Infoblog

I just had surgery in TJ on 2/26. My BMI was 33. AT 5'2" I weighed
180lbs. Because of my Type 2 Dibetes, High Cholesterol and a strong
family history for obesity and heart disease I decided to
get "banded". I think I am doing well, although not quite at 2
weeks yet I have lost about 10 pounds. I know that is a lot of
fluid and I am still on the full liquid phase of my diet it is VERY
encouraging to lose some the weight. It seems with other diets I
would starve to lose 1-2 pounds over a couple of weeks. Good Luck
with whatever you decide!
Lisa

Ok, I'm headed for a fill w/Dr. Kuri and one of my options is to
arrive in San Diego at 8pm, catch the bus & trolley to San Ysidro
station about 10pm. Unfortunately, MexiCoach stops at 9pm, so I'd
like some opinions about crossing the border and taking a taxi on the
other side.
Since it will be dark, should I be worried about shady characters
hangin around on US or MX sides? I'm a reasonably imposing guy @
6'5" and 500#, but no match for a Louisville slugger or blade. Is
the trolley station well lit?
Also, since I've only crossed the border on the freeway during the
day, how do you get from the trolly station to the border and into
Mexico? I've heard there might be a walking bridge, but can't find
any pics of it on the web.
Any adivce on taking a taxi once I get across the border? It was
recommended to me not to take one of the red station wagon taxis as
they'll make lots of stops and pick up lots of people. Maybe not an
issue that late at night. I'm curious if you have any advice for a
newbie making his first trip (at night no less).
Thanks!
Eric in Washington St.

Hi,
Thanks for the reply!

I know when I did the liquid diet program years ago they told us
to take FiberCon to try to add something for all the liquid to grab on to...
but I'm too scared of anything getting stuck
***************************************************
Why not try some cream of wheat cereal with lots of milk in it to make it
pretty runny? Why not try rice water, after you boil rice , then drink the
water. Once I had a baby with diarrhea and that's what the doctor ordered
and it worked like a charm. If you have reached close to the point when you
can start on some runny foods , go ahead and do those and see if it helps.
Possibly make sure you are not drinking too much stuff with sugar in it, or
too much stuff that is sugar free with sweetener in it, that will make you
have the runs too. Just have those drinks in moderation, stuff like
Crystal Lite, a couple a day will do you, and more will go right through
you. Or if worse comes to worse, take an Imodem pill , it won't hurt to do
that. Next thing you know , you'll be having constipation. ;o) don't
tell us about it.
Martha

But the nurse said it is not removed, but it dissolves. I am going to get a
fill in a couple weeks, I'm going to ask the doctor. This will be like
asking Dr. Phil, but it's not Dr. Phil. Dr. Phil used to live in the same
town as I did. I didn't know that. Big deal, but it's interesting to me
since I'm the one who lived there. So much for that little news flash.
LOL.
Martha

One time I had a hysterectomy, big , long, deep cut down my big fat belly.
Went home and it busted open. Went back to the doctor with this gaping
wound, you could see the muscle in there. Anyway, he said , "Oh, don't
worry about it, it will heal from the inside out, just keep a sterile gauze
on it and keep it clean and put something like Neosporin on there twice a
day and eventually it will grow together. " I'm here to tell you that these
little puny scars on our stomachs from getting the band are just tiny
compared to that whopper of a scar I had , just keep yours clean and you
will be fine. You know what you can put over it is some of that second skin
stuff, that's like a runny bandage. It only lasts a few days but you can
keep putting it on and it will keep out rot. LOL.
Martha

I use Benfiber with my morning smoothies. It's terrific!

Do you have before/after photos? I'd love to see them!
wendy from birmingham

Hi Danny,
I am scheduled with Dr. Ortiz on 3/17. My family, 2 boys and a
husband, plan to arrive (we are driving from Phoenix) on 3/16 and
hopefully depart on the 20th. :)
So I'll be there!
Laura

Hi

I think my BMI was 34. I weighed 175 and I'm 5'2". I had my surgery a month ago and I have lost 20lbs. I thought the surgery was very easy. I never needed pain medication. I would definitely do it again.

kim

Hi,

I have spent the last couple of weeks reading over many posts. I have learned quite a bit and I am grateful you have allowed me to share a part of your journey. I have learned much and I look forward to learning more.

The *really* exciting news that I HAVE A DATE!!! My date is March 16 with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. My wife and I will be there from 3/13 - 3/20. Is anyone else planning on being there those days?

Here's to becoming half the man I am today!!! <raises glass of Isopure...

Cheers,

Danny

Danny E.C. Barrus
Carnation, WA (near Seattle)

To Be Banded by Dr. Ortiz March 16

438/426/219

Hello Everyone,
I realize it has been difficult to get in touch with me the past
week or so, but I had a flu that would not go away!!
But I'm back !!!
Robin

Is tofu (blended into soups &/or fruit smoothies) "SAFE" for the 2nd week? Would it be to harsh on the tummy or not??

Barb,
How are you doing? Could you remind me what spanish words you wished you knew again. My aunt is a spanish teacher and i will get her to give me some words to use with the nurses.
Last month i tore my rotator cup in my left shoulder. My docter here wants me to have therapy for it. I am not sure about it right now. But when i go to Mexico i dont want anyone pulling on my arm while i am moving from one bed to the other. so i am thinking of

I would like to hear from Mexicanbandsters who had lap band placement
with lower BMIs (under 35).
How did your weight loss proceed? Are you glad you had the surgery?
Would you do it again?
(My BMI is 33.5)
Thanks,
Laura

OK - yet ANOTHER question....

What types of fiber supplements are SAFE to use with the lapband? With my liquid diet, everything is now starting to just go right through me <eyeroll

Ideas???

Yes, OASIS is vegan and organic. Part of their beliefs for treating
their cancer patients with alternative therapies. Almost everyone
will prefer to go down the street a block or two for food. Of course
the banded patient isn't going to be eating anyway, so.....
dan
Saturday, March 6, 2004, 9:39:00 AM, you wrote:
MO
MO
MO
MO
MO
MO
MO
MO
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Greetings Good People,
I have not posted in this group before but I have been researching
the Bioenterics Lap-Band on and off for over two years now. It's time
for me to get off the fence and make the decision to do this! So I am
looking seriously at options in Mexico.
I am wondering if anyone has personal experience or knows of any good
(Or Not Good) reviews or experience with Dr. Armando Joya Munguia in
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Web site: http://www.drjoya.com/
His package seems to be the most all-inclusive, but in this type of
decision, cheaper/all inclusive may not always be the wiser way to go.
What is the general concession about the fee's charged by the Mexican
Surgeons? I have seen rates listed at between 7k and 12k in Mexico.
What is the best overall deal/choice?
I am not the fearful of the whole Mexican stigma thing as I have been
to Mexico and feel that it is a very fine country with fine people. I
expect their doctors are just as qualified as anywhere else in the
world.
Please let me know your thoughts via e-mail or via posting to this
group.
Thanks for your time and for reading my post.
Scott

