Infoblog

Hi,
My name is Julie. I just had the lapband surgery done 6/15/04, by Dr.
Ariel Ortiz. I am doing great. (though I am sick of clear broth,
jello and juice) I have already dropped 8lbs. For those that are
reading these message boards, worried about having the surgery done
in Mexico, let me enlighten you on a few things.
1. Dr. Ortiz's staff was wonderful. They walked me through everystep
of the surgery, from beginning to end. They all spoke english, very
well I might add, and they treated me like I was family.
2. Yes, I was skepitical at first. Well, scared to be honest. But, I
did my research, for 4months, and I am glad I did.
3. I have never been treated with such compassion, and true caring as
I did while in the hospital prior to, and after surgery. Any little
noise, any little moan, the nurses were right there making sure I was
okay. They came in and held my hand and rubbed my head after surgery
to help wake me up from the drugs. What american hospital or nurse
that you know of would do that for you or any other patient under
thier care?
4. The hospital I was in LIMARPA was cleaner than most ER's I have
been in.
5. I have already received phone calls from the Dr. Ortiz staff
checking up on me. With all the surgeries I have had done in the US,
I have never had them call me "just to see how I was".
I am so happy that I had the surgery done. And I am extremely happy
with Dr. Ortiz and his staff. I would highly recommend him to any of
my family members, and YOU, out there, wondering and researching and
just aren't sure.
If anybody out there has questions about Dr.Ortiz, feel free to email
me. I will happy to chat with you.
Take care,
Julie

Productive Burp! And, no question is stupid!

Donali,
So sorry to hear about your problems. Your grateful listing was
very inspiring. I will share your post with my sister, Deborah, who
had her band removed in April.
I am in TJ right now with a friend who was banded on the 15th. Her
band slipped right after surgery & Dr. Lopez reparied it on the
17th. She is ready to go home tomorrow.
What struggles with go through, but usually worth it.
I will pray for your surgery on July 2. God Bless. glenna

This may be a stupid question but what is PB?---

Sylvia,
I don't know if the surgery can 'resolve' the diabetes issue, but I know
that a lot of times when people lose weight, they are able to go off certain
meds for things such as high blood pressure, etc. Diabetes may be a
different story. I think your friend should consider finding a good doctor
who can answer these questions and hopefully there's someone on one of the
baords who can help with this also. Did you ask this question on
smartbandsters, also? There are 4000+ members on that group and more help
may be available there.
Suzanne
Dr Ortiz 1/9/04
237/196/140's

Dear Donali,
My heart hurts for you. I want to weep with you over your situation.
However, while reading your list of "gratitudes," I must say that I am
impressed by your clarity of thought and your values.
I am newly banded but while I was in Tijuana, I met a woman at the Hotel
Lucerna who also had pictures of her endo showing band erosion. It
certainly was a sobering sight. Of course, we all would like to think that
if we just follow the rules, all will be well. But we must also remind
ourselves of the unpredictability of life in general. No matter what we
would like to think, we truly get no guarantees.
While I have no answers to your questions, I hope that you are able to find
someone to give you their insights. I am so glad that, even though the pain
stopped, you did seek medical evaluation. Pain of that nature must never be
ignored and, as bad as the situation is for you, it could have been worse if
the problem had not been discovered quickly.
My very best wishes to you. Please let us know how your surgery goes and
what you find out.
I'll keep you in my prayers,
Carol
Drs. Ortiz and Martinez 5/4/04

Yikes! How often do people have to have their band removed?

First my questions, for those uninterested in wading through this
long post:
1. How many of you have had your bands removed due to erosion, and
then been rebanded?
2. What is the accepted knowledge on re-erosion rates?
3. Has anyone who experienced erosion, had their band removed, and
then got rebanded, experienced erosion again?
4. For those of you with a prior erosion who have been rebanded do
you have any special protocol to ensure non-erosion of your new band,
or frequent testing to be sure all is okay?
Many thanks for all your insight and responses.
My story:
I have had an uneventful banding adventure. I LOVE my band. I am
down 97.5 pounds in 17 months. I had a port revision in Nov. 2003,
due to tearing my port sutures in June 2003 over-reaching for
something.
I virtually never PB. I eat a decent amount of food I am
definitely not too tight. I do not drink carbonated drinks, or take
NSAIDS. I am on no medications. The only thing I may be guilty of
is occasionally overeating.
My last fill was October 2003 I am at 2.6. I have good restriction.
On Thursday, June 3, 2004 I had what felt like an intense gall
bladder attack. Very concentrated pain in my back, about band
height. An extreme feeling of pressure and heat radiating from my
upper stomach area. I felt as though if I could just burp, fart or
have a bowel movement I would feel better. These are my classic gall
bladder attack symptoms. Problem: gall bladder was removed June,
1992. My sister rushed me home from work, where I took some Maalox
and went to bed. All in all the pain episode lasted about 2 hours.
After laying down for about ½ hour the pain stopped, and has not
returned.
Because I hadn't had my annual band check-up yet, I decided it was
time. I wanted to make sure all was good with my band before I
followed-up on this pain with my U.S. doc. I got an appointment for
Saturday, June 19, 2004 to have an endoscopy done.
Unfortunately, the news is not good.
I am trying to put this in perspective, but I still cried all the way
home. My band has eroded, and has to be removed.
I guess the good news is... it can be removed. And I have lost 97.5
pounds with it. It's just that... I don't mean to sound
melodramatic, but honestly, I would almost rather be dead than gain
that weight back. I think that's what all the tears are about. Not
the additional surgery, or the $5,500 it's going to cost, but that
terrifying fear that the weight is all going to come back on.
Again, writing this out, it seems like such a petty fear. It's not
like my life is directly in danger, or anything like that. I just
thought I had finally, finally found the answer to staying a more
healthy weight without struggle. It was a beautiful dream...
Dr. Carmen did say that once everything is healed back up, I could
be rebanded. But I have read on the support boards that once you
have an erosion, the chances you'll have a second erosion is 50%
(initially it's supposed to be 1-3% chance of erosion). I told Dr.
Carmen that, and she said no, the chances remain the same, and in
fact, may even be a little less, because the scar tissue left over
from the first banding makes the stomach wall a little thicker,
almost like a callous, which could help reduce the chance of a second
erosion.
I will have to do more research to see if that might be true - it's
the first I've heard of it. I wonder if they could use the same
band, or if Inamed would take it back and give me a new one for
free. Otherwise, I have no idea how I will find another $10,000 to
cough up for rebanding surgery.
As I was bawling in the doc's office, she swore that they would do
everything in their power to help me maintain my current loss. She
even offered the possibility that Dr. Lopez could do a gastric bypass
on me while he had me open to remove the band. At least I still had
enough wits about me to say absolutely not, I definitely do NOT want
a gastric bypass. I made her promise that no way, no how, would I
wake up with a gastric bypass. She said not to worry - if I didn't
want one, they wouldn't do it.
On the way back from the endoscopy Dr. Carmen asked if I still had
restriction, and I said yes, and she said that I could keep my band
until I lost restriction. But once we got back to her office and she
looked at the pics, she said the band had to come out. Then she
called Dr. Lopez, and he said it needed to come out as soon as
possible. So Friday, July 2, I go in to have my band removed.
Damn.
Dr. Carmen assured me that nothing I had done caused this, and
nothing Dr. Lopez had done caused this it just happens sometimes.
Hopefully I can keep from bawling over this too much. I am so very
lucky, and so very grateful for all of my blessings. I love, love,
love my band, and do not regret one moment. After talking with
Inamed and hearing advice from my other various board memberships, if
I am convinced that the erosion rate is not increased, and I can
somehow find the funds, I will get rebanded after everything is
healed up. I'm afraid it may be hard to convince me, though, that
this won't just happen to me again.
Now it is time for me to play the grateful game:
1. I am so grateful I was able to have the initial surgery, and have
an unremarkable recovery.
2. I am so grateful to have lost 97.5 pounds virtually effortlessly.
3. I am so grateful I have made such wonderful bandster friends.
4. I am so grateful that my erosion was discovered before gastric
juices started leaking into my abdominal cavity and really caused
serious problems.
5. I am so grateful I have the money to pay for the band's removal.
6. As much as I will miss my band, I won't miss the annoyance of my
port and tubing.
7. I am so grateful I made the time to have therapy for my
compulsive overeating problem, and pray all that I have learned
through that and over the past 17 months will help me keep off the
weight I've lost.
8. I am so grateful to have my health.
9. I am of course grateful for my wonderful, supportive, and loving
BF, family and friends.
10. I am so grateful to have a wonderful job, and a decent income
where I can own my own home, and reliable transportation.
The grateful list could go on, and on, and on.
If the group allowed it, I created a folder called "Donali" and
uploaded the pics from the endoscopy.
A rough translation of some of the gastroentologist's written
comments:
The body of the stomach and part of the antro is deformed (pic 4) by
foldings that go through this zone and which is an extension of the
round portion of mucus formed by the band which is observed in the
cardias (valve between the esophagus and stomach). The posterior
part of this round part of mucus and penetration of the band in 40%
of it (pics 2&3)
P.S. sorry I couldn't spell "mucous" correctly on the pics.
Donali
Dr. Lopez, 1/23/03
303/205.5/135

