Re: [mexicanbandsters] No support from spouse - still determined

2007-03-31 19:10:55

Lisa, do it for yourself because you want it and you need it and it's in your best interest. Don't look for support from your family, get in a weight loss support group somewhere, use the internet. Don't discuss it with any of your family, because they will just drag you down, you want to associate yourself with supporters only for this, it's a big boost to use them. Dr. Kuri is a good surgeon. Good choice. Do all your homework, get all your information, take good care of yourself and follow all the doctor's instructions so you don't have any problems, so your family can't gripe at you for anything, and you will never have to look back. Nobody can understand the kind of weight loss you want to achieve unless they have been there. Skinny people or people who can lose weight at the drop of a hat just don't get it. To hell with them, you do this for you. Your husband sounds just like mine, I dragged him to a weight loss meeting and had the whole group jump all
over him and explain this to him and what it feels like, he never griped about it again, and he supports me big time now. He never was against having the band, but his mentality was "if you'd just quit eating, you'd lose weight" Yes, that's true, but I didn't quit eating until I had the band. Now I am not hungry and I spent all this money on myself so I want to succeed. You will succeed even with no support if you want it bad enough.

Martha

No support from spouse - still determined

2007-03-31 14:38:08

Hi all,

It is so sad that my husband thinks I am crazy for wanting this surgery and is offering me no support - not financially or emotionally. He thinks I should just "diet and exercise" despite the fact that I have tried this for over 10 years with no success. I have tried doctor supervised fen-phen, doctor supervised liquid diet, Jenny Craig, the Diet Center, Atkins, weight management counseling for 6 months and exercise only to regain the weight. I am in constant back pain, have degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, high blood pressure and cannot exercise now due to my excess weight. My knees can't bear it. I have 3 small children and it is so difficult to keep up with them and be the cheerful mom I want to be.

I am sorry if I am whining, but I am so depressed about this and have no one else to talk to since my father and sister think I am crazy also. I am 100 pounds over weight with a BMI of 37, with several co-morbidities, so it is not as if I am being unreasonable (I don't think). I have thought seriously about this and researched it a great deal (am leaning toward Dr. Kuri).

So, you guys are the only ones that might understand. Anyone experience any of this? I do not need my husbands money to have this done, and I am convinced that I am going to do it, but it would be nice to have his moral support and his blessing. I know that I will have to "sneak off" when the time comes and not tell anyone. It is a shame. My mother-in-law isn't supportive since she has always weighed about 98 pounds and "dieted" all her life to keep it that way. Ugh!!!

Ok, I am done now, thanks for listening to my sob story. I will write again when I get my appointment!!

Determined,

Lisa

new hospital (Dr. Kuri)

2007-03-31 04:35:13

Hi, I am scheduled to have surgery 01/24. I was wondering if any of
you have had surgery at Dr. Kuri's new hospital? I have been
reading the boards for several months now and have only seen a few
posts. Has anyone had surgery there and could you please share your
experience? Also, is there anyone else going around the 24th? I
would love to meet up with other bandsters.
Twins - are you out there? I know you had surgery last week in TJ
and was wondering how your surgery/recovery went. Hope all is well -
I know you both will do great!!!!!!!!
Terri pre-band
185/185/110-105 4'10
Dr. Kuri

Loose Port?

2007-03-31 02:55:13

I'm having some pain around my port, is it posible it has come loose
and is moving up?
bb

lapband info needed

2007-03-31 01:37:17

Hello All,
Im new to this group and the band too. I was researching the other
butcher you up style WLS when I heard about the band, now Im sold.
From reading various posts I can tell that there is a lot of
expertise in Mexico, and since I am paying for it myself I have
decided to go that route, also for the cost factor. I am rather
large...6'4", 480lbs, line backer sized, and have aprox 250lbs to
lose. Any info you have regarding positive or negative experiences
with mexican doctors, research info, and any other related info
would be appreciated. Also, whats up with the Seattle Bash thing?
Thanks,
Seth

Happy Holidays !!!

2007-03-30 13:27:06

From: "Dr. Roberto Rumbaut"

Re: anyone know about Dr Roberto A. Rumbaut

2007-03-30 09:00:41

Dr. Rumbaut put in my LapBand 11/18/03. I am a recovery room nurse
so I have lots of experience with surgeons and care of patients post-
op. Dr. Rumbaut is wonderful. He is an excellent surgeon as well as
a caring and compassionate physician. He and his staff have made the
whole experience very smooth for patients coming from the U.S. And
he has been readily available to me since surgery, I have contacted
him a couple of times (not for problems). I have done really well
since surgery, have not had any complications and have lost 24
pounds. I love Dr. Rumbaut!
Louise in Omaha
238/214/150

Re: [mexicanbandsters] sugar free fudgesicles

2007-03-30 01:10:50

Have you found a low calorie sugar free fudgesicle? The ones I found were too high in calories to use as a snack food, or hunger supplement. I used the sugar free popsicles instead, but of course I'd prefer fudgesicles if I could find one that tastes great and no calories. Ha, I'm fooling myself, aren't I?

Martha

Re: Digest Number 615

2007-03-29 21:35:03

I agree about the EAS advantage shakes, they're really good. And
you can get the at Sam's Club here and at Trader Joes (both have
great prices). The soup bases sound really interesting! Julie

Re: [mexicanbandsters] GNC

2007-03-29 19:12:34

Kathy, if you got a sweet tooth...try the Adkins chocolate bars..the bomb. Not too many carbs and they have a good amount of protien too.
Kelly in Ky
Dr. Rumbaut 10/21/03
First Fill 2 cc, 11/24/03
-30.5

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Lydia

2007-03-29 14:04:38

Tell us how the band has helped you besides with weight reduction, please share with us.

Martha

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Peggy

2007-03-29 01:44:50

Peggy, what do you eat and how much at a time can you hold , how much would
you eat at a meal? You have done supper well, how many fills did you need
to get good restriction and how much do you have in you? See, this is
gossip and not applicable to all people , but interesting to all women. We
KNOW everyone isn't alike, but we like to see how different we all are. We
are all unique.
Martha

RE: [mexicanbandsters] anyone know about Dr Roberto A. Rumbaut

2007-03-28 14:59:02

Yes, As far as I am concerned he is the best. You will like him and he is a
very good surgeon!
Tell him Peggy says HI! I had my surgery with him August 2002 and have lost
90 lbs. this was the best thing that ever happen to me! Good Luck to you!
Peggy

anyone know about Dr Roberto A. Rumbaut

2007-03-28 11:13:59

I am planning on having the lapband procedure within the next two
months, I have pretty much decided on doctor Rumbaut in Monterrey...
Has anyone else out there gone with him as their surgeon??

GNC

2007-03-28 07:44:05

I joined the frequent flyer club at GNC. The mega whey chocolate is
pretty good, and I mix it with 32 oz. water. The flavor is not the
whole story...it is 40 gms protien and 32 oz H2O and I need both.
It also keeps me feeling very full for about 4 hours...which is a
REAL support for me. I love chocolate.....that is the story....I
feel decadent drinking all that chocolate stuff...and the protien is
a bonus!!!! Kathy from Concord

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Brand of Protein

2007-03-27 23:02:37

I didn't drink protein drinks except on days that I had to drink liquids and did not have some good broth made up. You may want to make some chicken and beef broth ahead of your surgery and freeze it so you will have some ready for yourself and you will not have to cook for a while. Use either those small disposable plastic cups with lids for sale at Wal-Mart or Freezer bags, but do it in quantities that serve one or two servings, don't put the whole mess in a big gallon freezer bag. I made my chicken broth using some breasts, onion, a few carrots , several chicken bullion cubes, salt and pepper. When it's done, take the chicken out and cut it into small pieces and put it back in the pot. Then I threw in some egg noodles for my husband. He got chicken noodle soup and I had really good tasking chicken soup both better than what is in those cans. For beef broth , I put some of those soup chunks of meat they sell at the grocery for stew meat cut in half, and covered it
with water, added a can of tomato juice, and some chopped onion and cooked it for at least two hours, maybe any amount longer than that you wanted. Then added a sack of mixed frozen vegetables, real diced fresh carrots,real diced celery, real diced potatoes, and some real diced onions, salt and pepper and a couple cans of diced tomatoes, cook it another hour, and then at the last, I'd throw in some elbow macaroni and a handful of rice and cooked it 30 more minutes to an hour, you may have to put a lid on this or add more water as it cooks, and you may have to add more salt and pepper when it's done and you best have a huge soup pot to cook this in. That's what I did for my broth, both tasted good. You can add beef bullion cubes to the beef soup, or you can use beef and chicken broth from cans in place of the water, or you can just add it for extra flavor or you can not use it at all. If you have this on hand, it's the best tasting brand of protein drink you can
find.

