crazycoolbutterfly

Hi, I just got this info from another friend here online in Houston. He knows about Dr. Ortiz and accepts his patients. He does use fluro with his fills. I hope this helps you out. Dr. Speigel Houston: Phone : (713) 960-0003 YORKTOWN PLAZA 5373 West Alabama Suite 121 Houston, Texas 77056 (one block from the Galleria) Woodlands: WOODRIDGE PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER 27828 I-45 NORTH CONROE, TX 77385 RESEARCH EXIT OFF I-45 Also, IF you would like to contact the FillCenters USA, they have office locations in Austin and Houston, although I would recommend the Houston office because he knows what he's doing. BUT in Houston it is WITHOUT fluro, whereas Austin it is with fluro. Just another option. Let us know how it works out.

:lb4: Silverstarz, I too thought about writing a letter to my family. But I didn't, because I told myself "If I think negative, then I expect negative". So, I kept myself busy right up until the day of flight. I even booked my flight as early as possible in the morning. Even while I was getting my pre-op bloodwork done, I felt nervous about the whole situation. It's funny because the nurse couldn't find my veins and she kept reassuring me and telling me it was going to be fine. THANK GOD for the wonderful and caring nurses at OCC. All in all, I am glad that I went to OCC and I would recommend them to anyone. I believe you will be fine sweetie. Before you know it, you will be back home complaining about gas pains! God bless and take care :air_kiss:

one word PILLOWS. I too love sleeping on my tummy, and afterwords I surrounded myself with pillows. I made sure I couldnt roll over and was all propped up. It was a little tough, but I didn't want to hurt myself. Hope this helps.

Wow Michelle, You look great! I didn't realize that he interviewed so many people before and after. He should post a link to all of his videos, especially the post-op initial, 6-8 weeks, etc... Good reference tools for everyone. Thanks for posting the link. Good job! =D>

WOW!!! I feel ROBBED, I have been paying fillcenters (houston) $165 for the past two fills WITHOUT fluro ...UUUUGGGHHHH... anyway, THANKS for the update. Did your insurance cover the consult? Sometimes they cover the office visit and the fluro, just not the fill. Oh, where is Dr. Spiegel's office, or phone number so I can get more info. THANKS AGAIN for posting this information. Good to hear from you. So how are you doing with your fill Chris?

:lb9: Hi Angelica, Just send an email to OCC and they will respond with price, lodging, and transportation information. I hope all goes well for you. When I paid, it was about $8000 including my flight from Texas. Of course things change all the time, and sometimes it may be a little bit cheaper, or little more. I can say for sure that getting banded is one of the best decisions of my life. Take care and I hope this helps a little. :lb11:

Wonderful!!! You should buy yourself 100 roses, or your favorite flower, and CELEBRATE!!

Yeah, sounds like everyone wanted to do something, but it's been a slow response. I know there is another pinned get together that just started in Las Vegas sometime in April. Thanks for the nominations, I would like to Chair, however, I live too far away to manage all the details.... maybe someone who lives in Vegas like MamaMichelle?

AMAZING NSVs EVERYONE, LOVELY, EMOTIONAL, AND AWESOME!!!! ;-D :-h Hi ya'll, Another couple of months and another couple of my NSV's... Sometimes I feel like my rings are just going to slide off :buba: I guess I should send them in to get resized I can eat without having to drink any liquids. It was never a problem, but I thought that maybe after awhile I would miss drinking and eating at the same time like I did before surgery. But I don't. :girl_haha: No sodas for 10 months! That's the longest ever. :paratrooper_girl: I can swim for 45 minutes continuously, without a problem. I can jog/walk 2 miles in 29 minutes. WWWOOOOHHHHHOOOOO... can't wait to post my next NSV's soon

:lb21: :lb24: :lb21: :lb10: :lb16: Way to Go Judy! It's wonderful how these daily occurances seem so simple, yet so sweet! :good2: The day I realized that I could wrap a "normal" bath towel completely around my body, I nudged my husband and said "look at this honey" and he's was like "what?" And I answered, "it goes all the way around and ties in the front without anything showing!" And his answer was something like, "well that's good hun, but didn't always?" HAHAHAHAHA, my dear husband always knows the right answer. I'm always glad to hear of fun "filled" successes!!!! You are doing GREAT!

