Infoblog

Hello,
I have been banded about 2 and 1/2 weeks and seem to be doing pretty
well. I was wondering if some people could describe which of my
incisions is my port incision. I thought it was the one on my left
side down on my waste but am a little confused and not sure if that
really is it. Also yesterday I accidently got pulled over by my dogs
and fell on our gravel driveway. I tried to protect my tummy and
stitches but did skin my knee and elbow. I don't see any signs of
damage on my tummy but have had a little more pain on my left upper
rib area kind of between two incisions. Could I have just irritated
something or do you think any major damage? Thanks Teresa

The 2003 Florida Bandster Bash is rapidly approaching. I can't
believe it.
The Bash is going to be a great mix of fun and education, and is
geared to all stages of banding. If you came last year, you know that
it is going to be a great time. The best part is that it is being
held at the brand new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino here in Tampa. We
are looking forward to hearing from great speakers, including Dr.
Grossbard and Robin Jurin. Dr. Gary and Dr. Susan will be holding
some great sessions that everyone will enjoy!
Meet new friends and hook up with old ones.
I hope you can join us. If you have any questions, feel free to drop

My port eventually came through my skin and i had to have it removed,
wait a few months for healing, and then have it reinserted deeper.
No pain or problems since. i'm sure different doctors charge
different amounts, but Dr. Kuri in Tijuana did mine and the fee was
very reasonable.
Cindy

it's okay. i needed a butt-kicking reply along with all the others I guess. as
great as this
email/internet stuff is, the disadvantage is that you can't get a feel for the
person's tone of
voice and non-verbals in order to know if they're yelling at you or giving you a
pep talk.
I'll assume the best! i also plan to make water, exercise and temporary
decreased or
eliminated sugar intake a part of my life. thanks for the reply.
wendy

Congrats Cindy. You picked a terrific doc! Spend the next week getting VERY
excited!
Also, you might want to check the packing list I posted in the files section. I
think it's
pretty good, if I do say so myself.
wendy

WOW!!! That really hits a spot for me mentally.

well said!!! thanks for reminding me of one of the reasons I posted "need
encouragement"
in the first place - I wanted to know I wasn't alone.

Carolyn - the body lift sounds TERRIFIC! I'm not much for lawsuits, but in your
case, I'd do
it. Someone needs to make sure others don't have to go through the same thing.
What
will your scars look like (locations)? How about arms? What's involved in
that?

ha ha! ME TOO!!! I had dinner with friends for Cinco De Mayo and was just so
excited to
see them, talking, listening to hilarious stories and BOOM.........I had
forgotten I was a
bandster and had taken 2-3 big bites quickly in a row, not chewed well (salmon)
and spent
about 30 minutes in the bathroom because I drank water to try to make it go
down.
Dan has said that drinking when he feels stuck either forces it up or down, one
way or
another. I guess it's unfortunate that MOST of the time, in my case, it forces
it through/
down so I can eat more.

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I especially like the reminder of how
I felt just
after banding. That excitement and determination. I guess if drinking with
meals is my
worst problem, I can fix that pretty easily with even the tiniest determination.
I start back
going to the gym this week which will automatically increase my water intake to
2qts+ per
day. Thanks again!

You're welcome, and yes, it's true. I don't know if Dr. Morton is still
accepting new
patients and he may have gone up on price, but I have been pleased with the
care. I have
never needed "regular follow-up" other than fills so I'm not sure how he handles
that.
Glad to be of help!

The 2003 Florida Bandster Bash is rapidly approaching. I can't
believe it. For those that are interested, please visit our website.
http://www.floridabandsterbash.com
The Bash is going to be a great mix of fun and education, and is
geared to all stages of banding. If you came last year, you know
that it is going to be a great time. The best part is that it is
being held at the brand new Hard Rock Hotel here in Tampa. We are
looking forward to hearing from great speakers, including Dr.
Grossbard and Robin Jurin. Dr. Gary and Dr. Susan will be holding
some great sessions that everyone will enjoy!
Meet new friends and hook up with old ones.
I hope you can join us. If you have any questions, feel free to drop
a line at floridabandsters@...
Take care
Donna Valdes

I had a breast reduction at Kaiser and they did a great job. My breasts were uneven and the nipples were different. They look great now. I looked at a lot of before and after shots by the Kaiser surgeons and they all looked fine.

I had a tummy tuck in Mexico and had to back and have the surgeon fix a bulge and do more liposuction.

It's not always the surgeons fault. Sometimes it's just how your body reacts to the surgery.

Kim Wallace

Hi All,

I had a full body lift surgery with Dr. Alejandro Quiroz in TJ 5 days ago. This is my first day back on the computer and I am doing very well, I think. Of course I am bruised, swollen and have some pain, but overall I think I am doing fine. The worst part is getting in and out of bed. I had a TT with Kaiser 6 months ago with terrible results that Dr. Quiroz had to completely redo. I can already see that my body looks 1000 % better. Even though Kaiser claimed they did a full TT on me, I still had much loose skin above my belly button, a loose and hanging public mound and the TT incision was about 1/2 an inch above my hysterectomy scar which then made it look all wrinkled. I also had dog ears on my hips. In other words, it was really a screwed up TT at Kaiser and I threw away the $2000 it cost me, never mind all the pain of going through a surgery with such bad results. That was the biggest mistake of my life to let Kaiser do plastic surgery on me. To add more to the
horror story, 2 Kaiser plastic surgeons told me I did not have a seroma. (I kept wondering why I was swollen months later). But when Dr. Quiroz opened me up, he found a huge seroma and he spent an additional hour of surgery to remove it and clean up the mess. Dr. Quiroz also said that it did not seem like my abdominal muscles had been tightened at all, which should have been done with the Kaiser surgery. I am so thankful that I have such a good doctor with Dr. Quiroz and could kick myself for not going to him in the first place. He did take pictures of me on the table with the seroma and said he would be happy to verify in writing what he found. I am considering legal action at this point, even though I am a Kaiser employee.

Enough of the negative...on to the positive. I still can't believe it is my body when I see it in the mirror (even though it is beat up looking). For the first time in my life, I have a flat abdomen, flat midriff and a waist. He did a lot of lipo too and since I had a flat tush, my harvested fat from the lipo was injected into my rear (Brazilian butt lift) so now I have a nice rounded butt. A friend of mine who lost 120 lbs.with gastric bypass also had the same procedure with Dr. Q as I did 2 weeks before and she has fantastic results too. She went out and bought herself a "little black dress" and couldn't believe it was a size 8.

On June 2, I go back to TJ to get the drains removed (hate them) and stiches out and I am having my arms done. I can't wait for the final phase and then I am done, I hope!!!

Thanks for all who expressed their concern about me. I am doing great!! Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez came by Dr. Quiroz's surgery center to check on me. How nice is that??!!!!! I love my Mexican doctors!! They are the best!!!!

I also got to see Judy from New York who flew in and had a facelift with Dr Quiroz on 5/21. I hope she is doing fine and I wish her the best. All you OSCB gals who are headed to Costa Rica for your surgeries, I want you to know I will be thinking about you.