Martha

Netar protein juice

2007-03-27 21:23:47

Go to wlssuccess.com Then go to bottom of page.

Brand of Protein

2007-03-27 14:50:58

I am ready to purchase my protein and can't make up my mind what to purchase. Can anyone recommend a "tasty" brand? Second, tips on the clear liquid and liquid diet. Appreciate any tips.

Beth H

Dr. Rumbaut

14 days and can't wait

Re: [mexicanbandsters] How many of you have had complications after the Band?

2007-03-27 10:25:57

Atlanta: I want to say that I have had no complications at all since I was banded and on the average I think that I am normal, and that most people don't have complications and if you only ask for those who did have them, then you won't realize how many don't . One doctor told me in his practice 5% had some minor complication that was easily fixed, that may help.

Martha

How many of you have had complications after the Band?

2007-03-27 07:23:31

Outside of fills, how many office or hospital visits have you had
since your Band? Do you usually return to Mexico or tend to
complications at home? Has insurance ever covered anything in the
way of complications?
Thanks.
SusanN (who is comfortable with being banded in Mexico, but whose
family is making her ask these questions :)
Atlanta
250s/preop

"Smoke Bush/Ashcroft"

2007-03-26 20:33:32

Since we're cleaning house, let's lose this statement too. It doesn't belong
here.
Karyn-Minneapolis

Re: my doc vs your doc

2007-03-26 14:33:03

It would be wonderful if those of us who are mature adults would resist
the urge to continue this rather silly flame war. Clearly, some members
of this list are lacking in perspective and maturity. This has become a
religious war.

Re: Need Some Advice!

2007-03-26 06:23:31

---
The best advice is just not to be overly concerned now. Things will
change, but all in perspective. Don't be nervous, it will be ok. Just
get it done. I think it's really difficult to make alot of lifestyle
changes before surgery. It's important to join if possible a wls
support group near you. The other thing is go to one of the big get
togethers called a Bash. You meet different people, doctors and get
to meet future friends and supporters. There is one in Tijuana once a
year, Las Vegas, Texas, Florida and also one in Seattle in January.
Good luck, joanne in seattle

Need Some Advice!

2007-03-26 03:42:13

Hello Everyone,
I have researched various WLS for almost a year and settled on the
LAGB. Since that time, I have been refused insurance coverage and
have decided to pay cash instead.
I will have my surgery on January 3 in TJ (I lived in Mexico for
several years and I'm fluent in Spanish so I'm not too concerned
about that part) but I am both excited and nervous about this
important life change.
I have tried to start making some lifestyle changes now (excercising
3 times per week, making/drinking veg/fruit juices for one
or more meals, etc.) and I am looking for any advice any of you
could give me that might make me more successful during my pre-op
week (including what to bring to TJ) and my first four post-op
weeks. Any helpful hints would be MUCH appreciated.
Happy Holidays!
David
250/250/175
01/04
Dr. Kuri

I could work harder....

2007-03-25 16:16:55

I was banded on 9/30 and was filled 11/22. The fill did not change
my restriction so I was discouraged and started eating bad during
the holidays. I noticed this week my ankles were swelling and I
weighed and discovered I gained 7 pounds in about four weeks. I'm
sure it's due to all the chocolate.
I'm about to get another fill Jan 7 and I should find my sweet
spot. I'm eating better now that I've discovered I've gained but
still could do a lot better.
I'm in Conway NH for the holidays and since I've been in the
moutains I am more restricted. That is so weird to me but I'm
enjoying it. The ski resort I'm at has a gym so I'll start walking
again.
I am still a looser even though I'm a 7 pound gainer. I know it is
just a phase and I can't let one set back throw me off.
Kimberly
-10

Re: Calling all adults!

2007-03-25 14:44:49

Okay, but, haven't you just joined our ranks? You too are posting
on this topic. You included a lot of conversation in that
condemnation. I'm not trying to start an argument, just didn't
really agree there (so I guess, by definition, I'm arguing).
Julie

Re: [mexicanbandsters] 3-6 months out

2007-03-25 03:32:51

Connie, I've heard people say that one day they can eat a particular thing and the next day they can not. So far I haven't had that situation arise. I am seeming to stick to the same foods over and over and I don't think that is what I should do , I want to eat some of everything. I am too afraid of throwing it up I guess. Although with this second fill I have not had a PB yet, but I also know what that feeling is that leads to it and I just stop and wait a minute, and so far, whatever has caused that hurting feeling has cleared and gone on down. I think one problem is that I am taking too large of bites here, so I'm trying to watch the size of the bites, and eating slower too. Now I'm at the stage where all the warnings that the nutritionist told me about are what I need to pay attention to. Chew, chew, chew, small bites, slowly. So far drinking has not been a concern but I remember her telling me to sip, sip, sip, I don't seem to need to sip and can drink
normally.

Martha

Re: [mexicanbandsters] PB

2007-03-25 03:22:43

it was some knowledge you gain
once you are banded

Yeah, you get that knowledge really quick after you get your fills! LOL

Martha

Re: Any Houston Area people in this group?

2007-03-24 19:11:32

This is what horrifies me about going to a doctor the does not
provide follow-up care. I was banded by Dr Sanchez and was promised
a fill doctor.....didn't happen. I suggest you not allow an
unlicensed person to access your port in a non-clinical setting.
Infections CAN cause the loss of your band. I know Dr Sanchez is
charming. This banding journey needs a lot more than a good
surgical experience. IMHO. Kathy from Concord

Re: Just have to tell someone!

2007-03-24 17:58:25

Martha,
I don't eat alot.. that is for sure. I never eat breakfast because my
band has a mind of it's own. I usually always have a warm drink for
morning time, then for lunch I usully have soup & salad or something
with soup then for dinner I have whatever I cook. Never beef though.
I cannot eat beef for some reason... But I do snack on crackers or
something during the day. I drink that propel water & regular water
during the day also. I just know that my band is pretty tight and has
been since my banding Sept. 12, 2003. I do PB I must say. I think I
do this because I go past that fullness by just a hair and then you
know there it goes. I don't think in my mind that I could possibly
have eaten enough for the nutrition part of it so I try to eat just a
bit more. Not good. I am learning more & more about my dear friend
though. Everyday is a new learning experience with it. I can eat
somethings somedays and not other days. Does that make sense? anyways
I know I feel really good my energy is up I just need to start
exercising more. I walk about 2-4 days a week for about 45-50 minutes
on my lunch hour. But I know I need to do weights or something. I was
a solid chubby thing. Now I have become flabby and it is weird. I
started @ 237lbs. goal is about 130lb. so I have about 60 more to go!
Well that is my thing... I believe everyone is different and we all
know that.
God Bless us all!
Happy Holidays
Connie Botello

x-post BANDSTER CRUISE BASH 2004!

2007-03-24 10:07:10

x-post BANDSTER CRUISE BASH 2004!
It looks like the Bandster Cruise Bash is setting up... if you are
interested in checking out the Bandster Bash Cruise to the Mexican
Riviera visit the official site:
http://www.bandstercruise.com
It looks like a lot of fun!

Re: whit, a shred, a iota

2007-03-24 02:46:29

Too much info???
polarbear Mike

Calling all adults!

2007-03-24 01:24:18

My friends,
It would be wonderful if those of us who are mature adults would resist
the urge to continue this rather silly flame war. Clearly, some members
of this list are lacking in perspective and maturity. This has become a
religious war.
Those of us who are agnostics don't really want to get caught up in the
firestorm of overzealousness. Many of us believe that many doctors in
Mexico provide excellent care and final choice is a matter of
convenience, personal preference, and price.
--
Crys Harris
crys@...