Thanks to all who responded to my most recent whine. You all have valid points and have given me much to thnk about. I have had a chance to examine my mood . I am wondering if I am expecting too much(bandster impatience) or am I just frustrated with a looooooooooong plateau? The old pre-band feeling of being scammed once again rears its ugly head too.I know that there is more that I could do to be successful like ditch the 1% milk for skim or not eat cheese again but damn,thats one reason I got the band,so I could eat "normally"....not a constant diet and not a pigfest either. I would love to eat more salads and veggies except I PB almost every time I do. I cannot eat fruit either unless it is something like applesauce .I only have had 1 fill of .5 cc too. I guess I'd just like to see a better loss than 3 pounds in 2 months. Sue H

I have a friend that is considering the surgery and she is a diabetic (last 7 yrs) and is considering lap band surgery. Can it resolve diabetes? Were there additional complications? etc..

Thanks

Sylvia

What's your calorie intake like? If you are eating too little and working out too much, your body simply won't let the weight come off. Try tracking your intake on fitday.com for a week and see how many calories you are averaging. You need to be getting 1200-1500 cal/day to stay out of starvation range.
~Lea
11/08/03 Dr. Sanchez
259/204.5/199-Mini

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz/Martinez in February. I had my surgery at the Oasis hospital where my sister a doctor was doing a 2 month missionary stint. I loved both doctors and the hospital is very nice. Robin their representative was not very helpful and often did not respond leaving me hanging and wondering. Don't judge them based on your experience with her. Someone was supposed to meet me at my hotel but they did not show up or call me back until I got upset and called their office several times. They need to work on communication.

I now get my fills by Dr. Feng at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. A top facility. He now offers band surgery with free fills for $12,000.00. If I were to do it over, I would have my surgery in the United States.

Well I just got back from Curves and my monthly weigh and measure session. I am working out like a fiend and eating well with the occasional slip since I am human. My weight has only gone down 3 pounds in 2 months and my body fat has increased from 40 to 43%. My body measurements have decreased but only by the inch or fraction thereof. What is up with this??? I guess I was expecting more bang for my buck. In 11 months I have lost 60 pounds and gone from a tight size 26/28 to a 20/18. Instead of filling out my skin, I now am beginning to look like a balloon that has had the air let out---hang-y and flapp-y . It's disgusting! I was not expecting to snap back like an elastic band but holy cow! I have alread started my plastic surgery savings account. I still have over 60 pounds to go to get to goal and I am running out of "mental" steam. I see my banding anniversary coming up next month and I am just not where I had hoped to be. I'm not sure what I need, a kick in the butt or a
pat on the back. Sue H

Hey all, (I'll be cross-posting this...)
I am making my final decision and have narrowed the selection down
to Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Ortiz. I am looking for both positive and
negative personal experiences. I don't expect you to post them
publicly, but would greatly appreciate private e-mails so that I can
make the best decision possible.
Please. I really need to feel 100% comfortable with my choice in
Dr's, so share your ups and downs with regards to either Ortiz or
Rodriguez.
Sincerely,
Tina

Well, actually Irving.
I knew bandsters were wonderful people, and Texans were too....even my
ex wife....but wow....
I posted a couple days ago that I was coming to Dallas area for some
church training classes. Well, Wednesday morning I was in the
Minneapolis airport between planes here. First a call from Rick, who
I believe is on the DrOrtiz group. At least he, as I, was banded by
Dr. O. He's lost a ton of weight and looks great. He's lost more,
and faster, than I have, and looks great. He picked me up a few hours
later at DFW airport and we then went to Joe T. Garcia's in Fort Worth
for a long and leisurely lunch. Then he brought me to the hotel. We
had a great time.
Just after I hung up with him, I got a call from Fran of
SmartBandsters. She told me of the bandster supper tonight in
Arlington. Well, at 6 tonight she showed up to pick me up and to take
me to the Mexican restaurant where we had a great evening with about
30 bandsters. I won't even try to list all the names....but one was
Babs From Texas who posts regularly on SmartB, and several others that
I'd met virtually, plus many more that I'd not met before. And
naturally a few who are yet to be banded, and some spouses as well.
It was just wonderful, good food, great people, and lots of fun. Fran
finally got me back to the hotel about 10, and I'm about to get some
sleep.
I'm not on the DFW bandster group, and instead of me signing up, I
hope that someone will forward this on to that group to express my
thanks and appreciation to that group. I know many of them were
banded, or will be banded, by Dr. Carter in Arlington TX (which was
the city where we ate).
I've been doing fairly well most of the time on this trip so far...and
hope to do even better. Back to Boise late Saturday night.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

Bill- My docotor told me that any liquid that has sugar or any type
of "chemicals", artificial sweetners, etc does not count as water.
Any liquid that isn't plain old water should be considered as extra.
I was so bummed when he told me that. It's really hard for me to get
in more than a liter of water in a day. But, I'm working on it! I've
been adding sliced oranges, limes, lemons & watermelon to make my
water a little more exciting. Try it!

Hi Bill! You bet Crystal Light counts as water intake.It is basically flavoring and color added to water with almost no extra calories. I couldn't get my water in without it. Our local tap water tastes too nasty! Sue H
Bill <cohpd11@...