Carolyn

Lori,
The shoulder pain is referral pain. The port is stitched to the diaphragm.
If, in the stitching they hit a certain nerve the pain reaction of that
nerve is felt in the shoulder. The actual injury was at the stitch site on
the diaphragm. This was my worst pain, also. I asked Dr. Rumbault about it
and this was his explanation. This pain reoccurs when I eat too much [it
would make more sense to me if it was a referral pain from the band area.]
I use it as an early warning system to stop eating. I had my surgery over a
year ago and the pain has not been severe for some time now, just a twinge
now and then. I also get it if my body is in a position that cramps the
port/stomach area.
Hope this helps.
Joan

Hi!
I was reading the email regarding US docs that do fills for pts who
had surgery in Mexico and I looked at the database and saw that you
have had a fill with Dr. Morton. Were you pleased with the results
and was it really only $150.00? That is very encouraging! Do you
have regular follow-up with him too?? Or will he just do the fills?
I was just wondering because I live in Nashville, TN and I am going
to call and make an appointment. I am glad to know that he will
accept pts!! It is a load off of my mind. Thanks for adding that to
the database.

I would like to know how many people have had nerve damage or nerve
problems after their banding surgery.
Seems alot of people have rotor-cuff (SP) surgery or problems after.
I'm going through major pain still after 2 months post op and this
is my next thought on the problem.
I've held off on posting because I was hoping on some good news with
my next post but I really would like some input from anyone else
that may have the same problems with the pain in the shoulder after
surgery. It feels like a terrible cramping w/extreme shots of pain
(nerves) with most any movement. It started right after surgery but
has gotten worse instead of better (8 weeks post op).
I had to have another operation to remove my port due to infection
in it (staph infection)last week, I'm now on ivs to rid the rest of
the infection and am at chance of loosing my band altogether. At
this pt. I'm ready to give it up to just be pain free if that would
do it. I hate to say after such a battle to get it done, I just want
to feel human and function normally again.
I hope I don't discourage anyone, my problems are rare but would
like to hear from anyone that may have experienced the same.
Thanks~ Lori

Phase 1: Doctor decision, research & planning - thank goodness
that one is over!
Phase 2: Banding June 1 with Dr. Rumbaut
Phase 3: The rest of my life!!!
Thanks for the assistance with Phase 1 - this group is such a great
resource. I am excited for the next 2 phases to begin.
Cindy

Does anyone know of any fill doctors in Puerto vallarta, and how much
they might charge?
Thanks,
Cindy

Well, today I had my yearly exam with my midwife. She didn't even recognize me! She saw me get out of my truck, get my daughter out of her car seat and head into the birthing center, but she told herself that it wasn't me because I was so much thinner! She just gushed over how great I looked and how much weight I have lost. She is a fluffy woman too and we have always commiserated about how hard it was too lose weight (even while nursing) and she seemed really interested in the band. I hope that she does some research on it. I realized today that I was 275 pounds when I delivered my daughter at the birthing center 2+ years ago. I was so lucky to have a wonderful support team and to have a healthy pregnancy at that weight.
Next, my daughter and I went to the grocery store on the way home. I just bought this new pair of pants from Old Navy (size 18) 2 weeks ago. My 2 year old darling daughter is running through the aisles and runs up and hugs my legs from behind. My pants fall down! OMG! These are jeans that I am talking about. Stretch jeans even so that they fit more snugly. I was hoping that they would last longer because of the stretch. I haven't lost that much weight in the last couple of weeks, but I guess that the inches are really beginning to add up. I am just glad that I wore panties today ;) !
Thinking that it is time to invest in some belts.... (I never wore belts at a size 24!)
~Lea
11/08/03 Dr. Sanchez
259/209/199 mini
37.5 inches lost!

CONGRATS!!! How excited to shop at Old Navy. The pants falling down is
fantastic, and
hilarious.
wendy

Wendy, I have not had your problem so did not feel I could reply. I
was banded by Doctor Rubaut also 5-4-04 I have lost 20 pounds and am
still loosing. I know everyone is different. I made up my mind
before I had sugery that I would do everything with in my power to
let the band help me. I know this is the only way for me. I wish I
could help you...hugs Ima

What do you want us to say to you ? Stop doing the wrong things and start
doing the right things.
Protein first, then veggies, a little carbs. Then make sure you drink all
your water and get some exercise.
It is not brain surgery, you have to decide what you want, to be fat or
thin. No one can 'say' anything
to fix you, you are in control there. May be some counseling would help, I
have never tried that, some
people report it helped them a great deal. If you are having cravings stay
completely away from all sugar
for a while and see if that triggers them, it does on me. I have lost 100
plus lbs. and I know it can be
done, I was not always prefect bandser either or I would have lost more, I
have 70 to go. one day at
a time is how I have had to do it. Water is my biggest problem, getting it
in, I work at it daily. So
consider yourself.....advised, suggested, inspired, now get off your butt
and just go do it. Pauline T.

Wendy, I havent had my surgery yet so I dont feel like I can give
advice on the subject, thats why I didnt respond to your original
post. I did wonder if maybe you needed a fill. When was your last
one?? Have you called Dr. Rumbaut? Tasha

This is a RE-post because no one responded to the original. Maybe it's because
I didn't
have a catchy subject heading? I really need some success/inspiration stories
along with
feedback, suggestions and advice.
I was thinking on the way home today that I need to get over
myself and
post. I have such a hard time reaching out and admitting that I need support,
advice, etc.
Long story there. Anyway, I am not losing and I have a big fill. I have found
that I can eat
crunchy things easily and, of course, soft things. Also, I know that if I drink
with meals, I
can get more down. What the hell is wrong with me?! What will it take for me
to follow
the rules. You would think $10k would do it, but no. I'm cheating. Or, should
I say, eating
around the band. Support, advice, feedback, similar stories overcome........all
welcome. I
can take a little flaming, but I need equal amounts of encouragement. It's SO
hard for me
to admit all this!!!
wendy from birmingham
rumbaut 8/5/03
-40lbs and holding
want to lose AT LEAST 65 more as soon as possible

The pic of her rep on the website shows a good example of the quality
of her work with implants. Most impressive.
Of course I think what you've got now is cute enough, but do
understand your desire.
dan
Thursday, May 20, 2004, 8:54:48 AM, you wrote:
EZ
EZ
EZ
EZ
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

Hi Katrina,
When you feel the pain in chest area, stop eating. You could be
sliming because you're eating too fast, eating too much or have
something stuck. The slime happens to help the food go through or
to help with PB'ing. So, "normal" is when your band is trying to
tell you to stop eating or chew you're food better so it goes
through the stoma. Try not to eat more food if you're doing
everything right and you get the pain in your chest or golfball
feeling. You shouldn't be able to eat a whole lot - 3 oz of meat
and possibly a small amount of veggies. Do no drink with you meal.
Wait about 1/2 to 1 hour after eating. But, do drink water about 15
min. to 1/2 hour before you eat. That way you aren't thristy during
eating.
Good luck,
Ardie/Fl.

