I just wish I had a Hershey bar. I think I forgot to have my treat for the week. Dr. Rodriguez told me to be sure to have a treat every Sunday. LOL maybe he didn't say "Sunday" but that was the day I chose to do it and I think I forgot yesterday. I guess I'll have to wait until next Sunday now. I wonder how big of a treat he meant for me to have.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Martha, I know exactly what you are saying. The first time I barfed
was a couple days after my first fill - and it was in a restaurant
at 3 in the afternoon. Thank heavens there wasn't anybody in the
room we were seated. I didn't realize I had taken one bite too many
of chicken and ..... well we know the rest. Talk about
embarrassing! I just introduced chicken back into my menu and find
if it's the least bit dry I just can't handle it. Now that I know
when not to take another bite, it's made life so much easier when
eating. Ardie

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of mexicanbandsters
Joining the Ranks!!!!
Tuesday November 25, 2003
12:00 am - 1:00 am
This event does not repeat.
Notes:
Valerie becomes a bandster today!!!!!

Old "nekked" women are not a sight to behold! LOL

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Hi Dan:
I'm one of the September 26, 2003 bandsters. I've lost a total of 34 pounds since September 12th--the first day of my pre-op diet. From September 12th until my surgery date, my diet consisted of mostly soup and other liquids and I lost 10 pounds on the pre-op diet. It really prepared me well for the liquid phase that followed surgery.
Seven days after my September 26 surgery, I had lost only 5 pounds but I was happy. To lose weight and keep it off is a wonderful thing!! I've managed to lose only 1 pound per week even though I've stepped up my exercise regimen. The week after my first fill was wonderful--no hunger whatsover and I decided to stay on liquids only for 8 days..Result? A seven pound loss.... Last Friday, I was back on solids (lots of protein and veggies) but I was cheating (popcorn, pasta and lots of carbs), I weighed myself and found a four pound weight gain! Yikes!! So this weekend I put myself back on the liquid phase and am back to 226lbs. (pre pre-op weight was 260lbs.).. I had a pb today on chicken salad so I'm putting myself on the mushies for a few days...
If I lose 8-10 pounds a month, I'll be a happy camper... I knew from the onset this would be a slow process and I am patient...My clothes are looser. I just gave away to a domestic violence women's shelter many, many, many 3x clothes. A part of me wanted to hang on to the $2,000 or so worth of clothes because "I might be a 3x again.." but deep inside of me, I know I'll never be a 22W or 24W or 26W woman again!
What do ya know? This lap-band thingy does work!!! LOL
Martha, Dan, and Sandy (the cover girl for obesitycontrolcenter.com) and so many other "regular" posters, I love your posts.. I read them when I come home each night and they do inspire me!
Oh, one more thing...I want to get the word out that Amy from Utah (also banded on September 26th, by the way..) and I will be flying into San Diego on January 30, 2004 for just the day for a fill. Our arrival filghts are 9-10 a.m. and our departuture flights are 7-8p.m. the same day. Anyone up for a fill that day? Anyone going to be at the Oasis hospital that day for surgery?! I'd love to meet new bandsters!

Wait..another question... Are there any Ortizians going to the Vegas Bandster Ball? If so, please post. I'm giving a lot of thought to going to "Sin City" in February!
Have a great weightloss week, y'all!
Hugs from Arizona,
Pamela

Banded 9/26/2003

Drs. Ortiz/Martinez Tijuana,MX

First Fill: 1.6 cc's

Drs. Ortiz/Simpson Phoenix, AZ

250/226/150

--- On Mon 11/24, Dan Lester < honu@...

From: Dan Lester [mailto: honu@...]