Fills, and being a "good" bandster

2007-03-23 20:24:44

Hi Everyone,
Answers to some questions I've been ask-
Fills are a tough subject, cuz they are really different with each
person. I got my first fill 6 wks after surgery. Then the next 4
fills each about 6 wks apart until I got to 2.6 cc. It's amazing
the difference between 2.5 and 2.6. When I got that fill, 2.6 shut
me down - and 2.5 was "just right". It's been a couple of months
since that fill and I think I will get a tweak next month from Dr.
Kuri. Pretty close to a sweet spot, but after 20 lbs I think the
band is getting alittle loose and I find myself able to eat a bit
more than I would like. The band is my volume control - nothing
more - nothing less.
As to being a good bandster - I'm not. I will eat Cheezits as a
treat - with Hummas as a "dip" - figure that's some protein - and I
love that combo. Every now and then I eat a piece of "good"
chocolate. Even if I try to cheat, the band will limit volume and
in some cases, the type of food I can eat. But, I ALWAYS drink my
water and try not to eat between meals. Gotta have a few rules. I
don't do a formal excerise program - but am pretty active generally.
With the band I figure there are really very few rules - mostly
comman sense type stuff. I won't diet - that is a bad mentality for
me - but I will drink my water, eat my protein first and try to get
a good juice drink for my veggies and fruit.
For any bandster I would recommend getting a juicer and doing your
fruit and veggies that way - makes it a no brainer to get them in
every day. I like the Nourish yogurt drinks - 10 grams of protein
and they taste yummy (besides I can't generally eat anything until
after noon - tight)!
Bottom line - we are all different - but have the same goal - to be
healthy and live well!
Donna C

Martha

2007-03-23 08:11:51

We love you on Bandbuddies. It will be sooo great when we can figure out
how to get together sometime. Maybe we can come up and invade your lovely
place. BTW - you can figure out what a Whit is after you meet my husband,
truly one of a kind.
Also, how much chocolate pie did it take to ruin your waist line?;.} I
don't think the pie cared about you, why care about it? If you want it, eat
it, so you don't feel deprived; but honestly I fall victim to "can't let it
ruin" much too often. I have to keep telling myself, food doesn't feel, or
care about me. Truly a one-sided relationship that went on far to long.LOL
I am like Charlie, a slow learner.
Have a Joyous Holiday everyone.
Hugs,
Fran Whitmeyer

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Filled to the top!

2007-03-23 05:53:07

Congratulations Diane! You did a wonderful job and so close to your goal now. Thanks for the post, it was very helpful to learn about people's experiences along their journey.

Martha

Re: [mexicanbandsters]Gabby says

2007-03-22 22:24:07

This morning I got a cramp in my toe and was saying "Ouch" and Gabby said, " Ouch, it hurts" I didn't say, it hurts, she just added that. She has said the first three numbers of our phone number here . I heard it this morning. I said , "Where's Mac?" She said , "Mac's a dog, ha, ha, ha, ha" she thought that was funny. I said , "Where's Punkin" She responded , " You little fart". " Cold outside? Hello, Gabby , want to come out , sit on the perch, Qua Passa, Here Mac, come here boy, good boy. Are you ok? Where are you? Come here Mac, come here Punkinny. Whistles for the dogs , calls them and tells them to go eat. Want a drink of water, David, yeah. Qua Pa Ranch. Lauren, Gabby , need to go. Work. Gabby, No, Hello, rings the phone. Hello, yes, ok, bye. Hello, work, Gabby NO! She's dialing numbers on the phone and making the tones it makes when you do it. I said , "Punkin" she responded , "No! bad dog!" She knows Punkin is a bad girl. "Go get in
your bed, go on". Mac you want a cookie? She's into the dogs this morning it looks like. And that it's cold outside. She makes the sound of the air bubbles coming to the top and popping in her water container as she drinks. That's funny. She sneezed and said , "God bless you" Hello Punkin, you little fart! Mac, you want to go out, good boy! Mac is a good boy too. Gabby, what are you doing? Barks like a dog. Gabby want to come out. (to which I respond, Gabby you ARE out) Mac's a girl. Apple!

So much for the bird again. Same old stuff. But I like it. Me and Sandra.

Martha

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Any Houston Area people in this group?

2007-03-22 17:17:12

Where are you? In Texas, I assume. There are docs in Louisiana, in
Paris TX, and in Ciudad Acuna who will fill you. Maybe those aren't
really close, but....without knowing where you are it is hard to tell.
Friday, December 19, 2003, 7:51:03 AM, you wrote:
AM
AM
AM
AM
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

Any Houston Area people in this group?

2007-03-22 14:25:23

Hi all,
I was banded 12/5/03 by Dr Sanchez in Monterrey and am researching
my next step, the fill. Everything so far has been a positive
experience with a minimum of problems. Losing weight and learning
the different signs of restiction even without a fill yet. I've
learned much just by reading the posts (except the bashers, all they
do is somewhat discourage new people so please tone it down.) Anyway
I was hoping someone could steer me towards a fill doctor who will
take patients who were banded in Mexico. I tried the Houston area
support group but no one was able to help me. Can anybody in this
group help?
Al 12/5/03
245/219/170

Filled to the top!

2007-03-22 04:43:25

Okay this is about the band fill and me.
I waited 6 weeks for a fill as I wanted to feel secure in my
healing. I went to Tacoma Radiology and they put 3.6 in and
charged me $350.00. A little steep but I am happy with their
judgement and work. (Im just cheap!) They gave me a 10 day
warranty (lol) in case I needed more or some taken out they would
only charge me $100.00 for that. I lost steadily right from the
moment of the operation. After the good fill I had amazing things
happen like words spoken I had never said before. "Im full, I
couldnt eat another bite, Can I have a doggie bag, Can I just have a
couple of bites from your dinner honey" I then learned about PBing,
runny nose, saliva over pruduction, and that uncomfortable feeling
when I ate too much. And I learned control of eating.
Someone had suggested to me to get my fill in the afternoon as you
are tighter in the morning and your fill would not be as good as you
thought. That was good advice for me. That is what I did.
I have lost about 65 lbs depending on which scale I stand on. Ive
just got to throw one of them away....I have about 9 lbs to go to
reach my target weight or 19 lbs to reach the U.S. recommended
weight. (But I think I will be fine at my target of 135 lbs.) My
losing has been really slow lately due to three things. Less weight-
slower loss, Tis the season.( Birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas,
winter.) and Ive been sick so all I have been doing is working and
sleeping. Even on my days off I have been spending the time in bed
(Alone) lol. But Im getting low on firewood so I will have to get
out there soon and cut and split it. (Real good exercise! If you
want to cut and split and stack my wood Ill only charge you $27.00 a
month....So much cheaper than a health club.)
If in January I dont straighten out I ll be getting a small fill.
Love and Joy to all.
Diane 03 04 03
Dr. Joya
209 144 135
55 years old

Julie

2007-03-22 01:29:55

Julie, after fills the different doctors have their own rules. Dr. Lopes and Dr. Rodriquez said a week of liquids, but Dr. Snow said a couple days of liquids, a couple days of soft and go with the flow. This is all a matter of how it feels to you. If you do well on the liquids, then move on to mush and stay on it as long as you feel like you need to. If you try solids and anything happens , you get a stomach, or vomit, or it just doesn't feel comfortable to you, then stay on mush a few more days. Wean yourself back onto solids. I did not do liquids , I think I had a bowl of soup and it had soft stuff in it, and then that night of the second day I ate soft food. I think I'm still eating soft food. I seem to favor staying on soft food most of the time, but I also don't have any desire to eat between meals and when it comes to a meal that solids are there, I eat those too but if you are able to control your input, and you don't suffer from hunger, then I see nothing
wrong with that, but if you get hungry between meals , you need to eat solid food. It stays with you longer. I grind up chicken breast and eat that with mayo in it. I eat a lot of fish, always fried too. It goes down easily. I drink milk, eat eggs, etc.

I look at the fighting as entertainment myself . It's not very nice to argue in my opinion and I agree with Dan , this is not the place for it, but I am always amazed at human behavior and find it fascinating at what people will say to each other. I don't care to get in the big middle of it as I don't know the subject matter and don't know the two people, or however many there are who are doing the discussion.

I have not exercised yet , but some day I will do it. LOL. When the cows dry up. I agree with exercising but just don't do it. I think it's good for you.

