Infoblog

Hi, Im thinking of going to Tijuana after being denied by my
insurance up here. Can anyone tell me of their experiences with Dr.
Verboonen? AlsoDoes anyone know of any Drs. surgeons, ??? that would
do the fills for surgery done in Tijuana in Michigan or nearby
states? About how many fills do you need and how often on the lab
band? I appreciate any help anyone can give me.. Thanks! Lori

I was quoted 3400. Check their website and email them. But by the
time I added two airfares and the cost of staying there two weeks, it
didn't save me much at all. So I scheduled myself for the TT here in
Boise in late June.
The people who save a bunch of money in CR are the ones who have a
bunch of things done at one time.
dan
Wednesday, March 17, 2004, 12:32:50 AM, you wrote:
SB
SB
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

I MUST see this movie!!!

...Or if anyone went to Costa Rica, what was the cost for a tummy tuck?

Beth H

why not call and ask ahead of time? I would think the customer
service folks would be pretty nice about this, especially over the
phone. Maybe you could ask about average seat sizes and seatbelt
lengths, etc???

Dan, thanks for the below responses, but thanks most of all for
almost always responding to my posts. I really respect the fact that
you are so close to goal, but seem to stay so dedicated to "paying it
forward". You kick ass!!! I read and post for a few days or weeks,
then flitter off for awhile, but you are SOLID.
wendy

//..day 2,you will probably feel like you've been run over by
Santa...And the reindeer! //
I DO NOT run over people! I'm a GOOD pilot, and the Reindeer look
out, too! Besides - we stay to the housetops and the sky! Unless you
HAPPEN to be on the roof for some odd reason......
Santa C.
Dr Kuri, 5/8/03
427/249/180

Wendy,
Yes, I did get a tight fill and it worked for me until this month and now
I need another . I was scheduled to get it Monday but they called and
rescheduled it for March 24th. I can eat just like anyone without a fill
and it all stays down and rarely do I have a problem. It's so wonderful,
but you don't lose weight this way. I think I'm losing about a pound a week
now, so I will be happy to get my next fill. I will let you know how much
it is then, I don't know what it is now. I think my band fell off and is
hanging somewhere around my ankles.
Martha

Make sure your house is clean,and the laundry is done,so that when you get home you can rest,and not feel the need to take care of the house things. If your going to have someone there to help you..Let them help! So many times I have had someone here to help,and felt like I needed to clean the house up,or wash dishes when I really wanted to lay down and rest. Make sure you have whatever meds you might need,and enough liquids for like 4 or 5 days so you won't have to go shopping.Everyone heals differently..Some people really need to walk to get rid of the gas and the gas pain.Me,I needed to rest and be still,the more I walked,the worse I felt. The first day post op,you'll feel ok..day 2,you will probably feel like you've been run over by Santa...And the reindeer! Try to not over do it the first day.And my god,no matter what,do not pull any stomach muscles like I did. Try to not use your stomach muscles,let them heal.Most of try to relax..Your going to feel so much better
soon.Let us know how it goes for ya.Bestest bestest wishes

Hugs ~Nikki~

Debby-
Sorry for the delay in replying...That would be great. Good Luck to
you next week!
~P

Hello again. I am getting banded next Friday and was wondering if
anyone had any last minute advise? I called the Dr and was told that
I only needed to not eat or drink the day before surgery for preop
tests and then to fast 12 hrs before surgery.
Did anyone do anything special that helped them prepare the week
before surgery?
Thanks-
~p

Hi Jennifer! I'm scheduled for surgery in Monterrey on the 22nd . I
am leaving Wednesday morning to return home. I thought that was too
soon to leave too. But then after thinking about it, I'd probably
prefer to be at home resting then somewhere where I'm not really
comfortable. Who is your doctor? Maybe we'll meet, you never know!
Good luck!

Hi All! I'm having surgery on Monday, March 22nd in Monterrey with
Dr. Sanchez. I'm excited and nervous. I can't wait until it's all
over with and I begin healing and learning to live with my new tool.
I've done a ton of research, read probably thousands of archives, and
spoke with quite a few banded people---these boards have been more
helpful than I could have ever imagined. So I'm feeling confident
with my choice. I have one question and it's a little off topic. I am
a massage therapist and am wondering how long I should wait after my
surgery before I can go back to work and give massages? I know
everyone heals differently, but would like to know what opinions you
all might have? If there are any MT's out there or anyone who has a
thought on the subject.please contact me. Thank You! Katrina
katyaveraino@...

Hello Jennifer,

I was banded in Monterrey as well. I arrived on Sunday night, had surgery Monday afternoon and left Wednesday afternoon. The last 2 days I was there I just checked out the town. I was physically ready to leave on Tuesday but like you said, staying till Wednesday is the usual. I know in the states they do the surgery as a day surgery and the patients go home the same night. So, staying 2 days past surgery is plenty unless you just wanna stick around and check out the sites. Monterrey is a very nice city.

Don

10/20/03

451/390/200

~Dr. Sanchez~
nepnep75 <nepnep75@...

I am scheduled to be banded in Monterrey Mexico on the 22nd of
March. Which is a Monday....I am also scheduled to leave (praying
all goes well) on Wednesday morning. This seems too soon to leave
for me. Should I make arrangements to stay an extra day or two? I've
been told this is a typical stay. Any advice?
Jennifer

I am scheduled to be banded in Monterrey Mexico on the 22nd of
March. Which is a Monday....I am also scheduled to leave (praying
all goes well) on Wednesday morning. This seems too soon to leave
for me. Should I make arrangements to stay an extra day or two? I've
been told this is a typical stay. Any advice?
Jennifer

Yes, I think it is weird that she has this infection at nearly 4 months post
surgery. You would expect somehting in the first 6-8 weeks.
As we learn more about this, I will keep posting. The best case scenario here,
is to have the port removed, heal the infection, and
then have a new port put in, all along keeping the band. Her surgery was
11/20/03 with Dr. Lopez in tiajuana. glenna

Hi:
Can anyone tell me aprox prices on a breast augmentation in TJ?
Thanks,
Lisa

I have always worried about the port area becoming infected. And seeing that your sister has lost 72 lbs, my guess is that the port area can become infected at any given time....not ONLY right after surgery?????? Thanks for sharing this with us and I'd like to hear her status as time goes on. Is this one of Dr. Sanchez's patients???
THanks,
Roz---Pittsburgh, PA
Banded - 2/26/04
Dr. Sanchez

I'm 5'3 and wore size24 and just fit, at size 26 didn't fit, same problem as
you and was quite embarrassed.