Ardie, I didn't get a chance to eat too much, I only got to eat about four bites of dry ham with a few bites of potato. I was at a restaurant and threw up all over myself, my blouse and my pants, the floor at my table and in the restroom onto the floor as well. I'm glad the time of day was after the lunch hour rush. I'd never done a PB before so did not recognize it coming on, I will if there is a next time. If there is a next time it will not be from eating too dry of meat, it will have to think of some other reason to make me do it, I'm not going down that trail again. I'll have to get too full, or swollen, or something else. I've been eating smoked turkey by itself, I thought that was a dry meat so I did not think about the ham not going down.
Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Monday, November 24, 2003, 4:59:52 PM, you wrote:
drsn
drsn
drsn
drsn
drsn
drsn
You can't really compare one to another, though know it is natural to
do so. You should lose one to two pounds a week. You're doing more
than that, and that's fantastic. Part of learning to be a bandster is
learning to eat and live like a "normal person", whatever the heck
that is. Sounds like you're doing it just fine. Normal people eat
occasional desserts and other "bad things", so don't obsess about that
angle.
You also can't compare fills. What you need will probably vary as you
lose, and a 1 cc fill may do nothing for some folks, and be too tight
for others.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

LOL, Martha! Congratulations! Wait until you have your second or
third PB'ing - your thoughts will be "OK, the band is giving me
orders again". Also, I happen to have a band that tightens for one
meal and manages to loosen the next. One thing for certain is our
bands tend to lead the way by telling us just when we need to stop
eating. I love my band! You are doing so well and there's another
congratulation in order. You Go Girl!
Ardie/Fl.

Ok, those of you that had surgery on September 26, 2003. How much
have you lost so far. I had it done then by Dr. Lopez (a wonderful
surgeon by the way) and had one fill on 11/03 (only 3/4 of a cc)and
it has slowed down a tad, I have lost 20 lbs so far, I haven't been
as faithful of what I eat as I should be, but not as bad as I have
been either in the past.....Feedback Pls.

Here is the info on a Texas fill doc. For those of you who are looking for
someone to replace Dr Snow and live in Tx, you call them and post the info
in the data base. It is a long distance call for me.
Maybe Sylvia can follow through with this info, or Martha.
-------
Call Red River Radiology Ass. at 903 785-852. You need to see Dr. Philip
Clifford or Dr. Billy Parkhill. We have offices in Paris, Texas, Mt
Pleasant, Texas and Longview, Texas. There are six Board Certified
Radiologists but Billy and Phil do the Lapband fills. We have imaging
centers in all three towns plus Greenville, Texas but I do not think that
they will not fills at Greenville, Texas. If I can help you any further let
me know. Eric Clifford

Thanks very much Bill,

I started putting the info into the data base, but there seems to be a

number missing on the phone number. any idea what it might be?

Sylvia

Yippee for you too! Caroline, that's my daughters name, I will say Good Luck but I have a feeling you wont need it with Dr. Kuri, please post when you feel up to it, talk to you on the other side :-))

Sylvia

I was just doing a little checking pre-surgery. This is all ok with me beca=
use I
have my fill folks lined up ahead of time and I am ok with getting the non=
-U.S.
approved band because I know I can get fills. I just wanted this to be on t=
he
board for others to see ahead of time and get prepared BEFORE surgery -
Elizabeth (will also post on smart & mexican & bandsters):
Hello Elizabeth,
Yes Dr. Sanchez is an approved and very experienced LAP-BAND® System
surgeon. He uses our 11 cm LAP-BAND System which is not approved for
use in the US because we have not requested approval. He also uses other
brands of bands.
I highly recommend that you arrange for your post-operative care (band
adjustments) prior to going to Mexico for surgery or plan on returning to
Mexico for your band adjustments.
Regards and best wishes,
Don Mills
INAMED Health

Yippee for me (=
I am nervous but more excited than anything!
Wish me luck(=
I will post when I get back.
Caroline
235/150
Dr.Kuri

Unfortunatley there is no easy way start losing again. I started to
plateau and I kicked up a notch. I started exercising 45 minutes a
day instead of 30 and I removed anything close to sugar or starches.
Now I have stuck to the basics and continue to lose about 3 pounds a
week.
Basics:
Protein then veggies then bread/starchies
If this doesn't work then I agree with Dan that it is time for
another fill.
Stephanie A.
Dr. Rodriguez (Monterrey)
10/03/03
299/259/??