You may pig out a couple times but I think in the back of your head you want to stay on this diet and so you get back on it pretty quick. It's a big waste of your money not to stick with it, but I look at it this way, I don't beat myself up over a little indulgence because I'm on this for the rest of my life. So I'll do the best I can and I'll treat myself along the way. If I have enough fill in my band, I don't have room to do much pigging out, so I think it's very , very important to keep that band as full as is necessary. I am not out to win any races here. I think I stay pretty much on the diet and don't give myself much fun stuff , certainly not every day. But each person has to look at what the fun stuff does to them. I'm losing weight, not gaining , but if I don't lose weight, then I am going to be making some eating changes. That makes sense to me. Like they say, this is not rocket science, it's common sense. Those of us who have common sense will
lose weight because we know what we have to do and we do it. The ones who gain weight have other issues to deal with.

Personally I think you will be able to eat enough at Christmas with restriction that you can enjoy yourself just the same. I'll eat what goes down and not eat what doesn't . At Thanksgiving I threw up after about two bites and didn't eat the rest of the meal. I have learned that if I throw up something that I know what it is, then I may go back and eat the rest of the food on my plate that doesn't make me throw up. Especially if it's soft food. One day I was eating a fish platter, ate a hush puppy, it came up, I went back and finished the rest of the plate of food. But you have to experiment. It is recommended that you give your stomach a rest if you throw up and no continue to put crap down that hole in your face. But see how everything works for you, do what works for you. If you are afraid to irritate your stomach, give it a rest. Again common sense. If I had thrown up again at the same meal , I 'd have quit, but the hush puppy had flour in it and I
thought that was the culprit, didn't eat any more of them and had no problem.

I don't think you will gain enough weight eating on one day to be worth worrying about, like I said you are in this for the long haul, you aren't going to be eating Christmas dinner every day.

I don't have trouble with much, just dry meat, probably will be able to tolerate a small amount of flour product, I ate a little pie crust tonight. I ate a little wedding cake one time, about four bites before it said "stop".I've been able to eat a little bit of flour tortilla, rice did not work for me. Dry meats don't work for me, need a little sauce or gravy. Any corn product goes down fine, Fritos, cornbread. I ate corn dip and it did ok. This stuff was before my second fill, so I will have to relearn what will work and what won't. I don't seem to have morning restriction, I can eat in the mornings ,at noon and at supper time. I guess any old time is good for me so far. But who knows about tomorrow?

Happy holidays!

Martha

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Met my mini goal!! x-post

2007-03-21 09:37:02

You are a lucky camper. You must be doing it right! Good job!

Martha

Met my mini goal!! x-post

2007-03-21 05:12:35

Hi everyone, I had an appointment with my cardiologist today and weighed on the official "doctor " scales. I made my first mini goal of - 50 pounds .Whoo Hoo!! Today was my 5 month bandiversary too. My BP was down to 140/80.And no more heart meds! So many other "whoo hoos" lately--- The lap restraint on the theme park ride went all the way closed----The fanny pack actually fit----the 3x clothes went bye-bye-----All this and no fill yet.I surely do love my band!! Sue H.

Re: To Martha

2007-03-21 02:15:08

Hi Martha - I was banded 6 weeks ago today. I didn't really realize
it until I just hit the calendar button. I know I'm eating too much
but I do have some restriction. I can't eat grains (which I
shouldn't anyways) but I also have trouble with things like lettuce
and fruit. I can eat lots of other things though, and I'm feeling
hungry. I guess it's time. My hubby doesn't want me to do it
before Christmas, he thinks I won't be able to enjoy myself if I'm
restricted. (I think just the opposite - if I'm not more restricted
I'm afraid I'll pig out and gain back some of the weight I've
lost!). I also haven't been exercising, first because I tore a
ligament in my foot and then because I got the flu (which has led to
bronchitis and a sinus infection - oh joy!).
Did you have to go back on liquids after your fill? Mushies? If
so, how long before you tried real food? You're right about the 3
month post op site - or even the 6 week to 6 month post op site,
because it is a learning curve.
Thanks! Julie
PS - I don't mind repetitive information (previous posts' subject) -
I just don't like the fighting!

Re: Re[2]: [mexicanbandsters] Chocolate Pie/Dan

2007-03-21 02:04:53

I ate it.

Martha

Re: [mexicanbandsters] To Martha

2007-03-20 14:50:33

Julie, I realized that I needed a fill by the 4th week after surgery. I went ahead and made an appointment as soon as I could get it done. The things that made me think that was that I was able to hold lots of food, which I should have been able to do having no restriction. My stomach apparently never swelled after surgery, I never felt any restriction at all. I never threw up, I ate what I was supposed to eat but I could eat lots of whatever it was. Nobody should be concerned that they don't lose weight right after surgery for six weeks. People wrongly get upset when they don't start dropping weight immediately. That is not the time for weight loss, After you get restriction is when weight loss begins. If you lose weight before then, that is just a plus you are blessed with or you dieted to do it. It has nothing to do with the band doing it's job. As the date drew nearer to the date of my fill, I saw that I could eat lots of stuff not on my diet. And that is
normal because there is no restriction, but there was also no weight loss, no gain, but no loss. Some people have weight loss, no fill needed, some people have swelling , no fill needed, some people have throwing up, no fill needed. So I got my first fill at 6 weeks past banding. Then I could eat less but not much less, I had a few times when something I ate was not agreeable to my band but it never was when I ate too much, it was rice, dry meat, stuff like that, but I could eat all of two cups of food, no throwing up from that, I lost inches but no pounds, two cups of food is too much. I tried to eat the meat mostly and some vegetables all the time, so I was always on a diet. I've always been a hog, so quantity has always been my downfall, so I got the band to help control that , and so far I did not have enough restriction that the band was doing what I got it to do. After three weeks I again knew I needed more fill, no weight loss, eating too much or
able to eat too much, I did not eat over two cupfuls, but I probably could have. So as soon as I could, I had my second fill, four weeks later from the first fill. Now, this fill I have only had four days but I can only eat one cupful, and this week I've lost several pounds. Am quantity controlled , losing weight, no fill needed for a while until I seem to be eating more, and not losing weight. Then I'll go get more fill.

Does that help any? See, I think there needs to be a 3 month post surgery band site, so people get to yack about this area. See what it feels like to others. We don't know what to expect, we don't know how things are going to feel, we need to gossip about this stuff. LOL

Martha

To Martha

2007-03-20 08:22:52

How long did you wait before your first fill? I'm thinking it's
time I thought about getting one as things seem to be slowing down
and I'm eating regular food. What made you decide it was time?
Thanks, Julie

St. Augustine

2007-03-20 03:53:48

No, I'm not moving to Florida. But doing some other reading I ran
across this which really spoke to me for two reasons. First, it is
the holiday season when there are even more temptations to graze and
nibble and overdo it than usual. Second, there have been some
discussions of these issues lately on these groups.
Anyway, this is from St. Augustine, fourth century Christian bishop of
Hippo (a place in Africa). No, this isn't religious, so don't get
your knickers in a knot, friends.
Before he got his life straightened out Augustine led a very dissolute
life. His vices were in the sexual area rather than the food area, but
the principles are the same for many of us. Just read the following
and see if it speaks to you regarding food, as it does to me. More
than one of us has lusted after all sorts of food. If it doesn't work
for you, that's ok too.
"Because my will was perverse it changed to lust and lust yielded to
become habit and habit unresisted became necessity. Thus I came to
understand how the flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit
against the flesh".
I can certainly understand lust becoming habit becoming necessity in
all sorts of foods for me.....
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

Re[4]: [mexicanbandsters]dan

2007-03-19 19:07:33

Oh, you should know how much you have for things like this. I just
mean that comparing my fill to yours is meaningless, as we have
different bands, different bodies, etc. But even his comment on it
being aggressive doesn't mean much when he first sees you....since he
doesn't know what you need. Anyway, no hassle, I just think one of
the best ways to make ourselves crazy is to compare ourselves to
others, whether in amount of fill, amount of weight loss, etc, etc.
dan
Thursday, December 18, 2003, 8:23:37 PM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d
d
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

Re[2]: [mexicanbandsters] wanting to be banded

2007-03-19 12:27:51

The more you can exercise the better. As you lose weight you'll be
able to exercise more and will feel better. There are also MANY
exercises you can do without walking. Just think of those wheelchair
athletes....
dan
Thursday, December 18, 2003, 7:11:14 PM, you wrote:
LK
LK
LK
LK
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