Regarding the bib information, I only heard about it at our weight group
meeting from the head nurse in Dr. Snow's office and I was repeating what
she told us, I think she must not know what she's talking about either,
but you'd think she'd know if he is going to be doing it. She said it
dissolves, if it's a balloon, I don't see how that could dissolve. I'll
ask more about it later.
Regarding recovery time post-op. I took two weeks for my port incision to
feel decent after surgery. If it takes you longer than two weeks just to
feel decent, call your doctor. It took me a whole month to feel like I did
before surgery, all well. ... Well, LOL, one always feels so much better
post-op than they ever felt pre-op. I think from what I've read on the band
sites that almost everyone worries about how they are healing right after
surgery , so I'd say that's a pretty normal thing to do, and one is wise to
watch out for anything that is not doing well, but most of us , me included,
worried too much about stuff that was not necessary to worry about, but if
you've not had this stuff before and if you don't have anyone to discuss it
with, then you worry anyway. I had under the skin stitches that were
supposed to dissolve and they poked up through my skin after a week, I
didn't have a clue as to what to do with them, but they did dissolve and
fell out. Everyone isn't sewn up with those. So ask questions of this
group and if they think you need to see a doctor because you bring up
something that everyone else has not had happen, then they will tell you to
see a doctor. If you don't get a bunch of emails that say for you to see a
doctor, then don't worry. If you don't get any responses to your email
usually it's because what you asked about is not something for you to worry
about and nobody thinks it's bad, severe or interesting enough to discuss.
Not nice of us but , truthfully, it happens.
I had to go on clear liquids for two weeks after surgery. That worked very
well for me. If I was having any problems at all or had any fears at all,
I'd stay on clear liquids longer than required until the "problem" went
away. You can be on clear liquids for a month and you will not die, you
have enough calories stored up. LOL. I take doctor recommended two
Flintstone children's chewable vitamins as my daily vitamin, and do not
drink protein drinks, except maybe four in five months, and my hair did not
fall out, but that doesn't mean anything, some people do drink the protein
drinks and take their vitamins and they lost hair, but it grew back. Hair
loss is minor, nothing to worry about. What is important is that you follow
your doctor's recommended diet, you are in a healing time for six weeks
after surgery. If you are throwing up, nauseated, do not eat for at least
six hours and then try it again, if you still throw up , stop eating until
the next day, try again , you can go two days without liquids but not
longer, according to Dr. Rodriquez in Acuna. This was what he told me to do
if it ever happened to me. It never did. but you are not going to starve
to death if you are on a liquid diet for a couple of weeks. Your body has
plenty of good stuff stored up and you will do fine, look at how many of
us there are running around who did it. Not one of us is dead.
I had a neighbor who is in his late 20's and he came to my door the other
day and I asked him if it looked like I had lost any weight. He looked me
over and said that it seemed that there was more loose skin under my chin
than before, it' used to be full skin. That's the last time I fish for a
compliment!
Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03
269/212/150
going for third fill this month

At 2.2cc and very minimal restriction, I'm still having a hard time
accepting that I just need more of a fill. I mean, I'd RATHER think
that I just need more of a fill rather than think something is wrong,
but it's just not my nature. Humor me and tell me .......how would I
KNOW if I had a stretched pouch or leak?
My fill doc doesn't use flouro so I guess I'll just ask if they'll do
mine WITH flouro so I can stop obsessing. Thanks for the feedback.
wendy

Do we live in the land of the free or what? Common sense tells us and the Drs. if we are thinner we are healthier. hence less cost to ins ect. The only risk the Drs. have about Mexico is now their jobs are going south of the boarder. Money they want is south of the boarder.
I believe with all the Fat America hoopla the Drs/Ins/Hospitals and angry they are loosing their power to control the American People. When all else fails, they say lets put the fear of HEALTH COVERAGE in their face to scare them into subjection. (NOT ALL U.S DRS.) In my opinion HEALTH has nothing to do with their concern. They know Mexican care for labband surgery is above average compared to skill here due to basic facts of experience in this procedure. The same thing is happening in Canada meds coming back to the US as the elderly go to get them most to live. its not about standards its about cost and keeping it high and away from those that need it most. and like the seniors citizens we will go where we can afford to go. We too have to decide good health or bad health. I know its not all cut and dry but i honesty feel we are being targeted to push us into submission and obey the big powerful ins companies and Some Drs. It just has to be said. I am still going south of
the boarder for quality and afforabilty -I want and need this and its the only way i can do it. Any thougths. Debby

Laura,
I had my surgery Thanksgiving weekend. I actually didn't have my
sugery at the oasis hospital because i wanted my surgery in the
morning and the Oasis wasn't available until 430 in the afternoon
with 2 other girls going in with me.... So, somehow they scheduled
me at another private hospital that was very close to the hotel. It
was VERY private. It was kind of scary at first because it didn't
seem there were any other offices open on the floor. it was VERY
dimly lit by strategically placed floor lamps. But once i entered
the suite it was very nice. I had my own suite. the O.R., my room
and the bathroom w/ shower was all in one suite. It was very
clean! I had a 24 hour nurse/doctor (one of the nurses was actually
a doctor). they were very caring and met all my needs. the only
pain med the nurses are authorized to administer is Tylenol but if
you had a doc like me, or just tell the nurse to call either Doc
Ortiz or Martinez. If you really feel you need it, they will
definitely administer the necessary pain meds until you leave the
hospital. Even though my surgery wasn't at the Oasis hospital as
scheduled, I think the care was much more personalized. I had a
great experience. My surgery was on Saturday morning, I was back at
the hotel by Sunday evening, at home by Monday evening, and back at
work by Wednesday. It sounds quick, but that's really how simple
the surgery is. Granted i have a very high tolerance for pain and i
had to take it easy at work, but nobody even knew why i was out or
that anything was wrong.
I was luckily living in San Diego when i had the surgery and for a
few months afterward (i just moved) so there was a couple times
where i had some minor problems (tried to swallow a pill and so my
esophagus got bruised and was pretty painful) but Dr. Ortiz and
Martinez are available by phone pretty much 24/7. and i was able to
just drive down the next day and get some meds to correct the
problem. Anytime you may think something is terribly wrong just a
phone call to one of the docs and 9 out of 10 they'll tell you it's
perfectly normal and give you some kind of secure resolution.
Robin is actually based out of CT so, yes, i imagine it would be
difficult to get the information you need from her...however she has
3 different phone numbers that you can contact her at...i have them
if you'd like them....Mrs Ortiz or calling the dr's directly post
surgery is your best bet. Mrs. Ortiz and Doc Ortiz have US phone
number so it's easer to get a hold of them...most of the time. For
information, Mrs. Ortiz is able to get the information to you
quicker than Robin (at least she was with me) Robin was able to
squeeze me into the schedule somehow a LOT quicker though :-). My
experience is that even though Doc martinez only has a Mexico
number, he is always easiest to get in touch with (don't be thrown
because he always answers his phone with, "Bueno" :-) ) VERY sweet
(and CUTE) doc.
Sorry for the long post... I hope i was able to help a little bit...
Starlynn
Dr. Ortiz and Martinez
Nov 29, 2003
195/179/135

Thursday, March 4, 2004, 1:04:36 AM, you wrote:
JD
JD
JD
JD
Not likely any of us would have, as this is a BANDSTER group. We know
the band works, and don't need anything else. From all I've seen this
new device is much less successful, and no less invasive than a band,
so why bother?
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Just wanted to say Hello to you Amanda, I am from Tacoma as well.
there is a really good support group that meets the 1st Monday of
the Month. they have been meeting at Red Lobster on 72nd street. I
don't know if you already belong but PNW bandsters is the name of