Saturday, November 22, 2003, 11:57:59 PM, you wrote:
cac
cac
cac
If you're restricted in the morning, there is NO reason to get
ANYTHING down besides water or coffee or something calorie free. You
don't NEED any of that stuff.
cac
cac
Same for the bars....it is much better to eat real food.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

If you've been eating right, exercising, and not losing for three or
more weeks, you probably need another fill.
Sunday, November 23, 2003, 4:39:23 PM, you wrote:
drsn
drsn
drsn
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

Hey I am stuck on a plateau after my first fill. Any advise on how
to make the weight loss start up again. I thought after a fill I
should loose more, H E L P!!!!
D Ragsdill
Dr. Lopez
9/26/2003
20 lbs lost

Hi Pam
I was banded on October 4 by Dr. Verboonen. I had a very good
experience with Dr. V. My surgery and recovery have gone well and
I'm ready to schedule my first fill. I've had abdominal surgery
before (twice) and getting the band installed was by far the
easiest. The only negative I can say is that Dr. Verboonen doesn't
have the personal charisma of some of the other Mexican surgeons.
But personal charm wasn't the first item on my list of criteria for
picking a surgeon and a band. I do suggest that you not only
research the surgeon, but look into the type of band and where you
will be able to get your fills.
Best Wishes!
Kris
232/208/140ish

Thanks to all of you who responded about the protein ideas. I was
just in a major "funk" last night after fixing a great dinner and me
sipping tea. I should have budgeted for a cook for my family during
my liquid only stage. lol. I appreciate all your kind words. This
liquid phase is getting old but I know this will pass. I'm going to
go and buy one of those Atkins protein drinks and give that a try.
Thanks........... Jill 250/235/140
Dr. Ortiz/Martinez 11-06-03

We all know going into this surgery that a possible complication is throwing a blood clot and/or developing an infection. Has nothing to do with the surgeon or the surgery. Did either one of these women contact Dr. Joya and give him the opportunity to look at them? They would have saved the extra expense by going back to the original doctor for complications. We hear about other patients on this board that have complications but they go back to their surgeon and get the care they need and are then happy patients once again.

There is a woman in my local support group who had problems with her band placed by a doctor in Mexico (Not Dr. Joya) and you, Sandy were trying to convince her to go to your Doctor to get the problem taken care of. She did contact your doctor but after thinking about it for a while she decided to contact her original surgeon. Yes in fact there was something wrong with her band and her surgeon paid for her flight back to him and replaced the band at NO COST to her. Had she acted on your pressure to go to your doctor she would have had to cover the expenses.

There are certain complications that can happen with this surgery and any other type of surgery. If something does happen you should always contact the Doctor who proformed the surgery to take care of it. Kathleen should be thankful that Dr. Joya is a competant surgeon and removed the needle. Ask any nurse or doctor and I am sure they can tell you stories of patients who have later discovered they had gause or something else left in them after a surgery.

Sandy wrote: Please ask Kathy HOW she lost most of her weight. She'll tell you
that most of her weight was lost during the time she was in the
hospital after she returned to the US. It was when she was fighting
the infection and blood clot after the 4 hour band surgery she had
when Dr. Joya broke the needle off in her. Also ask her who is
handling her follow up care. I would also suggest that you contact
Patricia and ask her how much weight she's lost. Ask HER about her
experiences with her 3 surgeries and her infections! You may want to
also ask both of these women how much money they've lost as well!
Pre-bandsters, PLEASE do your research before choosing a doctor.
There are several good surgeons out there. Unfortunately there are
some bad ones as well. It is VERY difficult to sort through the
information obtained on these boards. When ANYONE makes a claim,
good or bad, check it out for yourself! Please don't take my, or
anyone else's word for anything. Contact the patient directly and
get it first hand. Or contact the person making the claim and ask
how you can confirm that the claim they've made it true.
Sandy
Dr. Ariel Ortiz FACS
9-5-02
328/229/180

I have sent private emails to both Gerald and Sandy and they both agreed politely, much to their credit, that from now on they will deal with their private matters privately. I hope that all of us will also consider this matter dropped. Thanks.