If one drinks Crystal Light, does that count towards water intake for
the day? Or should I just stick with PLAIN old water? Thanks in
advance...
Bill

If one drinks Crystal Light, does that count towards water intake for
the day? Or should I just stick with PLAIN old water? Thanks in
advance...
Bill

Call the office to find out about fills. You can always get better
info direct from a couple minutes on the phone than on asking here.
There are many ways to get to the Lucerna from the airport. Mrs.
Ortiz will arrange a van for you, just like you had when you went for
surgery, but it'll cost you about 55 bucks each way. That's the easy
way, not the cheap way. Of course if several are going togehter, that
makes it reasonable. I'm sure others will post their favorite ways
with combos of taxis, walking, etc.
dan
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 9:01:36 PM, you wrote:
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Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

Can someone give me and idea of hotels to stay in, how to get from
the airport in san diego to the hotel and to the hospital for fills,
and lastly, can I have fills done on saturday (dr. ortiz)?? I hate
to miss so much work.
Thank you!
Tina

Thanks dan. I am really going round about with my husband - he is
soo worried about me going alone. He cant get out of work until the
end of summer and I told him I want to take advantage of the July 4
holiday for recoup - and only take 2 days off work total. Also, i
dont want to wait months...
I am trying to see if I can get someone in the family to go - it
just feels like I am being a burden - asking such a huge favor of
family to take this trip with me - even though I'm paying airfare.
It's a personality thing with me - I am SO independent and dont want
to put anyone out. I guess I was hoping someone would be like " A
FREE TRIP TO MEXICO, COOL!" - but mostly it's been "what are you
having surgery for and dead silence on the phone when I tell them"
My sis is very supportive but she lives in PARIS! yes, France. I
am certain she'd do it but thats a very long flight and she has 2
little kids at home - so I haven't even asked her.
Oh well - wish me luck guys. At the moment the stress of planning
this is outweighing my excitement in having it done.
Sorry to dump all over everyone - sigh :(
Thanks for your advice -
Tina

Hey group,
I think someone else posted similar here - but I am comparing prices
vs. follow up, vs. quality of care, etc...
My insurance companies (BOTH!) won't cover any Bariatric Surgeries.
I have an appt with dr. ortiz in July - but thought i'd double
check. I live in northeast ohio - and the flight will be LONG to
Tijauna - are there any places closer in Mexico that are good? I'm
thinking comfort in a cramped airplane seat on the 5 hour ride home
and a layover to boot. I'm also wondering how you all handled your
personal effects if you went down alone? Weren't you worried about
purses, money, PASSPORTS?
Please help. I figured I'll bite the bullet on follow up costs, but
at a year of $1500 or so, its still cheaper saving $10k plus on the
surgery...
Please help.
Thanks :(
Tina

Hi Tina,
I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz as well, (5/4/04) and I live in WI. Same
problem with the long flight. It was difficult, but only because Pres. Bush
happened to be in Milwaukee the day that I chose to return home. I guess
security now requires all planes to be grounded whenever the Pres. is in a
locale away from Wash.
The plane that I was to take to fly home could not leave Milwaukee until the
Pres. left the area. So what was supposed to be a long 5 hour, 1 stop
layover flight, turned into an 11 hour odyssey! I should have been more
prepared but I'm not a frequent traveler and didn't know enough to take the
possibility of delays into account. After what I went through, it now seems
like I was pretty naive: that anything can and will happen with
unpredictable flights, including weather related delays.
That having been said, I wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else but to Dr.
Ortiz. I did my homework and felt that, for me, there was no one else that
I wanted as my surgeon, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
So, my suggestion is to plan. You will be on clear liquids only after
surgery and the swelling post-op is such that I really didn't experience any
hunger. But the only liquid that I could buy that fit that bill was water.
I now would travel with some supplies, such as Gatorade (although I'm not a
big fan) or small boxes of apple juice. I understand Isopure makes a single
serving packet of powder that dissolves into water as a clear liquid and has
a good amount of protein in it. I might pack a few of those in case of
emergency. But the truth is, even though I was only 3 days out from
surgery, I survived the trip very well.
If you can, plan also for follow-up care in your area before you go for the
surgery. Some surgeons will only agree to care for you after you've been to
Mexico if you have established with them as a patient before you have the
surgery. That is what I found here. Funny thing: although my insurance
refused to pay for any surgery, they paid for me to see the surgeon, his
dietitian and his psychologist before I went to Mexico. Go figure!
If you have any further questions, I'd be glad to talk with you. You can
email me privately if you wish.
Good luck,
Carol

Effective immediately the new toll free number for Dr. Ortiz is:
866-Dr-Ortiz / (866-376-7849) Please use this number for booking and
general questions.
For emergencies call Dr. Martinez at 619-227-4435
For fill appointments call 619-270-1126
Sandy

I'll be in Dallas from tomorrow (Wed) PM to Sat PM. Will be busy
Thurs PM, all of Friday, and Sat morning with church classes. But
evenings should be fairly free, and Wed afternoon is free. I'll be
staying at some hotel in Irving, not too far from DFW, but won't have
car.
If anyone interested in trying to get together over a meal or a drink
or something (or over nothing, for that matter), give me a call. My
cell phone works anywhere....even in Dallas.... 208-283-7711. If I
can't pick up, I'l call back if you leave a voicemail. Oh, for one or
two, I'll even buy the drink or meal. If it is a dozen of you,
well....sorry.
Hope to get a chance to meet some DFW bandsters.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

Thank you. I'm from Minnesota and am looking at anywhere within a
day's drive. I will check out the people you suggested.
You have just made me feel 150% better. I was thinking that mini-
ports were not approved in the US and I would HAVE to go back to
Mexico for a fill.
Thank you for your info. I appreciate it greatly.
Angie

Personally, I'd be comfortable with the second and third that you
list. I'd also add Dr. Ortiz to the list. As to paying, people do
second mortgages, home equity loans, finance companies, visa cards,
and so on. Obviously you want to find the lowest interest rate you
can, which means to check out a credit union. Others sell
stuff....the second car, whatever might help. Some borrow from
family. I'm sure you'll find a way...it is well worth it.
dan
Sunday, June 13, 2004, 8:13:17 PM, you wrote:
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Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

Thanks for the update. Based on what you say I'd most definitely go
see Dr. Clifford instead. It is a nice drive on pretty country roads
out there, too. But I don't need a fill, so won't be going out that
way on this trip.
I'll be in Dallas this week....and maybe if
any of you Dallas folks are interested in getting together I may be
able to. I'll be at a hotel in Irving for some training to teach
another Bible study, but may have some evening times, or early
afternoon on Saturday.
If anyone wants to try to get together, send me an email. I'll arrive
early afternoon Wednesday. Thursday morning is also open so far.
dan
Monday, June 14, 2004, 9:30:11 AM, you wrote:
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Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

Dan,

There is another doc in the Dallas area (Dr. Dobson) that will fill patients banded outside the US. He is a plastic surgeon. He may be a good plastic surgeon but in my opinion he is not a very good fill doc. When I used him for my second fill he took about 1½ hours to find my port (when he found it, it was just where I told him it was) and this included probably over 30 pokes. When I scheduled my fill I scheduled it for under floro and when I got there he said it was to late in the day for floro and besides he does everyone without it. So I let him.... Big mistake. Plus, on top of that he doesn't back his work. I have heard that he now uses floro but have heard of bad storys even using floro. To each their own as I'm sure there are some people that like him just fine. I personally will never use him again.

Don
Dan Lester <honu@...

Monday, June 14, 2004, 8:06:51 AM, you wrote:
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True enough. It is 2 to 2.5 hours by car from DFW. I was there for
five days and had a car anyway, so for me it was just a nice little
drive in the country to a nice little town.
But I know someone has reported on a fill doc in Dallas for a higher
price. Or maybe in Fort Worth. Of course if you're flying in, you're
going to have to rent a car to get to any of them....plus at least a
nite in a motel.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

Monday, June 14, 2004, 4:51:46 AM, you wrote:
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Check the directory on the website. www.rrvr.net is in Paris, TX,
about two hours from Dallas. Fills with fluoro, $250, experienced and
good doc. I've used them. Believe there are others, but I've not
used them.
A
A
Miniports are the standard with Inamed bands for the last year or
more. No big deal.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

I also would be interested in a fill doctor in Dallas. I've searched and can't find anyone in the Midwest. Dallas would be convenient to fly into.

Another question does anyone here have a mini-port? How hard, if impossible, is it to get a fill with this type of port.