Thursday, March 4, 2004, 10:05:58 AM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d
Well, I guess they could if they were VERY tight from the beginning,
as I was. But I'm one who didn't need a fill for five months and 70
pounds, so I'm the exception. But exceptions are what folks worry
about.
Actually, imagine you COULD stretch it before a fill, even if loose,
if you really crammed stuff in, didn't chew, and all that. But can't
prove that either way.
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
Yes indeed. As my friend Jessie says, "You're not special enough to
have it not work for you". We're used to being "special" and
"different" and "minority" and all that, but we're not THAT special
that the band won't work.
d
d
d
d
d
d
Well, there's one whole group of bandsters that have their own group
who it "doesn't work for" or "doesn't work well for", but in my
opinion they're mainly sabotaging themselves or haven't yet learned
the things that you point out. And since some of them seem to not
want to learn or change, it may not work for them. But that's not the
band's fault, it is theirs.
Glad to see you're doing so well, Martha, and your husband, too. Best
wishes to both of you.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Friday, March 5, 2004, 7:27:36 AM, you wrote:
N
N
N
N
Robin is busy, and imagine she'll get back to you. She travels quite
a bit, I believe.
N
Does talking to him on his phone at home on Saturday night at 9pm on a
holiday weekend count as available enough? That's my personal
experience. We talked twenty minutes, worked out a way to resolve the
problem, and he then took care of it.
N
Absolutely. Great little hospital, great staff.
N
Preferred for what? Hotel? You'll stay at the Lucerna, which is a
very nice hotel, nice area, close enough to walk to mall if so
inclined, etc.
N
N
I imagine that at least one bandster will have an issue with Heaven,
too. Heck, we're human. I had pain meds as needed. But you're not
likely to need any. Really. You're talking about a real hospital
that is nicer than many in the USA. Not to worry. You'll get more
personal attention from doctors and staff than you've ever had in the
USA.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Some people lose some hair, some don't. It will either happen or not.
It will grow back. It is highly unlikely that anyone but you, and
possibly your hairdresser, will notice it.
You can take pills or rogain or all sorts of other crap, but it won't
make any difference. It'll grow back.
dan
Thursday, March 4, 2004, 7:46:50 PM, you wrote:
a
a
a
a
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Michelle, the cold sweats thing is making me worry.Did you have a fever? Are you sure you don't have some sort of infection? try taking your temp a few times a day,just to be sure.

Nikki

Hi Everyone,
This has been cross-posted so sorry if you've read it before.
I'm scheduled for lap band surgery with Dr. Ortiz on 3/17.
I am nervous and hope everything goes well.
I would like to hear from others concerning their experience before
and after surgery. Have you found the office staff easy to work
with? I am a bit concerned about not receiving information by e-mail
that Robin has promised (twice).... When an emergency or concern has
occurred was Dr. Ortiz available and responsive?
How about the Oasis of Hope Hospital? Is it up to American standards?
Is there a preferred place in the Tiajuana area?
One bandster had issue with Oasis. She said the only post-op
medication offered was Tylenol? Is this the norm?
Thanks for any help.
Laura

If you already have insurance, they will not cancel you, but try to go get
new insurance with some other company and see what happens. If you find one
that will insure you, please let me know. I need some and take no
medications at all any more and just have the band. I can't find any that
will insure me. This is not "urban legends" buddy, it's fact , based on
fact and there are more than one of us out here doing the searching.
Martha

What about "the bib" which is inserted through your esophagus some way and
it does exactly like the band but it dissolves in six months to a year, no
fills and no permanent band in there and no surgery. The band doctor where
I get my fills is going to be one of three doctors in the US approved to do
these and people are already clambering to get them. They haven't even
figured how much they are going to charge for them, nor decided anything
else about them. At the weight group we were thinking that mostly people
who only had about 30-40 lbs would be interested in those, but I guess you
can keep having them installed until you got to your desired weight, but the
problem is you'd gain your weight back after it dissolved. Interesting
stuff going on with fat America, and I guess the fat world.
Martha

Just as a reminder to all, Inurance is a CONTRACT and you get whatever
the contract says, and don't get what it says you don't get. You're
only incidentally a party to the contract, since it is between the
employer and the insurance company. Like any contract, it can include
as much or as little as both parties agree to. Naturally, if WLS is
included, the contract costs more, which means that either you or your
employer pays more to the insurance company.
The insurance company would gladly include anything and everything, as
long as the employer and employees are willing to pay that much.
dan
Friday, March 5, 2004, 6:54:04 AM, you wrote:
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
SB
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

And maybe if my IM windows didn't pop up & send out my e-mails before I write them..... <sigh

I think I'm just a bit frustrated right now with my recovery phase. Now I *KNOW* that all people and all surgeries are different, but... I carried a twin pregnancy for 37 weeks, had a c-section, and bounced back FASTER than I am from this laparoscopic. I just don't get it... and I'm not getting any sleep, either :(. If I sleep on my back, I am in such incredible pain in the morning from soreness / stiffness. I tried to sleep on my side with some pillows wedged (old pregnancy trick) but I don't have that feeling yet that my port has "gel-ed" into place and it moves and is uncomfortable. Auuuggghhhhhhh!!!

I think that last night was the worst though. I am in the clear liquid stage and have basically done water, some of the Gatorade Mrs. O gave us, some decaf tea, and I've had broth 3 different times. I've also had some "clear" fruit flavored Myoplex and about a cup total of jello. Last night at 12:30 pm I woke up, and when I finally got my beached whale body out of bed & sat up, I felt dizzy and VERY nauseous. It then got to the point where I was SURE I was about to throw up -- and I never ONCE threw up during my twin pregnancy. I just do not throw up at a drop of a hat. To top it all off, I was in such a cold sweat that it was just POURING off of me. This went on for about an hour. I ended up going downstairs and having more water and two SF popsicles and that helped a bit.

Is this just the universe smacking me down since I had it so easy with the pregnancy and recovery??

Here's the next question -- I never got to see the Nutritionist and one of the other girls just gave me a photocopy of the materials she had been handed. Since I am now one week post-op, I figure it's time to move into the "full liquids" phase. While my body could DEFINITELY live off "the fat of the land" for probably MONTHS, I'm wondering if part of the issue is that I am just not getting enough calories. Do the protein shakes (such as Atkins, etc...) count as part of the "full liquid" stage, or do I wait another week for that???

Any feedback would be appreciated. I just hate to bother doctors if it is something silly... so just wanted some "been there done that" or comments before the time difference allows me to call the doctor.

I have Tricare Prime Insurance...I had my Lap Band
done in Mexico just on the 23rd. I have spoke to my
insurance about getting my adjustments
covered...believe it or not...with code 76003 needle
quidence/fluoro is covered with NO REFERRAL needed.
Tricare Prime does NOT cover the actualy Lap Band
Procedure...but will cover my fills, how strange is
that. I of course have NOT had a fill as of YET, still
to early post op...but I have been looking around for
a facility that does them, and has experience with the
band and Tricare.
Caryn
2/23/04 Dr.Kuri
220/203/125

Someone stated that if you go around your current ins. co.(like to
MX) for banding that future insurance companies will not insure
you??? How can that be?

I , personally, have talked with some insurance companies to find insurance
when I go off of COBRA insurance in Sept. None will insure me. Another
lady in my weight support group for band patients , who did not go to Mexico
for surgery but had hers in America but had to pay for it herself because
her insurance company did not cover it, has changed jobs and when she did,
she was unable to find any insurance company to cover her because she'd had
band surgery. When you apply for coverage with a company, you must report
your medical condition, if you lie to them and do not report honestly, and
they find out, they cancel your insurance, they check your medical records
from what I understand. I don't know if they check them very well but also
I was told by one insurance company that after I'd been off any medications
for a year , then my premium may be reduced, but then that was before I
told them about the lab band. Then they were no longer interested in giving
me insurance, they just said you will have to go to the risk pool. The
funny thing is that in Texas the risk pool insurance carrier is Blue Cross
Blue Shield and they cover band surgery for some patients. If anyone knows
how to go about raising enough stink to get the insurance companies to
reconsider insuring band patients, we need to raise the stink. Insurance
companies are so stupid sometimes, we are much better risks to have had the
surgery than before we had it.
Martha

I had a tummy tuck 4 years ago and there are spots by the incision that have never regained feeling. It won't kill you. However, once a year or so it gets an itch you can't scratch. A little frustrating.

Thanks Lea,
Your response to that question makes sense to me and is very helpful. I believe that we must become aware of ourselves and it is important for me right now, one week after surgery, to figure out when i'm hungry and when i'm not. This is crazy. I have been on this eating/dieting roller coaster for so long, I feel as though the roller coaster finally stopped and now I am afraid to get off of it. Does that make sense? So, right now, I am sitting on the roller coaster and it stopped moving. I do know that this must be journey of self awareness in order for me to be successful. I see the band as a tool that was graciously given to me by all of you and Dr. Sanchez!!!! If I choose to use it is solely up to me. I believe that if we don't cherish our gifts, they rot, soooooo.....I'm gonna do my best to use this one!!!!! Thanks for sharing!
Roz
Pittsburgh,PA

My Port incision healed nicely...just like my others.
There is one strange thing about the port incision
than any other incision. Under the port incision...my
skin about a inch under it...is completely numb I can
stratch under it...and not feel it, but on the sides
of it...I can feel and on the top...but underneath
kinda feels like when you put numbes it on something,
just a DEAD feeling. Wonder if that is normal...