LOL! Scott, congratulations! I'm so happy for you! Carol

ADVERTISEMENT
Hi Group! I was hoping someone might offer
some advice. I had my first fill on April 25. It took about a week or
so for me to really notice the restriction. My problem is I'm not
sure if I'm too tight or not...maybe the band is supposed to feel
this way? I'm still a newbie and am trying to get used to this new
lifestyle. Anyway, I've "vurped" twice this month (my fault, I was
eating way too fast) and I seem to slime with at least one meal a
day. Is this normal? It's also not uncommon for me to get a pain in
my chest or between my shoulder blades while I eat. When I experience
this pain I wait it out for about 5 minutes or until it's gone and
continue my meal. Is this something I should be concerned about or
will that stop with time? I seem to be tight in the morning & night.
So tight that if I drink water it kinda sits there for a few seconds
before going through, is this normal?? I'm not experiencing acid
reflux or anything like that. Any thoughts you might have to share
would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Katrina

Hi Rebecca,
I use Dr. Holloway in Scottsbluff, Nebraska for my fills. He is a very
experienced lap band doctor and will do fills for pts who had their surgery
done in Mexico. He is great & he only charges $91 for a fill! Furthermore,
if he can't find the port,and needs to use the c-arm x-ray at the hospital,
then he doesn't charge for that service, either (wow, huh??). I've used him
for one fill and am returning for another tomorrow. There are several

Thanks, T?
Just an update for everyone on my three week Bandiversary.
I am down to 398lbs from 427 pre-surgery and 490 highest
My waist has reduced from 64inches the day before surgery to 58 inches today.
My BMI was 61.25 at the highest. My BMI today is 49.75!
And I am feeling very very happy that I did this thing!
No real hunger, no deprivation, no problems to speak of....
I know I am at the beginning of a very long journey, but I have hope now and I can see that this definitely will work for me!
Thanks for all of your well wishes and you encouragement. And for all those who are considering this... run, don't walk to your Surgeon and check out the Inamed Lapband. It may sound like you are giving up on yourself to choose WLS, but you are really not. You are just investing in your health and fixing a problem. I never thought I would say this, but Da-m am I glad I am fixed!
Scott
Tampa Bay
490/427/398
299 mini 225 goal

Sarina:
I took my friend down to Dr. Pena for implants. She is very happy with
them. Dr. Pena is a wonderful plastic surgeon, I would recommend her to
anyone. As soon as I loose ALL my weight and try to pop some kids out .. .I
deffinatly will be going to visit her for a whole body make over :)
Lisa

NE is a ways from Utah - but if you will travel, there is a Dr.
Halloway in Scottsbluff NE (1.5 hrs from Cheyenne WY) that will do
fills. His price is $91 for the first and $51 for those after. He
is GREAT!
Lisa
Dr. Kuri
2-16-04

OMG chill judy! It was a joke no need to get all postal!

Hi all.
You may have read my dilema on the other boards..but I am now post 2
fills.
I am very restricted, and if this is my "sweet spot"
IT SUCKS..LOL
Just kidding, I love my inches I am losing, but I am very
restricted, and wasnt quite as retsricted right when I got my
fill??? go figure??
Has this happened to anyone before that post fill like a month out
they all of a sudden are very tight.
The past 48 hours..eating has been a joke..like nothing, no soup,..
only 2 hor derves at a party I was at..
Even hot liqiuids slime up for me..
am I plugged??
What does one do when this happens??
Looking for advise..
I am sipping on a protein drink and its going down great.so I dont
think Im plugged. I just think I have restristion, more than before..
Thanks in advance for your advice,
Leann
286/230 mini goal 186 by Bash/ major goal..HEALTH
Banded 9/18 2003 by Dr Kuri
I LOVE M Y BAND

I am 11 days post-op and have had a pretty easy time healing. Today
though a clear, slightly greasy fluid has been practically gushing
out of one of my larger stitches sites. I recall hearing this
mentioned by someone else once but wanted more advice. I called my
family doctor but only got to speak to the triage nurse. Have an
appointment for tomorrow. Thanks for any info, T

Hi Rebecca welcome! We have a database of USA docs who will give fills to Mex banded patients. These are Docs listed that are fairly close by, that have agreed to do fills for Mex banded patients. Check them out . Good Luck, let us know. Oh and here is the link to the database should you ever need it again. http://tinyurl.com/2cnwn

719-275-4061 Dr Snow & Brown Colorado

702-838-5888 Dr Teng/ Las Vegas
805-469-4170 Dr Billy Helmuth/Lake Tahoe area
Sylvia

- Carl Sagan

Hi everyone, this is my first post.
I wanted to ask, why am I having such a hard time finding fill Dr.S?
I live in Utah and no one here will do it. I Phoned a few in
Colorado, and the patient liason for one Dr. said no US Dr. will do
it.
Now, I have been reading a lot of your posts, and it seems some of
you have US Dr.s who will.
I realy don't want to go back to Mexico for my fills, it is a long
trip for a five min. procedure.
Does any one know a Dr. closer that will do adjustments? I am
willing to travel in the US.
Thanks
Rebecca
198/168/135
3/5/04

Hello!
I was banded in Lyon, France, in Nov. 2002. I have been lurking on
this list because my mother is trying to get banded locally if her
insurance will pay, but if it will not she is planning to go to Dr.
Kuri.
Anyway, I am wondering if there is anybody here who had breast
augmentation with Dr. Pena, and if so, would you mind e-mailing me? I
know many satisfied patients of hers, but most of them are tummy
tuckers. So I'd love to talk to you if you had implants from Dr.
Pena! Please e-mail me offlist.
Thanks!
Sarina McDonald

Okay guys we could get another hundred responses pro or con about this so lets let it die here. If any more are posted they will be deleted from the website. I like a good joke as much as the next person, but this is a support group, and when we get way off topic, it always tends to generate this kind of debate which makes it an even bigger problem. Thanks for understanding.

Sylvia

Owner/moderator

Scott, Loved it am still laughing.........Thanks for making my day...

I'm a bandster, and I got a laugh out of it.... to me that is support !!!!!
judy39 <judy39@...

scott--this forum is for bandster support..we don't need to read about your political views..take your jokes to the bars where they belong. judy m. in ny/fl

I thought it was humorous and I hate BOTH parties. LOL

Bianca
judy39 <judy39@...

scott--this forum is for bandster support..we don't need to read about your political views..take your jokes to the bars where they belong. judy m. in ny/fl

scott--this forum is for bandster support..we don't need to read about your political views..take your jokes to the bars where they belong. judy m. in ny/fl

An American was traveling through Mexico on vacation when, lo and
behold, he lost his wallet and all identification. Cutting his trip
short, he attempts to make his way home but is stopped by a U.S.
Customs Agent at the border.
"May I see your identification, please?" asks the agent.
"I'm sorry, but I lost my wallet," replies the guy.
"Sure, buddy, I hear that every day. No ID, no crossing the border,"
says the agent.
"But I can prove that I'm an American!" he exclaims. "I have a
picture of Ronald Reagan tattooed on one butt cheek and a picture of
George Bush on the other."
"This I gotta see," replies the agent.
With that, the traveler drops his pants and bends over in front of
the agent.
"By golly, you're right!" exclaims the agent. "Go on home to Boston."
"Thanks!" he says. "But how did you know I was from Boston?"
The agent replies, "I recognized the picture of John Kerry in the
middle."

TRY A HEATING PAD ON YOUR TUMMY THAT WILL HELP WITH THE PORT. I ALSO
USE MANNY SMALL CONTAINERS AND WHEN WE GO OUT FOR MEALS I USUALLY
ORDER FROM THE KIDS MENU OR SHARE WITH MY HUBBY. ELDA

Scott,
COngratulations on how far you have come and you accomplishments so
far. I think you are very courageous. I have my surgery this
Friday!

