EnchantedPiano70

Hi everyone, I am planning to go to the OCC-TJ for a refill and I need to know if there are any updates regarding transportation from San Diego Airport. Also, if I choose to pay the OCC for transportation, will they be willing to pick me up at the hotel I'll be staying at, near the border? Thank you Ruth

I was banded 2008 best decision I ever made. Best medical care I've ever had as a born American was in Tijuana Mexico at the OCC... Would I do it again?? Heck yes!!

Hang in there its all a process. I was banded in 2008 and just yesterday spoke to Lori and Today with Dr So. I will be scheduling a sleeve surgery asap. Ruth

Shari I will be following you in your quest for a healthy body and healthy weight loss. I spoke to Lori yesterday and today had a conference call with Dr So and well I'm waiting for them to send me the 21-DAY LIQUID DIET, so that I can start adjusting and doing it. Once I receive it I will be getting a complete unfill. I was banded 3/2008, lost close to 50lbs and I'm stuck with no further weight loss. I've tried it all. I did have several PB'ing events and they were nothing comfortable. Since I have severe back problems, I've decided to take this weight loss lifestyle to the next level by getting a VSG - Vertical Sleeve. Please keep us updated. Oh and count on me to be part of your support team. PLS: Try to post as soon as possible after your surgery and share your experience. Good luck, Ruth

Has anyone tried isopureplus protein water? www.isopureplus.com

Hello Everyone my name is Ruth and I was Banded by Dr. Ortiz March 2008. I lost 55 pounds thus far and feel as if I'm stuck. Why do I say that? I say that because no matter what I do, I can't loose weight. At least not as fast as I think I should be. With this in mind, I've decided to go ahead with the Sleeve surgery. Like with any other surgery I'm nervous, anxious and scared. However very determined to overcome obesity. I am 5'4" and currently at 215lbs. I have a bad back due to Disk Degenerative Disease and had a Spinal Fusion done in July 2009. The symptoms have subsided but due to the excessive weight I still experience pain. With all this being said, I have several questions for those who have had the sleeve surgery and those contemplating it. How is your quality of life, now that you've had the sleeve? How fast are you or did you loose the weight? How much did you weigh prior to the sleeve surgery? What are some of the reoccurring symptoms you are experiencing? ie: Gas, Constipation, Bloating, Mood-swings? Has the surgery helped eliminate snoring? Are the scars left behind from the surgery unsightly? Have you experienced any hair loss? What are some of the meals you eat that you've found to help you along the way? Has anyone ever tried isopure plus protein drinks? What liquid vitamins do you currently take? How do they taste? ie: B12, Calcium, Iron Has anyone had Disk Degenerative Disease? Has this surgery alleviated the symptoms due to weight loss? I have TONS of Concerns and Questions. Thanks Ruth

Kim How do you upload pictures to your posts? I also had a TT and would like to share the pics. Ruth

Hello Kimberly, My name is Ruth Toro and was banded last year March by Dr. Ortiz. I had a full tummy tuck, lipo to my flanks and breast lift dont this March 18th. I can't begin to tell you how great I feel. I went to Dr. Katherine in the Dominican Republic, whom I recommend. Her website is http://www.doctorakatherine.com/ She speaks english and my experience there was a positive one. I went with a neighbor of mine who also had cosmetic surgery, she is the wife of a local doctor here in Florida. For all I had done I paid $4,200 US Dollars. I would have otherwise paid tons more here in the states. I have before and after pictures, should you wish to view them. I would post them here on my gallery but I'm not sure how everyone would feel, since it's showing my breast. Email me and I could share them with you that way.

I had my lapband done in March 2008 and today I seek a tummy tuck for obvious reasons. Would Dr. Ortiz or anyone of his staff know if having a tummy tuck will affect my port and its location? Would there be a specific procedure that must be done to avoid disturbing the ports position? I have my tummy tuck surgery scheduled for March 18th. Any and all information will be appreciated. Ruth ruth.toro@yahoo.com

Thank you ladies I appreciat your support during this time. I just had another sharp burst. It almost feels like my port is tearing away from my skin underneath. Ahhh it's painful for a brief second or two but it then stops.

I'm glad you are feeling better. I had similar affect. I learned I was not chewing enough, Chicken and Bread I couldn't tolerate. Not to mention I was drinking cold liquids and that isn't a good thing when you have a band. Liquids should not be could, just think of it as cold tightens, warm or room temperature will make it soft. I had to have my band completely unfilled for two months. I was at 202 when I got the band unfilled and gained 17 pounds back. I went in weighing 221 and in a week went down to 217. I'm so down about it. To make matters worse I'm having bad pain on my left port area sudden sharp bursts of pain. I'm scared about it. I'm hoping my port hasn't tilted. I hope you get your situation resolved. I wish you luck and please keep us updated. Thank you Ruth

I would like to know if anyone with the lapband has ever experienced any sharp pain on the left side of their stomachs. When I say pain I mean a sudden sharp pain, as if it were an electric shock, that fast. I’m getting these pains and they just started but it has me concerned. I don’t want the sudden bursts to get more frequent and I certainly do not want my port to tilt or move. If anyone has ideas what it might be or why it’s happening, please advise. And yes I am waiting for my doctor’s office to call me back with an available appointment. I just feel like when you go see these doctors here in the states they are hesitant in seeing you just because you’ve had surgery (Lap Band) done in Mexico. Sucks!!