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From: "glglenn1950" <bigjody@a...
Date: Tue Mar 16, 2004 10:56 am
Well, I have some bad news. My sister, Deborah
has had an infection in her port
area for a couple of weeks. Shayani had her on
antibiotics for 10 days, but the incision burst open
on Sunday. She talked to
Shayani last night, and he said he would probably
have
to remove the port. She is on another round of
stronger antibiotics and will
see Dr. S on March 22. At that time, surgery will
be
discussed. Needless to say she is very upset, but
remains determined to keep
her band and keep losing. She is down 72
pounds.
I would like to hear from anyone who has had similar port experiences. GLenna

I have an embarrassing question to ask. I live in Houston and my
family is planning on purchasing season passes to Astroworld. I
haven't been on an amusement park ride since I was 20yrs old. Then I
had my son and when I attempted to ride.well you know.the seat belt
was too small. I'm not sure how much I was weighing but it was
pretty ugly. I was pretty humiliated and never tried again. Here's
my question..I'm 5'4 tall, wearing a size 22/24 jeans and weigh
260lbs (down from 365lbs). Do you all think I'll fit an amusement
park ride?

Tuesday, March 16, 2004, 7:20:22 AM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d
Same here Martha. I have sugar free hot chocolate (made from powder,
70 calories) in the morning, right after getting up at 500. Eat some
food a little after noon most days. Can rarely get a bite down any
sooner than that. Then supper about 6 or 7. That does fine for me.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

I am planning to have lapband surgery in the beginning of 2008 and am
researching Mexican doctors and facilities. Has anyone heard of
Betancourt Medical? If so, can you please provide me with any
information. Thanks.

Cell phone area codes don't mean a thing any more. Mine works
anywhere in the world. I'd not change the number, or need to, even if
I moved to Maine or Florida or Hawaii.
dan
Monday, March 15, 2004, 8:17:37 PM, you wrote:
Eac
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Monday, March 15, 2004, 8:06:50 PM, you wrote:
g
g
Just because in and out don't match, does NOT mean you have a leak.
If it is totally empty you might have a leak. But the in and out
rarely match at all.
g
g
Remember, just because you CAN eat a lot doesn't mean you SHOULD eat a
lot. Especially freakish amounts, whatever that means. Though do
understand how tempting Macaroni Grill can be. We ate their last
Saturday and I ate my grilled fish and a bit of the pasta.
g
g
Let us know how it goes.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

This may help some, but if I'm confronted with the desire for steak or
chicken or ham and it's fairly dry, I put gravy on it or sauce , or catsup,
something to give it some liquid to help it go down, and it works for me.
Doesn't gravy sound good? No , you don't get a bowl of it, just a
tablespoonful and you have to ration it out. LOL, just kidding, eat what
you think is needed, it makes you fat, so you don't want to eat much, but to
me, the protein of the meat outweighs the dab of gravy. It's the thought
that counts.
Martha

To me, full never feels like "full" used to feel before the band, "full"
feels like "tight" under my bra area across the chest, or full "feels" like
I just am afraid I'll throw up if I eat more. If you are throwing up after
eating and you can't figure out a reason, like eating too fast or not
chewing, it could be that you have not digested all you ate at the previous
meal, and this could even be from the night before until breakfast. Just
back off and don't eat for a while, you may have to skip a meal, and who
couldn't afford to do that? Remember you have to figure out what is going to
work for you and the band, not go by what works for some other bandster.
Everyone is unique, do your on thing, whatever works for you. Breakfast is
not something I eat, I'm restricted in the mornings and don't like
breakfast food. I eat a couple times a day, around lunch and around dinner
times. It works for me.
Martha
Dr. Lopez
9/26/03
269/209.5/150 slowly, but still at it, halfway to goal almost.

real confused on the concept of what full means with the band,
i'm so sorry...i meant to say that i CAN, unfortunately, eat until
i'm full the old fashioned way... if it goes down...it doesn't seem
like i can eat and the food just sits in the pouch; if it isn't able
to go down the small opening after being chewed than it doesn't stay
there, it'll come right back up...it's only when i find foods that
are able to pass thru after being well chewed that i'm able to eat.
otherwise i'm pbing all day...sufficed to say, it's making it very
difficult to eat a good amount of protein...stuff like shrimp,
crawfish, etc, after being chewed i can feel pass thru, but stuff
like chicken of steak i don't even attempt to eat because no matter
how small a bite or how much i chew, it just will not stay down.
i hope this makes a little more sense as it's very disturbing to me
and would like some help....(i'm literally losing my hair over
it...i think not enough protein...what's funny is i used to be a
REAL BIG protein eater, lots and lots of chicken and steak..sniffle,
sniffle) somebody...anybody....help!!!! :-)

Nikki, I had the same thing with the stitches. You were sewn up from the
inside with dissolvable stitches and they are just coming out the top, they
will fall out in a week. They get caught on your clothes. I covered mine
with New Skin liquid bandages but that only lasts a day or two and it peels
off, then I covered it with a gauze and taped that on , just to keep clothes
from snagging on it. Do not worry about this, it is just fine. They will
fall out and some leave a tiny indention which lasts a month, it's also
nothing to worry about. It goes away too. I also trimmed mine to help not
catch on clothing, but not necessary. You can also just ignore them, they
don't have to be treated or covered or trimmed. Just leave them alone and
they'll fall out.
Martha

I notice his cell phone area code number is in South Texas.

I finally decided to go for it...........another fill. I hope and
pray that she can get 2.2cc out or it must mean I have a leak. Went
to Macaroni Grille this evening and was able to eat a freakish amount
of food. I'm kinda scared that I'm going to have to go back to
Mexico for repairs, but will know by 3:30pm tomorrow. Keep fingers
crossed for me.
wendy in birmingham

That is my understanding. But I can't say definitively.
Monday, March 15, 2004, 4:49:00 PM, you wrote:
Eac
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Monday, March 15, 2004, 4:12:47 PM, you wrote:
S
S
S
S
Could be the basic "fickle bitch" nature of the band. could be it
loosened up. You just have to go with it and learn that it is the
boss, not you.
S
S
S
S
S
S
No, you can't eat until you're full the old fashioned way. Unless you
cram in lots of ice cream or something that will go right thru and
fill up the lower stomach. But that would be stupid, so I'm sure you
won't. It is now the "new fashioned full", and is indeed different.
After almost eleven months I still struggle with that, so don't feel
alone.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Does anyone know of any surgeons that do fills in New Orleans? I'm
starting to feel like i need another fill. It's actually very
weird. Just last week i was feeling like i couldn't really eat
anything; I HAD to make sure i ate REALLY slow and purposeful, but
starting yesterday, I've been able to chow down...I even had cake
today for my daughter's bday...i cut a VERY small piece just to be
polite to the hostess thinking there's no way it would go down, but
it did...Is this normal? for it to loosen up so quickly? I really
thought i had my sweet spot...It was working really well for me.
on another note: I'm sure ppl ask this all the time, but i'm still
real confused on the concept of what full means with the band,
because when i eat either something doesn't go down at all even if
it's a tiny amount and it comes right back up, or it goes down (thru
the band) and it seems i can't eat until i'm full the old fashioned
way. i'm still having a hard time with this, please bear with me.
thanks,
Starlynn

Moderator note:

I am allowing this post as I have no idea if Mr. Tiesi is insured or not, but please make sure that wherever and whenever you go to a fill person who is not a medical Dr. (no matter how experienced) and is not affiliated (or corroborating with a local Dr's office) ask them how they will compensate you if they accidentally puncture your port (or you get an infection;) it's not a cheap repair and if they are not insured or have a plan in force, then who will be pay for the repair?