Angie

NJ,
If you would like to email me at awayfrmitall @ comcast.net (remove
the spaces) I can give you my experience w/ Dr. Kuri. Any of the
three doctors you listed though are very fine choices.
Dr. Rumbaut has the band himself and I know many people who have
gone to him. And Dr. Rod in Acuna has a wonderful person named
Barbara who helps you through the whole process. My sister and I
chose Dr. Kuri for a number of reasons and one being that we never
heard ANYTHING bad said about him and the other being that TJ is
more accessible to us living in Seattle.
Like I said feel free to email me and I can give you a full rundown
of my sister and my experience with our Doctor.
Take care,
Jamie

I am narrowing down my choices and would be interested in people's
experiences with the above doctors. Also, if anyone has creative
financing ideas on how to raise the money for surgery, I'm all ears
(+ about 300lbs, lol). I am 44 y o female who has been morbidly
obese since age 6. I am 5'3" with a BMI of 53.1 and have diabetes
type II, asthma, arthritis, chronic back and neck problems and an
insurance company which "doesn't pay for any weight loss surgery".
Thanks, NJ

If you email his co-ordinator Joanne, she will give you the correct
emails and/or have Dr. Kuri contact you. Her email is joanne @
beliteweight.com (take out the spaces). The emails I use is kuri @
telnor.net (again take out the spaces). I hope one of these two
works for you.
Jamie

-Hey Debbie, I am also considering going back to TJ for my fills if
I can't find something more reasonable close by. I am sched. for
surgery this Friday with Dr. Ortiz so I will inquire about the costs
and let you know....Gail

i have tried emailing him several times at like two different email addresses.. it's best to use the toll free number and call him if you have any questions.. it's on his website.. lapbandsurgery.com
Allena <gijane1957@...

I wrote Dr. Kuri at his Email, and it came back. Does anybody know
what the problem is? Thanks

I wrote Dr. Kuri at his Email, and it came back. Does anybody know
what the problem is? Thanks

Have many of you had fills in Mexico? I am considering going to back
to Ortiz because airplane tickets are cheaper then the drive (for
gas) and then the money for the fill. My understanding is that fills
were included in my expense of the surgery. Do you have to pay for
any hospital expenses. Thanks for you help.
Debbie

Hi Don:
I may be interested in a Dallas fill doctor, if I can't find
something reasonable in FL. I sent a note earlier -- I live in
Florida, but my step-kid lives in DFW and is a flight attendant and
it would be a bit more convenient/expeditious than Mex.
Keep me posted.
Joyce

Hello people,
This is still in the works but a friend of mine is working on getting
togather a place for us Mexican Patients to get fills here in the
Dallas area by a Nurse Practitioner and the price would be $250 under
Floro. In order for this to happen she needs some input to see of any
interest on weather it would be worth her while or not. Can I get a
show of hands from everyone who might be interested ???
I know this would make life so much easier on myself and for those of
you who live outside of the Dallas area, flights are very common
coming in from all over the place so the airfare I'm sure would be
cheaper then having to fly to Mexico. Also, I don't have an exact
location yet but from what I have been told it will be very near to
the airport so transportation should not be hard to get. most likely
the shuttle service from your hotel would take you there and back.
Show of hands please???
Thanks,
Don

I'm out of lurkdom to ask if anyone has had to have an unfill
because of an illness that required you to eat more? I have a very
tight fill and have lost over 70lbs. I am afraid that my doctor is
going to tell me to get an unfill or have my band removed because of
an unrelated medical problem that has been recently diagnosed.
I have more questions regarding this, if anyone fits into this
category.
Thanks
Janice

Hello Joyce,

I was banded by dr. Sanchez last October. He is an awsome doc and his entire staff are just as awsome !!! I have been back to Mexico twice for fills but I have actually had 4 fills. The first 2 fills I got local here in Dallas and I just prefer to go to my own doc now for fills. With Dr. Sanchez, he has a guest house that you can stay in when you go for fills and it is best if you have a couple days so you can get your fill and wait a day before you leave to make sure you have the right restriction. I know alot of the American docs are really conservative and people have to go for more fills all the time but My doc is not that conservative meaning I can get a good fill when I go. I would recommend Dr. Sanchez and his staff everytime!!! The hospital that he uses in Monterrey is very nice. Marble everything and very clean. I would venture to say (and I have on several occassions) it is a nicer hospital then any American hospital I have ever been in.

Hope this helps,

Don

10/20/03

-87
Joyce <spider_woman3000@...

Hi:
I am new to the group and I have been reading the posts. I am
considering Dr. Rumbaut and Dr. Sanchez in Mexico. My questions are,
what are your experiences with these doctors? How often do you have
to fly back to Mexico to get check-ups and fills during your first
year? It seems like the US bandsters have to go for a fill quite a
few times, sometimes getting unfilled and filled within a few days or
weeks. I live in east central Florida, work full-time, so I have
time and cost constraints. Also, are there any fill doctors in east
central Florida that will take a MX patient? Any advice is
appreciated...
Joyce

Do you mean your own general practioner will do the fill for you?

Judie: I had my surgery over 2 years ago with Dr. Rumbaut and have to say I
would go back to him again in a heartbeat. The hospital was beautiful and
the staff was great! You are in wonderful hands picking Dr. Rumbaut, that
is for sure!!!
Cassie
Dr. Rumbaut
March 1, 2002 - Surgery
July 5, 2002 - Leak Repair
October 3, 2003 - Plastic Surgery
3.4 cc's
238/142/138-145
<Message: 1
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 16:49:53 -0000
From: "jmain2001" <jmain2001@...
Subject: new to group
HELLO,
My name is Judie and I am currently working on my surgery in Mexico with Dr
Rumbaut in Monterrey. Anyone here been to him? What advice would you give in
general to surgery in Mexico for the band....I am sooooo excited!

Hi:
I am new to the group and I have been reading the posts. I am
considering Dr. Rumbaut and Dr. Sanchez in Mexico. My questions are,
what are your experiences with these doctors? How often do you have
to fly back to Mexico to get check-ups and fills during your first
year? It seems like the US bandsters have to go for a fill quite a
few times, sometimes getting unfilled and filled within a few days or
weeks. I live in east central Florida, work full-time, so I have
time and cost constraints. Also, are there any fill doctors in east
central Florida that will take a MX patient? Any advice is
appreciated...
Joyce

Hi,
I had my first fill on Monday. My doctor said that we may have 1 oz
of food for the 3 meals in a day. It seems like so little and I
find myself still hungry. Does 1oz sound correct?
Thank you!
Tina
Banded 4-20-04 Dr. Rumbaut-Mexico
203/182/115

Pattie...I had a period immediately after surgery. Didn't have one
again until just recently, so that's about 9 weeks, I think and when
it DID arrive, it was not a usual period and only lasted about 3
days. I feel like another one is on the way, though. My body is
SCREWED up! But...it went through some trauma and it'll settle down
when it's ready.
Mattie

OK, HERE IT IS. WHAT IS IT? ALL THE SUPPORT WITH THE LAPBAND YOU ARE ASKING FOR. THE 2004 FLORIDA BANDSTER BASH IN TAMPA, FLORIDA AT THE BRAND NEW AND FABULOUS HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO JULY 15-18. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.FLORIDABANDSTERBASH.COM AND REGISTER ONLINE. HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE THERE.