Re: Re[2]: [mexicanbandsters]dan

2007-03-19 09:55:54

Ah, but it does have an importance for me to know what I have in my band because the first question Dr. Snow asked me was how much Dr. Rodriguez put in my band. I knew, so he asked it for some reason, and his comment to that information was, "Oh he was aggressive". So he apparently thought that was more than he expected it to be for a first fill. If I'd not have known , I guess he could have withdrawn it and taken a look see himself, and he may have done that. He said I had nothing wrong with my band, it wasn't leaking , or anything. But I ate too much. So he fixed that problem. I wasn't too far away from where I should like to be I guess. He showed me how he determined how much to put in a band. He showed me how to find the port spot when it's under the skin and where the needle has to go into the port and then how to feel for the amount of pressure on the syringe to determine how much room was in the stoma. He said apparently I did not have a lot of fat on
my stomach where the band was and that was why I ended up with more fill than some folks who may only have to get l.2 cc's or something less than 2 cc's. So I like knowing how much is in there, but if nobody different ever does my fills , then I guess it won't matter, but what if something happened and I had to go somewhere else, I 'd like to know how much is in there, it may not amount to a hill of beans , but you know, some people just like to be on the hill. Then, some people are just full of beans. LOL

Martha

Group policies and behavior

2007-03-18 23:53:10

OK...here's the story on what I believe and why regarding mailing
lists and discussion groups. This is based on fifteen years of
managing and moderating over a dozen internet groups on all sorts of
topics: computers, libraries, collectibles, health, and other things.
This experience goes back before ninety percent of the folks here even
heard of the Internet. Part of that experience is part of my job,
part is stuff I do for fun and personal interests.
I'm a librarian and in favor of complete free will as long as it
doesn't harm other individuals or groups. That means I will never
want to censor anyone for content. However, the content should be
relevant to the group, and should be civil at all times. It is always
possible to disagree without becoming rude, nasty, insulting, or
hostile. That is NEVER appropriate and is the thing that will drive
others away more than anything else. And this group has had a couple
or more folks who've engaged in rude and nasty behavior.
How should a group be set up?
1. Only members can post. That protects us against most spammers.
2. Only members can read archives. That protects us against many who
would violate our "privacy" (though there really is no such thing on
the internet), and helps to prevent your email address from being
harvested by spammers.
3. All should be set to be reviewed/moderated when they first join.
This eliminates stuff from spammers who join the group and then post
their spam, only to immediately leave the group after their dirty work
has been done. This also means that the first few posts from someone
are approved. Basically, they're proving they're trustworthy,
honorable, and decent.
4. Anyone who behaves in an inappropriate manner can be left on review
status, or can be returned to it for cause.
5. People should only report PERSONAL experience with a doctor or
other medical professional.
6. It is appropriate to post a reference to a different posting, such
as "search the archives for info on Dr. Bozobrain" or "there are some
posts about personal experiences with Dr. Bozobrain at message numbers 2365
and 5385."
7. It is never appropriate to post the type of things that are, or
soon become, urban legends, like "my girlfriends daughter had dr.
bozobrain and he did this and that bad stuff".
NONE of this is PERSONAL to anyone. These are just good general
behaviors and guidelines. No, they're not perfect, and maybe I've
forgotten something. But after having had this discussion for over a
decade, I've learned pretty well what works and what doesn't.
dan
Thursday, December 18, 2003, 6:54:26 PM, you wrote:
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

Re[2]: [mexicanbandsters]Mary M.

2007-03-18 17:22:08

By the time you get to tenths of a CC in a band, much less hundredths,
you're getting into VERY fuzzy measurement territory. There are 25 or
so CC in a teaspoon, so it is clear these are VERY small amounts. So
don't worry about the exact amounts, since what is right for you will
NOT be right for someone else, and vice versa.
Thursday, December 18, 2003, 6:14:22 PM, you wrote:
d
d
d
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

Re: MODERATOR WAKE UP

2007-03-18 13:26:25

While I agree that we should not be monitored I also think that when
posting negative information that it be your experience. NOT
someone elses.

Re[2]: [mexicanbandsters] Amy

2007-03-18 05:11:15

Martha,
Only problem with a website for those at three months only....there
wouldn't be any old timers to teach them what to do, answer their
questions, etc. It would sort of be like the blind leading the blind.
I'm eternally grateful to those who've been around longer than I have
been and have been willing to take the time to teach me. And that
goes for when I was not banded yet, and will undoubtedly be true five
years from now. I'll be banded five years, but will need something
from someone who's been banded ten who can tell me what it was like
when s/he'd been banded "only five years".
dan
Thursday, December 18, 2003, 5:20:09 PM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

Re: [mexicanbandsters]Mary M.

2007-03-17 23:21:09

That doesn't sound like very much... l/3 cc. So I have 2.33 l/3 cc's ? Sounds like a mouthful. Thanks for getting me straight on that.

Martha

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Thanks Sandy

2007-03-17 17:38:22

You should check out International Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery Team (ILost) on the

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Donna C Roll Call

2007-03-17 16:33:17

Donna, can you tell us how far apart your fills were and when in the nine months did you have them? How much do you eat each time and how did you realize you had the best amount in your fills? You sure have done a good job with your weight loss. What do you mean when you say you have not been the "best" bandster? I am always looking for some angle to get in some goodie, I guess. I don't know why. I have to remind myself to eat some goodie , or I just forget to get one. Dr. Rodriguez told me to be sure to have something and I try to every week if I think about it.

Keep up the good work, and keep setting that good example. I have to look to you for inspiration.

Martha

9/26/03

269/233.5/150

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Amy

2007-03-17 07:21:01

Amy, how do you tell you have the right amount in there? How much do you eat. I wish there was a web site for people banded about three months, because that is all we want to talk about at this time, how many fills do you have, how much do you eat, how often do you eat, what does one expect at three months out from having the band with regard to fills and eating. I'm sure we get over this and move on to something else. Maybe I'll get to the six month site soon. Three more months.

I ate supper and feel like I'm about to pop, ate a cupful of meat. I also drank a whole diet Big Red and about four crackers. I feel like I ate a big turkey dinner. I should have stopped with 3/4 cup of meat. I had tuna salad and crap meat. It's a strange thing to eat that little and feel like you hate a hog instead of like one.

Martha

Michele/Dr Rodriguez

2007-03-17 01:43:32

Michele, you have done really well with your weight loss since you were banded. I'm glad to see someone report on Dr. Rodriguez. I had one fill done by him and I wish I'd have used him for my banding. I really enjoyed him as a human being who is very good hearted, very skilled, and very caring about patients and very charming and outgoing, he never tries to make you feel like he is in too big a hurry to answer your questions and visit with you a little bit. I was especially spoiled because on the day I went to get my fill, he had the day off and was only coming in to do my fill and one other person's, so he spent an hour and a half visiting with me, answering questions , talking about our lives and Dr. Lopez , who did my band, and they are friends and visit on the phone often. It was a very good meeting and he was very informative and willing to spend the time with me, observing my drinking habits with some extra water that I requested , after watching me drink it for
the hour we talked, he said for me to go home, I'd be fine. I was. I liked him a whole lot too. Good luck on your banded journey.

Martha

Dr Lopez, Tijuana, Mexico

9/26/02

269/233/150

first fill 11/14/03, Dr. Rodriquez, Acuna, Mexico 2 cc's

second fill 12/15/03 Dr. Snow, Decatur, TX, USA 2/3's of 1/2cc

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Stanman

2007-03-16 23:02:31

Go to the Inamed web site and on there you will see contact addresses. I have emailed Don Mills , who is something like a patient advocate or something. Anyway one day he called me and talked for about an hour about ideas to get fills in American for those who get bands in Mexico. It didn't boil down to anything worth while, just tossing around our ideas about various groups that could do this, the need and the demand in different parts of the country. Contact him with questions, he's good about responding. I must have sent him about three emails , he responded to all of them and then called me. Maybe he just wanted to see what kind of a nut I was.