Hi there! I have had four fills, my first at OCC and I don't recall if they use an anestetic. I'm assuming they did. Either way, it didn't hurt me at all. It has been the same for the others. Although, I know that the Fill Center in Houston, he uses a small amount of anestetic and then inserts the needle. It feels like a small prick, then a small amount of movement right underneath your skin, and then it's over. It takes no more than a 1 minute for the fill, the entire process less than 5-10 minutes. I too, look away and don't even see the insertion at all. Hope all goes well for you.

Silverstarz, I think most us had that very same worry as we flew out for surgery that day. I for one, can completely understand how you feel. I had not even thought about that, until the day before surgery and remembered reading about an airline making "customers of size or with special needs" was asked to get off the plane due to not able to sit on the plane without an extension and no other seats were available. I can't recall the entire story, but I got nervous and began to think about it before boarding the plane. I was flying Continental and requested an aisle seat with no one in the middle. I called to confirm the night before, and it worked out. I didn't have to request an extension and the belt just barely snapped, so all is well that ends well. Here are the links to a couple of common airlines for more info. You can find individual airline info if you go to the website and click on "guidelines, or rules, or special needs" links. As you notice, SW offers an additional seat purchase at a child rate, if needed, and they will even give you a full refund of the extra seat, if the flight is not overbooked. Hope it works out for you too. Southwest Airlines Continental Airlines

:lb16: I'm glad that you found a doctor taking you on with a good attitude. Usually it's hard to find a doctor and when you do, you pray for the best. Good for you!

I normally don't give any advice on off topic situations, but as I read your comment I became irrate. So, that being said--If I were you, I would cancel my ticket and get a refund while you can. First of all, you were honest with her and told her your situation. Secondly, she seems to be cutting you out of the festivities. And lastly, she should recognize that fact that you are her MOH and that you have a part of this wedding too. You have no reason to have to make up an excuse. Not being able to afford going is a acceptable reason to decline an invitation. Send them a gift with your regrets that you can't join them in person on their special day. If you care about the bride and groom, and certainly they care for you to invite you to their wedding, they will appreciate your honesty and understand your need to live within your means. If she is your bestfriend and she gets offended, that is her problem. You were honest. I know this seems harsh and I know that it's all about the bride during her wedding, BUT she should take into consideration of other peoples resources and schedules. I have been a part of several weddings, including my own, and of all the hussle and bussle, I did not lose sight of the fact we are friends with these people, and FRIENDS understand. If not immediately, eventually. Good luck on your decision and I'm sure it will work out. My bestfriend and I have been through BIG ins and outs and we are still bestfriends for over 15 years! Just a reminder, here are a few responsibilities of your duties as MOH... Wedding Etiquette The Maid of Honor's (MOH) responsibilities include: -Attending all prenuptial parties. -Help address invitations and announcements. -Entertain a party for the bride and groom…if possible. This could be a couple's shower. -Assist bride with going away clothes and luggage. -Be sure that bridesmaids are kept aware of their fitting appointments, rehearsal obligations and any special duties that the bride may wish for them to do. -Arrange with a florist for a supply of rose petals to shower on the bride and groom as they leave. If a flower girl is in the party, she is responsible to see that the child knows when and how to do this. -Arrive at the church or home of the bride early enough to help with bride and bridesmaids with dressing (at least 2 hours early). -Remind the best man which ladies will be wearing their flowers (Mother, grandmothers, organist, soloist, hostesses, etc.). -Assist bride with her train during ceremony and in the receiving line. -Hold the bride's wedding bouquet for the exchange of rings during the ceremony and hand it back just before the recessional. -In a double ring ceremony, carry the groom's ring until it is time to hand it to the minister. -Assist the photographer with identification of the members of the bridal party and later for pictures, which are taken at the church and reception. Be sure to find the kind of candid shots the bride may want of the out-of-town guests. Be certain the photographer has taken an appropriate number of these candid shots. -Witness and sign the marriage certificate after the ceremony. -Stand in the receiving line. The traditional place to stand is at the groom's left side with her bridesmaids to her left. -Assist the bride when she is ready to change into here going away ensemble. -With the best man, help the couple depart. -See that the bride's gown is taken care of according to her wishes. Usually taken to the bride's home or to a cleaner. Remember, this is the bride's day. Your job is to assist the bride and help her day be as carefree and special as possible. As a maid of honor, you should set the tone among the women in the bridal party. Stay cool and never out shine the bride. It truly is an honor to serve.