Anyone wanting to have fills done in Las Vegas can do so by contacting
Eric Tiesi PA-C Home # 702 733-8674 or cell 956 746-9812. He did a
great job with me and I will continue to go to him for my fills. He
charges 200.00 but does require that you spend the night in Las Vegas
so if you find you are too restricted or not restricted enough he can
fix it before you go home at no additional cost. He comes to you
(GREAT) and makes himself available at any time after your fill. He
was friendly, answered all of my questions and was very professional.
Most importantly NO PAIN! He even contacted me at home 2 days later
to check and see how I was doing! How's that for service? I feel
fortunate that I don't have to travel all the way to Mexico for a
fill. I was concerned at first that there was no use of flouroscopy
but now that I experienced it, I love it! No more Mexico trips for me!
I am back to eating very little and feeling full again !!!!!
The best part of all is that Eric has a band himself and knows what
you're going through! He tries to make absolutely sure that you are
perfect before you leave which is more than I can say about my last
fill in Mexico where I didn't feel restricted in the least! (No
offense intended here, but I can understand they are more conservative
with fills as they wouldn't want you to go home too restricted and
have problems) Eric makes you drink and eat soft/mushy foods before
you go home to make sure you are where you want to be.

I was concerned at first that there was no use of flouroscopy
but now that I experienced it, I love it! No more Mexico trips for me!

I have one question, if he comes to you then how does he use Floro???

Don
colynso <colynso@...

Anyone wanting to have fills done in Las Vegas can do so by contacting
Eric Tiesi PA-C Home # 702 733-8674 or cell 956 746-9812. He did a
great job with me and I will continue to go to him for my fills. He
charges 200.00 but does require that you spend the night in Las Vegas
so if you find you are too restricted or not restricted enough he can
fix it before you go home at no additional cost. He comes to you
(GREAT) and makes himself available at any time after your fill. He
was friendly, answered all of my questions and was very professional.
Most importantly NO PAIN! He even contacted me at home 2 days later
to check and see how I was doing! How's that for service? I feel
fortunate that I don't have to travel all the way to Mexico for a
fill. I was concerned at first that there was no use of flouroscopy
but now that I experienced it, I love it! No more Mexico trips for me!
I am back to eating very little and feeling full again !!!!!
The best part of all is that Eric has a band himself and knows what
you're going through! He tries to make absolutely sure that you are
perfect before you leave which is more than I can say about my last
fill in Mexico where I didn't feel restricted in the least! (No
offense intended here, but I can understand they are more conservative
with fills as they wouldn't want you to go home too restricted and
have problems) Eric makes you drink and eat soft/mushy foods before
you go home to make sure you are where you want to be.

Beth, you can't be older than me, I'm older than dirt!
Martha

Hi Nikki !!
You sound like me !! My cuts are driving me crazy too, and they are itchy...but i'm sure it's because they are healing. Quit looking at them!! hahahaha ! I'm sure you're okay.........i felt my port today, it feels wierd. Oh well, this whole thing is a dream anyway, i'm gonna wake up one day and my stitches will be gone..and there won't be a band!! haha
Talk to you soon,
Roz !!!

I just wanted to brag that I have just hit my first Mini Goal of 219 or under! As of this morning I am 218.5 which means that I have lost 40.5 pounds since my surgery on 11/08. To put this in perspective, I have never lost more then 15 lbs on ANY diet (including phen/phen and Redux). I have tried every diet out there and this is the FIRST time that I have ever been successful. Even better and more meaningful to me then the weight loss is the new outlook that I have on food and on life in general. Food no longer controls my day! I am not starved between meals, I am not constantly planning my next meal, and I am not binge eating when I do sit down to eat! Better then that, I recognize now that I CAN (for the first time in my life) get down to a healthy weight!
I just want to quickly add that I am a "warty bandster". I do not count calories, I do not count fat grams, or carbs. I am trying to develop an exercise routine, but thus far have not been that disciplined about it. I do work quite a bit outside in my garden though. I do drink a ton of water and am very dedicated to getting my daily required protein intake as well as eating at least 3 meals a day. I have only had one fill of 4 ccs (I have the 11mm Inamed band) and have a 2nd fill scheduled for the middle of this month. I have been doing a lot of personal work trying to figure out the roots of my weight gain, but am not seeing a psychologist although I am considering it.
Looking forward to the 190's!
~Lea
11/08/03 Dr. Sanchez
259/218.5/199 Mini Goal

Way to Go Lea!!!
I would think that working in your garden would count as some
exercise, I know walking or more structured exercise is best, but
whatever works for each individual is best. I bet it feels great to
have lost 40.5 pounds. I have a hard time losing too so, YOU GO
GIRL! I know I will feel so much better when I get to the point that
food does not control my day, and that eating is not one of the most
important parts of my life. I am doing alot of head work too(betcha
couldn't tell!!!) Anyway, It's wonderful to hear positive things.
Jackie
TX
03/08/04
Dr. Sanchez

I think Italy is calm, I would suggest trying Moscow instead. I
lived there two years and would never attempt to drive. On my last
day there as we were headed to the airport, the driver made better
time by literally going over sidewalks and emergency lanes.
What really surprised me was when I needed to cross the street in
Mexico and all the drivers stopped. That doesn't happen in DC very
often!
Cathy

Also, in Mexico , maybe lapband surgery is not heart valve replacement or
brain surgery, so they are not giving intensive care treatment for it. I
thought when I was there , that the nurses came to check on things less
often than they do in America, but they came when I asked for someone, but
this was day surgery almost , and maybe they just are not needed to wait on
one hand and foot . There was nothing wrong with me when I was banded, I
didn't need any constant attention, I wasn't hurting, bleeding, vomiting ,
running fever, or anything that required their attention. I imagine if I
had needed that kind of attention the doctor would have seen to it that I
got it. I was satisfied with the hospital care at the Oasis in Tijuana.
Martha

My question was not to ask you what YOUR email address was or stood for....I was asking whose email address this was: cela@... commented in your post was to

"Write to cela@...

and ask them when they are planning a trip to Reynosa."
And I wanted to know WHO this email address belonged to ???? I think we had a communication breakdown.
Thanks,
Roz

Until you're off any drugs that mess with your mind.
Saturday, March 13, 2004, 3:41:41 PM, you wrote:
p
p
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