Good Morning,
I have the band and the port in my chest. I had it done in Mexico in
August 2002. I am now going in for an MRI (of the head) and was
wondering if anyone else has with the band.
I have been told the band itself has no metal but the port is called
a low profile portacath which does have a small amount of metal. I
was also told that an MRI is possible but the radiologists do
something with the settings.
Anyone know about this? I am afraid it would get pulled or moved. I
had a CT scan but now they need a MRI. HELP!!! It is scheduled for
this Friday am.
THANKS
ANN

I sure wouldn't panic. Think of the port incision as a cut from an
injury. Would you panic if your cut looked like that? Probably not.
It sounds fairly normal to me, and it'll probably heal up just fine.
If it gets swollen and infected or oozing, then talk to Dr. Martinez.
dan
Wednesday, March 3, 2004, 7:36:59 AM, you wrote:
MO
MO
MO
MO
MO
MO
MO
MO
MO
MO
MO
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

OPPS DIANE --
JUST RE-READ YOUR POST AND THE WE-SITE FOR DR.
JOYA -- SORRY --JIM DODD.
PS: GOOD LUCK ON YOUR NEW LIFE ---

Wednesday, March 3, 2004, 8:19:13 PM, you wrote:
g
g
g
Have you been cramming food in? Have you been eating WAY more than
you should? If not, no problem. If your fill is under fluoro, then
they'll see if it is stretched.
g
g
If the meds are NSAIDs they can irritate the pouch and stomach. If
they're not, don't worry. If they are, be sure to take them with lots
of water and/or food.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

WoW,
The Gastro electrical stimulation lap-operation is being done in
Mexico. That means no more fills and having the ability to control
your food intake as needed, not as your finiky stoma dictates!
I kinda wish I had waited for this....it wipes out the P.B. s but
being 73 pounds lighter I am still greatful and happy with my
results with my band.
I am not sure of the costs but my Doctor (Wonderful Dr. Joya) is
including it in his choices at drjoya.com. He also comes to Seattle
Wa about every 4 months to do free flls for his patients and is
going to be in Las Vegas too. He now has a plastic surgeon with his
staff and is even working to help organize a cruise to the Mexican
Rivera for bansters.
This is so great! I didnt get to go to the bansters party in
Seattle this year but a cruise sounds even better!
My friend at work left today to Mexico to get her band. You go
girl...Good luck Cheryl and congrats on being a loser!
Diane/ I just wanna have fun!
03 04 03 Dr. Joya
209/ 135 and a half/ 135 (I can make it, I can make it!)
WA USA EARTH

Ardie,
What an inspiration you are!!! Glad to hear that this was a positive and successful journey for you. It offers me and others I'm sure a lot of hope! I'm so looking forward to being in the same place! Guess it takes patience ????? I didn't get here overnite. I'd love to hear when you've lost your last 20!!
Thanks for caring,
Roz

Does anyone know if RA meds negatively impact the lap-band? I've
written Dr. Rumbaut, but I'm just wondering if anyone knows.
wendy

-Yes, Roz, I got your email. Small world! That's close to where my
husband is from.
I was banded 01-15-03. I have 20 more pounds to go! I'm real
pleased with my weight loss and I haven't had any problems from day
1. I got my 3rd fill today! I think this will do it to my goal -
hopefully as I'm getting excited. My U.S. doctor was thrilled I
was "in the Zone"!
Thanks for asking!
Ardie/Fl.

Rumbaut was my first choice also...then I came across
Dr. Kuri. I was impressed with Rumbaut because he
HIMSELF has the band. But...i heard that Rumbaut and
Dr. Kuri are friends...and when I checked out Kuri's
site...I choose him over Rumbaut,personal choice no
real reason.
I had a wonderful experience in Tijuana...I chose the
standard package was treated just as if I had chose
the deluxe just with out the glamour of a fancy
hospital or recovery room. Sanatario San Francisco had
everything that was needed for my stay, and was very
effective in my recovery, no glamour what so ever, but
still an excellent stay.
I think that what Doctor you chose is a personal
choice...just do your research.
GOOD LUCK
Caryn
2/23/04 Dr. Kuri
220/203/125

My insurance company has the same clause. So I am choosing to have my
surgery with Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey on March 22. Do your research,
talk with people who've been there and done that. Ask patients who
had the doctor your considering about their opinions, experiences &
how they feel about the aftercare they received from the people the
doctor chooses to work with. Just remember that a doctor who has an
excellent reputation doesn't mean his before/aftercare staff is just
as excellent. Through my research, I've heard good things about Dr.
Rumbaut. Join several bandster groups, read archives & talk to
people. Good luck in your decision making process. ~Katrina

Can anyone please indulge me and help me to formulate questions for
my friend who is a pre-band newbie. He asked me to write some
questions that he should ask the doctor about banding.
I am trying to get him to go to Mexico, but at this point, his wife
is afraid of Mexican hospitals and has the typical stereotype. My
friend is in WA state near Olympia. He has a rather high BMI and is
probably over 400 pounds, 6'3" tall or so. At this point, he
assumes his insurance will cover it, but I told him about the
possibility that insurance companies are still pushing for RNY, not
lap bands.
Christy

When will I learn?
Today I'm too-quickly eating overcooked fish and spinach/veggies. Stir-fryed
between phone calls and I gotta get back to work!
STUCK. I really don't understand, it goes down to mid-chest and then gets stuck
like the golfball. Then I slime and choke a bit and FINALLY (this time only
about 5 minutes) it slimes its way through.
Does the rest of the food get chewed to oblivion and then go right through? If
so, what stays in the pouch to keep us full? Seems like if it was too big, it
wouldn't go down and get stuck in the first place, it would just sit there like
it should.
And drinking it down, besides the pain, is that so bad? If it's not gonna sit in
the pouch anyway, what's the big deal.
I wish I understood better. I promise to look at online information later today,
meantime, I'm glad I'm unstuck and back to work!
PS, just looked at airfares for Tijuana in Sept., about $300 right now from
Seattle, far cheaper to fly in-out of Orange County that weekend for some
reason. I'll keep watching.
Also, for those who have never been there, Rosarito is a somewhat tacky funky
town, plunked down on a wide wide beach that is NOT a Hawaii beach, it's kinda
gritty, and the hotels are set back about half-mile from the actual beach, with
nothing between but sand dunes. There are okay hotels, lot of college-weekend
type places that are really rowdy in the evenings. However, it's a fun little
place, and that's where the new hospital is. Hope we get tours -- maybe they'll
have it nearby, I did see a couple nice hotels over near it that cater to older
tourists rather than college kids.
I'll be there! Let's see, that's 6 months away, if I can keep a steady 8 pounds
month, I'll be within sight of goal!!!! Whoo Hoo!
Cathy G. in Olympia
Dr. K 12/8/03
250/211/150

I too, had a great experience with Dr Huacuz. I have had one fill from him
and one from Dr Kuri at the bandster bash '07. I am still not having enough
restriction and will probably get another fill in the spring when Dr Huacuz
has a fill 'special".
Jenny

I was declined from my insurance to have lap-band suregery due to a
clause in there insurance that they would not cover this surgery. I
have been researching looking for other options and suggestions.
I am looking at Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico. Any suggestions or
concerns please let me know.
http://www.belighter.com/rumbaut.html
Thanks

Are you on an antibiotic? If not, then I'd call Dr. M. I read on
Obesityhelp.com a few others with the same problem and they mentioned
putting antibiotic cream on the incision and it helping out a lot. I
think they were for the Polysporin, not the Neosporin, can't recall
why now.