Martha

Thanks Sandy

2007-03-16 11:17:37

Hello All,
I just wanted to say thanks to sandy and everyone here for helping
me to figure this deal out, im a newbie, Bash registrant, have
talked with dr joya, and lotsa his patients, now looking into kuri,
ortiz, etc. I welcome any public or private messages about your
experiences with various mexican doctors, or suggestions on howto
research these dudes...the name and email of a contact person at
Inamed would be appreciated too...
Smoke Bush/Ashcroft in 2004,
stanman

MODERATOR WAKE UP

2007-03-16 09:46:12

Hey, we need someone to set several people on her to be moderated. And
as noted previously there are ways to keep this problem from
recurring. I'd be happy to help if the moderator/owner isn't familiar
with the techie stuff. The nonsense going back and forth between a
couple or three people will drive people away quicker than quick, and
that would ruin the group for all times.
PLEASE. Feel free to ask me for help if needed.
thanks
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

Re: [mexicanbandsters] HUNGRY

2007-03-16 01:16:00

You will probably find that it will be better once you get on solid foods,
even before any fills. Right now the liquid and mush is moving through the
pouch like it is not there.

Donna C Roll Call

2007-03-15 22:44:13

Hello Everyone,
Can't believe it's been 9 months since my banding. Down 100 lbs and
counting. Dr. Kuri is the most wonderful man in the world to me -
he really did an excellent job with the banding - no complications
and superior followup.
As for my bandster life, I am not the "best" bandster - but try to
do what Dr. Kuri said - my part. I eat my protein and veggies,
salad ect. If I want a snack - I have it - but with this fill - it
isn't much!
I have had 4 fills - and am pretty much at what I would consider a
sweet spot - still pb alittle, miss the soft stop and take a bite or
two too many - but otherwise - very happy.
Hope to see some of you at the Seattle Bash and Splash in January -
it's always a big Kuri event - so many of us in the NW.
Donna C
Dr. Kuri 3/22/03
265/164/140ish

HUNGRY

2007-03-15 20:27:04

Maybe I'm just a freak or something. I read these posts from
other 'newbies' like myself and they say they have no hunger and have
to make themselves eat. I was hungry before I was out of anesthesia
good. I *couldn't* eat more than a tablespoon or two for the first
couple of days but that didn't mean my stomach didn't complain LONG
and LOUD. Now I am trying really hard to be good on full-er liquids
(day 14 tomorrow) but I'm really worried that I'm going to blow right
past soft or hard stops and mess up this band. I've tried eating
slowly, sipping my boullion and making a yogurt cup last 20 minutes -
that doesn't stop my feeling hungry and light-headed. I am not
feeling particularly deprived but I'm hanging a lot of hope on a fill
(or fills) to get me to a feeling of fullness. I know a lot of
people (not just skinny ones) who say "if I eat one more bite I'm
going to barf". I have NEVER reached that point in my life. I have
eaten 1/2 a pot roast with all the attendant side dishes and then
turned around and had 2 or 3 slices of pizza. The closest I've ever
gotten is eating until I fell asleep. I just need some reassurance
that at some point, with adjustment(s), the band will help me
identify that I've eaten all I can (or should) and to stop. Also
that at some point my stomach will either shrink and be glad of what
I'm sending down or lose it's voice.
Laura
P.S. - I left my 'port' incision unbandaged last night and it did dry
out to look more like my others. Thanks to all that responded to my
email about it.

Re: Stop name calling

2007-03-15 11:18:16

Of course it is necesary, it is no meaner than what that idiot Sandy
is doing to the reputation of a good person. She is a freak and
needs to be stopped. I and many others here are sick of her crap.
So dont go defending an old hag who has a big mouth that is full of
crap. She is just plain stupid and I personally dont want to hear
anything more from her.
Jaxson

Stop name calling

2007-03-15 07:23:10

for goodness sake - STOP NAME CALLING! Jaxson, that wasn't
necessary. Express your opinions about Dr. Joya, by all means, but
don't call names. It's really unnecessary and just plain mean.
Julie

MODERATOR - PLEASE CENSOR SANDY

2007-03-15 00:15:44

This lady is out of control she is flaming a good doctor and lying
and defaming a very good person. Please stop her.
Jaxson
Dr. Joya
down 54 pounds in 4 months.

Sandy

2007-03-14 11:03:49

Get over yourself... you are a complete jerk who is causing a lot of
problems for a great doctor... Actually one of Mexico's best
doctors. You are clearly not sane. Get off your box. Tell your
best frieends to step up, why do you have to be the MOUTH. Just
shut it, OR take yourself off these boards, no one wants to hear
from you any more... you should leave this in the past and stop
trying to cause problems for everyone... I cant believe you think
you are normal. Get over yourself.
Jaxson
Dr. Joya
down 54 pounds in 4 months.

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Good Grief! Where's the Moderator!

2007-03-14 10:21:48

There is a way. It is to set the group to moderate people until
they've posted appropriately a few times. Then change them to
unmoderated. That is how it is set on SmartBandsters. But I'm not an
owner or moderator here, so I can't change it. If I were, I would.
dan, manager of over a dozen groups.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003, 11:09:58 PM, you wrote:
kyc
kyc
kyc
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

Good Grief! Where's the Moderator!

2007-03-14 07:45:02

How in the world did that really inappropriate post get in here?
I'm sure you know the one I'm talking about... Isn't there some way
to prevent that kind of garbage from getting posted?
Really inappropriate.

Re: Dan's big twelve inches

2007-03-13 18:33:06

Hi...
I was banded by Dr. Rodriguez in Acuna, MX
November 13, 2003. My experience was nothing less than perfect and
would reccomend him to anyone.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
Michele

havn't gotten laid in a while?

2007-03-13 15:35:51

hey, i'll be having another big orgy party in about 3 weeks, and wanted to send
out another invitation to see who wants to come to this one.
if you were at the last one, you already know how awesome it was, and you're
invited again. it's at the same place, and there will be even more single girls
there this time! just remember...clothing isn't even an option! ;-)
come and RSVP at this link,
http://www.SeductiveSingles.net/landing.asp?AFL=AYHO
just leave me a message on my profile if you want to come, and i'll do the rest.
See ya there!

Re: [mexicanbandsters] wanting to be banded

2007-03-13 13:39:33

Marie, I'm sorry I've not heard of these doctors you mentioned, but that means nothing as I am new as a banded person, but just wanted to say to you that since I've been banded and lost 30 pounds, the pain in my back , on my feet and in my hip joints has greatly lessened and I do not exercise so far. I am hoping Santa brings me a bicycle for Christmas and I will do that on good weather days. I can walk some now with no pain and could not go ten feet beforehand. I can walk a block now and not have pain. If I carry a 20 lb bucket of feed, I feel the pain again. So it's due to my weight loss for sure. Good luck to you.

Martha

wanting to be banded

2007-03-13 06:22:44

Hi Everyone,

I am in the process of deciding on a dr. to band me in mexico. I will be in Guadalajara area in January for the winter. I was thinking of using Dr. Joya, but would like some recommendations from you bandsters if anyone has any. Apparently he makes trips to Guad to do banding. I think it would be more convenient to go for fills nearby and Puerto Vallarta is 4 hours away and we will have a car. I was given the name of Dr. Carlos Lopez Lizarraga in Guad too. Has anyone heard of him? I am a self pay also. This is very scary to me, but I will find the courage to go for it. I have no choice. My arthritis in my hips (which have to be replaced, both) bone on bone in one right now. But I was advised to get the band to take some of the pressure off the hips. Anyone out there with similar probs. I am worried that since my activity level has dropped by 90 percent due to this diagnosis will affect the wt. loss.

Any infor will be greatly appreciated.

Marie

Re: [mexicanbandsters]Soft stops and hard stops

2007-03-12 22:11:29

Would some of you tell me what this feels like? What do you feel is a soft stop , when you are eating along, what does this feel like? Likewise a hard stop?

My band is working now. [INLINE] I can eat one cup of food and that's it. My second fill was 2/3's of one half cc. How much is that? That was added to 2cc's that I had. How do you say that in English? LOL

Martha

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Just have to tell someone!

2007-03-12 11:51:37

Lucky girl! I have come to a stalemate. I am not staying on my "diet" and not drinking my water like I should. I have to get with the program so I keep on losing.

Martha

Re: [mexicanbandsters] I'm off to get banded!

2007-03-12 09:50:15

Good luck and happy journey, safe trip and well wishes!

Martha

I'm off to get banded!