HI LAURA,
Have you looked at the Gastric Pacemaker option vs. Lap-
banding in Mexico ? I have myself been watching the Pacemaker
option in Mexico. In a post I recieved March 10, Gerald from Dr.
Joya stated that they are testing the feasibility on 50 people in a
study and should have the results in a few weeks.
He states that the protocol looks SUCCESSFUL !!!
However, the downside is the cost, $16,000.00 range. This is less
than England at $22,000.00 + now. He recommends the lap-band at
around 10k or or by-pass at $14,750 if you need to loss weight right
away.
However, they do have a sign-up list for Gastric Pacemaker
that we can sign up for now. Hummmmmmmmm ? Thoughts all ?
Jim

Just curious how long you have to wait to drive a vehicle after lap
band surgery?
I have a friend who had open gastric bypass in July and he was told
by Scripps Hospital docs not to drive for two weeks because
incisions were healing still.
I might have to drive from LA to high desert up here around day four
or five post surgery, so just wondering if I should make other
arrangements?
Thanks.
Christy
Mojave, CA

In a message dated 3/12/2004 8:13:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, EBLighter@... writes:

Write to cela@... and ask them when they are planning a trip to Reynosa.
Who's email address is this ??????? Can you let me know please, it was unclear to me in your posting.
Thanks,
Roz

Hmmmm .... sounds like a few nerves got struck when talking about Mexico having far superior care as opposed to the care in the States. Truth of the matter is, individuals have "their own" experience with healthcare. I have had quite a few negative experiences in US hospitals, however, that doesn't mean that someone else has had the same experience as I. I too was banded by Dr. Sanchez and wasn't left alone one minute in the recovery room, nor was I left alone in my hospital room. However, that doesn't mean that someone else had the same experience as I had or that you had. When one starts making generalizations, then it becomes someone else's challenge. Noone can speak for all US hospitals and noone call speak for all Mexican hospitals. You can only speak "your own experience", and quite frankly, that is all I am interested in hearing. I am not interested in hearing from any so called "experts" on here, because I don't trust you from Adam!!! So, if we keep our
comments to our own experience, strength and hope, we will be much more helpful to others.
Thanks,
Roz

In a message dated 3/13/2004 4:42:04 PM Eastern Standard Time, raquelmaytorena@... writes:

I have to take Bextra (which is just like Celebrex or Vioxx) every
day.

Most anti-inflamatories irritate the stomach, which could cause erosion. I do know that Celebrex and Vioxx are OK to take. There is a good chance that the Bextra will be OK too. Just ask you pharmacist how much alike they all are.
Kelly in Ky
Dr. Rumbaut 10/21/03
First Fill 2 cc, 11/24/03
Second Fill .5 cc, 1/30/04
addition to 2nd Fill 1 cc 2/10/04
-47.5

I have decided to go to Dr Ortiz. I also found out that he will
repair my Hiatal Hernia. This is all a good thing!
My question: After reading a post that said that anti inflamitory
meds cause problems after the band.... why is that?
I have to take Bextra (which is just like Celebrex or Vioxx) every
day. I have severe arthritis (all over my body)and pain in my head
that only Bextra helps. (many CT's and MRI's for the last 3 years
and can't find the reason for the pain - just one of those things -
an unexplained pain "It's Not A Tumor" or weak vessel). I have to
take the Bextra or I can't hardly type or do anything.
After I get the band I have to be able to take my meds or I will be
miserable.
What is the affect of the anti inflamatory that is adverse after you
are banded. Is there an affect after if there were no side affects
prior?
Any info is appreciated!
Raquel
Ferndale, CA

Ouch Cela......Cleaner than any hospital in the US and far superior
care? Does everyone here know Cela works for Dr Sanchez? I am a
registered nurse here in the US. I WAS banded by dr Sanchez at Oca
hospital in Monterrey and I did survive quite nicely thank you,
however, the vast majority of hospitals in the US...especially JACHO
accredited...are VERY clean....and excuse me, the nurses have a far
superior education. I did recover myself in the recovery room in
Monterrey because there was no one else there when I came out at
midnight....just a nurse that popped in every 15 minutes or so to
check my monitors. I am not talking about back in my room...I am
talking about full monitor hookup in the recovery room. I
understand that many of us had perfectly fine experiences in Mexico,
but as a nurse here...I have to jump in when American Hospitals and
nurses are not given the credit deserved. Yesterday in my o.r. we
did an aortic valve replacement, bilateral total hip replacements, a
radical hysterectomy with omentectomy and node dissection ( for a 54
year old woman with endometrial cancer, ) a trauma (guy got run over
by a train and almost severed his legs) and a couple of small
things....and that was before noon. Healthcare in the US is second
to none in the world.....BUT they are third world when in comes to
weight loss surgery....unfortunately........Kathy RN from California

I have deleted this from Mexican Bandsters web site, but if you get it in your email delete it immediately as it contains a virus...the address contains .....@adelphi.net It's title is "Kill the writer of this post" (or something very similar.)

Sylvia

If you think driving in Mexico is bad, try Italy. And some other
places in Europe.
dan
Friday, March 12, 2004, 4:34:24 PM, you wrote:
n
n
n
n
n
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Well, at Red River, he has done a LOT of fills on all kinds of bands,
and his brother is banded (the other radiologist), so he knows well
how it works. He did fine with me.
dan
Friday, March 12, 2004, 4:34:43 PM, you wrote:
Lcc
Lcc
Lcc
Lcc
Lcc
Lcc
Lcc
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Don, did you try the radiology association doctors in Paris, Texas, many
others have been happy with them and they charge $250. Driving to Mexico is
a long way. I did that my first fill. It took me 8 hours and I went to
Acuna to see Dr. Rodriguez. If I was 20 years younger, and he was single
I'd have just stayed. He's very good with patients , just a really nice
man. I live 65 miles north of Fort Worth.
Martha

Nikki, I talked with you awhile back on the phone. You had just desided to get the lap band surgery. Am I right? My name is Debbie and I live in Colorado. I hope you are the one. Tell me about your experience and what happened. Please.

Debbie

Friday, March 12, 2004, 12:21:07 PM, you wrote:
SH
SH
SH
SH
SH
Many doctors use surgical glue. When Dr. Ortiz did my surgery, I just
had "super glue" on the five incisions. But the time the glue wore
off all was done. No stitches or bandages. It is probably similar.
Amazing what we can do with plastic these days.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Just was reading in my new gardening magazine about a bandage product put out by Curad. It is a spray on liquid bandage that is waterproof,trasnparent, breathable and dries in seconds according to the Curad folks.A box is $5.99. Seems like something useful for post- surgery. Sue H

I've had great results from the docs in Paris, Texas. If you've not
been there to get a $250 fill under fluoro, check it out. Can't beat
the price or their knowledge. And only two hours from DFW.
Friday, March 12, 2004, 9:22:22 AM, you wrote:
D
D
D
D
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

I've talked to her for over an hour. She's doing an article for Self
Magazine. She and her mother are both banded. She is not into Dr.
bashing, but wants to help people know what to look for, how to make a
good choice, how to research doctors, things like that. I believe
she'll cover both the good and bad. After all, there can be problems,
no matter who or where your doc is. I do NOT expect her to list "good
doctors" and "bad doctors", but to give people clues on how to figure
out what to do, where to go, whether to get it done in US, and so
forth.
dan
Friday, March 12, 2004, 10:23:45 AM, you wrote:
C
C
C
C
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Has anyone checked out Sarah Richards? I fear her article is going to be a doctor bashing. It is totally unfair to do this, and will only further drive people away from seeking care in Mexico. What do you all think?