Someone stated that if you go around your current ins. co.(like to
MX) for banding that future insurance companies will not insure
you??? How can that be? 1st-how would they know whether the band had
been covered by your past provider and 2nd how could you be excluded
totally(I get that they might not cover band related things)I've
never had a health insurance co. ask about past surgeries..Can anyone
explain this--my surgery date in 2 weeks will come to a screeching
halt if others have found this to be true :-(

Hi!
I had surgery last Thursday so it has been 6 days. My port incision is more sore, more red, more swollen than the others. No fever, no oozing, no bleeding. Today it is a bit smaller. I do believe it is fine and normal to be having this happen. It's a bigger, deeper incision and has felt this way since the beginning. I think you'll do fine, and I wouldn't call my PCP becauase he is clueless as well!!!! I'm sure if you call Mexico though, they will probably tell you what I've said, however, if you decide to and they tell you something different, let me know. There are many others on here that I am sure can answer this for us!!
Roz

Some people in my weight loss group have had their first fill at 3 weeks
post surgery because they were very hungry and eating when they should not
be and the doctor felt it best to go ahead and do a fill for them. Most
first fills are not as restrictive as anyone wants them to be . I think
they do that to give you time to adjust to some kind of restriction before
they get you to correct restriction. To slowly get you used to having
restriction. Some people had rescheduled their second fill within two weeks
of having their first fill. They could always cancel the second fill if
the first one was tight enough . Personally, I did not hear of anyone in
our weight loss group that was properly restricted on their first fill, so I
would not worry if you are not. I got my second fill one month after the
first and it was nice and tight and now it has loosened some two months
later. I can now eat without feeling like I'm going to throw up every time.
It's wonderful. Also, at our weight group last night we discussed that
sometimes along the way to losing weight some people need a break from
dieting and the doctor will loosen your band and give you a few weeks to a
few months to be off your diet, one lady in our group did do that for about
six months. During that time she lost 5 lbs a month instead of the l0 to 12
she'd been losing, but she needed a psychological break. After that she got
a fill and went on about her diet. Sometimes some people just need to do
that , they get tired of the whole weight loss situation. I think I'm
feeling like that too right now. I'm not going to get an unfill but these
last two weeks that I've eaten the wrong kind of foods and not lost any
weight have been something I needed due to having been under so much stress
with my sick husband. I feel more like I want to get back with my program
now. So be aware that this is a possible thing you may encounter along
the way somewhere maybe six months to a year out from banding.
Also in our weight group we have discovered that if you go off medical
insurance that you have during banding, and you want to apply for more, no
insurance company will insure you due to having the band, so you have to go
on a risk pool insurance if your state has one. So you might keep that in
mind. Also it has been discovered that if anything goes wrong with your
band and your insurance company doesn't cover installation of the band, and
you went to Mexico and got the band, the insurance will not cover any
corrections or emergencies if you go to the hospital in the US or anywhere
else. I am interested to find out if anyone of you has had any different
responses to insurance problems . I hope this changes soon for people.
It's strange that the insurance companies will pay for gastric bypass and
any complications that occur with it but not bands.
Martha

I just had my surgery last Friday. My port incision looks to be about 1 inch long. As compared to the rest of the incision, 1/3 of it looks just a touch puffy & red (similar to a mosquito bite color / puffiness). I am not running a fever (just took it at 98.3) and it does not appear to be leaking or oozing anything.

Do I panic and call my PCP (who knows nothing about the lapband)....

Do I sum this up as a normal healing appearance??

Or do I want another few hours until it is 8 am in TJ & call Dr. Martinez??

Thanks Angie, if you are anything like me, you understand that I want what I want when I want it!! I have lost 10 lbs already and am very, very sure it is water weight. I should probably stay off of the scale. I know that i heard 4-6 weeks for a first fill, but am glad to now know that that means to WAIT that period of time, not necessarily that it is due in that length of time. How long have you been banded????
Thanks again,
Roz

Ardie,
Thanks for info. Can you tell me how long you have had the band ???? It sounds as though you have been quite successful which is promising to me. I enjoy reading your posts. Also, did you get my email letting you know I am originally from Washington, PA too ???

A friend from another board had RNY about a year ago. She posted
this to us and it is really touching. I hope you enjoy.
***************************************************************
I just wanted to share something with those I love.
This is the time of year were hundreds of thousands of motorcycle
descend on Daytona Beach, FL. Well, of course Japbikegrl would not
miss it for the world. But, this year something totally unexpected
happened.
I was sitting in traffic on the causeway bridge in bumper to bumper
bike traffic and I found myself starting to cry. Not because of the
exhaust fumes but as I sat there on my bike in that solitary moment I
began to reflect on this past year.
See, this time last year I was almost twice the weight I am now. I
was totally disgusted with myself and tried to hide from being seen.
I did not want to look at my own reflection in the mirror so why
would I want a stranger looking at me? Also, I was too ill to ride.
My heart was constantly doing flip flops and I could no longer trust
my vision to see at night. So I had sold my bike and was riding on
the back of my hubby's shiny new Kawasaki. He was so proud and had
spent all day polishing it but all I could feel was embarrassment of
having the entire world seeing my huge backside sitting on top of
that beautiful piece of machinery.
Well, what a difference a year has made my friends. Once again I am
on my own bike. Which I have totally customized to get attention with
and stand out in a crowd. As I was sitting in traffic I had guys
whistle at me..one shouted..Rev that thing Baby!
We parked and walked down Main St. I actually found myself strutting.
We walked into an open air bar to check things out and a man walked
up to me...yes, he was sober and said.."You are a strikingly
beautiful woman!" He was not being rude or leacherous in anyway. I
thanked him and went on with Joe and my friends. Later my feet
started to hurt so we sat on a fence and were watching people go by.
I sat next to my girlfriend who is a very attractive lady a little
younger than me and men were constantly smiling and winking and
speaking to us. I got compliments from my hair to my boots to the
bandana around my neck. Joe was right by my side and took it all in
stride. My friend Val said that Joe was not jealous but actually
beaming with pride. This year I am truly half the woman I was last
year.
So I found myself in the traffic and thanked God for making this
happen. Thanked my surgeon for the skill to do such a wonderful
procedure. I thanked my insurance company for paying the bill..lol. I
thanked my hubby for being a trooper and standing beside me through
it all and hoping he was reaping the benefits as I was.
I am sharing this story also to give you all encouragement. Whether
it is something as drastic as this surgery or as small as getting a
new haircut...be brave my sisters and go for it. Never stop trying to
improve yourself. People do notice.
Char

No way of knowing. But unless there is reason to suspect a leak,
there probably isn't. Had dinner with a friend last night who has the
normal 10cm band and has 3.7 in it with minimal restriction. I have
1.8 and am as tight as I'd ever want to be, and 2.0 shuts me down.
There isn't necessarily anything wrong.
dan
Wednesday, March 3, 2004, 6:18:37 AM, you wrote:
g
g
g
g
g
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

I have 2.2cc and very little restriction. I'm still worried and
don't want to drive all the way to Nashville for a fill until I try
to find out what's wrong first - if anything. Does anyone else out
there have 2.2cc and minimal restriction? I need feedback.....
wendy from birmingham

Hi Roz,
I was 4 months before getting my first fill. If the weight is coming
off, you can wait until you're eating more then usual and not losing
weight. As things get moving along for you, you will know when it's
time for a fill. And, yes, getting fills is different for each
individual. My second fill was in September and I'm going tomorrow
for my third. There have been others who are on their sixth fill by
now. Depends on each person!
Ardie/Fl.