No. Any type of bread has been out of the question for me since before surgery date. That is one of the many "old favorite" things I gave up to lose weight. However, I remember the first time after surgery I succumbed into temptation and took a bite of a bread, and right there and then I vowed not to EVER try eating any type of bread for a LONG while. The pain in my chest, the lightheaded feeling, the gasping for air, the moving my arms up and down hoping that would help my pain and catch my breath....NO I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT DAY! (And yes, I chewed that bite into waterlike substance before swallowing) BUT, everyone is different. So you can try and find out? Maybe you will be ok with it. I tried a tiny piece of cake over the holidays and was ok with eating it, but I didn't dare try to eat more just because I remembered that day. So, I was satisfied with that tiny bite and licked the frosting off my fork. I know one day I will be able to have bread again, but for now, it works best for me not to have any.

I am 9 months post-op and still take in protien drinks 3-4 times weekly. Sometimes for breakfast because that is usually when I can't have very much, if any, solids. And mostly for post-workout replenishment, as long as it is within 30 minutes after my workout, otherwise it doesnt do much for your muscle rebuilding. On occasion, if I feel I havent had enough protien for the day, I take a shake. I like the opti-fast shakes that are pre-made in a box, and EAS shakes that I buy at my local Sam's Club by the case. I also use protien bars instead of a shake to get enough protien. And of course, when there are those days that solids are not my friend (i.e. TOM week) I drink protien shakes. I actually do a 3-4 day liquid regime to "restart" my metobolism during that week since I really can't tolerate solids anyway. Afterwards when I go back to solids, there is always something new I can't tolerate at that particular time. For example, I am not able to tolerate raw veggies at this time. Every veggie must be cooked, not mushy, just cooked. So no salads for a while, but that's ok, I know eventually I will be able to have my crisp greens again.

You mean to say that your FIRST FILL was 3 CCs? OMG That is what they call a "aggressive fill" , I am willing to bet that your fill hasn't kicked in as of YET. But when it does, and it will, it is going to come with a vengeance. I have a 10cm band with a max fill of 4cc and I JUST got up to my 3cc this past Thursday which was my 4th fill and I ALREADY feel the difference from the 2.5cc and the new 3cc's. Or MAYBE, just maybe, the id card was mislabeled? I mean it's just a possibility, but maybe? Sometimes people do make mistakes when labeling.

I am glad to see that this has helped some of ya'll. I know that it helps me every once in a while.

Hi MagnoliaGurl! I just wanted to let you know that I went alone and I had the same scary feelings you do right before the surgery. Even as I arrived in the clinic and they did my pre-op labs, she couldn't find a vein on me because I was so scared! But she was so calm and took her time reassuring me that everything was fine. Then Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez came and spoke to me about the procedure and asked if I had any questions, and I felt better. Don't worry it will be alright!!! The trip home was fine, I stuck with warm liquids before the flight and didnt drink anything during the flight, in case I got sick, I didn't want anyone staring. There were no complications and no pain during the trip. I did have my gasX and took my pain reliever just before boarding. And everyone is right, you will meet some very nice people who are at the office getting fills, updates, and procedures. If you scheduled to be picked up and dropped off directly by OCC, you will have a smooth and comfortable ride to and from the offices before and after surgery. They really do take GREAT care of you!!! I hope that this message eases some of your nerves. You can always take a look at my home page and I go into more details of the trip. :lb4:

:lb4: I haven't heard of anyone having the surgery postponed due to not losing the weight, BUT I wouldn't risk it. If you order the Opti-fast and stick strictly to a 14 day liquid diet before your surgery, YOU WILL SUCCEED!!! Trust me, I only had 12 days to lose 12 pounds, and I did it using Optifast liquid diet. Sure it was hard, BUT once those pounds are gone, THEY ARE GONE FOREVER!!! It also gives your body a kick start to getting ready for the band. Yes, I did cheat with a bite here and there, but I didn't let it get me down. I still use Optifast for breakfast or after workout meals. I really like them better than slimfast or other drinks. (I use the pre-made boxed kind because they are all ready for you to drink anywhere anytime, I don't use the powder type) Also, when you get the urge to eat, go for a walk or read a book, call a friend, or just distract yourself with something else. :lb11:

