Pippabella

Good luck with your surgeries Lori. I love everyone over at the OCC, they are all amazing and caring. I am trying to find more information or reveiws on Dr. Castillo's work. Do you happen to know where I can find some? I am interested in having a tummy tuck as well. All the best.

Hi, I need some advice please. I had my lapband done on 12/21/09, my last fill was in May 2010 (4th one), I am at 8cc's. Everything was going good, food going down.. Learning to chew well and take small bites, have been a challenge for me. NOW, all of a sudden, within the last two weeks.. everything gets stuck. Even drinking is bothersome.. I can swallow, no problem, it just goes down slow.. But it feels as if the area around my bad is sore (at my stomach). Now, last night and tonight I am getting heartburn.. Does anyone know what could be going on??? Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.. I was thinking of going on a 3 day liquid diet to give my band a break and see if that does anything to help. Pina

Hi, Dawn, thank you so much for your reply. Yes, I was banded at the OCC. I will give them a call tomorrow. Pina

I had my surgery on 12/21/09 and I wanted to see if somethings I am experiencing are normal. I get like some bubbles, or foaming in my mouth on and off throughout the day. I am still on liquids, so I am not sure if this is normal. I am a bit worried... I also get this really weird feeling like a choking of my stomach, almost like a spasm tightens and then releases. I am guessing it is my stomach getting used to having something squeezing it. LOL. I did notice that it is recurring less and less as the days go by. I am experiencing some diarrhea now... thats lovely.. .... I know fluids in fluids out.. sorry for the TMI, but I am hoping someone might clam me down a bit. I never realized how good food smelled till now, that I cannot eat anything.. LOL.. Home you all had a Merry Christmas. Pina

I was banded on Monday the 21st. What an amazing experience. Everyone was so nice.. Carmelita is such a cutie.. Still a bit sore and my stomach growls a lot.. I keep sipping my clear broth and keeping hydrated. Was a very nice experience.

Thank you both very much for your advice. Pina

Hello, getting banded on the 21st and started my pre op shakes and lean cuisines Monday (14th). I am getting nervous and excited all at the same time. Driving down to the border parking on the 21st and being picked up at 7am. OMG.. I am really going to do this.. Any advice?

Dr. Steve; Thank you so much for your post. I am scheduled for December 21.. I am excited and your post made me feel even more confident that I made the right choice.

My mom had her lap band done in Mexico (Not by OCC) on November 6, 2006. She did not have a good experience and was in pain from the second the drugs wore off. I would watch her eat, and it just seemed like so much pain. I used to tell her that if being in all that pain was the cost of losing weight, count me out. Granted she lost 53 pounds, but finally had to have the band removed (after 1 year). Seems the doctor who put the band in, nicked her stomach and a hole was created.. The band was slowly going into the hole.. Just a mess.. HECK NO.. the band was something I would not consider. I have struggled with my weight forever. I am 5'6" and weight 203lbs. I exercise 3 times a week and not just walking, I take a high impact step class 2 of the 3 days and a circuit class on the other day. I am super good during the week at work and tend to lose it a little (not bad) in the evening. My bad times are on the weekends. I have done every type of diet and lost weight.... but then put it back on. I am sure lots of people on this board have gone through the same thing. My mom is constantly telling me to get the band, get the band.... So she mentions a Dr. Ortiz that she saw on Oprah, and tells me to do some research. I tell her to find me his number and let me call to see what the cost is.. I haven't even renewed my passport in years. So I get the number, I speak to Lori (she was so nice), I find out the cost and my interest is peaked. I do some research, to see what others have said about Dr. Ortiz. I actually spoke to someone who had surgery done by him.. Nothing but great reviews. So I mention this to my husband and he is not thrilled about it, but is very concerned. He just wants me to be sure that I am doing this for the right reasons. He wants to make sure that I am doing this for me and not my mom, for him.. etc... I assure him that if I don't do something now, it's just going to get worse for me. I was 186lbs when I met him 3 1/2 years ago. I cannot keep the weight off on my own, I need help. So more searching and I finally make a decision to write Lori and see if there is a spot open for me on 12/28/09.. She confirms and then sends me all the paperwork. I fill everything out and fax back, mail my deposit and get my passport renewal in process. I email Lori back asking to move the date up to December 21st instead.. I am a little freaked out.. But when I read all the wonderful posts and encouraging words on this site, I feel better. Decision Date - 10/28/09 - 203 lbs Surgery Date - 12/21/09 My mom is going to take the trip with me. I live in Orange County, CA.. not too far a drive. As time gets closer I will continue to post..

I scheduled my surgery for 12/21/09. I am very very excited. Anyone else going the same day?