Dr Kuri ended his excellent speach at this year's Vegas Bandster
Ball with the announcement that this year's BASH will be the weekend
of September 10th, and instead of Tiajuana, will be held in Rosarita
Beach. For those unfamiliar with this community, it's about 20
minutes south of Tiajuana, and right ON the beach: you would still
fly into San Diego. Plans are underway for transportation
arrangements from there to Rosarita, and back to the airport after
BASH. Not all the BASH details are even identified, much less firm
as of yet, so PLEASE be patient, as the steering committee needs to
look at a LOT of options on every detail of the BASH before making
final decisions. When those decisions have been made, rest assured
that they WILL be posted here!
The Vegas Bandster ball is still underway, and i can say with
certainty that it is a huge success! THANKS for a great job, well
done, Sylvia!
Polarbear Mike

Personal opinion only here! He could stand a conference or two to
learn more about what the heck he is doing.

Tuesday, March 2, 2004, 8:25:58 PM, you wrote:
Rac
Rac
I went five months. Some have gone over a year. All depends on
whether you NEED one or not.
Rac
Rac
Rac
Some lose, some don't. As long as you're losing a pound or two a week
you don't need a fill.
Rac
Rac
Rac
We're all different. Most docs don't fill before six weeks. If
you're losing by then, and continuing to, no reason to get it as far
as I'm concerned.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Has anyone gone longer than 4 - 6 weeks without their first fill? I am a newbie and have been banded less than a week. I'm just wondering, like many others, if everyone's fill time is different? How will I know when I need a fill? Do people lose weight without a fill? I'm really not sure of any of these questions and actually wasn't worrying about them prior to surgery. Just curious what some of your experiences have been ??? I appreciate your answers, thanks !
Roz

well i saw him yesterday because i went to tijuana to visit some friends and i went to the clinic to visit all the staff of there and everybody was happy for him if the situation was the other way i think everybody would be sad but it wasnt that way

Dan Lester <honu@...

Is this really a conference, or is it related to his pleading guilty
to medicare fraud? maybe the conference is at some place where he has
to stay for a while?

Lilly,

I can totally relate to you because that's what happened to me after my first fill. Dr. Martinez, (love him) put 1.0 in my band and I was restricted for a week and then could eat an entire plate of Chili's Chicken Fried Steak, mashed potatoes w/ country gravy.....don't even get me started (my old favorite) so I knew my restriction was long gone......... I think where I went wrong was I went for six weeks like that without any restriction before getting my second fill. I too had a fill on Jan 31, my second and Dr. Ortiz put me up to 1.2 and I thought to my self only .2 more we'll see if this does anything. Let me tell you it has been a hundred percent different. I am now as they say at my "sweet spot." I love this restriction and will heading south of the boarder as soon as this one starts to fade. Not being restricted for those six weeks were totally frustrating and can get you down, it sounds like you really need another fill. Best of luck to
you...................

Jill in Calif. 250/203/140

Dr. Ortiz/Martinez 11-06-03

thanks SO much Dan!!! You said just what I needed to hear. I preach
to teens all day long about "shoulding", but sometimes I just have to
be human and go nuts. Rarely does anyone tell me anything I don't
already know in the realm of self-help, but sometimes I just need to
HEAR IT!!! I started using the eliptical machine at the gym about a
month ago. I LOVE it!

Dan,
Doctor Ortiz is my Dr.
I do follow my Doctors advice (when I understand what he has told me)
and highly respect him. I in no means dispute his professional
advice or want to go and do things harmful to my self by going above
his advice. This is why i chose the band instead of RNY. At the time
I received my fill there were 11 other people waiting to get fills
and when he told me about the fill amount I wasn't quite sure on
what he ment by it. It was my first time and he didn't really have a
lot of time to spend on explaining what he ment.
"You Should NEVER COMPAIR FILL AMOUNTS WITH SOMEONE ELSE".
What a sobering letter you wrote and if I was a sensitive person I
could have taken you wrong and been offended by your words of
encouragement. They do seemed a little condisending towards me as
though you are one notch above me.(maybe I read wrong), Like eating
the white evil carbs."Why are you eating bread at all?"( I am sure
you have totally overcome that nasty habit and that is great!)Also
that I am stupid for asking such trival questions.
"You Should NEVER COMPAIR FILL AMOUNTS WITH SOMEONE ELSE".
This is all new to me and I simply never thought of it as you have
so strongly expressed. I had a simple question wanting to know if
people in general, not specific, can in anyway hold more than 2.3
cc's in the tube? Not wanting in any way to compare who can hold
more.
" Are you taking more than 20 minutes to eat?"
I am still working on the slowing down and chewing alot part as I
have a lifetime of bad habits to overcome. Sometimes when with a
group of people I catch myself eating too fast too late and I pay
for it in a few minutes by excusing myself and using the rest room.
"Are you eating the right things?"
Well what is right? And what is wrong? What may work for you may not
work for me. Can't compare here either. Yes I have a hard time with
sweets and the evil softer sides of food. That is another hard habit
to brake. I am sure you are right as far as eating too much. "Just
because you can eat more doesn't mean you should." I think emotion
plays into this.
I have found that as a newbee I have to just experiance things as
it happens because not many are willing to take time and tell you
what to expect or maybe they just forget about what they went
through. (Isn't that what this board was created for? All those
newbees that have questions and seek an answer from the Senior
bandsters who have been there already?) Hopefully with kind words of
encouragement. 8-)
We are all on the journey walking the same path to a healthier life.
Lilly

Just wanted to post for Lori and anyone else concerned about the trip
to Mexico. Everything will be fine. I was just banded by Dr.
Rodriguez on 2/24. I'm home now and doing fine (with a little
residual soreness). I was able to cut back on my pain medications on
the third day post-op. I now only take one Advil if I'm sore. I'm
planning to go back to work tomorrow.
The hospital in Acuna is small but very adequate. My private room
had a television and bath (the bathroom was not as modern as American
ones, but it was clean and I wasn't in there very much). I chose Dr.
Rodriguez because he is just as experienced as most other Mexican
doctors (he has done over 1,000 bands), and his fee is much more
within my budget; he currently charges $7,000. (With the money saved
over some of the other doctors, you could spend a few days in San
Antonio being a tourist, then head down to Acuna for the surgery, and
still come out financially ahead.) The city of Acuna is cleaner than
most border towns. The streets are narrow and do seem a little run
down, but the hospital is only about 2 blocks from the border, and
there really is nothing to worry about.
I was worried that, because he charges less, I would receive
substandard care. I can tell you that I work in the medical
profession, and spend a lot of time in hospitals. I saw nothing that
worried me. My IV pump was more modern than the ones we use in our
hospital here in Texas.
Well, just wanted to let you know about my experience. I, too, was
very nervous beforehand. It was all over before I knew it.
Barb in Texas

Laura,
I just came home from Monterrey and had surgery with Dr. Sanchez. Prior to my leaving, my PCP demanded that I have a complete pre op work up. As a result, my EKG came back not good. I had a Thalium Stress Test done and it came back with light hardening of the arteries. My family history is very serious heart disease and I am overweight. Both of my parents died of one heart attack and my two brothers have both had bypass surgery. I am at risk. I brought Dr. Sanchez's vitae to my Cardiologist and he informed me that Dr. Sanchez had worked many years at Baylor as a Heart Surgeon. Dr. Sanchez returns calls, he spoke with me twice prior to going to Monterrey. Judy is his patient coordinator and here is her phone number.......she will welcome a call from you.......952- 758-7357. My trip was great !! Any more questions, feel free to email me!
Good luck,
Roz

Congrats!!! Glad your doing well and made it home safely. Now....what
are the details. I'm dying to know???

started itching in folds of skin and it spread until finally I had to
see a doctor. Nothing I did helped! I was diagnosed with yeast
infection! I never had this problem before I gained my weight and

Beth H

Dr. Rumbaut

Last summer I spent several weeks with my mom in Little Rock, Ar.
because she was taking cancer treatments. Being overweight along with
a heart condition makes it hard for me to handle extreme heat and
cold. Well, my poor sick skinny mother couldn't handle the a/c and I
ended up sweating most nights in the Family Home where we stayed. I
started itching in folds of skin and it spread until finally I had to
see a doctor. Nothing I did helped! I was diagnosed with yeast
infection! I never had this problem before I gained my weight and
then it's only been this past year. My question is when I lose the
weight will this go away? I've been through different meds, both
prescription and non-scrip and it's under control but not gone. I
feel that as long as I have too much moisture in the folds I'll
always have this problem. But the combination of meds and no sweaty
folds will clear it up? I know a woman that is nearly 200lbs
overweight and she just got out of the hospital with the same exact
problem only it was more so. I just can't hardly bear this stuff!