Thanks for all the responses, they helped a lot.
Brad

Cathy,
You said that you have been getting stuck at every meal. Well, that is probably why your port is tender. My port gets tender when I get something stuck- it seems to push the fluid out of the band which somehow pulls on the port. At least this is my theory on the situation. Congrats on the weight loss!
~Lea
11/08/03 Dr. Sanchez
259/209/199 mini
37.5 inches lost!
In a message dated 5/17/2004 4:58:39 PM Central Daylight Time, cliffcath@... writes:

One question, now that I'm losing, I can really feel my port, and it gets a bit achy around it, like fron exercise or just sleeping wrong. Anyone else have that problem?
Hasta luego.
Cathy G in Olympia
250/190/145

Hola amigos!
I can't believe the scale, I'm down to 190 from 250! Five months out! I had
planned to go see Dr. Kuri last month, but couldn't work out timing, so I went
back to Dr. Ogle in Shelton Washington and got a fill last Thursday. I'd been
stuck around 197-200 since my cruise (no surprise there....I simply ate too
much!)
He checked me and found I had only about 1cc, so he filled me up to 1.8. I am
TIGHT. I really thought it was too tight, a week (and 7-9 pounds down) I realize
I just finally have to learn to eat like a REAL BANDSTER!
Instead of gulping water, latte cereal down in morning, I have to sip-sip-sip
my water (I try for at least 10 ounces) and latte (16 oz) and then later I can
eat a SMALL cereal with milk.
Meals are now a few bites of this and that, and I'm looking at the 4 oz of
fish with greens and salsa that I just made for lunch and wondering how in the
world I'll finish it. My head says, eat it all. My tummy says, maybe put
some aside for later????? This is TRULY a learning experience at this point. I
have been stuck at least once every meal, but I am learning to eat smaller
bites, eat slower, put my fork down and let the bites digest, etc. THIS IS HARD.
All these months I've been losing, lucky me, but I hadn't really learned until
now what it really meant to take bandster bites!
However, as I watch the scale it is all worth it!
I LOVE MY BAND!
One question, now that I'm losing, I can really feel my port, and it gets a
bit achy around it, like fron exercise or just sleeping wrong. Anyone else have
that problem?
Hasta luego.
Cathy G in Olympia
250/190/145

A while ago we noted that one of the Mexican lapband surgeons had been
convicted of health care fraud. At the time I hadn't yet discovered
the details of the operation.
http://sandiego.fbi.gov/2003/opgoldtooth.htm is a webpage that tells
about "Operation Golden Tooth", the FBI sting operation that led to a
number of arrests. If you're one who wondered about this, and several
of you asked me privately, I've now found it. You can read it above
if you're interested.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

Hello Friends,

As you all may already know I started out at a pretty high weight, maybe one of the highest weights in this group @ 490lbs! That was not my actual pre-surgery weight though; it was the highest weight ever in my life, approximately 8 months prior to surgery and the wake up call that got me serious about WLS.

I had no clue that I had reached that level of obesity. I found out when I went to an emergency room with edemas in both legs that had in turn developed into a Staph infection/dermatitis. The ER docs had me weighed, and I did not even know what the weight was, until my mom told me much later - she had taken me to the ER.

I was on 7 different medications per day, three times a day including Methadone for chronic pain. My face was bloated, my color was horrible, and I had been constipated going on two and a half years since my industrial accident and major spine surgery.

My body was shutting down and my organs were not working. In November 2003 I crawled into bed with what I thought was just another stomach virus/illness. But it was more serious than that. I had brown stuff coming out of every orifice, my urine was brown, even nasty brown stuff was oozing out of my ears. It was just awful. I went completely cold turkey on the Methadone and all the other prescription drugs. It was two weeks of pure hell and serious illness, and the chronic pain did not go away but I got through the withdrawal on my own. Once all that junk was cleared from my system, my organs began to do their jobs again, with a vengeance! Another three weeks and I was "cleaned out" and no longer "bound up", talk about pain... Hopefully most of you will never know.

In January 2004 I got real serious about researching the AGB and WLS. I had researched it all before when I had attempted to get insurance approval in 2001 and 2002, without any luck. This time I was going to self pay and get this done and not rely on others opinions or approval.

I started to lower my carbohydrate intake and change my eating habits and began to lose weight long before surgery. I made my choice for a Surgeon and made peace with the idea of doing WLS in Mexico because I simply could not afford it here in the States. I scheduled my surgery and ordered a scale in March 2004. When the scale arrived it indicated I weighed in at 437 lbs. So with the combination of kicking prescription drugs and a moderately low carbohydrate diet, I had lost 53lbs on my own.

Then the thought entered my head briefly If I can lose 53lbs on my own, why have WLS? Well I answered that quickly enough on my own. I knew that I had lost previously over 100lbs on several occasions. In fact, I had lost 140lbs with one attempt at dieting Of course it never stayed off and would come back with a vengeance. I have been overweight all my life, in fact one of my most vivid childhood memories is being weighed in front of an entire class of 4th grade kids and tipping the scale at 199lbs. I was one of the 4th graders! No, I could not do it on my own and WLS with the LapBand would be my way to a new and better life.

The day before surgery I weighed in for the Surgeon and the scale indicated 427lbs. I was then down 63lbs but really; no one could tell that I had lost a single pound. I was still too big for my size 60 pants and with my back pain and leg problems; I still walked with a cane. I needed two seats on the airplane, not just a seatbelt extender, which was a given for me. Not a rosy picture for a 40-year-old man in the Prime of life.

The surgery went very well except for the back pain I experienced from the operating table and the position I was in during surgery, I woke up in severe pain, but they took care of me and handled the pain. I asked the Surgeon afterwards what my Liver and stomach looked like? Were they loaded with fat? He said no, my surgery was no problem; I was done in 45 minutes open to close! I suppose the 63lbs I lost had helped; I really cant imagine what it would have been like in there when I was all bloated and weighing in at 490lbs. I suppose it took some sort of intervention to help me make the right decisions but they were made and I am now much better off.

This morning I took my new scale into the bathroom and weighed in, I am not quite three weeks post surgery. The scale was jittering back and forth between 399 and 400lbs. It settled on 400.2 but thats ok, I know that 399 and then 299 then??? Are just around the corner. I have lost 27lbs since surgery, and 90 pounds overall and I still have a long way to go. But I know I am on the right track.

NSVs (Non-Scale Victories) I have a few already

* I can now ride my recumbent exercise bike 20mins, could not do 3mins before.
* I took my toddler daughter swimming two days this weekend, what a joy!
* My size 60 jeans are falling off!
* My heart knows I have a future, what a difference that can make in ones attitude!

For those of you just considering the LapBand and WLS, read all you can, learn all you can and do all you can to proceed with your life! I am a big strong he-man type guy who hated the idea that I needed a crutch or help with anything. Maybe my injury changed all that, but it was still a tough internal struggle for me to realize that this was the right thing to do and that if I did it I would not be a lesser man or person.

I am what I am, and that is a person who eats way too much. If I could do something to stop that craving/desire or modify it, I had to do it. And I did. I am now proud of what I have done for myself. I know it is very early in my Bandster life to be making broad statements, but I think it was the right thing for me to do. I will never see that 90lbs again, bye bye blubber! The feeling you get when you realize you will not slip up and gain it all back, is empowering and just plain awe inspiring.

So thanks to everyone on the boards for youre stories, youre help, youre advice and youre kindness. I plan on extending my hand of gratitude and friendship to each and everyone of you when/if we meet. I also plan on continuing the tradition of helping the new people with this momentous decision. As I am one of the new people myself, I guess, I will do so carefully and hopefully with wisdom and caution.

Scott
D-O-B 04/22/04
Dr. Pedro Kuri
490/427/400

Yes indeed they can move, due to stitches coming lose or not be attached correctly in the first place. That is what happened to me. I went for my first fill and the doctor said it had flipped. and that it would have to be manipulated into position for a fill. The back of the port was up and the fill portion was down. Needless to say, I was scared. I did not get my first fill for another two weeks because I was scared what they were going to have to do to fill it.