I may be temporarily delusional, but to let a few incidents reflect negatively against an otherwise good surgeon is really unfair. That does not happen in this country, look at all the misfits running around that should have lost their right to practice and all they do is move to another state and start up again.

Also, AGB is not without complications, granted they are very few. So I am a little hesitant about this lady's article. I don't want it to be a Mexican Doctor bashing.

Cheryl

Sarah,

I had WLS in Mexico on Feb 27, 2004. Dr Ponce at Obesitygoodbye.com performed the surgery. I had the midband placed and my BMI was 32. I did have comorbitities of type 2 Diabetes and Hyperlipedemia.

I went to Mexico because my insurance won't cover WLS at my BMI. The clinics in MX ranged from $3000-6000 less than in the US. I chose the Obesitygoodbye group because they stayed in touch and gave me the most information. They were very helpful and informative throughout my stay in MX. I do wish that the nurses at the hospital spoke more English. They were not as aggressive with immediate post-op pain control as we are in the US (I am an RN and I work recovery and pain control is a MAJOR issue for us-whereas they didn't seem to care, never even asked me about pain)

I didn't have any problems with the surgery and so far have had an uncomplicated post-op time. I do find I am hungrier than I thought I would be, but I haven't had a fill yet. I did find a Dr in Ocala (about 2 hours from where I live) that will do my fills for $350. Proof that the US Dr's are over priced, because this procedure probably costs them about $5 and 15 minutes of their time.

I have lost about 8 pounds in 2 weeks. With a lower BMI I expect my loss to be slower but if I can maintain 1-2 lbs. a week and then keep it off I will be quite happy about my decision.

hope this helps some.

Lisa

Hello People,
I don't post much but I would be interested in knowing if there are
many Mexican Patients in Texas? I was banded in Mexico in October. I
have had 2 fills so far and not really happy with either one of the
Doctors I found to do the fills. I was thinking that my next fill I
want to go back to Mexico. Air-fares are not cheap so I figured I
would just drive it but was wondering if maybe some other bandsters
would be interested in getting a group for a road trip to Mexico? I
am in the Dallas area. Have any of you driven to Mexico before? How
long does it take? My Doctor is in Monterrey but I don't neccessarily
have to go to him. Anyone interested? Let me know.
Thanks,
Don
10/20/03
451/390/200
~Dr. Sanchez~

Hi!
One more question-- then I'll stop posting, I promise.
Also looking for people who went to Mexico because a BMI lower than
35 disqualified them from getting WLS in the U.S.
I'm working on story on the risks and benefits of WLS abroad for
Self magazine.
Please contact me directly at serichards332000@...
Thanks,
Sarah Richards

Hi!
I'm also looking for people who got bands other than Inamed (Obtech,
Midband) and had trouble finding people to take them for fills in
the U.S.
I'm writing a story on the risks and benefits of WLS abroad for Self
magazine.
Please contact me directly at: serichards332000@.... I can
protect your privacy.
Thanks,
Sarah Richards

Hello!
I'm working on story on the risks and benefits of WLS abroad for
Self magazine.
Does anyone have any information on these doctors that could help
readers make a good decision when choosing a surgeons? Unusual
complications? Poor follow-up care?
Please contact me directly at: serichards332000@.... I can
protect your privacy.
Or any suggestions on where to find information would be most
appreciated.
Thanks,
Sarah Richards

Sara says she's getting a fill the next day, so hope you two can hook
up while she's there.
dan
Thursday, March 11, 2004, 4:44:39 PM, you wrote:
Lac
Lac
Lac
Lac
Lac
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Ditto Donna !!! :) And that's a fact too !!!!!
Roz

Hi Carol,
I chose my surgeon because I needed confidence that he was
experienced. Dr. Sanchez has done over 4,000 bands since the early
90's. This is fact. The hospital is clean, modern and even has an
American CEO. These are facts. My trip, recovery, weight loss to
date was great. These are facts. Dr. Sanchez is competent,
compassionate and brilliant. These are my opinions. Donna

You may want to look into Dr. Rodriguez in Acuna, Mexico as he has the
facility to do larger, heavier people, not all doctors are set up to do
that.
Martha

Hi All Bandsters, Newbies and Prebands-

Anyone wishing to attend our little get together is welcome. Here is the info for the San Fernando Valley Support Group meeting.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Hope to see you soon ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This Sunday March 14 @ 1 p.m.
Simi Valley Starbucks
118 Freeway - Sycamore Exit
(then head South - one block)
North East corner of Sycamore and Cochran
Carolyn

Im right behind you !Good luck on your journey. My date is 12 days away. I am scared and excited too! Well soon we will both be on the other side!
I have been planning this for 6months now. Bye Debby