I've mentioned this before but not sure if it was this board or
another. I have 3 heart valves leaking. I am tested every 6 months. I
just has surgery to remove a bengin <thank God
around Dec. 28th. My surgeon said I came through with flying colors.
My questions are these:
Any one else with heart condition and which doctor did you select
because of this? My only precaution is that I need antibiotics BEFORE
the surgery, about 30 mintues before injected into my IV.
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Laura #2

Wendy,
Are you able to be in touch with your doc who did the surgery at all? Any of his staff ?? I would def. start there.
Roz

Monday, March 1, 2004, 8:50:02 PM, you wrote:
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
Well, the bread and the eating slow are usual. That's good. That
shows you're restricted. Just because you can eat more doesn't mean
you should eat more. Are you eating the right things? Why are you
eating bread at all? Why are you eating any white carbs?
c
c
c
Whether you can get more in the band is up to the doctor. If he says
he won't put more in, then he won't. I insisted that a doc put in
more than he wanted to, and I suffered for it greatly. You're paying
him for his professional advice, so listen and follow it.
c
c
c
c
Fills are up to the doc. It isn't like a self service gas station
where YOU decide how much to put in the tank. Are you taking more
than twenty minutes to eat? Are you eating proper foods? Are you
avoiding the soft and evil stuff that will go through even if you're
tight?
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
The amount you have means nothing to anyone else. If I had 2.3 I
couldn't get anything down at all, not even water. Someone else might
have no restriction to speak of with that amount. It is all
individual. You should NEVER COMPARE FILL AMOUNTS WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
Who's your doctor?
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Tuesday, March 2, 2004, 6:01:39 AM, you wrote:
g
g
g
g
You're not behind schedule. ONE to two pounds a week is normal. So
you're normal, not "above average". Be glad you're not "below
average", right?
As to young, well, two of my four kids are older than you, so you're
not "so old", I guarantee you.
g
g
g
g
You're not a freak, Wendy, you're normal. As to relationships and
marriage, they may come in time, or may not. Though losing weight may
help in that area, it sure doesn't produce any guarantees.
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
You may rip here any time. Hell, that's what friends are for, right?
But "don't should on yourself". You're doing fine, even if not as
"perfectly" as some others. You're doing completely normal, even if
not as fast as you'd like. Just think....you didn't put the weight on
overnight, and it isn't going to go away that fast either.
Finally, are you exercising? That will help greatly.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of mexicanbandsters
Tracy A's surgery
Tuesday March 2, 2004
10:00 am - 11:00 am
This event does not repeat.
Event Location: Dr. Rumbaut

I just realized that it's been EXACTLY 30 weeks since my surgery. I'd hoped to have lost at least 60 pounds by now. I'm really disappointed in myself. 24.5 behind schedule and I'm not getting any younger (turned 36 a month ago). Sick and tired of being single and watching the world go by. I feel like I've been standing still for the last decade. All my friends are in relationships or married. Then there's me. The fat freak spinster Wendy. I guess I'm just needing to let it rip for once (on you guys today) rather than continually being perky, positive, optimistic and "everything's fine". I'm pissed! At myself mostly, but am at least considering the possibility that I'm not allowing the band to work correctly because I need another fill. I just want to make sure nothing else is going on before I trek up to Nashville for another fill. Ho hum. Gotta get in the shower and go to work.

Wendy from Birmingham, AL
Dr. Rumbaut: 8/5/03
as of 3/2/04: down 35.5 lbs
ideal: -145 lbs
mini: -110 lbs
Dr. Morton (Nashville): 9/15/03 1st fill, 1.6
1/12/04 2nd fill, 2.2

Haven't posted in weeks. Am worried about myself. If I wanted to
make sure everything is "as it should be" inside me (regarding the
band that is), what would I ask my doc to do? I want to make sure I
have no leaks, slippage, disconnects, etc. As for the etc, what else
could go wrong with my band? I had a fill about six weeks ago and am
able to eat a lot. My total fill amount is 2.2 so it seems like
something might be wrong. My fill doc is over two-and-a-half hours
away and I have to take a full day off work to go so I'm trying to
find out what I can do through my GP to make sure everything is
okay. So I have the two questions:
1)what all can go wrong with the band
and
2)what all tests can be done to check my insides (from the outside)
wendy from birmingham
rumbaut, 8/5/03
-35.5 pounds since surgery

Hi to all the fellow bandsters. My name is Lilly and I have been a
lurker(not posted but read posts) for about a year after finding out
about the band. I am a fellow bandster as of December 5th 2003.
everything went as it should and i healed fast and had my first fill
on Jan. 30th. When I went in My Doctor in TJ laid me on a table in
the xray room and while using a floroscope filled my port while i
drank watered down barrium. He said he had put 2.3 cc in my port
and told me that that was all he could safely put in for this time
and if it wasn't enough than it was too bad as he couldn't put more
in without it being dangerious. I went through my 3 days on a liquid
diet and then ate without any real restriction other than i can not
eat soft bread or rice (they seem to gum up and pack) . And I also
have to eat slow and chew alot. My question is this, Can I still go
in and get more in my band? I don't really feel as though i am
restricted. It seems as though i can eat a lot of what i could
before the fill as long as I eat slowly and chew it into small
pieces. I haven't lost any weight since the fill. Is it ok to get
another fill? I didn't have any swelling after the first fill and
had no problems. I assumed that the reason my doctor wouldn't fill
it more is that he took in the factor of possible swelling around
the stomach. Can anyone inlighten me as to if i should get another
fill. Is 2.3cc's as much as a bandster can handle?
Sandy zflower can you give me a call? I need to talk at you a
minute. Thanks Lilly

Thanks for your information. Your encouraging words to us, about to go is great. Hope you continue to recover quickly. Debby

Sunday, February 29, 2004, 11:06:08 PM, you wrote:
e
e
e
There is no time limit. There is, or at least may be, a limit on the
bypass procedures, but there is NOT on the lapband.
e
e
e
e
No reason for you to get stuck forever.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/215/199 Age 61

Sunday, February 29, 2004, 9:03:50 PM, you wrote:
jac
jac
jac
Maybe you
jac
hungry?
jac
hunger,
jac
physiological
jac
jac
jac
Almost all of us have psychological issues, and need help dealing with
them. Plan on seeing a counselor, especially since you're already
aware of the issues. But you'll also find that if you pack in food
when your band says no, it'll come back up, or you'll have pain, or
both.
jac
jac
jac
Well, that's why my wife and I told NO ONE before surgery. Didn't
want to fight those stupid fights.
jac
jac
jac
No. I'm not saying there couldn't be a problem in some distant
corner, but you're NOT going to go there. Like any city of over a
million people, TJ has nice parts and bad parts. No surprise, is it?
I had to get past that because years ago when I was a student we'd go
down there to see naked women and drink beer at age 17. Well, I
didn't go to any of those sleazy places on my trips there now, and
neither will you.
jac
jac
jac
Do what you need to do. Many have gone alone, and you're always
escorted and cared for. Don't worry about it.
Ask privately if you want more info.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/215/199 Age 61