SHARON

It is very possible that rapid weight loss and an increase in activity have caused the change in your cycles. Our cycles will change in duration throughout our lifetime and are very responsive to stressors in our enviornment. When I went to Europe at 18 I didn't get my period for the 3 months that I was there!
~Lea
11/08/03 Dr. Sanchez
259/205/199-Mini
In a message dated 6/9/2004 4:46:24 PM Central Daylight Time, pattiecaroline@... writes:

I was wondering if anyone has had problems with their menstrual cycle
since banding?
I am 31 and have always been more than regular (could set a clock by
me) and now-- Month one I had two periods, Mth two also two periods
Mth 3 still haven't had one. Not to state the obvious, but I know I
am not pregnant....So was just wondering if it is just me and I need
to go to my female doctor- or wait it out. Is this normal???
Thanks!
pattie

I would go to your doc regardless, but my personal experience has been that my
cycle has
become MORE regular since weight loss.

Way to go Brad!!!

I was wondering if anyone has had problems with their menstrual cycle
since banding?
I am 31 and have always been more than regular (could set a clock by
me) and now-- Month one I had two periods, Mth two also two periods
Mth 3 still haven't had one. Not to state the obvious, but I know I
am not pregnant....So was just wondering if it is just me and I need
to go to my female doctor- or wait it out. Is this normal???
Thanks!
pattie

I had my band placed one year ago today. I am 6'2" tall and
started this journey at 290 lbs. I have lost 78 lbs (down to 212)
from a bmi 37.2 of to a bmi of 27.2. I went through a 4 month
period with no loss when I needed a fill or I think I would have met
my goal of being 195 lbs. I have no doubt that I will meet it in
the next few mounts. I love my band.
I wanted to say thank you to all who help along the way for all the
posts and responses to my posts. It has been a good year. Good
luck and happy banding.
Brad

Come one, come all!!
We've got a website and we're now accepting early registrations at a reduced
rate through June.
http://bandsterbash2004.com/
This international bash is scheduled for the weekend of September 10-12 and
is sponsored by the world renouned Dr. Pedro Kuri for ALL bandsters and
their support friends and relatives in order to celebrate the new lives our
bands have given us. Dr. Kuri's hosting the parties so all you're paying for
is the cost of coordination and event supplies... registration fees are very
low.
This is a weekend of fun, delicious food, and fitness; reunions with beloved
bandster friends from all around the country; self pampering in the hotel's
world class spa; souvenir shopping in the colorful markets; and a time to
learn more about whichever stage is next on your band journey. It's also a
great place for those who anticipate getting banded to meet those who have
lived the journey and to see the results of their success.

Hello everyone,

Can you give me an idea of what you eat for all 3 meals each day? I am getting confused on how to eat less and balanced (if thats possible on 1 cup of food). I take a multi vitamin, and calcium supplement.

Thank you,

Cheryl

2/16/04 Banded in Mexico
11 cc Vanguard by Inamed
285/257/135

If everyone meets their goal, the winners split the pot. It's not a competition
because no
no one is trying to drink more water or exercise more than someone else, just
meet goal
set for SELF.

Just started a cardio and water intake behavior modification program with people
at work.
We're using money and charts. Everyone picks their own goal. Mine is 2 quarts
water/day
and 5 days/week cardio (30 minutes at a minimum of 70% maximum heart rate).
Everyone who wants in has to pay $10 and whomever reaches their goal at the end
of the
4 weeks gets the "pot". We're also having to pay fines for each portion of our
goal we
don't reach each week. Water is 25% and exercise is 75%. I think it's gonna
be a great
way to con't my recent motivation. I LOVE that it's not about weight or food
and that it's
not a competition! If anyone would like the details in order to use with their
own co-
workers or daily group of some kind, I can post it to files.
wendy from B'ham, AL

Sunday, June 6, 2004, 8:46:39 PM, you wrote:
g
people at work.
g
quarts water/day
g
g
end of the
g
our goal we
g
gonna be a great
g
and that it's
g
their own co-
g
I'm glad this works for you, though it wouldn't for me. I remember
when I was a fat kid my dad offered me five dollars a pound for every
one I lost. That was back in the fifties, so was probably equal to 30
or 50 bucks a pound these days. Guess how much I lost in six months.
Yeah, right. I didn't. I gained.
Obviously, it was and is a head game for many of us, plus the bad
habits and so forth we have developed over the years.
What I don't understand is how it is "not a competition". Sounds to
me like you're competing for money. Also, what happens if all of you
reach your goal? Do you split the pot?
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

it's always best to have a passport, but (unless the rules have changed due to
the war on
terror), you don't HAVE to have one. might as well get one if you have time
between now
and your departure though.
wendy

Rob - send your family/friends to Lori Bauer's webpage. She has lots of phots
that will
assist them in getting rid of the mexico stereotypes. going to mexico (or the
caribbean) is
nothing like going to Europe or other places out of the states. Just have a
birth certificate
and driver's license. also, read the files section stuff on packing, etc.
congrats on your
choice!

I have decided to go with the lapband. I've been reading post her
for awhile and everyone is doing so well, and are very supportive of
one another. I have decided to go with Dr Joya and I was wanting
some honest feedback from those who know him or have had an
experience with him. My family is very skeptical of me going to
Mexico for Surgery, but I am gungho. Just a little scared of
leaving the country. I've hardly ever left my state before. Any
info would be greatful, I'll keep you guys updated, Supposed to go
in a few weeks.

Do I need a passport to go to PV for 5 days?

is that your account?

read the details.

Here ya go, Brad.

Roxy

http://www.seemillenniumhospital.com/english_pages/frame.htm

Or Click the below:

Dr. Pena - Plastic Surgeon

I am looking for a link/website for Dr. Pena.
Thanks Brad

Maureen: You will be so happy with Dr. Rumbaut. He is an excellent surgeon
and person as is Doralisa! If you have any questions, feel free to email me
directly.
Cassie
Dr. Rumbaut
March 1, 2002 - Surgery
July 5, 2002 - Leak Repair
October 3, 2003 - Plastic Surgery
3.4 cc's
238/143/138-145
<Hi! I wanted to get back to you all that I decided on Dr. Rumbaut and my
surgery is scheduled for July 20. It's been really helpful hearing from
other bandsters who posted here as well as those who emailed me directly, as
this has been a difficult decision for me. It feels good to have made the
decision, but of course I'm a bit nervous.
Somebody asked about Dr. Rumbaut's fees and there has been a change.
Apparently they negotiated a better deal with the hospital, so depending on
the patient's needs there is now a range of fees
starting from $9,200, which is what I am being charged. I'm working through
Belighter.com and they have been very knowledgeable, understanding, and
helpful. Dr. Rumbaut was so nice on the phone and has a great sense of
humor. His patient representative, Doralisa, has been extremely helpful
over the phone as well as replying to my multiple questions by email. I'm
looking forward to meeting them in person.

Hi Brad, Try doing a Google search for Dr. Pena. Ardie/Fl.

I am looking for a link/website for Dr. Pena.
Thanks Brad

Nope, not extra, in fact I don't think it's an option without it !!!!

Don.
banddiva <banddiva@...

Thanks Don! Was the fluoro extra, if so how much?

Sylvia

Baton Rouge, Louisiana:
Dr. Tina Wells and Elizabeth Curtis - 225-673-8983 - $300.00 per fill
all fills done under fluoroscopy.
Dr. LeBlanc - 225-769-5656 - $250.00 per fill
Just thought maybe you'd want to list a couple of Louisiana Doctors
that do fills for the mexican bandsters. Thanks, Tasha

Thanks Nikki, I have noted the increase.

Sylvia

The database has some wrong info for Dr Brinkley In Maryland. She charges $200 a fill...Not $150.

Subject: [mexicanbandsters] USA fill Doc database updated.

Okay I have made the Database for fill Docs in the USA a little easier to navigate. The names are now listed by State first. http://tinyurl.com/2cnwn

If you see any erroneous information or if you can add anyone to the list or if anyone is missing please let me know asap. Thanks!