2007-03-12 04:31:44

Hi everyone, I don't usually post, but I wanted to let everyone know
that tomorrow my husband and I are leaving for Monterrey to get
banded by Dr. Sanchez. Wish us luck!
Marilyn

Re: I have to give up on getting a Band

2007-03-11 22:21:13

Susan,
Just a bit more information to ponder before resigning your decision
to be banded. For example: Dr. Kuri (LapBandSurgery.com) charges
$7500. for everything, including free fills for life. We pay $50.00
directly to the radiology lab for the fluroscope usage & barium
swallow when we have a fill (not all patients have fluro each fill).
Secondly, a plane ticket on Southwest is realitively inexpensive from
Atlanta to San Diego - much less than I spend at the hairdressers to
have a color weave. Take a day, fly out in the early am, get your
fill and fly home that evening - lots and lots of patients do it a
couple times a year or so. I've had two fills and am 12lbs from my
goal weight. I know from reading the boards thousands of other
patients have had only a few fills too. Comparatively, the aftercare
cost of the band is nominal verses gastric bypass surgery, doctor-
supervised pill/injection diets, or even an over-the-counter
slimfast/dietpill lose-gain-it-back-and-more diet. You'll save the
money for aftercare with your reduced food costs per month after the
band is placed. Complications? Slipped band or tight fill or erosion?
All of the aforementioned will allow you time to fly to Tijuana and
have your original doctor take care of them - I wouldn't consider
allowing another doctor to touch my band; Dr. Kuri installed it, he's
responsible for the success of it, with my blessings. Local support?
I reside on a mountain top and don't know another soul who has had
this surgery up here. I know I can drive a couple of hours and
participate in a wonderful support group, yet realistically, my
support group (the MOST active) is online - on these boards - how
lucky I am to have this DAILY, HOURLY support! I know you want to
lose weight...you wouldn't be here if you didn't. It's frightening to
make a huge financial and physical commitment; I've been there (all
of us have) and I don't believe you'll find more than a couple of
people who regret their decision to finally lose their weight
permanently with the band placement. My best to you and I do hope you
reconsider.
Amber
Dr. Kuri (My Hero)
07/03/03
189/176/132/120

Just have to tell someone!

2007-03-11 14:36:11

Okay I haven't posted in a while but I am posting now! I was banded
in Sept. and I am now down 45lbs. and in a size 12! I am so damn
excited I keep trying them on because I can't believe it. Okay
everyone & anyone can call me a freak but I still am amazed how I
have just melted down! I haven't had a fill yet or anything. i fill
like ummm a teenager or something shopping and being abl to try on
clothes that are of normal size! and not Extra Large! Anyways I just
had to tell everyone or someone! Usually I get all excite with my
huby but i sent him home to NC for a visit and he missed this mile
stone! but I am sure I will have many more!
thanks for letting me share!
God Bless us all!
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidys!
Connie Botello

Re: [mexicanbandsters] crime

2007-03-11 02:55:43

Deb, why don't you ask your doctor to furnish you with someone to kind of stay close by you until you leave Mexico, tell them you are alone and afraid and see if they can help you in some way. I did not have any fears in Tijuana. From the airport a cab furnished by the doctor's office picked me up and delivered me to his office and from there his assistant escorted me to every place they wanted me to go for tests and then they assistant took me to the hospital. From the hospital they also took me to my hotel and the hotel was very nice, I did not need to leave the hotel for any purpose and then they furnished the cab to take me to the airport so I was with someone of their choice the whole time when out in public. I was never afraid. I was out on the streets but the streets where I was were fine. I saw no crime, I saw no beggars, I was never afraid at any time. I did not go down any filthy streets either, and the buildings I saw were mostly old but there was not
trash on the streets , a few of the buildings were new. I looked like an old town but it was in as good a shape as any old American town in Texas. I guess I did not have sense enough to be afraid. It didn't occur to me to ever be afraid. I would guess if you going about doing the business you came to do, that nobody is going to bother you, but I would like to have someone there with me for company. Are you not planning to stay over a few nights before returning to America? I stayed three days and nights before returning on the fourth day after surgery.

Martha

crime

2007-03-10 23:01:41

Hello -
I'm new to the group and plan on self-paying. I have been
diligently sifting through the archives on this site to learn about
doctors and experiences in general and feel pretty confident that
Dr. Ortiz would be a good choice for me. His qualifications seem to
be first rate and the posts all seem to indicate people are very
satisfied with him, even if the proceedure did not meet their
expectations. But with that said, I'm still a little concerned
about going to Tiajuana vs other places in Mexico. I'll admit I
watch too much news and this could be pure media hype but all I hear
about is how dirty and crime infested it is (in particular that
incident with the police assalting an american woman a few weeks ago
is really sticking in my head). I'll be traveling alone and feel
less than confident about how safe that area is in fact, I think I'm
more concerned about going to Tiajuana than the actual surgery! Did
anyone else feel like this? Am I being silly?
Thanks!
Deb

Re: Dr. Verboonen

2007-03-10 16:46:26

Thank you, Jane. I am in excellent care now and very grateful for
the fact.
Take care,
Lea

Re: [mexicanbandsters] I have to give up on getting a Band

2007-03-10 10:58:23

Susan, I know what you are going through. One almost needs to be a rich person to afford a band right now. Your best bet would be to get a loan if you can, to pay for the band and take the rest of the money you have saved to use to go for fills. If you went to Acuna , Mexico and got Dr. Rodriguez to do your band, then you would only have to pay $7K for it, and then you'd need to go back there for your fills , or pick one of the doctors who does free fills for life, however their bands costs more. You know, it does not take that many fills to get to the right restriction, on the average it takes three. I've had two and my doctor told me he thinks this second one is going to be the one. If you get a doctor who knows how to do a fill properly then you don't have to mess around so long. My doctor told me that he teaches doctors in America to do fills and half of them do not get it. That's scary.

I visited with Don Mills from the Inamed company one day and he told me that there are not enough people with bands in the U.S. to set up "filling stations", but they are trying to get more people trained. He told me that the most concentrated places are in Dallas, TX. New York, and in California. So you have to look at some other options for fills, like radiology associations, imaging companies. There are a couple of doctors in Paris, Texas that will do fills for people, they are about an hour or two from DFW airport in Dallas, they charge $250. You may try to go there for fills. You may try to get the band doctor you use to supply you with a tape on how to do fills and see if you can get some doctor at a radiology association near you to do your fills. They do fills for cancer patients and it's the same type of thing. They use fluoroscopy all the time. So all hope is not lost, you just have to keep looking for ways to get to your goal and if you want it bad
enough, you will find a way. Keep digging and keep digging and keep digging. There is a way.

Martha

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Has anyone used the CosmeticFee finance plan for a Band?

2007-03-10 09:33:27

I have found out that if you want help from any place of business, you have to take the bull by the horns yourself and you have to call them every day until you get satisfaction. They will either refer you to someone else to pester or they will give you some help to get you off their back but they aren't going to return a phone call, you call, and you call, and you call until you get what you want.

Martha

I have to give up on getting a Band

2007-03-10 04:10:03

These are mostly musings to myself to clarify my thinking, but maybe
it will provide information for others in Georgia, as well.
I can barely get together the $10,000 it would take for a Band in
Mexico, but the aftercare situation is just too rough to handle.
Atlanta is not a major "Band" capital; the docs I checked with here
want outrageous fees for fills--$600 to $800. Since I've researched
that sometimes it takes 5 or more fills to hit that "sweet spot,"
there just ain't no way. And if I have complications, there are just
not enough people here with the expertise to handle it, and my
insurance will deny payment because I was banded as a self-pay, etc.,
etc. The local support community is almost nonexistent, which is
also a big minus for me.
It's been an eye-opener. I hope more of the insurance companies wake
up soon and start covering the Band.
SusanN
Atlanta
250s

Re: Fill doctors in the Southeast?

2007-03-10 00:19:28

Never mind--I didn't look well enough. It's labeled "new file" in
this group.
SusanN
Atlanta

Fill doctors in the Southeast?

2007-03-09 20:36:39

Okay, I'm obviously going out of my mind...
Somewhere in the last week there was a file in some Mexican-related
banding group about surgeons who do fills in the Southeast U.S. Now
I can't find it in the files or database for Mexican Bandsters or
Tijuana Bandsters. Does anyone know where else I can look? Thanks!
SusanN
Atlanta
250s/checking out the Band

Re: Has anyone used the CosmeticFee finance plan for a Band?

2007-03-09 07:54:59

Susan,
I used the Cosmetic Fee Plan and it was super easy and super quick. I
filled out the online form and within a few hours I had my approval.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Stephanie
Dr. A. Rodriguez, Mtry, Mx.
10/10/03
-49lbs!!