Like I've said before the media has it that the US is the state of
the art when it comes to ANYTHING. And then there is the 20/20 shows,
nightline, etc. that shows horror stories of surgeries in Mexico.
Well, they also have shows on shortage of nurses in the US, and a
host of other ugly things here. I've been in three different
hospitals the past couple of years with family members and believe me
after ringing the buzzer over and over, doing things for my mom
myself because she hadn't had anything to eat or drink in nearly 24
hours and looking at the cobwebs, I sure don't think of the US
hospitals as being state of the art! One thing is that whatever is
sold to the US it's prices are inflated and so a lot of the hospitals
do with older equipment. Recently there has been flak over
medications from Canada. The drug companies manufactor it here, sell
it to them for dirt cheap prices and when they try to sell them back
to the comsumers all kinds of alarms go off, such as do we know WHAT
we are getting? Well, I read last summer or so about a US pharmacist
that diluted cancer drugs so he could make a bigger profit. Another
bought drug samples from doctors and opened the packs to fill
prescriptions. They were mixed so you had no real clue what the
expiration date really was. I love the US and believe there are great
people here and it's the best but I can't help but wonder why the
other countries think of us the way that they do. Could it be
because they know that we pay inflated prices for everything? You
think?

http://www.dentalwork4u.com/index.htm
This is the Dentist I used to do 26 crowns in Tijuana.
He is very good and has great prices. Doug from Portland Oregon

Can any of you please tell me how you are doing after the surgery regarding
hunger. I was under the impression that if you are banded and restricted
correctly- you simply aren't hungry- you don't have any cravings, etc? Maybe
you
shouldn't be physiologically hungry but are you still psychologically hungry?
I can tell you many of my weight issues deal alot with psychological hunger,
eat when I am sad, stressed, happy, depressed, etc. How has your physiological
hunger changed and more important how has your psychological hunger changed?
I hope I am making sense in asking this question.
Also I have been attempting to have more in-depth conversations with family
regarding my wish to have this surgery done in Mexico- it has become pretty
heated and ugly. My mom even told me they have raw sewage running through some
streets in Tijuana???? I find that hard to believe. Anyone come across raw
sewage in Tijuana???? I am beginning to think that this is something I will
need
to do by self- When I have my surgery I will end up going alone and telling
my family I am "traveling on business"-
I am so thankful for this site and the support and words of wisdom from you
all.
Jenny

Hi All,
Just wanted to let you know that I arrived home today from Monterrey. I was banded on Thursday nite upon flying in to Mexico the same evening. Surgio was wonderful, very laid back and kind! Alma was a sweetheart, very enthusiastic and supportive. Annabelle was probably the best nurse I have ever had. I had some trouble with a bit of pain and anethesia and she actually returned to the hospital to sit with me at 3:00 in the morning.........Alma called me on the phone at 3:00am; Dr. Sanchez called me on the phone at 3:00 am and Annaabel came back to the hospital. I couldn't ask for better care if my husband was my physician! Actually, my pain was not that bad, it's just that anesthesia and I don't get along very well. The Anesthisiologist was also wonderful and funny! Upon returning to the Guest House, I met Sadie who was very available with always a kind word. By the following day, Brenda, Vickie, Nikki, Clarissa and Win were all back at the Guest House with their
surgeries completed. It was a very special night....I am sure we will remain in touch with one another. We laughed so hard I thought we were all going to "pop our bands!" Judy & Janet, thank you both for everything, you guided me in the right direction! I'm on my way and very much looking forward to a new, improved me!! Anyone needing any info on Dr. Sanchez and staff, please feel free to email me. It was a good decision and an awesome experience. Thank you all on here for your help!
Roz :)

Lori, I completely understand how you feel. You have a greater knowledge of possible complications then the average person because of your nursing background. I am no where near an RN, but I am a nursing student and the thing that I was most terrified of was a near fatal complication that would require a state of the art ICU. Although I was well aware of every possible risk going into the procedure, I was confident in my doctor and in the hospital staff. I wasn't at that point though until I met Dr. Sanchez and toured the hospital. I saw every piece of modern medical equipment in that hospital that would be there to catch me if something did go wrong and upon meeting the staff felt assured that they knew exactly how to react in an emergency. I don't know much about your doc, but if you have done your homework and research about him, you will be just fine.
These MX docs really are much more experienced then their American counterparts. The thing that sealed this in my brain was watching my surgery tape the night after I was banded and seeing what skill and dexterity my surgeon possessed.
There is no way for your family to be okay with the surgery if they aren't already there at this point. You can give them all of the statistics and testimonials that you can find and your mother will still be thinking that her baby is going to Mexico to be cut open. You know in your heart whether or not this decision is the right one and that needs to be your guiding light. After the surgery is completed and you are healed, you will be able to reasonably talk to your family about why you made this decision, but until them just try to reassure them as much as possible.
~Lea
11/08/03 Dr. Sanchez
259/220/219 Mini Goal
In a message dated 2/29/2004 9:20:37 PM Central Standard Time, Lori@... writes:

Hi everyone;
I have a date of 3/10 and I'm so nervous. I'm nervous about going to
Mexico now because my family has me scared to death. I haven't
spoken to my mom in over a week because she doesn't approve of me
doing this. She doesn't understand what I'm going through. We live
on different coasts. Anyone out there that can calm me down and
relieve my fears. I am scheduled with Dr. Jose Rodriques for
surgery, anyone able to give me some positive feedback before I go.
I would sleep better between now and then.
Thanks,
Lori, RN

Jessie was right, as was Dan. I was down in motivation and getting
sloppy with my eating habits. No weight loss in a month. Scheduled a
fill and wow, that made such a huge difference. Especially in
motivation and recommitting to following this through all the way to
the end.
Question for some of you long timers. They say you lost the first
12-18 months. But what is to stop you from keeping losing after that
if you have the right amount of restriction and motivation? I have
lost 40 lbs. Need to lose another 60 and getting scared the clock
will be ticking in July that it is a year and if I am only 50%
towards my goal that I only have six more months or I"m stuck there
forever. Feedback would be appreciated.
thaks
eileen

Dan-
Awesome pictures;) You look great! Keep up the good work. Heading
back to Tijuana early Tuesday morning for a fix me up. Can't wait to
get on with this Journey. Will post a update after surgery on
Tuesday. Talk to ya later.
Megann in WI
325/318/292/175?

Hi everyone;
I have a date of 3/10 and I'm so nervous. I'm nervous about going to
Mexico now because my family has me scared to death. I haven't
spoken to my mom in over a week because she doesn't approve of me
doing this. She doesn't understand what I'm going through. We live
on different coasts. Anyone out there that can calm me down and
relieve my fears. I am scheduled with Dr. Jose Rodriques for
surgery, anyone able to give me some positive feedback before I go.
I would sleep better between now and then.
Thanks,
Lori, RN

Sunday, February 29, 2004, 8:47:47 AM, you wrote:
d
d
Hey, I always keep my hat on. I can't believe the ones from yesterday
had me with my hat off. As Gail once said to a little old lady in
church, when she complained about my special church hat (work with
approval of the priest, due to my eye problems), "he wears his hat
more than he wears his pants", which is true.
Well, I wear jockeys, so my underwear is briefer than the gym shorts I
was wearing in those pix. In all of them I'm wearing gym shorts.
These days most gym shorts are long, unlike the short ones of "the
olden days". I like the short ones much better.
d
d
d
d
Well, different shorts, different sizes, or else the drawstring drawn
up tighter. Haven't lost any yet. Pants that is. Of course lots of
them have gone to the charities that collect such things.
d
d
d
d
d
Don't think I've ever had anyone ask about the beard. Really. In
over thirty years with it. No, I'll never shave. My kids have only
seen a few old pix of me without it. It is short, normally only a
half inch at most.
d
d
d
d
Thanks for the kind words, even if the beard doesn't fit with your
preference. I'm probably wrinkly and saggy enough under it that I'd
look even worse without it.
Best to both of you as you both continue to improve your health and
happiness.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.gailndan.com/lapband
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/215/199 Age 61

Okay I am posting this...