Sylvia

Moderator/owner

The database has some wrong info for Dr Brinkley In Maryland. She charges $200 a fill...Not $150.

Okay I have made the Database for fill Docs in the USA a little easier to navigate. The names are now listed by State first. http://tinyurl.com/2cnwn

If you see any erroneous information or if you can add anyone to the list or if anyone is missing please let me know asap. Thanks!

Sylvia

Moderator/owner

I use Dr. Billy too.......His address in Truckee, CA (about 30 min.
from Reno, NV) is 10956 Donner Pass Rd, Suite 310 in Truckee...96161.
His phone there is 530-582-9834....he also has a support group in
Truckee that meets once a month, both bypass and bands (he does both).
He is very concerned about the aftercare (or lack of it) for Mexican
patients and really wants to help.........

Dr. Helmuth T. Billy
He has offices in Truckee,CA and Ventura,CA
Office phone number for Ventura, CA 805-648-2227
(I don't know the Truckee phone number)
124 N. Brent St.
Ventura, CA 93003
He has done 2 fills and 1 unfill on me.
No flouro.
Fills are $300 ea. Adjustments are free if done within 30 days of
the fill.
I couldn't be happier with Dr. Billy. I also see him on a monthly
basis to keep me on track and accountable. He also offers monthly
support groups, and there's a nutritionist available if you need it.
Anyone interested in more details, feel free to e-mail me.
Suzy
Drs. Ortiz & Martinez 10/24/03
Dr. Billy follow up care
-60 lbs

Great to hear from you Dan! I was kinda wondering where you've been. Staying
on track
during travel has always been really hard for me. But only 12 pounds from goal.
AMAZING!! I'll bet you're just beside yourself with excitement abou the TT.
Has lifting
weights helped with the loose skin? Well, I'm assuming you lift when active at
the gym.
What's this about a little red toy? Car? How long will the TT keep you out of
commission?
wendy from b'ham
rumbaut 8/5/03

It's funny you should be asking about how to cotact Dr.
Ortiz...today I wanted to call the office to schedule a fill and I
actually dialed his cell phone by mistake. He answered and was very
gracious when I explained I thought I was calling the office! I
apologized for interrupting and he said no problem--he was meeting
with several surgeons and showing them the procedure! He could not
have been nicer and gave me Veronica's number and proceeded to ask
how I was. He is just the nicest person! I've never had a US doc
treat me with such respect and kindness. Not to knock them--it is
just my experience with Dr Ortiz was just different. From what I
have read on these boards, many feel the same about their own
Mexican Doc. You will not regret your decision!

Hello bobmassing,

Whey protein is from milk. When Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet
and ate her curds and whey, she was eating runny cottage cheese. The
whey is the part that isn't curds.
Personally, I'm not fond of powdered protein drinks, but they work for
some. I don't care for the ones from powder, as I've never figured
out how to keep them from clumping. (No, don't tell me how, I don't
care) Of course once we're past liquids we shouldn't be having
protein drinks or other liquid calories anyway.
--
Best regards,
Dan mailto:honu@...

Hi Cal,

I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz on 5/4. You will be VERY well taken care of...

Robin is Dr. Ortiz's US representative. She can be reached at 800-287-7010. You could also call Veronica at 619-270-1126.

Best of luck to you,

Carol

I have been sitting on sidelines for a while and have concluded

to go with Ortiz. I am having a problem making contact with

the Doctor. I know their is a rep in USA. Any help on this anyone?

I'm a male 290 lbs, 6ft tall and 39 years old.

Cal Takhar

. Dr. Ponce is the next closest and
according to the great resource sheet gypsyqueen put together he
charges $750.00 for a fill!!!!!!!!!!! That is ridiculous!!
****

Well, Susan, you can always fly to Denver and I can pick you up and take you to my fill Dr. (Holloway) in Scottsbluff Nebraska! I just checked on cheaptickets.com and air fare is $281 and Dr. Holloway charges $91 for the first fill and $51 for each fill after that. You'd save a bunch of money doing it this way [INLINE] ...and I love Dr Holloway (Dr Ortiz did my surgery also). I feel very blessed that us here in Colorado have found Dr Holloway!

I'd be happy to help you if I can. Just let me know.

Suzanne

Gee, maybe it comes from a program.....I think it was a COMPUTER
program? Or maybe not.....
dan, 14 years out......and a year with the band....
Saturday, May 29, 2004, 9:45:52 PM, you wrote:
Rac
Rac
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

Greetings from Romeoville (Illinois, SW of Chicago, far out suburb).
Right down the road from the prison in Joliet (think Blues Brothers).
I've been pretty quiet on the net lately, since things have been
insane the last month or so. First I had bronchitis, which two rounds
of drugs to finally kick. Usually a Zpak does it, but not this time.
So, heavy duty stuff for ten days. Then a trip to Astoria Oregon for
a business meeting for four days....had a nice trip in the little red
toy. Back a day, then two days in Pocatello (huh, where?). Then back
two days, and now six days (by air) in metro Chicago
area....Romeoville and Downers Grove and McHenry. Get on a big bird
to go back home on Wednesday. Did score a free ticket by taking a
bump on the trip here. Didn't mind spending the extra three hours in
the airport for that. When got on the new flight from Denver, saw
that it was going to DeGaulle with a stop in Chicago (on a 777). I
had my Amex card with me, but unfortunately not my passport, so had to
get off to see the kids and grandkids. Youngest is four months today
and starting to become a real person with a real personality. Besides
seeing kids and grandkids, have been working with my mother, who just
moved here (may recall the trip of six weeks ago, truck across
country, etc.) on her business and legal affairs. So, a very busy but
wonderful trip.
Band? What band. Actually, haven't been eating like I
should....hitting some soft and fattening foods. And not much
exercise the last month. All that sitting in car and on planes and in
business meetings. But tonite the band reminded me. Was eating part
of a hamburger patty off the plate and must have had too much or too
big bites or too fast or whatever. Pain and slime and snot like
crazy. Got up and walked around and got over it in about an hour.
Yeah, the band still works...
Yeah, it works if you work it and don't try to work around it.
As to what else is coming? A weekend trip to Jackpot in a week and a
half. Then a trip to Dallas a week or so later for four
days for some training to teach a new church class. Then a week
after that the big tummy tuck, and two weeks at home after that.
Should be an adventure. Talked to my nephews girlfriend, who works in
surgery here, and she said "are you SURE you want to do all of that?".
And I assured her I did, and knew as well as anyone could who hadn't
done it yet, what I was getting in to.
If nothing else, you can be sure things are never boring with me, and
I'm happy and healthy and really anxious to get past the TT and
recover from that, so I can get back to some serious gym time.
dan
Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk
Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03
323/211/199 Age 61

Pam, you are an inspiration. I'm practically crying now too!! You keep it up.
Just think,
you could've been one of those RNY patients having all kinds of problems. But
no, you
had the courage to do something different and controversial and look at you
now!!!!
congrats.
wendy

Just this very weekend I noticed a small callus on the outside of each foot near
my pinky
toe. I thought maybe this was my rheumatoid arthritis doing something weird,
but maybe
it's a redistribution of weight that is causing me to walk differently. I
noticed the
discomfort months ago, but just noticed the callus issue. Interesting. Way to
go on your
loss!!!
wendy