I would suggest protien shake within 30 minutes of your workout. It is highly recommended by trainers to replenish your body and to give nutrients so that the "bad fat" can melt away. If protien shake is not available, the next best thing is 6-8 oz of chocolate milk. It has the best combo of carbs and protien right after a work out. Don't worry about eating solids after a work out. Liquids are best. Wait two or three hours to eat solids and you should feel alright to do so. Room temperature and warm liquids work best for me, I stay away from cold liquids right after a work out. Sometimes in the evening after a tough earlier workout, I still can't hold solids, so I just listen to my body and stick to the liquids protiens, vitamin supplements, and of course water. It may be the heavier breathing, or the muscles contracting, or just that our bodies don't need that extra solid to digest and liquids is what we crave to get the same nutrients, but easier to digest. Whatever the reason, just listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard. And don't give up on your running, you will feel better for sticking with it. Happy huffing and puffing

Sounds like your fill just kicked in and maybe you should begin with the liquid stage and work your way back to solids. That's how you will realize how much food you no longer can have. I like to say that its not how much food you can have, its how much food you can NOT have. For example, if your usual serving is 6 oz of total food, and you can only eat half, reward yourself and WALK away from the table! Try cutting your food so small, as if you are feeding a toddler. Of course chewing til its so watery you almost forgot what you are eating is good for you. Starting over from liquids to solids gives you a sense of renewal, because you are cautious with what to eat and see food as a nutrient, rather than a want. I like to do this once a month, whether I get a fill or not. I like to do it during TOM, because at that time my band tightens up and so I figure what not. Every month I realize that I can no longer have some of my old favorites which is good because I needed to stop eating SOME of those things anyways. Like this month I realize I can no longer have lettuce. I have tried eating it within taco salads, chili salads, anything that warms it and makes it soft (I know that sounds gross, but I like lettuce) anyways, nothing worked so no more lettuce for me. Right now, all veggies have to be cooked -not mushy, but cooked. There was a couple of months where I couldn't eat red meat, but I can eat medium rare red meat again. There was a few months where I could NOT have chocolate, not even protien shakes... now I can again... thank GOD

Click on this link for a better view and original document: Adjustments How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of protein a day 2. Are you eating 25 grams of fiber 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories a. Soup can be sign of “soft calorie syndrome” b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories – 7 calories per gram (1) It’s also a stomach irritant c. Fruit juice is just sugar water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can’t just eat what’s easy c. Cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals 6. Are you eating too much junk a. Chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don’t avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of calcium daily 8. Do you always eat the protein first 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. Meat or fish (1) 3 ounces – the size of a deck of cards b. Vegetables (1) ½ cup – the size of your fist c. Starch (1) If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don’t need much (2) Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (1) Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine (2) The body has no way to break down artificial fats a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you’re not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait. 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won’t be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it’s a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive – compulsive thoughts (1) Obsess about something else b. Perfectionism (1) All or none, black and white thinking c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as “good” and “bad” e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine/Alcohol (4) Some fruits and vegetables such as; oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (5) Peppermint a. Baking soda toothpaste e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (1) Tylenol is OK n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider 4. See your health care provider immediately (or call 911) if a. You have a squeezing, tightness or heaviness in your chest, especially if the discomfort spreads to your shoulder, arm or jaw or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, irregular or fast heartbeat or nausea. These could be symptoms of a heart attack. b. If your symptoms are triggered by exercise. c. If your pain localizes to your right side, especially if you also have nausea or fever d. If you throw up vomit that looks like black sand or coffee grounds. Or if your stool is black, deep red or looks like it has tar in it. These are symptoms of bleeding and need immediate attention. e. If your pain is severe (Note: Pepto-Bismol or other medications with bismuth will turn your stool black. Iron supplements can also make the stool tarry.) This was written by Jessie H. Ahroni, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., C.D.E., B.C.-A.D.M.

:lb21: :lb10: :lb16: :lb13: :girl_dance: :pleasantry: HERE'S ONE COOL FLOWER FOR ONE COOL CHIC FOR HER ONE YEAR ANNV!!!!!

WHY? Did the "committee" drop the ball? If so, I'm sure we can form another...the date has been voted on and so has the place. And if you had a PS and worked out rates with a hotel, I'm sure we can do the rest here on the forum. I would like to if anyone else is up for it! Let me know, I'm sure we can make this happen! ANYONE want to work on this????? How about it ?????