Thursday, March 11, 2004, 9:36:00 AM, you wrote:
S
S
S
S
S
S
Actually, this is a non-issue in Tijuana or Monterrey. They have
trauma and ICU facilities as good as those most anywhere in the USA.
And if it is an emergency you're not going to be transported to the
USA anyway, no matter how close you are. In some of the more remote
areas of Mexico that could be more of an issue.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Yeah, it could. If you've not been exercising, you've been losing
muscle as well as fat. In fact, I've lost BOTH muscle and fat, though
have lost more fat than muscle because I'm in the gym five or six days
a week. But I still have less muscle than I did before. So
exercise....and then exercise some more. Join bandsterworkout group
if you've not done so already.
dan
Wednesday, March 10, 2004, 5:02:58 PM, you wrote:
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Hi Carol,
I am in nearly the same situation as you. I have been researching
for quite a bit longer however. Please keep in mind that what you
read about some doctors in these forums are opinions, not necessarily
facts. Some claims from happy Bandsters are overly optimistic and
some statements by not so happy Bandsters may not be all they seem to
be too. Generally though, most of the people here are giving their
honest opinion and you can't expect more than that. Just remember,
each post you read is an opinion. I won't steer you to any particular
doctor or service or even city, there are great doctors in all the
locations.
I think what will or has made up my mind, and I am close to that
point, are several factors. (Again, these are just my factors, I am
sure other wiser folks will point you towards other decision making
points).
In no particular order, just call them Comfort Factors.
They are:
Comfort with the Doctor/Surgeon. - Be that by reputation or history,
but mostly by speaking with the Doctor.
Proximity to easy transportation. - For follow ups and fills.
Proximity to the U.S. - In case of emergency. Some locations are 15
minutes from a US Trauma center; others are a long airplane flight
(air ambulance, can you say expensive and life threatening?) Mistakes
happen in surgery in the U.S. every day, These mistakes sometimes
require trauma center or other specialist type emergency care. I know
of no reasons to think other countries Surgeons are more perfect.)
Completeness of service. - i.e. what is included in overall price.
Not fancy resorts, but the nuts and bolts service that you are going
there for. I don't know about you are anyone else, but I am not going
for a vacation. I am going for surgery. That also does not mean that
a Doctor/Surgeon who happens to work, live and share the enjoyment of
a resort location with his patients is a bad choice.
What other Bandsters say about the whole experience - Not just the
surgeon, but everyone involved. From the person who provides
transportation, to the nurse who draws your blood.
Cost of airfare to location - Even with an "all inclusive offer" this
is a consideration because if you do need to go back for after care
or a fill you will be paying for your travel.
Type of Band the Doctor/Surgeon uses now and has used in the past. I
personally want the product that U.S. Doctors will have at least some
information about. And the product that is FDA approved, not because
I love the FDA, but because an insurance carrier may not be able to
blame a FDA approved device on other ills later on in life. I am not
saying they wont try, but they may not have the legal standing to do
so. It's just a thought... Many Surgeons in Mexico have only been
using the Inamed Lap Band for a short while. Some have been using it
longer than the FDA approval date. Personally, I want a Surgeon who
is familiar with my choice for a device.
I sent out e-mails to all of the LapBand Doctors/Surgeons and
services that I could find. This e-mail had a few of my most
important considerations/questions and my basic medical history,
height/weight, BMI etc.
I expected a flood of replies, but did not receive a flood, more like
a trickle. I got some aggressive replies that were sell sell sell,
with no or very few answers to my questions. (I don't want to fly
1000 miles for surgery and then get the wrong answers to my
questions).
I got a couple of genuine replies. I don't know if my condition (I
was hurt in an industrial accident) kept the other good Doctors from
replying, or if the language barrier did it, or maybe my e-mail was
too much? But the replies I did get were less than expected.
The one I think I have settled upon came from one of the best-liked
and most respected Surgeons discussed about in these forums (Mexican
Bandsters, etc). My questions were answered, my condition was
addressed (without any extra fee's or fuss, but with an honest
assessment) and he made himself available for as long as I wanted to
talk on the phone (in perfect English, by the way).
I call that a deciding factor. I don't know what will do it for you,
and no one can tell you what will. You have to put forth the effort
and do your own digging (research). Because when it comes right down
to it, this is your decision, no one else can make this step for you.
No one else can say, no one else can make you feel comfortable enough
to climb into a plane, onto a bus, across a border, or into a
unfamiliar hospital. Support and encouragement are available and
important, but you are the one, the one who makes the decision to
change your life.
I am not choosing a Doctor/Surgeon that is the least expensive; the
closest location, or even has the best-looking hospital/resort. I am
choosing the one that made me feel confident and at ease. And the one
that has verifiable honest and giving patients who will speak with me
at any time I like. This is a decision I am now comfortable with.
That's where you need to be.
Lets both hope and pray it works for us, like it has for most of
these other good folks!
Scott
Pre-everything

Martha, Right on about Popsicle brand. They are the
best. The sugar free ones only have 15 calories AND
they also have a tropical fruit box offered with 15
calories and they are like an amazing treat. Take
care, Katie
<snipped digest

Carol,
There a lot of fine surgeons all over, but i ultimately chose Dr.
Ortiz because he is actually a training surgeon. He has been doing
the procedure a long time and actually travels all over to teach
other surgeons how to do the procedure...For me, that was perceived
that he is an expert in his field. He and his partner, Dr. Martinez
are awesome and are easily accessible post surgery as well. Mrs.
ortiz gives you the actual surgeons' phone numbers and you can
really call them ANY time...i can't think of many doctors that allow
you to call them directly...that in itself was a testament to me
that they are really committed to their patients.
anyway, best of luck in making a desicion and your surgery!!!
Starlynn

Stef, you will disappointed if you expect to feel a full stomach after
you have surgery. It doesn't feel the same and you never will get that same
feeling again, at least I never have. You do get full of food in your pouch
but the "full" is to me , a tightness , sort of at the top of your stomach
right under your boobs. It is not the same feeling inside as when you have
a great meal and you are stuffed and happy . It's just a feeling you get
that you don't want to push any more food down your stomach, it's a
sensation that you've had enough and you quit because if you don't, you fear
what will happen. I think we have successfully scared the beegeebees out of
newbies with regard to throwing up and productive burping , so they are
being careful not to over fill the pouch after they get a fill. After you
get your best restrictive fill, you don't feel hungry, at least I don't,
never do I feel like I'm hungry and have to eat something. I try to keep my
fills done so I don't get to feeling like I have to eat. I also think this
depends on if you eat your protein foods, they stay in the pouch longer and
take longer to digest so you don't feel hungry because of that too. I miss
pigging out. But then I'm missing 58 lbs too.
I met a lady yesterday who has two friends who have bands. One, she said,
lost lots of weight really fast and one is losing it slowly. One of the
ways to lose it faster is stay on protein foods pretty exclusively during
the first year. But if you are not in a hurry and want to just lose it all
along and eat like a normal person (tiny amounts-how many "normal" eaters do
you know? Watch how much people get in a restaurant-so if you want to eat
like a bird), the loss will be slower.
Good luck on your journey!
Martha
9/26/03
Dr. Lopez
269/211/150
2 fills , going for third next week

Just use the last name. And, when you get results, it just gives you
those from the last hundred or so messages. But then you can click
"next" and get the hits from the next bunch, and so forth.
Sometimes the search function is pretty slow, or even broken....but

I'm having some trouble searching Dr.'s names in the archives. When
I put the name in and click "Search Archives" just the most recent
general posts appear. What am I doing wrong?

Hi Carol,

It all made a major difference to me. I would have gone wherever to get the great care I received in Monterrey, Mexico. After two years of research I hooked up with the weight loss clinic in Tacoma, WA., from there I knew I could not afford the $19,000.00 they wanted here in the States so my doctor referred me to his associate in Monterrey. It was a dream come true plus we had a nice trip to Mexico. I saved $8,500.00. I can honestly say the workers and doctors are extremely humble and I have NEVER had better care while in the hospital. We all have something that clicks and it is scary deciding but it will come to you as you continue to as questions. Good Luck.

Beth H

My very best wishes to you, Laura. We're all on the same journey and there are many paths to the same end.

Carol

Just curious how is everything going. I am scheduled to be banded in
6weeks.