Re: Problem with Scrambled Eggs

2007-03-09 01:54:26

Hi Kelly,
For me, those "dang eggs" do good if they are real soft. Same as an
omelette. This might be one of those foods that you can't tolerate
right now. Waiting a while and trying again might work.
Ardie/Fl.

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Problem with Scrambled Eggs

2007-03-08 19:32:42

I have trouble with eggs, particularly hard boiled, but some with
scrambled or omelet too.
We're all different, and lots of people don't have trouble with them.
My feeling is to just learn from it, and avoid those things in
general, but also try them again in a week or a month and it may be
all different. Remember, the band is a fickle bitch.
dan
Monday, December 15, 2003, 8:24:43 PM, you wrote:
cac
cac
cac
cac
cac
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

Problem with Scrambled Eggs

2007-03-08 16:06:50

Silly question, but has anyone had problems eating scrambled eggs? No problems with any other food not even bread (not that I do much anyway), just those dang eggs!!!!! They just kill me. My guess is because they swell while in the pouch. Anyone else?
Kelly in Ky
Dr. Rumbaut 10/21/03
First Fill 2 cc, 11/24/03
-29 lbs

Just a reminder

2007-03-08 07:06:25

We have 42 people paid and registered for the Vegas Bandster Ball already and it's still early days yet. It's obviously going to be bigger and better than last years, although I must admit last years was pretty special.

I also wanted to remind you that you only have 2 more days to get in on the early bird price of $85 for event registration ($95 from this Thursday onwards.) The room price is set at $89 per room, (you can share a room with up to 4 people with a small fee for each extra person) at the newly transformed Treasure Island (at the Mirage) Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada.

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

Has anyone used the CosmeticFee finance plan for a Band?

2007-03-08 02:58:28

I checked the web sites for both Medi-Credit and CosmeticFee, and the
latter seems to have better interest rates (plus I was bounced all
over the place trying to get info from MediCredit on the phone,
finally left a message, and no one ever bothered to call back).
SusanN

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Dan's big twelve inches

2007-03-07 17:17:39

That is great Dan!!! Congratulations!!

Traci

Dan's big twelve inches

2007-03-07 14:57:37

Yes, this is a band post, not a porn post. It is about my twelve
inches.
Today went shopping for new pants. Have been wearing some baggy 48
pants bought not too long ago. When I was banded I wore size 56 pants
(size of waist). The ones I bought today were 44. That means I lost
TWELVE INCHES so far. I was stoked. That starts to move me out of
the "fat guy store". These were on sale at Fred Meyer (NW folks will
know where I mean).
Though I've changed pants sizes several times, and have gone from 3X
shirts to XL shirts, this is the one that really sank in somehow.
Anyway, that's the story of my twelve inches.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

Re: [mexicanbandsters] silly question

2007-03-07 08:24:57

That's not a silly question. The Mexican people have a different way of arranging their names, I think they have their mother's maiden name and their fathers name also, I'm not sure how it works, but at any rate , in Mexico they go by the last name they have and in America, they seem to go by the next to last name they have so, Juan Antonio Lopez Corvala, is Dr. Lopez to us and also I noticed some people in Mexico also called him that, but I also heard some call him Dr. Corvala as well.

I don't know the full name of Dr. Ortiz, but someone else will. I just wanted to mention that your question was not silly, it was a perfectly logical intelligent question.

Martha

Re[2]: [mexicanbandsters] silly question

2007-03-07 03:56:14

Saturday, December 13, 2003, 8:14:28 PM, you wrote:
d
d
d
Ariel Ortiz Lagardere
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/228/199

silly question

2007-03-06 19:19:41

this may be a silly question but Dr.Ariel Ortiz Lagardere is the same
as Dr. Ortiz everybody talks about? Correct.
Thanks
Debbie

Re: [mexicanbandsters] does anyone in the dallas area know a fill dr in the area?

2007-03-06 14:49:30

Try Dr. Clifford 903-785-8521, Paris, Tx. 75460, l055 Clarksville # l80, Email Gail.parkhill@.... , look at their web site www.rrvr.net and at that site look under Radiology Center of Paris. Two doctors there do fills for people. They cost $250.
Martha

Re: does anyone in the dallas area know a fill dr in the area?

2007-03-06 04:23:04

Try Texas Imaging and Diagnostic Center. They have several doctors
who do fills. Ardie/Fl.

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Digest Number 603

2007-03-06 00:34:29

Amy, First of all, I never said "I told you so" and it
is not necessary to bash someone when you disagree
with their opinion. Simply disagree in a polite
manner and counter with your own opinion. If you
simply must bash, then email privately so you don't
waste space by adding extra words that are intended
for nothing else but to insult someone else's post.
You had plenty of good information in your post that
others can learn from, including me, but the insulting
is not necessary or desired. Besides, just because
someone's opinion or statements don't necessarily
agree with yours doesn't mean they aren't supportive -
and are you saying we should only post if we agree?
In that case, no one will ever hear other points of
view or learn anything. Bunnie
//lady, I don't know what your problem is . . having
looks from everyone who "told you so" some comments
such as "I told you so" and the cost of this is
horrendous, so do me a favor
and others who have lived through this pain, a favor,
either be supportive or keep your thought to your
self!//

[VegasBandsterBall] VBB room mate sign up.

2007-03-05 21:47:04

If you are looking for a roomate for the VBB, go here and sign up http://tinyurl.com/z3js

Sylvia

http://www.geocities.com/vegasbandsterball

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Single Bandsters

2007-03-05 12:15:27

Hi Banded Dude

How do you go about joining your group? Sounds interesting.

Beverly

Susan in Georgia

2007-03-05 10:25:11

Susan,

In response to your email below, here is what I know about Dr. Ortiz. He does offer financing with a credit card, but in Mexico they charge a surcharge and it ends up costing you more than if you got the cash on your card and took it with you to Mexico.

A little about Dr. Ortiz..... I researched many doctors for a year before I decided on him. I was banded 10/5/02 and have lost 90 lbs. My daughter was also banded by him 10/23/03 and is doing well. He does do surgery on patients with low BMI's and only needing to lose 50 lbs.
Another Dr. Ortiz patient writes "He is an Inamed designated proctor (Inamed chose only surgeons with a higher than average success rate) and very caring, as is his partner Dr. Martinez. He was recently awarded a fellowship in the American College of Surgeons (very rare for a non-US doc). He also was the expert at the round table discussion at the 8th World IFSO meeting in Spain and was invited back to the 9th meeting as the band expert next year to be held in Japan."
Ariel Ortiz Lagadere
Phone and fax: USA-619-247-9441 Fax 509-753-9386
Address: 2340 Jose Clemente Orozco #401 Edifico Plaza
City: Tijuana
Webpage/email:
www.obesitycontrolcenter.com
www.tijuanalapbandcenter.com
Coordinator Aurora Ortiz is his mother
Cost and date of quote: $6995 + $2000 for hospital (includes 3 days hotel/hospital & San Diego airport pickup). He also has a US coordinator named Robin who can answer a lot of your questions. Her phone # is (203)467-8329. Ask if he has any specials going on or coming up.
Best of luck to you.

Carolyn

Susan in Georgia writes:

Buenos noches, everyone. I'm on the fence about a Band, and if I do it, it will be self-pay. I apologize if this is a very redundant
question, but I honestly can't find anything in the archives-- what
are the complete charges for a Band in Mexico (I'm thinking about Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Rumbaut). Do you know if either of these docs offer any kind of financing.

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Mary M

2007-03-04 22:36:54

What is your middle name? My name is Mary Martha.

Martha

Re: [mexicanbandsters] Wheelchair assistance

2007-03-04 19:52:52

I ordered wheelchairs for both my husband and I when I went to get my band. It was a tremendous help going and coming home. I try to remember to mention that to newbies if I can remember that. It helped to preboard too, my husband could not move out of peoples way fast enough if he boarded with the regular folks, preboarding allowed us to get to our seat , load our luggage above if we had any, and get into our seats without holding up the whole set of passengers coming down the isle. Wheel chairs were waiting at the airplane door for us when we landed. I never gave it a though that anyone would bother to look my way, and I guess it didn't make a hill of beans difference to me if they did. I had to get from point A to point B and this was the best way for me to go. My back would not allow me to walk all day in the airport. I think I could do a whole lot better now, my back doesn't hurt as much as it used to.

Martha