Going to Mexico for surgery is for some of us, the only way we could afford this life changing surgery, but it can still produce a knee jerk reaction of horror in some people when you tell them, so it's not an easy thing to do. But most of us on this board have come to know it to be a very safe environment with genuinely caring, experienced, and skillful Doctors, and if is wonderful that we can pass this information on, and isn't that why this board was created, so we can support and reassure those that come after us? Yes, there is some friendly and sometimes not so friendly, (lol) rivalry between the patients, but I happen to think that is perfectly normal human behavior to want to repay the Doctor who changed our lives and are still so supportive and caring, they are almost like family, and who doesn't love and defend their family?

But, (my two cents for what it's worth,) while I personally have nothing against paid patient advocates, as they can and do, offer a very valuable service to new patients; I do believe, without a doubt, that it's a conflict of interests when they do it through this board or other boards like it; it just doesn't feel right.

Okay off my soap box, and as I said it's just my 2 cents worth, and any other most comments and opinions on this matter are most welcomed, but keep it gentle please. lol

Sylvia

(Moderator)

Dr. Kuri

Hi Beth,

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz and he asked me to go on a liquid diet 10 days before banding. Did I do it? I tried...but no..I wasn't on strict liquids for the whole time...What I did was I started to cut way down and focus on protein first and less carbs...and four days before I was able to gradually go to all liquids and I had a *really* easy surgery..15 minutes..and I was large. I don't know if it the fact that I didn't do the last supper syndrome helped..but I think it did. I was just CONVINCED when I went there that I was way too big to do it laproscopically and that they'd have to open me up. Nope. 15 minutes. I still can't believe that.

Take care, Beth. Good lucky! January 2004 is *not* that far away!

Michelle

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

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

Olympia, WA

<

Errosion of the band is when the band gets logded into your stomach
causing a hole in your stomach. There is a big difference between
errosion, and when a doctor punctures your stomach during the
operation. Erosion can occur as soon as 1 week post op, in
association with your body rejecting the band (similar to breast
implants or other foreign objects placed into our bodies) or as far
away as 2-4 years. If you have a band you run the risk of errosion,
and that hole in your stomach is not nearly as dangerous as a
punctured organ during surgery. The punctured organ during surgery
usually leads to death within 3 days. In a few posts I see where
patients have found holes in their stomach. If you have errosion,
you need to see the doctor so they can see how bad it is and to see
if the band can either stay on or need to be withdrawn for a time.
Patients can go a long time without removal so long as the errosion
is not bad, but it usually depends on the patient. Most doctors who
dont know about the band find a small hole caused by some type of
errosion and want the band removed immediately, but other band
doctors want to give the band a chance. Because a lot of damage can
be done to a stomach by removing the band improperly, the band
patient needs to know the difference in whether the errosion is
dangerous or not so that they can make an informed decision. IF you
have a hole in your stomach from a puncture wound, you would die
before leaving the hospital, if the doctor did not treat it. Also,
you would have pain in your stomach where the band is, where the
puncture is, and also when you eat or drink, where the food ends up
in your abdomen, you would have unbelievable pain near your lower
abdomen, and as such would require immediate attention. Errosion is
one of the known side effects of the band and can happen to any one
of us. I decided to post this as some people out there are confused
about errosion and probably would like to know. I hope this helps a
bit in clearing up any questions you may have.

Jill:
A little protein is better than none. Try drink good skim milk or
if you can't stand that you can even try an occational low fat 1%
chocolate milk. Hang in there,
Amy in Utah

Thanks Dan, it was just one of those questions that pop up. I look forward to being able to exercise again. Keep up the good work.

Beth

is there a
tip anyone can offer

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

You might try just throwing 'em in the trash. You will be fine without them. I think maybe you are tired now because you just had surgery and you are still in recovery. You will have lots more pep in two more weeks. You'll feel just like new, probably even better. Best wishes to you.
Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

I'm just over two weeks post op and can start adding protein mixes to
my diet now. I spent over $50 dollars on all kinds of mixes,
different kinds and brands. I bought soups, juice, Unjury and want
to gag on them all. Even the smell makes me want to gag, is there a
tip anyone can offer. Maybe I'll just skip the protein powder stage
for the week and hold off until the mushy stage begins at three
weeks. I know I would have a lot more energy if I could get some
protein down. I am really hungry at times and my hair is feeling so
dry. The hardest part is fixing my famiy dinner and smelling it! I
feel like licking the plate sometimes. I'm so sick of Gadorade and I
know this will pass, just had to vent and ask for Protien ideas.
Thanks........... Jill 250-235-140
Dr. Ortiz/Martinez 11-06-03