Hi everyone,
My name is Carol and I'm planning to have banding in Mexico, I hope
in the near future. My BMI is 61.9
My question is, "How did you pick a surgeon?" Everyone seems happy
with their surgeon and their results. But HOW did you decide? It's
such a big decision and I know that even with the best of
circumstances, problems can happen. It's good to know these doctors
have been doing this for quite a while - and probably have more
experience than the doctors in the US.
Did closeness to the facility make a difference for you? Did you
feel more confidence in the doctor because his staff answered your
questions in a timely fashion? How much difference did price make?
Did being able to return for fills easily make a difference in your
choice of doctors? Did the quality of the hospital - that it has,
or does not have, an ICU enter into the decision-making process for
you? How did you determine that the information you were able to
obtain about your doctor was correct information?
Thank you for helping me to think about this!

New telephone equipment was installed today in preparation for Dr.
Ortiz's new office. When the equipment was connected it caused some
problems with the 800 line. All of the voice mail messages were
completely wiped out. So if you previously left a message on the
800 line and your call has not been returned, please call again.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Robin

Folks don't forget that you can still drink clear liquids. as much as you
want, forever, use that when you are hungry but shouldn't eat any more than
you already did that day. Please try sugar free Popsicle brand popsicles
for when you crave something sweet. They are good and they don't add a
ounce to your frame. No other brand of popsicles is as good tasting as
Popsicle. I keep them on hand all the time just in case I need a sweet
thing and don't want to get anything on my behind. I went to the Wal-Mart
today and got some new jeans for my behind, some in size l6 and some in l8.
I was trying to wear my old jeans , size 26. The crotch was dragging the
ground, I looked like a modern day teenager! Today a lady asked me how
much more weight I thought I wanted to lose and when I told her 60 lbs ,
she couldn't believe it, she thought I'd be really little at that weight.
Ha, me and the Jolly Green Giant!
Martha

Hi Everyone,

I would like to thank everyone for sharing their insight and experience concerning lap band surgery.

I have decided for a variety of reasons to cancel my surgery.

Instead I have opted to seek the assistance of a board certified bariatric physician and embark on a medically managed weight loss program.

Once again thank you for your information and I wish you all the best of luck in your weight loss and better health journeys.

Laura

Hi
Can't believe I have just 9 more days unti surgery. I am so excited.
I've spent this last weekend convincing my family that this is not
the easy way out. How many of us have heard that one? I've done it
all from phen-fen to weight watchers..I'm not nervous about the
surgery just that I might fail at this and not lose. I've learned alot
from reading the posts. I have a hard time imaging what it will feel
like to have a full feeling in my stomach after the surgery. I now
have a bottomless pit!!! LOL This is a great group to learn from.
Thanks to all
Stef

Yes, you are correct, In fact my tanita scale shows BMI, in addition to Body Composition. The funny part is Body Composition is really the better way to measure, BMI is often misleading. But BMI is quick and easy to calculate. I'm not familiar with the consumer grade Tanita scales, if they used BMI as the term when they mean Body Composition, then it certainly would be confusing.

Jim

BMI and Fat Percentage have nothing to do with each other. If the
Tanita measures fat percentage, it may be right, as that doesn't
necessarily parallel BMI.
dan

Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Not sure who is setting up future fills but count me in for the PA ones I am in Cleveland area . Debby

If you are from Birmingham, Alabama (or nearby), please email me directly at gypsyqueen1968@...

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

I never heard of a scale that calculates BMI, but....your BMI is
indeed 34.8 using the figures you gave.
dan
Wednesday, March 10, 2004, 12:44:37 PM, you wrote:
r
r
r
r
r
r
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

I have a scale that calculates BMI. It's from a company called
Tanita. I bought it at Target. I think it was $40....kinda expensive.
But is accurate.

Hi. Just wondering if there is an inexpensive way anyone knows of
to make calls to Tijuana and from Tijuana to Southern CA?
Does everyone use calling cards to keep the costs down?
Is there a place that has a better deal than Costco on prepaid phone
cards?
Thanks.
Christy
Mojave, CA
useddogs @ earthlink.net

I am ready to bodyslam this scale!!!!! At 203lbs and being 5'4, it
says that my BMI is 48. I sign up at nutrisystem and it says that
my BMI is 35. I have always wondered when others posters have
mentioned their BMIs, why mine was so high. I am now going to
perform my impressionist version of the Macho Man Randy Savage's
body slam......
Drums please.....
(and just think, i spent the most money ever in my life for a scale
on this one)
Bianca
10/30/03 230/203/150 Dr. Rod-Acuna

Wednesday, March 10, 2004, 7:40:17 AM, you wrote:
d
d
d
d
d
Water may be better, but I only wish CL WOULD give me diarrhea, or at
least get rid of the marble poops. No such luck for me.
d
d
d
d
It sounds like you're buying the pre-made CL. I mix it myself from
powder and then keep it in the half liter or larger bottles that
originally had water or some other drink in them. Buying the powder
and mixing your own is MUCH cheaper. I've also heard that there are
different sweeteners in the powder, so maybe that is the difference.
The pre-made is so much more expensive that I've only tried it once or
twice when I was travelling.
d
d
d
d
d
Wonder if it is different sweetener between the two, or if it is just
different people with different results.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

I have only one thing to say about drinking all the Crystal Lite you want
instead of water. Sometimes too much of the artificial sweetener in those
drinks will cause you to have diarrhea. There are probably other drinks
that will be just as good but water is better than only just drinking
Crystal Lite. Also some people mix Crystal Lite with equal amounts of
water. I pour it over ice and it dilutes some, but if I only just drank it
with no water as my only source of liquids, I'd probably be on the pot all
day long. Consider that in case you notice that you are on the pot often,
Of course, if you are one of the ones who is constipated, this may help.
This is like eating the sugar free candy, too much is not a good thing, it
will make you have diarrhea too. The labels tell you that. (And in this
case, they don't lie)
Martha

Yes, Beth, you are more correct than I about there being "no"
pain for a while after surgery. On the average though, most people do not
have much pain at all. But since we are all different , some will have
pain. Most will not. On the average "pain" is had the day after surgery.
"Sore" is had for a couple weeks after that. Many people never have any
"pain", just "sore". Most people never take any pain medication. Some do.
Some claim not to even have "sore" but I find that hard to swallow. I
forget that there are no absolutes in this band stuff, everyone is
different, and even though I say it , I forget sometimes because it just
is so much easier than I thought it would be and I forget that I was even
sore. But I was.
Martha

Thanks Suzanne, I will keep you posted and find out the price as well. As this is my first fill, I don't have that info right now, but I will let you know.
Roz

Trust you don't object to me
No objection from me, Dan Dan, your the man. Opinions are
interesting and so is wondering how each of us use our life
experiences and chemical heritage to believe and express these
conclusions with such certainty!
Diane

Carolann,

I live in the DFW area . Could you e-mail me name, cost, and address of your fill doctor?

thanks, Lydia lmeaston1963@...
carolann19602003 <carolann19602003@...