Your are so nice to check in on me. Everyone who replied to me, both on the
board and
individually, really gave me lots to think about. Many people gave me similar
ideas. I had
lost 1.5 pounds when I weighed on Saturday morning. I started going back to the
gym last
week and plan to go again tomorrow night and the following three nights after
that. I'll be
out of town Saturday night so will take a day off. Music helps me with working
out SO
much! The other key factor is having a workout buddy who goes with me. I'm
trying to
increase water intake and water load BEFORE meals. I really think my fill is
plenty tight
enough and that I had just been eating around it. A couple of people gave great
ideas
about 4 small meals per day, but my schedule just won't allow it. I plan to
really take
advantage of the cool neighborhood produce co-op now that it's prime
fruit/veggie
season! I know I should take a break from any/all suger, but I'm not there
yet. It's so
ironic what Pauline said in her "get off your butt" reply... she said what I
want to scream at
almost every client who enters my office each and every day "you have to decide
what you
want, no one can say anything to "fix" you, you are in control here", etc. When
I thought of
her comments in terms of the way I view many of my clients, it really hit home.
I must ay
though, that I usually have NO difficulty taking responsiblity for my actions, I
just have a
great deal of trouble asking for support - ESPECIALLY when I already know good
and well
what I'm doing wrong. The FitDay idea is great. I haven't had time to get it
all set up, but
plan to do so within the next week. If I had internet access at work it sure
would make
things easier, but alas, I work for "the man". Pedometer idea is in the works
as well.
Haven't read the directions yet. Remembering how excited I was when first
banded is
helping. I'm trying to do some visualization to conquer my fears of being thin
(thus
attractive to men) again (thanks Lea). I'm going to an outdoor music/camping
festival in
mid-September and I'd really like to be 35 pounds lighter by then! I want to
wear shorts
and tank top without feeling like a big tank. I just appreciate having this
group so much.
Thanks again everyone!!!
wendy from birmingham
rumbaut, 8/5/03

Hello,
I got my band done with Dr. Lopez on May 8th, 2004 and am very happy
with the results. I am down 24 lbs and have haven't had any problems
with anything. I am in Eugene Oregon so am not too familiar with
Tacoma radiology but I can vouch for Dr. Lopez. His experience is
impeccable. Teresa

Great Job Pam!!!!

It is so good to see people loosing well into there 2nd and 3rd years.

keep it going, Brad

Banded 6/9/2003

290/218/195
Pam <thegammy@...

Hello Everyone!
I haven't posted for a while, life is fast. I just wanted to let
everyone know that I am celebrating because I have met my first mini
goal. I have lost 101 pounds! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! When I went to get
my band, I gave Dr. Kuri an almost impossible task. My liver was the
largest he had ever seen. The day before surgery, I weighed in at a
wopping 420 pounds, and Dr Kuri (My Hero) was able to get me banded.
Now, I have gone down 101 pounds since December 18, 2003, and I feel
great! This has saved my life. I am convinced that if I had not gotten
banded, I would not have lived to see this coming Christmas. Thank God
for Dr. Kuri, and thank God for my Lap Band! (tears of joy are falling
as I post this)
Have a great day!
Pam
Kuri 12/18/2003
420/319/150

Hello Everyone!
I haven't posted for a while, life is fast. I just wanted to let
everyone know that I am celebrating because I have met my first mini
goal. I have lost 101 pounds! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! When I went to get
my band, I gave Dr. Kuri an almost impossible task. My liver was the
largest he had ever seen. The day before surgery, I weighed in at a
wopping 420 pounds, and Dr Kuri (My Hero) was able to get me banded.
Now, I have gone down 101 pounds since December 18, 2003, and I feel
great! This has saved my life. I am convinced that if I had not gotten
banded, I would not have lived to see this coming Christmas. Thank God
for Dr. Kuri, and thank God for my Lap Band! (tears of joy are falling
as I post this)
Have a great day!
Pam
Kuri 12/18/2003
420/319/150

9000.00 total cost for everything.

I had surgery last tuesday by Dr. Rumbaut. His fee was 10,500.
Tasha

Arlene,
Sorry, I had not read your later post about who your doctor is...
He is not the same doc I was assuming you had contacted. So, my
information does not apply to him. I have no information about your
doctor.
Once again, I apologize for any mis-impression.
Scott
Tampa Bay

This is a much needed service. Please anyone with info please post.

Thanks,

Nancy

Someone said (sorry I forgot who) that Doctor Rumbaut has gone down
on his price. Do you know how much the surgery is now? Thanks Ima

Hi! At this point I've narrowed by choice of a surgeon to Dr.
Rumbaut Diaz in Monterrey, Dr. Lopez Corvala in Tijuana, or Dr. Joya
in Puerto Vallarta. Please share with me any advice you may have.
Secondly, I've heard that Tacoma Radiology (TRI) is a good local
place to get fills. However, is that enough? Do I need to line up a
bariatric doctor for other follow up such has having my bloodwork
done? The only local bariatric doctor I know of who works with
patients of Mexican surgeons is someone my primary care physician
recommended against.
Thanks for your help.
Maureen
Edgewood, WA

.........then please post it here. Let's get serious about this USA fill Dr database. If you know of ANY doctor in ANY state that is giving fills to patients who were not banded by them; please let me have the name of the Doctor or technician, and at least a phone number. If you have more info so much the better, like the address, website, price of fills/whether it includes fluoro etc. If not then a phone number or website will work, as I can then do the necessary research to find out the rest. Thanks! :-)

Sylvia

Hmmm Elizabeth.......nice phrase "It works if you work it"...wonder where I 've heard THAT before..... hehehe.
Roz Sugarmann
Dr. Sanchez 2/26/04
-40 lbs

Leann,

In response to " went to the podiatrist today as my feet are hurting and have been
for the past couple of months..
I asked him if he ever heard of people who had lost large amounts of
weight having more pain, as the adipose(fat) in their knees and feet
is decreased and does it cause more joint pain??
He said he might do research and asked me to ask you guys if any of
you had noticed that you had more joint pain after losing weight...
email me if you have noticed that.."

Actually I am hoping all my aches and pains in the legs, knees, feet go away with weight loss.

Cheers,

Cheryl

2/16/04 Banded
285/261/135

---
issue would resolve...
But since it hasnt...I wanted to see if anyone else still has pain
too...
or if it increased post weight loss.
Thanks
Leann
Banded 9/18 by Dr Kuri
286/ 230//minigoal -100 to 186 by Bash