The second doctor I went to did the fill and it was a little uncomfortable (not really painful) but he got it into position and it only took two sticks to do the fill. This doctor said it was obviously not attached/sewn down properly or it never would have moved. I was so careful during my recovery, I could not imagine what I had done. When I emailed the surgeon who did the work, his office manager came up with all kinds of things I could have done that made it move from position, and that I could go back to Mexico and they would fix it for a small charge (several hundreds of dollars). Never once would they admit that they might not have gotten it attached correctly. Quite the opposite, it was all things I could have done. Hmmmm.......

Anyway, if this is what has happened, they do not necessarily have to go back in and fix this. I have had two fills now, and the doc knows exactly what to do and he got the 2nd fill in effortlessly. He also said with subsequent weight loss the port would move some more, so may not ever need to go back in to reattach it.

Try not to get to anxious, it is an easy fix either way.

Cheers,

Cheryl

2/16/04 Dr. Joya
285/261/135

Hey friends..I want to apologise.I sure wasnt trying to worry
anyone...about the borders..
I was just sharing info..
Far better to explain facts then tell you well....
Many of us are fortunate most of the time and cross with no
problem..but if you get stopped..its a DRAG, especially for the
folks who already are scared about crossing!
I cross all the time (weekly at least)with only my passport and a
drivers license soemtimes they ask for one sometimes both...I drive
and I walk across..both ways..never the same twice......fact../.San
Diego is easy most of the time..
The 2004 reality is that it is an international border and it isnt
like it used to be when always a driver license was all you needed..
(The rules have changed and any border agent with a hair up his
backside, can adhere to them..if they want..in regards to return to
US in times of Border shutdown..they all will...
(I have only seen the border shut down once for 12 hours 9/11...)
I didnt just read that info.I lived it.
We dont live in the same world anymore, accelerated threats on the
homeland etc..
I also know lots of folks that work on the border patrol,and
immigration.. They are the ones who say..have good documents in case
anything happens, and you need consulate help...if you plan to go
deep Like Montery, you absolutly have to do the Visa( thats the
paper you fill out ON THE PLANE..(you did have to fill it out..thats
the international LAW..)
IF you fly tho...just to make it easy..make sure your papers and ID
match..
I most recently had a friend detained..thats a fact for having a
name on her passport NOT match her drivers license because of a
marriage, they had to confirm a license for her marriage for name
change it took 5 hours, and a new flight..BIG hassle.
mexico is a wonderful place to go and visit and have surgery, I
would have doen it no other way..
We just have to take it a bit more serious..its not like it used to
be..folks used to just thnk no biggie..Mexico..and thats just not
true anymore.
I say..
BE prepared, then you have no worries...
I also am willing to help peopel if you have any questions email me..
hugs
Leann

Saturday, May 15, 2004, 1:28:16 PM, you wrote:
r
I'll bet it didn't.
r
r
r
Where the needle goes in doesn't have much to do with the port
location, as many go in from an angle, and the port can be at
different angles, too.
r
r
r
r
As you lose, which you've done very well, your skin and fat layers
over the port also move, which is why there's no point in getting a
tattoo of the port location, something I thought about (would go well
with all the others....a big bull's eye or something). You might have
pulled or slightly injured something in the area if you were working
out, and it is possible a stitch on the port pulled out, but not too
likely.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

Tasha, that is all you will need....Good Luck...Ina

I think my port may have moved. It was just below my large scar.
All my fills have been about 1/8 of an inch below the scar. Now it
feels like the port is above my scar and there is a slight dimpling
below the scar right at it's original location. I also have some
light pain in that area as well. So the question to the group is
who if any has had there port move, what did it feel like, and what
did you need to do to fix it. I plan on calling my Dr. on Monday.
Any feedback would be helpful.
Thanks Brad
290/220/195

I am not banded yet but I'm starting out at 379lbs 5'11 and will
turn 34 in june. I have a date in August to get banded. I have a
friend on other site that started at your size and is down 107lbs or
so in 6 months. I looking forward to blowing the stats out the
water and losing 100% of my excess weight (204lbs).
Good Luck
Cole

Leann,
Your post is certainly helpful and delays could happen without the
documention you suggest but I must say that being a "veteran" of
border crossings may make you more frank about these matters than
some timid souls may understand.
A lot of people are terrified of going "South of the Border" for
anything, much less surgery. To indicate that they may not get back
without a Visa is just a bit extreme.
I just came back at the end of last month after 4 days in Mexico and
I only needed my driver's license.
I think a lot of these rules you mention are for real and you are
honestly quoting what you have seen or read, but they are rules that
have been put in place to detain suspicious people, not surgery
patients.
When people down for surgery, the driver from the surgeons office
will have it all under control, same with the trip back. They don't
want anyone missing a flight or getting on these boards and
complaining about the hassles of going to Mexico. The reason no one
complains is because there are no hassles with going to Mexico for
surgery. Possible delays, yes, but as an honest American citizen you
can expect to be treated with respect when you treat the Customs
officials with respect. You can expect less than respect if you treat
them otherwise.
I am sorry to go contrary to your post, but I can only think of those
who are quite fearful of the whole experience and may toss out the
whole idea of going to Mexico for this life altering procedure simply
because of one more added fear. Not everyone is as intrepid or
experienced as yourself.
Please understand that point of view.
Scott
D-O-B
04/22/04

Sheila you may have had a fill seven weeks ago, but it may not have been enough. You know what they say, "try try again." Depending on the size of your band, it may be take as many as 3-4 fills before you get to your sweet spot. I know, I have the 11 cc Inamed Vanguard band, it holds up to 10 cc's. I had my surgery Feb. 16, 2004, and have had 2 fills so far, and know I will need another one shortly, as the second fill has not kept me from over eating. I have to constantly talk myself out of eating too much of anything. I am not good in the will power department, so I know I should be arranging for another fill soon.

Good luck,

Cheryl

Dr Joya is in PV. I don't know how much he charges if you aren't his patient
though.

I was 355 a while before banding. Other stats below.
There are many larger than me who've been successfully banded and have
lost. Check out ExtraordinaryBandsters group for many more larger
people.
dan
Friday, May 14, 2004, 10:44:25 AM, you wrote:
p
p
p
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

The border is now very regulated. I live in SD and have driven,
walked and flown into Mexico in the last couple of weeks.
Due to terrorist threats...they are very strict, and this is the
latest rules and regs
1)Entering into Mexico..if you plan to stay longer than 24 hours,
they say you must stop and fill out Visa paperwork.Its very
minimal...
They want to see your USA Drivers license at a minmum...to do the
paperwork.
Now if you FLY into Mexico..you need a passport that matches your
flying name, and if there has been a name change due to marriage or
divorce, then you need the document proving that..a friend of mine
got recently detained, coming home, due to that not matching.
Returning to the US in TJ is usually easy, all you need is a Drivers
license..again...if your name isnt the same, have the document with
you.
In the days of change, and border control....I encourage people to
get a passport and do the visa papaerwork, as if there were another
border closure like we had at the time of 9-11..the people with them
got home and across easier..the US Embassy can help you easier if
there is a paper trail of your being there.
You know it doesnt hurt to be prepared, especially if you travel to
Monterery considered deep Mexico,
TJ is very Americanized..
BUT out border police can be heartless..if the names dont match..
BEWARE..
email me if you have any questions...
Leann

I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE WAS MY SIZE BEFORE BEING BANNED? IM 36 5'10
357LBS. WHAT IS YOUR WEIGHT NOW AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BANNED?
ANYONE USE DR. RUMBAUT OR LOPEZ?