I don't know if you can make a blanket statement like "Doctors
approved by Inamed are a dime a dozen in Mexico".
The truth is that there are quite a few doctors in Mexico (I won't
name names, they know who they are) who use the band who are not
approved by Inamed. But since they do the surgery, people assume
they are approved by Inamed.
Sil
Drs Ortiz/Martines

Doctors approved by Inamed are a dime a dozen in Mexico, that apparently is no big deal any more. Every doctor seems to be approved by Inamed, even in America, probably mainly because Inamed wants them to use their band and in America, they don't have a choice. What good does it do now to say that the doctor is approved by Inamed?

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

Kathy is sucessfully losing weight and her band IS working. ASK
KATHY HOW MUCH SHE HAS LOST TO DATE!
As for Sandy, we have sent you a Cease and Desist letter to stop
attacking falsly Dr. Joya. You ARE erronously attacking a very good
doctor. As a matter of fact if you want to bring your cease and
desist letter into the public domain that is fine, you obviously are
a very smart person, and as such now everyone is aware that every
time you post your lies and attack Dr. Joya you will open yourself
up to a lawsuit. Sandy get over yourself, you are the originator of

Read the archives of this group. Search for his name. You'll find
some good comments, some not so good.
Generally you'll only get good comments from people, since almost all
of us love our doctors, as I do mine.
dan
Friday, November 21, 2003, 9:12:03 PM, you wrote:
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

Hello everyone,
I am new to this group. I am getting my band in Mexico, my insurance
turned down the appeal also. I am in the process of picking a doctor.
I have been talking to Dr. Verboonen's first contact person. It's
hard to know who to go with, they, of course, all make themselves
sound good when you start to investigate. Can anyone tell me if they
have had any experience with this doctor, good or bad? Does anyone
have a recommendation? I want to choose a good doctor and have
everything go as smooth as possible. Also, if anyone knows of whom to
stay away from, I would appreciate that too. I need some help here.
I can't stay this size any longer. I'm at the point of being in pain
every day all day from the excess weight on my legs, etc.
Thanks, Pam
currently 410# at 5'3 1/2"

The lady in detroit had a nick/cut/leak in her stomach from the
surgery. She thus developed peritonits. She didn't go to her doctor
or her hospital, or tell them she'd had stomach surgery. She also
waited a long time before going. By the time she got there and they
sorted it out it was too late.
dan
Friday, November 21, 2003, 10:24:33 AM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d
d
d
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

Louise, Congrats to you. Isn't Dr. R just a sweetie!!! I am getting ready to go back and see him on Monday for my first fill. WooHoo!!! Good luck to you!
Kelly in KY
Dr. Rumbaut 10/21/03
-21 lbs

Hi everyone! I'm back from Monterrey where I was banded 11/18 by Dr.
Rumbaut and I just want to say that it was a wonderful experience.
Dr. Rumbaut and his resident, Manuel, were awesome, the hotel staff
were great, the hospital was beautiful and the nurses who cared for
me were fabulous. So far I've been doing well. I had terrible gas
pains the day after surgery but walked a lot and used a hot water
bottle on my tummy and that really helped. Thursday I felt great.
Flew home today so it was a little uncomfortable but tolerable. This
is all feeling a bit unreal still. I also would like to say that the
information I found on this site has been invaluable to me. I felt
so prepared and really felt like I knew what I was doing when I got
there. Thanks to all of you who have shared your experiences and
wisdom so freely. I'm officially a bandster! YAY!
Louise in Omaha
11/18/03 Rumbaut
238/haven't weighed myself since surgery/150

It looks like I'm going to be flying down to TJ for a fill with Dr.
Ortiz on Wednesday Dec. 17th. Anyone else heading down and want to
share a ride?
Jill 250/235/140
Dr. Ortiz/Martinez 11-06-03