Hi, how do I add my doctor as a band fill surgeon to the database?
I've tried several times but the table will not let me add anyone
new. He is great and I want everyone to have a chance to use him if
they need a doctor. Carolann

Hi everyone,
I am taking a poll to see if any of you would be interested in having a fill done in Pittsburgh, PA ??? I am working on the possibility of Dr. Sanchez coming to Pittsburgh to train two physicians up here that work for me at my clinic and we would need enough people to come here to have fills in order for him to train them. If Dr. Sanchez is unable to come here to train, my plan is to take the two Docs to Monterrey and have them trained by him down there. In that case, we would need people to be willing to go there to have their fill done as well. Can you let me know if you might be interested in either Pittsburgh or Monterrey ???? I'd appreciate it!
Thanks,
Roz---Pittsburgh, PA
Rozsug@...

Hi Everyone,

This is an unrelated question and I hope it doesn't ruffle anyone's feathers. I was just curious to see if anyone happened to have a picture, they could send me...or know of a site where I could find one of the view from San Ysidro of Mexico that includes the arco y the flag. I apologize for going off topic but I thought since so many of us make the trip so often that maybe someone might have a picture similar to that. If so could you please let me know.

Thanks,

Sarah

Hi everyone..Yep,it's another Nikki question.

I think I read somewhere that it was just as good to drink Crystal lite as it is to drink water.So..If I'm wrong about this,can one of you let me know.Please.

Nikki

Well, sounds like you need a fill. How much restriction is "enough"
depends greatly on the individual. How much are you eating? And,
most important, WHAT are you eating?
dan
Tuesday, March 9, 2004, 11:24:30 AM, you wrote:
SH
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SH
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SH
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Hey Brad! I have been stuck at 250 for almost 5 months ,have had 1 fill, am walking and drinking gallons of water . What happens? Nada, zero, zip, nothing.I bounce around between 249 and 253 no matter what i do.I feel so much better than I did 50 pounds ago in July but frustration is really starting to settle in.Maybe I need another fill but I do have some restriction from the one I have. I am glad you are doing so well, I just wish I could get off this bleeping plateau and start losing again. Sue H
reddirt791 <reddirt791@...

Just a quick progress report. I had been stuck at 250 for about
three months. Then I started walking or at least doing something 3
to 4 times a week. Finally I have started to lose again. Another
big key was drinking plenty of water before eating and not drinking
during the meal. I had known this but had just not done it. So
now I drink at least 16 oz before I take a bite. As of this morning
I am down to 233 from 290 on my way to 195. I went shopping last
night and bought three pairs of 36 pants. I was a 44, and three 1x
shirts was a 3x.
Gook luck, Brad

Tuesday, March 9, 2004, 8:07:03 AM, you wrote:
d
d
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d
As far as I know he'll be back in practice after release. The
"probation" doesn't really apply much to him in Mexico. And there's
no reason I know of as to why he couldn't or wouldn't practice again.
I'm quite sure that there are US docs who've done time for fraud and
returned to practice. As noted, they're not really related as far as
the medical treatment goes. As to the other issues, I agree with you,
but don't want to start a debate on that.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/214/199 Age 61

Well, what they say is true. Surgery is no cure for
your food demons. I got a fill and thought that all
Wow, if I could fit into a "snug" 14, I would be having a celebration!!
How lucky you are.
Beth H

Well, what they say is true. Surgery is no cure for
your food demons. I got a fill and thought that all
of my woes would disappear for a while. Nope!!! When
I get things stuck, I run for a hot beverage and use
it as a way to eat more. I haven't had any more PBs
but I am eating more than I would if I didn't drink
during eating. I am way off course and need to get a
hold on myself. I even had bad thoughts of being
upset because I can't just go to wendy's anymore, like
in the old days. I had some remorse for wolfing down
a hamburger with fries and not having to worry about
anything getting stuck.
Right now, I can't do much. No bread or pasta in any
shape or form and that includes rice. And that also
means no chinese food period. I can still eat my thai
tom yum goong soup but it takes forever to get through
the shrimp and mushrooms. Anything cold just shuts me
down. I burp for an hour after taking a nice sip of a
cold beverage and room temperature water is almost
pushing it.
So, I am stuck again with the weight and I know that
it's because of that darn tea!! I am making a pledge
to drink the green tea before I eat and if there are
probems, I will stop eating and live with the
consequences.
I am in snug 14s right now (I can move and sit in size
14 jeans without the circulation being cut off) and I
am very happy. I wear them so I won't be so
comfortable and to remind myself that I want to be
able to have this size falling off of me. I know that
I should be doing better and I get upset with myself
for not being strict. I have lost 1 lb this month and
my goal of 199 is constantly elluding me. I am so
close yet so far away.
Today I am starting over!
Bianca
230/203/199/150 Dr. Rod 10/30/03

Hi, how do I add my doctor as a band fill surgeon to the database?
I've tried several times but the table will not let me add anyone
new. He is great and I want everyone to have a chance to use him if
they need a doctor. Carolann

Just a quick progress report. I had been stuck at 250 for about
three months. Then I started walking or at least doing something 3
to 4 times a week. Finally I have started to lose again. Another
big key was drinking plenty of water before eating and not drinking
during the meal. I had known this but had just not done it. So
now I drink at least 16 oz before I take a bite. As of this morning
I am down to 233 from 290 on my way to 195. I went shopping last
night and bought three pairs of 36 pants. I was a 44, and three 1x
shirts was a 3x.
Gook luck, Brad

I'm new to the group! I'm very interested in WLS in Mexico, but have
NO idea where to start! What resources did you guys use in finding

Hi Anabel,

I live in Western Washington, and am connected to a weight loss clinic in my area. Dr. Roberto Rumbaut , an associate of Dr. Fox here at the SWLC , lives and has his practice in Monterrey, Nueva Leon, Mexico. Go to his web site, type in Roberto Rumbaut, and contact them for information. You will be very pleased. I promise.

Beth H

Dr. Rumbaut

01/06/04

Dan, I didn't know you were a detective! Good work, and interesting stuff
about the doctor. His situation may not have to do with his skills but if
he'd cheat the government agencies, he'd cheat me too, it goes to his
credibility. Is he going to be able to continue to do a medical practice
after he serves his penalty in jail?
Michelle, there is no air in your chest cavity after surgery. Pain anywhere
should be checked by a doctor if you are worried about it. There should be
no sharp pains in your body after surgery, unless they left a pair of
scissors in there. JUST KIDDING! Your port may be located in that position
and it may be close to some nerve. I never heard of the tongue or the
whey issue before. You don't have to observe "meal times" when you are on
liquid diet, you can have all the liquid you want and any time you want to.
Drink away!
Martha

Eric, just a suggestion, would it be possible for you to contact your
doctor's office and ask them to arrange transportation for you since you are
new and since you are not familiar with the area. Most doctor's assistance
will do that , they just have a cab pick you up and they give the cab
driver instructions on where to take you and it's usually someone they know,
often it is anyway. That may be a good thing for you to ask your doctor
about. Most of the doctors I've read about are really good to be helpful
with transportation issues.
Martha