Hello Pam...I was banded May 05 in Monterrey by Doctor Rumbaut. What
a great Doctor and staff. Our stay at the Hampton was out standing
also. I am wondering if I saw you while there. We made friends with
two couples from Washington sate. I have to admit there were a lot
of students at the Hampton the week we were there.
I have not bounced back as soon as I would like, Dr. Rumbaut
repaired a very large hernia in my tummy before he banded me. (no
charge) This has botherd me for years. When I heal I will be like a
new woman. I weighed and I have lost 18 pounds since 04 May. I am
doing exactly what Dr. Rumbaut told me to do. Oh by the way, I live
in Texas.....Ina

Mike! That's fantastic. I'll use some of that info when I go back to TJ for banding. Thanks. Carol

Hey Sylvia. This is a very belated reply, but I'm the one who said $150.
That's what they
charge me, but I had heard they were going to up the price soon after I started
so maybe I
just got "grandfathered" in???
wendy from birmingham

I just found a FABULOUS website with TONS of info about Tiajuana that
can give the newbies a BUNCH of useful info, AND has a GREAT list of
restraunts and sights to see so there is even info for us seasoned
Vets!
Check it out at: http://hungryhiker-tj.com/about/index.html
polarbear Mike

Be sure to buy Mexican insurance in the US before you cross the
border.
Thursday, May 13, 2004, 5:44:26 PM, you wrote:
p
p
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

HI WERE DRIVING TO MEXICO IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS FROM FLORIDA (1700
MILES 1 WAY) ANY ADVICE? I DONT FLY!

Laura,
There's lots of choice out there. Personally I like Myoplex Lite
(choc, vanilla, strawberry flavors). It has 23 grams of protein,
and 23 grams of carbs I believe, 1 gram of fat, total calories is
170. Blend it up with water, 3 or 4 ice cubes and 4 frozen
strawberries and you're set. Best of all it tastes good. If you
want more protein then Myoplex Deluxe has about 45 grams per
serving.... total calories of 270.
If fruit type proteins are your thing you might want to try Syntrax
Nectar. It mixes clear with water has under 100 calories and gives
you 23 grams of protein, 0 fat, 0 carbs.
Some would make the case that protein drinks should be avoided, I'm
not one of those. I just factor it in my daily intake and stay
within my calorie range I've established.
Steve

Lori,

I am flying in on the 27th and having surgery that day. I hope to see you there!

Amber B.

Are you exercising? Drinking enough water??

No complaints on trying. MaleBandsters and other groups occasionally
get those posts because they're not managed in what I would consider a
"proper way". By that I mean posts are moderated until someone has
posted approrpiately a time or two. When they're trusted they're no
longer moderated. It is just a setup choice by the moderator/owner of
the list. Same has happened on other groups, too, and not just "male"
ones...either male groups, or male spams.
Yes, men don't generally share as openly as women...but they could
learn. Some of us have. Besides the one you've created, I hope
you'll post more on general groups, or on MaleBandsters too.
dan
Thursday, May 13, 2004, 9:13:18 AM, you wrote:
S
S
S
S
S
S
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

You'll need passport or picture ID AND birth certificate if you're
flying into Mexico. The need for them is so you can get BACK into the
US. And they won't let you out if you don't have what it takes to get
back in.
If you're driving across to TJ, then you don't need them to get
across, and usually don't to get back....but I'd still take them
anyway.
dan
Thursday, May 13, 2004, 8:53:12 AM, you wrote:
T
T
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

The Oregon Support Group for all bandsters is on its way! The first official
get
together will be in late June. If you are interested in joining in on all the
fun
times, please e-mail me your information and I will get meeting information
back to you. Look for further posts if you are interested in exercise groups,
recipes, or just support from local bandsters. Those looking to be banded
and wanting to know more are always welcome as well.
Hope to meet more Oregon Bandsters soon.
Anita
262/230/130 Dr. Lopez Corvala 3/19/04

I think I've fallen into a dangerous situation as far as liquid
calories are concerned. I started stopping for a chocolate high
protein smoothie on my morning commute (getting a multi-vitamin shot
and a caffiene shot added to it). I know it's 400 calories but it's
45 grams of protein and a multi-vitamin (and I could go on justifying
it all day because it also TASTES very good). I have been doing this
for about 3 weeks and I've stopped losing all together. I haven't
gained any but I also haven't lost. The eating I do in the rest of
the day hasn't changed. I can see a definite cause and effect so I
decided I'd kick the habit. I even bought my own smoothie maker to
try to get the same protein kick without the added calories.
Smoothie King's are more pervasive than Starbucks in my area - I
drive past no less than 6 in my hour and a half commute.
I really can't eat in the morning - my restriction is at it's
tightest then. I drink 10 ounces of water first thing before I even
get in the car but not even grits will go down now (so again I'm
justifying a yummy expensive liquid breakfast). Any suggestions on
how I can get some protein in - preferrably in portable form?
I'm boosting the protein (and biotin and multivites) because I'm
still losing my hair (7 weeks now).
Laura

Sounds good....but also hope more men will post to MaleBandsters,
which gets maybe a post a week. Come on guys, wherever you live,
there is a group for those of us who do, or don't, live in the
Sunshine State.
dan
Wednesday, May 12, 2004, 9:26:01 PM, you wrote:
S
S
S
S

Hello to the men out there in BandLand:
A new group for bandsters has been created for the men with a band
here in Florida.
Come and join and help me make it a success!

Hello Shelia,

Have you had a fill yet? From what your describing it's time for that first fill.

Don

10/20/03

-77
scamp859 <SCamp859@...

I'm just not losing.........I lost 20 lbs. the first few weeks after
surgery and a few here and there (Since 2-06-2004) for an approx.
loss of 30lbs.
I have been stuck for the last month or so and just can't lose an
ounce. I stay hungry or craving something all the time. I had a lot
of nausea for the first couple of months and still occasionally get
food "stuck". It seems that I just have too much room for food and
that really worries me...there is no way I could go back for another
band if something is wrong with this one.
This surgery was a "great' sacrafice financially and I had hoped to
lose 100 lbs. I had 6 heart bypasses and have a number of other
health issues that I had hoped this surgery would help.
Any suggestions?????
Shelia 250/230/145 Dr. Ortiz

beth i guess my routine is one day at atime. i started with clear fluid and was really afraid to eat. next step was soft foods not much. then it is like you test to see if it really work. my first big event was a taco. it was fine. each step was a little adventure. i start walking and i have kept on walking. i love my band. binge is a 1/2 or 1/4 of a donut. not two boxes. i wanted chips. i tip- toes in to the store got a bag. i ate maybe six chips and it wasn't worth it. i am addicted to food. i am complusive and i can lose weight with the band. i am proud of the fact that i am losing and trying. i need the band to control how much i eat. i love it. norbeth
silviamusic2003 <silviamusic2003@...