FYI- The next date for fills in Baton Rouge, LA is Dec. 5 (Friday).
Appts. start at 1PM. The charges are mentioned below. Call Dana at
225.673-8983 if interestd or need more info. (Dr. Wells is my
Primary Care Physician and is great!)
Karen H.
Dr. Sanchez

Wonder how we can get the name of the doctor. I'd call and make an appointment for next month, is there any phone numbers that go with this post , or how do we get to this person who wrote the post in the first place.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

I was wondering if anyone knew about any fill doctors in the mid
west.. there was a posting of one in decater and one in st. louis..
i live in columbus ohio right now.. but i'm going to st. louis over
christmas... soo i can do either columbus, st. louis... or anywhere
in between... if anyone knows any doctors please let me know.. or
how i can find them myself...!
thanks!
emily
2/28/03
dr. kuri
297-218-165

Bill thanks for posting this, is there any way you can get the name of this person, especially a phone number?

Thanks.

Sylvia

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

Here is some fill info that I copied from the main bandsters group. Maybe
the moderator could post it to the data base for all the people who have
been having problems with Dr Snow.
-------
Message: 13
Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 08:26:22 -0600
From: "Eric Clifford" <eclifford@...
Subject: Re: port fills???. Cindy, Docs and fills in dallas
My brother is a radiologist in Paris, Texas which is 100 miles northeast of
Dallas. I have the band done by Dr, Rumbaut. My brother has filled mine and
other people with the band up here. He uses fluro and charges $250. He
started doing it so all of use up her do not have to run too Dallas to get a
fill. My brother-in-law is also a radiologist here and he also has done
fills. If they can help anyone let me know. Eric Clifford
<clipped

what happened to the lady who died, besides the fact that she died, is that the one with the punctured organ? Did you ever hear of any who died due to other problems but they just didn't make it through banding, like they had too severe heart problems or something like that? I guess the surgeon would not have done a band for someone that ill or that much at risk.

Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03

I believe at least one died during surgery, due to surgical error. In
the US. And one died a couple days later due to a complication that
was originally caused by surgical error. Also in the US. I'm sure
there have been a few others.
But on the other hand today's paper told of a lady dying during
surgery for bypass in RI, the third one in that hospital, and they've
quit doing bypasses. The risks are MUCH less for a band.
dan
Thursday, November 20, 2003, 7:18:17 PM, you wrote:
DH
DH
DH
DH
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

It doesn't eliminate the extra skin, but it helps to put muscle under
it, which looks better than fat, and which makes it less loose. I may
or may not someday have a TT, but too soon to worry about that.
dan
Friday, November 21, 2003, 12:02:47 AM, you wrote:
SB
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/233/199

Yes, the Hospital was very clean. It kinda reminded me of a small
town hospital in the US. The surgery room, however, was state-of-the-
art, and it does have an I C Unit.
I stayed in the Lucerna Hotel which was great, it is a 5-star by
Mexican standards, (in the US I would say it would be a 4-star).
Very clean, and the staff was great and English speaking.
If you want more luxury, I understand he also has Surgery facility
next to the Grand Hotel, and then you could stay at the Grand.
I paid a total of $US9000.00, but he was having a special then, why
don't you call Robin, his US coordinator (203) 467-0720 and see if
you can still get the special? Tell her you "want to see the
Wizard" (my nickname for him!)
Sil

The hotel is a four star hotel. Very nice, very good staff, excellent
restaurant (not that you'll care after being banded, except for the
good chicken broth).
The hospital is small and excellent. They only serve vegan food, so
if you have a companion who wants meat, s/he will have to go a couple
blocks away to eat. But again you won't be eating when you're there,
so not an issue to you. The staff is very caring. Some don't have
great english, but they'll get one who does if you need it. The
hospital and hotel both have free internet access available, so you'll
be able to email us on how you're doing.
Mrs. Ortiz, his mother, is the patient coordinator, and she'll run you
around town for your various tests, which are done in several
different places/clinics. That is one of the things that saves money.
You'll find her to be the nicest, sweetest, most caring, most helpful
person you've ever met. And then you'll know here he got his people
skills. She's done well with her "boy".
dan
Thursday, November 20, 2003, 5:25:04 PM, you wrote:
aa
aa
aa
aa

Well, I just bought tickets f