Hey all.
Writing today to share my difficulty with fills (up until this week) and where I
am today.
I was banded by Dr. Sanchez 1/16/04 (fabulous!) and was pretty good about
the liquid diet for a while, but did start my walking immediately and with a
vengence. I walked three to five days a week and started lifting weights with a
trainer three mornings a week. Even though I stopped having any restriction
(because the swelling went down) after a week or two, I was doing so well
eating right (for ME - 60g of protien, no sugar, hardly any wheat) and
excercising, I was losing weight at the 2lbs per week rate no problem.
I did schedule my first fill after three weeks for six weeks post op - mostly
because I didn't trust this new found will power (which I've never had for more
than three days in a row) - well, that and the fact that after three weeks I
started "testing" my band.... a cracker, then a piece of toast, a tortilla, then
a
BAGEL, then PIZZA! Only small bits - but I had to know if these torture devices
were still available to me and sadly the were!
So even though I was doing great with the excercise and the rest of the food
requirements, I saw my arch enemy (bread) sneaking slowly back into my life
and I know (for me) that it is the one that takes me down EVERYTIME (pizza
or mexican food after 7pm - it just doesn't get any worse for me).
Since there's no way I can keep this short now....
I went for my first fill with Dr. Kelly Fitzpatrick in Portland Oregon (and
possibly
Eugene as well) 503-235-6589, a naturapath and nurse that has done a lot of
work with chemo patients and just COULD NOT BE MORE GENTLE - $150/
fill no floro - (I was seriously scared of the needle thing - she laughed and
said "two words - Pulp Fiction" I howled!
She gave me 4ccs on the first fill and had to back off .2 because I couldn't
swallow water - so 3.8 cc's first fill. This restriction lasted 24 hours. In
three
days I was back to all bread except tortillas, that one is gone forever. I
called
again for a fill at the soonest time which is a minimum wait of three weeks for
Dr. Kelly. The second fill was to 5.5 - same story - felt restriction there but
three days later felt NONE at all (minus tortillas). Scheduled again and went to
7ccs. SAME THING! I called Dr. Fitz and told her my tale and my woes of
spending $450 and not yet having this tool working! My weight loss had
slowed down by this point although I had lost 34 punds in four months - my
will power was a thing of the past and I was eating too much really bad stuff -
just like the old days - too late at night - and - surprise - my weight loss
stalled.
I was so sad because the only hope I had of things being different for me than
all the other thousands of times that I have tried to lose weight - was this
band
working - and it wasn't. So Dr. Fitz agreed to see me again at a reduced rate
and "shut me down"! She did and IT WORKED!
I have an 11cm band and I am now at 8.7ccs! (remember the right number is
different for everyone) Yes, I have already tested and toast is PAINFUL which
means all the rest of the breads are a thing of my past!! I actually feel what I
think it is "supposed" to feel like now to have a good fill - I can only eat
small
meals (about a half cup of food at a time) - I KNOW when I am full - 'cause it
starts to hurt because it's not going down (I'm trying to learn to recognize a
little before this point so I don't stretch my pouch). I eat several small meals
a
day (like maybe 5 or six) and get my protein in first, avoid the bread (because
it obviously had to actually cause me pain or I wouldn't stop eating it - ugh!),
and avoid other crap like ice cream (which isn't a problem - knock wood - i've
never really liked it) and the pounds are MELTING OFF!
YIPPEEE!
I'm still walking or doing the elliptical machine 3-4 days a week and still
lifting
weights (hi reps, low weights) also three days per week. My body has been
changing like crazy since the beginning - the walking has melted inches off
my butt and thighs - you just can't help but notice - I'm down practically two
pants sizes, at least one shirt size and it's only been four and a half months.
IT'S WORKING! And of course, before surgery, like everyone else, I was
SURE that I would be the one this didn't work for... as Dan said to me when I
expressed that to him - he said, "you wish!" LOL! He was right.
It's taking work on my part - lots of it - it's not the "easy way out" - it's
just the
one that is working FINALLY for me!
Thanks to everyone for their posts. I don't post much but I read what you all
say. I know I'm not at my goal - but I KNOW I will get there now!
PeggyB and Dan - thanks - I wouldn't be at this fabulous and VERY hopeful
and happy place in my life without your support!
Peace ya'll - keep up the good work - WE CAN DO THIS!
Thanks for listening.
Elizabeth W
Corvallis, Oregon
1/16/04 Dr. Sanchez (LOVE HIM!)
264/228/150 down 36 pounds and falling rapidly!
"It works if you work it" <grin

Hi all....
When I was in Mexico I met a MD that had a RNY 6 months ago, I was
able to make the band a reality to him.
He was very excited to hear about the band and we shared some
nutritional hints...I shared my info about unjury protein and he
turned me on to the greatest.....treat /dietary find
YOU guys gotta get em...youll love em..
Viactiv....soft caramel chews.
They are AWESOME
they taste good and if you eat 2-3 of these a day you get 100% of
your daily Vitamins A and D and all the calcium you need!
for the 3 caramels they total 60 calories...
( I want to eat more than 3....but I cant let myself.......LOL)
I wanted to give my 10 cents worth about what some MDs say at
appointments to people...
Fact: Most Mds in the states have only been exposed to RNY patients
and actually are not band friendly..
Most Mds dont know much about nutrition..
They dont know what to even tell us...so they just dont encourage
us..thats what this group is for..
Many MDS can and do... but on the whole..thats not a strong point.
We have to educate them with what we see and find works..
Personally I like to prove all the statistics they quote as wrong...
I say we all lose 100% of our weight we need to lose..and change the
stats...
However if WE beleive them, we are set up to fail and the RNY MDs
would love that..
I have been able to teach the general surgrey residents where I work
about the band..most of them come up to me and ask to feel my port
and see my abdomen..after they all have seen my shrinking body.
I think our calling as a group is to educate ...and support...
The band is a great tool...and I sure like mine..
Tonight my family and I went out to eat..and I had my tiny dinner
and didnt give a rip...
My friends today told me..you are 1/2 the woman you stared out as..
I feel good..and I hope these caramels help you all feel as good as
a week of them have made me feel.
I went to the podiatrist today as my feet are hurting and have been
for the past couple of months..
I asked him if he ever heard of people who had lost large amounts of
weight having more pain, as the adipose(fat) in their knees and feet
is decreased and does it cause more joint pain??
He said he might do research and asked me to ask you guys if any of
you had noticed that you had more joint pain after losing weight...
email me if you have noticed that..
Thanks.
Take care all...have a good safe weekend and thank a servicemen/vet
for their sacrifices for us!
hugs
Leann
286+/230/ mini goal -100lbs by bash
Goals already obtained..
1)sitting in lawn chairs
2)wearing a shirt without an X on the label.
3)wearing a ring I hadnt worn in 14 years!

Hi Wendy,
How are you doing? I hope all is going well and the scale is going
downward for you.
Ardie/Fl.

Hi,
We are trying to organize a few more Kuri Bandsters to meet for fills
on the 29th of June. Or others who may be going at that time.
I will be flying out and staying in a hotel in downtown San Diego
from the 28th through the 30th and I will have a rental car to drive
to the border and around San Diego.
Judy in San Francisco (San Jose) will be there, (Only flyin in and
departing on the 29th) and we just want to see if anyone else will be
coming along or have his or her fill scheduled with Dr. Kuri on the
29th. We can all ride together or meet in TJ or at the border or in
San Diego.
Dr. Kuri is only doing fills on Tuesdays and Thursdays now. The
Tuesday the 29th fill time is at noon in TJ.
Let me know, you can contact me directly at navmaster3@y...
Thanks,
Scott
Tampa Bay

I just talked with Dr. Ponce's office and they will take me and the
fills cost 542.00, which is better than the 750.00 we thought he
charged. DAlton GA is about 2 1/2 hours from me.
I am very relieved. Thanks for listening to my frustrations!
Susan

Susan, I'm so sorry Dr. Morton closed the door behind me. I knew he was going
to have to
do this sooner or later. In his case, it's not because of Mexico, just the
volume of patients
he now has. But don't give up!!! Do Inamed search. It'll give you a radius
within your
zipcode. Then, just call around. Something else to think about is finding out
where you
can fly CHEAP from N'ville and using that zip on the Inamed search. I'm
convinced you
could find something cheaper than Ponce, even if you have to fly to get there!
New
Orleans? Chicago? I'm sure there are MANY places that are under $100 from
Nashville. I
know Texas has a great fill office. Ponce has a terrific reputation, but it
just seems a little
sleazy to charge that much. There is a guy in Cleveland. Have you joined all
the TN
bandster groups? There are several. There is a doc in Kentucky that will do
the fills for

Well, I just called Dr. Morton's office and he is not longer taking
patients that he has not done the surgery on. I live in Nashville
and as I know of there are no other doc's in Nashville that do the
lap-band. That means I am going to have to travel at least two hours
or more to get a fill. It makes me angry that doctors refuse
patients. I know it is their choice but if my insurance did not have
an exclusion I would have loved for him to perform the surgery. I
just feel we are at the mercy of everyone when it comes to our
health--insurance, doctors, etc. Dr. Ponce is the next closest and
according to the great resource sheet gypsyqueen put together