HI
My name is Beth and I am scheduled for surgery with Dr Ortiz on June
22. I am both excited and scared. Here is my question:
I am trying to compile information on the most successful usage of
this "tool".
Anyone out there that has done really well....? Would you mind
posting what your typical regimen was while you were losing? (food,
excersise etc...) What worked...what didn't What helped your
recovery...what didn't ....coping strategies for a long flight home?
Thanks...I sure do appreciate it!
Beth

I'm just not losing.........I lost 20 lbs. the first few weeks after
surgery and a few here and there (Since 2-06-2004) for an approx.
loss of 30lbs.
I have been stuck for the last month or so and just can't lose an
ounce. I stay hungry or craving something all the time. I had a lot
of nausea for the first couple of months and still occasionally get
food "stuck". It seems that I just have too much room for food and
that really worries me...there is no way I could go back for another
band if something is wrong with this one.
This surgery was a "great' sacrafice financially and I had hoped to
lose 100 lbs. I had 6 heart bypasses and have a number of other
health issues that I had hoped this surgery would help.
Any suggestions?????
Shelia 250/230/145 Dr. Ortiz

Hi all, going to TJ for my first fill on May 26th. Anyone else going around that time? Please email me and let me know. thanks, Lori

"I got my first fill yesterday and leave on my cruise Friday. I'm
having
trouble imagining having fun without food. What's a movie without
popcorn? Can
the mall still be fun if you don't by a few cinnebum? Do normal people
go
places and just enjoy the experience without food? "

Kimberly, one of the things you learn, is that not only does our stomach need banded, but our brain does too. It may be a constant battle with the brain saying you need that popcorn at the movie, or taking your own fruit flavored water along as a substitute for the popcorn. Brain hunger will be an ongoing battle, but just keep telling yourself you can do this, and find healthy alternatives. Trust me the skinny people out there don't live to eat!

Hang in there, it will get easier with the fills, patience, patience, patience.

Cheryl

Dr. Joya, 2/16/04

285/264/135

Hi, my name is Tasha, I'm scheduled with Dr. Rumbaut May 25th.
WHOOHOOOOO!!! I'm sooo ready!!

HI
My name is Beth and I am scheduled for surgery with Dr Ortiz on June
22. I am both excited and scared. Here is my question:
I am trying to compile information on the most successful usage of
this "tool".
Anyone out there that has done really well....? Would you mind
posting what your typical regimen was while you were losing? (food,
excersise etc...) What worked...what didn't What helped your
recovery...what didn't ....coping strategies for a long flight home?
Thanks...I sure do appreciate it!
Beth

Wow, I did it. Can't say that everything went smooth. I have a low
pain tolerence and was in a lot of pain and noneof the meds helped.
The flight home was ruff, and I got air sick and threw-up which
scarred me to death. But today is day 4 and on day one I weighd 207
and today 197. To say the least, I do not hurt has bad anymore. Dr.
Rumbaut and his staff were fantastic. I plan to try to go back to
work in the am. I'm still somewhat weak. Thank you for all your
prayers.
On My Way!!!

Tuesday, May 11, 2004, 11:51:33 PM, you wrote:
kac
kac
kac
I can eat a little popcorn at a movie....and since i never liked
butter on it, it could be a worse choice.
kac
kac
Yes, they can and do. I went on a twelve day mediterranean cruise
last summer and lost five pounds on it. Exercised a lot, did a lot of
walking on day tours, ate small amounts in restaurants and buffets.
Yes, it IS possible....just gotta wrap your mind around it. You'll
make it.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

I got my first fill yesterday and leave on my cruise Friday. I'm having trouble imagining having fun without food. What's a movie without popcorn? Can the mall still be fun if you don't by a few cinnebum? Do normal people go places and just enjoy the experience without food?

I purposely put off a fill until AFTER my recent cruise. I shudda done it
before! I was able to eat WAY too much. Fortunately, my little "buddy" still
helped me, and I wasn't able to gorge out, so I only gained 2#. HOWEVER, I was
able to eat midnight buffets and midafternoon teas, every 3-4 hours, I pushed
goodies into my little pouch.
BAD BAD. Since then I've had trouble cutting back to three meals a day, no
wonder. Then last week I got that long-delayed fill.
NOW I can only eat my bandster portions, and barely that! I'm only 1.8 but
I'm tight!
If you are the type to feel like it's money wasted if you can't eat it all on
the cruise, then by all means wait. If you are the type to feel like your BAND
cost you more than your cruise and you are worth it, have the fill first.
I was going to get a fill midway in Puerto Vallarta from Dr. Joya, but I
chickened out. Shudda done it!
Oh well!
Cathy G. in Olympia
Dr. K 12/8 250/196/145

Hello,
I haven't chatted much in this group yet but have read it for months.
I just got home last night from my trip to Tijuana where I got banded
with Dr. Lopez. I was nervous once I got down there and was very
frustrated at times. Still not sure how this will all work for me
since I am still on clear liquids. They just flow right thru me and I
swear I have been hungry ever since surgery. Anything anyone could
suggest would help. Will chat more later.
Dr. Lopez
360/?

I just got home from surgery in Mexico last night with Dr. Lopez. Had
surgery on saturday and definitely did not feel up to shopping
Sunday. I was walking around in the room a lot and didn't want to
stay in the hospital another night (really wanted to go back to
hotel) but the Dr. made me stay in hospital two nights. Probably for
the best though I wasn't happy about it. Had a 6 hour flight home too
and it went fine. Glad to be home and in my own bed. Take slip on
shoes!!! I felt very bruised after surgery and still feel that way.
Teresa

Wow, thanks for the very vivid description, Steve. It will sure help when I go for my first fill. I was just banded 5/4 and plan on returning to Drs. Ortiz and Martinez for my fill. Of course, I don't yet know when that will be. How long ago did you have your surgery and how did you know that it was time to get a fill?

Carol

Great post, Leann! You're getting it together and learning the
Bandster way! Good health is awesome, isn't it?
Ardie/Fl.
.

prevacid is totally fine but I know nothing about the naprosyn. Prevacid is a acid reducer. Good luck, Jena

I just returned from the doctor, who says I'm having problems with my rotator cuff. That explains the shoulder pain I've had for the last couple months. He's referred me to an orthopedic specialist for further treatment, but to help with the pain he subscribed Naprosyn for pain and Prevacid to keep the Naprosyn from upsetting my stomach. Does anyone know if either of these could hurt the band? Thanks.

Sharon
banded 4/20/04 by Dr. Rod, Acuna

Congrats! I am going to Mexico to have surgery with Dr. Ortiz on May 28. I am so excited. I am a teacher, so I will have all summer to get used to the band. I hope you well and keep in touch. I will be a loser soon, too!

Amber B.
cmb53186 <c.baewer@...

I was banded in TJ by Drs. Ortiz and Martinez on 5/4/04. My
experience could not have been better. I say this with the
perspective of having been a nurse for 24 years and a nurse
practitioner for 14, and as a result, a person very critical in my
assessment of medical procedures!
Mrs. Ortiz, Dr. Ortiz's mother, saw to it that I got to all of my
pre-op appts. which were very thorough and reassuring. She is a
wonderful woman, interesting and intelligent, and made my sister and
I very comfortable. I felt she was as concerned about me as if I
was her own child.
The hospital and staff were professional and proficient. The
anesthesiologist felt that I could benefit from respiratory
treatments both before and after surgery so those were
administered. I was monitored so consistently that I never had to
ring for a nurse.
All four of my doctors met with my sister and I before surgery,
giving us detailed information, including the risks of surgery and
of the band. After surgery, Dr. Ortiz met with my sister, not only
reassuring her about my status but even offering his cell phone for
her to call my family in the states!
I know that this is a very long post but I could really go on. If
anyone would like more detailed info I would be happy to answer any
questions. A special "Hello" to Gayle and Sandy, two experienced
bandsters who happened to be at the hotel, and took my sister and I
under their "angel" wings. I am so grateful to all, and for this
chance at a new life. Let the real learning begin!
Carol
Drs. Ortiz and Martinez
358/342/?

Thanks Leann,
It did us good to hear your encouraging
message! I printed it out and put it on our
refrigerater! Laura

Now regarding food..I got good advice for the start off...
My two close friends told me..
USE it to kick start your weight loss..thats why you are doing this
RIGHT?????
The first stages I followed followed my Dr , Dr Kuris diet plan to
the T
because if you get good loss during that time...it mentally prepares
you, you feel that you have conquered...something..Im not sure what
I think that you have to start changing those tapes that keep
running in your head about FOOD..
As far as all that last supper stuff..where people are acting like
they are going to the electric chair...HELLO
band to change all that stinking eating stuff in your life.
Be prepared to change..
Be prepared to be challenged.
Be prepared however to lose weight like you never have.
I get rid of the clothes I dont fit now, I donthave to have 6 sizes
in my closet... Once you lose weight now..it doesnt come back
WHAT A CONCEPT!!!
I would trade my bread( that I choke on and HATE NOW)
My Diet pepsi( that I swore I would never give up)
My cakes and cookies ( what a waste of time)
right now..for how I feel today.
In the past week.. I have spoken with several people thinking of
banding, and was able to tell them.
1)I can sit in a plastic lawn chair without it breaking , or not
fitting.
2)I just flew, and had room on the seat belt, and could walk
straight down the aisle..not turning, of course I have such
distorted body image I said, are the aisles bigger?
3) I can fit into a 18 ....from a 26!!!wow
4)I climb steps at work, hadnt seen the steps in 9 years...now I go
into them as a challenge.
All I can tell you all is take the baton and run...get healthy.
Trade in the old patterns..for new ones..
Ok so I gave up diet pepsi and now I drink coffee for the first time
in my life...dont ask me why... I dont know..but it works for me.
Im a new creation...and I changing inside and out..and it feels good.
My co workers told me this week....that Ive lost my chins..( dang
them) and that Im melting and my skin looks so good..
I say thanks to my bandster friends and my DR ..for a life changed.
Leann
Banded 9/18/2003 Dr Kuri
286/ 232 mini goal 100 lbs by bash(September)

Laura:
Very nice pics! Congratulations on your great success! We'll look
forward to more.
JoAnne
Kuri
10/11/01
239/139

Hi Laura,
Wow, you're doing great! I'm so proud of you. Keep it up, girl!
Ardie/Fl.

Hi all,
I added a photo album with 2 pics - the morning of surgery (316) and
today (237). I was banded by Dr. Kuri on 12/5/03 and think I'm doing
pretty good for 5 months out.
Laura

If you get something really stuck it can hurt like crazy. Almost
always it will gradually work its way through. Nuts are greasy and
sticky, which is why they taste good. They get plugged very easily
for many of us. Plus if they're not chewed to total mush, the little
sharp pieces hurt when they get stuck.
Of course on any given day darn near anything can get stuck, that's
just the way it is with the band.
dan
Saturday, May 8, 2004, 12:07:58 PM, you wrote:
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

I was banded in TJ by Drs. Ortiz and Martinez on 5/4/04. My
experience could not have been better. I say this with the
perspective of having been a nurse for 24 years and a nurse
practitioner for 14, and as a result, a person very critical in my
assessment of medical procedures!
Mrs. Ortiz, Dr. Ortiz's mother, saw to it that I got to all of my
pre-op appts. which were very thorough and reassuring. She is a
wonderful woman, interesting and intelligent, and made my sister and
I very comfortable. I felt she was as concerned about me as if I
was her own child.
The hospital and staff were professional and proficient. The
anesthesiologist felt that I could benefit from respiratory
treatments both before and after surgery so those were
administered. I was monitored so consistently that I never had to
ring for a nurse.
All four of my doctors met with my sister and I before surgery,
giving us detailed information, including the risks of surgery and
of the band. After surgery, Dr. Ortiz met with my sister, not only
reassuring her about my status but even offering his cell phone for
her to call my family in the states!
I know that this is a very long post but I could really go on. If
anyone would like more detailed info I would be happy to answer any
questions. A special "Hello" to Gayle and Sandy, two experienced
bandsters who happened to be at the hotel, and took my sister and I
under their "angel" wings. I am so grateful to all, and for this
chance at a new life. Let the real learning begin!
Carol
Drs. Ortiz and Martinez
358/342/?

No! It's just a nip and shouldn't give you any problems getting the
fill. Ardie/Fl.

For me, getting food stuck was very painful, and it taught me to not
overeat, and to chew my food well. Call it brainwashing if you will.
I have absolutely no problem eating salad, it goes down easy. Maybe
the nuts got stuck because you were full when you ate them, or maybe
it's just a food that will cause you trouble-you will learn.
Best wishes with your new band.
Diane
Dr. Lopez Corvala
1.31.02
- 96 lbs. BMI 22

Lap Band support and information meeting in Denver, CO Sunday May 16
at 4PM. Email pbruno@... for information and location.

ok, this question is for you banders that have had success and are
close to your goal. I had some problems after my band was installed
last year and had to have a new one installed. I think it is filled
about right now. I had a horrible experience the other night. I ate
a couple of nuts and chewed them carefully,but about an hour later I
felt horrible....ready to pass out, my new stomac hurt sooooo bad I
went to the hospital, but by the time i got there and got in it
seemed to go away. I have never had anything "plug" my opening
before but am thinking that what happened. Prior to this day I ate a
salad each day before, that seemed to go down ok. Have any of you
had your new little opening plugged? How did it feel? How did it
clear? Have you ate salads? I am going back to mexico in a couple
of weeks, but I wanted to get input from the experts who have had the
bands a while and have worked through these kind of things. Thank you
goldielocksplace@... If any want to write me direct, that
is ok too.

Hi Kim, You should feel fine as soon as you get your fill. The
only problem you could have is a "too tight" fill. So, if you
can't drink and keep it down the day after your fill, call the
doctor and see about a little taken out. Do have a wonderful time
on you cruise. Ardie/Fl.

Wow, Brad! Great weight loss. Ardie

Congratulations, Diane! Good job! I'm so happy and proud of you.
How exciting!!!!! Ardie

Hi Kim,
I didn't feel any different after my fill. You won't
notice a thing as long as you are not filled too much.
Just make sure you can keep liquids down because they
want you to do the liquid diet again for 3 days after;
then 3 days of soft. That will be the downside of
taking a cruise after a fill. Good luck and have fun.
Lori

Hi

I'll be getting my first fill this coming Monday. I'm going on a cruise two days later. Will I feel OK?

kim

Hi Becky,
My family and I were banded on the 20th of
April. No one told us about the gas they pump into
your belly so they can band you easier. The incisions
were nothing compared to the pain from the gas. We
were banded on Tuesday and had a 4 hour flight home on
Thursday. If we had it to do over again we would have
stayed in TJ another day or two. Everybody is
different so hopefully you'll do better than we did!
Laura

I was wondering if I was banded on Friday, If I would feel like
getting out to see sights on Saturday or even taking my 6 hour
flight back home? ANyone have an opinion on this?
Becky

Congratulations on meeting your goal!!! That's great.

Brad
banded 7-03
290/222/195
Diane <dianels@...

Hello all my lovelies,
Here I am at the end of my weight loss journey and at the beginning
of my "Im getting too skinny journey!" It has been 1 year and two
months since my operation and I have reached my weight loss goal.
Diane
03 04 03 Dr. Joya
209 135 127

Hello all my lovelies,
Here I am at the end of my weight loss journey and at the beginning
of my "Im getting too skinny journey!" It has been 1 year and two
months since my operation and I have reached my weight loss goal.
Now I have to learn to control my eating in the opposite way. My
weight is still decreasing even though I have replaced my sugar free
drinks with real juice, eat lots of ice creame, candy, steaks, etc.
Before I use to look at labels to choose the choice with the least
calories...now I pick the ones with the most. I laugh at all the