Dolittle

Everyone goes through this,, Just relax,, enjoy the freedom of not having any restriction. Take this time to heal and lock that band in place. Get that first fill and give the band some time to do its thing. With the proper fill, the band will restrict you from eating large portions. Remember,, its a tool,, it will work if you want it to!

I can't talk about Gastric bypass,, I can talk about Lap Banding. Almost a year ago I choose to be Lap Banded. It was the smartest thing I had ever done. If a person is concidering WLS,, Do your homework and you'll see that the Lap band is the smartest choice. Its minimally invasive,, it can be reversed,,, very, very low complication list, etc. Its a tool and it works. You'll eat less and loose weight. The Obesity Control Center in Tijuana is rated one of the worlds best. It's surgery team of Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez have strived to be the best in the world of Lap Banding. You got to remember,, the power of the Internet will educate and inform the world where you can get the best medical treatment and where not to go. The young lady on Oprah's show, named Cassie, was ahead of her time,,, she didn't wait for her health to deteriorate. She took charge of her problem and did something about it. If this option would have been available when I was a 300 pound high school student, my whole life would have been different. Instead,, I had to wait till I was 54 years old and finally do the smart thing about my weight. I fought my weight all my life. I just wish I would have done it 5 years ago when it became FDA approved. I'm have went from 295lbs to 210lbs in less than a year. I can't remember when I weighed in at 210,, maybe grade school??? I still have a little more to go,,, but I'm now looking at plastic surgery, aka,, a lower body lift. Oprahs show was showing the options obese people, young or old, have today. Dr. Oz should have done his homework,, he was showing his lack of knowledge when it came to the lap band. Those of us that have been lap banded saw his ignorance.. Cassie presented herself as a young lady that was educated in making a good decision.. Cassie ROCKS!

As of early Tuesday morning, Oprah's Message board was still broken. I think they need to hire Chad, our webmaster. Chad does a great job of keeping "The LapbandForum" up and running. KUDOS for Chad the webmiester.

Hi Jenn,, Do you think you could post that on "youtube" or something like that? We'd all like to see it.

I live in the midwest,, so I just got done watching the Oprah show.. The only bad thing I saw was when they showed tape of Tijuana. Oprahs film crew must of drove down the worst streets in TJ.. It didn't do TJ any justice, LOL There's streets in Chicago that are just as bad.. LOL. But over all I thought the show was pretty postive concerning the Lap band. We'll just have to wait and see if Oprah goes the route of the Lap band.. But due to HEPA, we'll never know unless she gives that info out. Cassie did a fine job and looked great! We're all proud of her.

Another factor to consider is how much restriction you have at the 6 week mark. If you have restriction,, and your losing weight,, hang loose for awhile and see how it goes. But at the end of the 6 week mark you can eat the house,,, time for that fill. LOL. I know of several patients that have had a lot of restriction from the get go. Several have waited till the 10 week mark and went for a fill. Plus they didn't require much of a fill the first time because of their restriction. You'll be able to tell. Like snowbird said,,, talk to the doctor and you both can decide whats best.

For those patients that will be coming to the OCC in February for your fills,, the best way to travel from the airport is to either schedule the OCC van/shuttle or take the bus/trolley. If your wanting to use the OCC van, it would be wise for you to use the forum to coordinate with other patients and share the van to help reduce your traveling expenses. Also,, get with Rene at the OCC and he'll know the van schedule for that day. For those who like the adventure and are thinking of taking the bus/trolley and walking across the border, jumping into a Mexican cab/and or walking to the clinic, use the forum and see if your coming into San Diego around the same time as other patients. Remember,, your in a new club,,, the bandster club. Once your a bandster,, you'll always have a friend. Buddy up and share the adventure.

The new year is off to a good start. January is behind us now and February is here. There's been a lot of excitement around the OCC with Cassie being on the Oprah show (scheduled for airing on Monday Feb 4th) and with spring coming, everyone is thinking of their health. As you can see here at the forum, patients are talking about their up coming surgeries in February. But,, where's the March patients??? Lets see if we can bring March in like a lion and go out like a lion. So,, come on March patients,,, where you at?

Last time I was there, you could buy an all day bus/trolley pass fpr $5 and a 2 day pass for $9. Good for both the bus and trolley. Note: I don't think the bus driver can issue all day passes? When I did it and asked for the all day pass, the driver told me not to pay at that time and to just sit down, ride the bus to the transportation center and buy the pass there. But,, you got to ask and tell the bus driver you want the all day pass. For those bandsters that are doing the trip all in one day, this is by far the cheapest way to go. Note: Added on 8/18/2010, You can get a all day pass from the bus driver.

Originally the State Departments time line was to make everyone flying to have a passport as Jan 1st 2007 and walking across a border as of Jan 1st 2008. But after last years fiasco of the State departments inability to provide passports in a timely manner they have backed up the walking across date. So be prepared to see the requirement of needing a passport for any travel out of the country sometime later this year. I think this coming June date was the State Departments new goal. I guess what it comes down to,, If you don't have a passport now,,, I'd be applying for one as soon as possible. When you do apply, I think they give you a card that states your in the application process and you can use that in combination with a birth cert and drivers license.

I think you can go to your county recorder where you were born and get a copy. Make sure its a raised county seal version.

AS OF THIS JANUARY THE DHS HAS ISSUED NEW RULES FOR TRAVEL. IF YOUR FLYING INTO MEXICO, YOU NEED A PASSPORT. IF YOUR DRIVING/WALKING INTO MEXICO READ THE FOLLOWING MEMO FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY........ DHS Ends Oral Declarations at Borders, Reminds Travelers of New Procedures on January 31 Release Date: January 18, 2008 For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary Contact: 202-282-8010 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reminds travelers that beginning January 31, 2008, border crossers will be asked to present documents denoting citizenship and identity when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry. This change primarily affects United States and Canadian citizens, who have previously been permitted entry by oral declaration alone, and marks the transition toward standard and consistent documents for all travelers entering the country. It is also the start of a more robust and concerted public education campaign, intended to inform travelers of document requirements which will be implemented next year. “For the safety of the American people, the United States cannot have an honor system at the border,†said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Requiring secure and reliable documentation at our borders will drastically reduce security vulnerabilities posed by permitting entry based on oral declarations alone. As travelers become accustomed to carrying documents to cross the border, and as we move to more stringent documentation requirements, our border officers will be able to more quickly and confidently identify cross-border travelers.†Beginning Jan. 31 of this year, U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older should no longer expect that an oral declaration alone will be sufficient to prove identity and citizenship for entry into the country. Instead, travelers will be asked to present documentation from a specified list of acceptable documents when entering the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry. Examples include birth certificates and driver’s licenses. A complete list of acceptable documents is available to travelers at ports of entry and is also available at www.cbp.gov. Travelers who do not present one of these documents may be delayed while U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers attempt to verify their identity and citizenship. Children ages 18 and under will only need to present a birth certificate. In order to further secure our borders against illegal entry, the U.S. will no longer be able to admit travelers based on nothing more than a person’s oral assertion of citizenship. During October to December 2007 alone, CBP officers reported 1,517 cases of individuals falsely claiming to be U.S. citizens. Last month, CBP officials determined that an individual falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen was wanted for homicide in California. This individual was paroled for entry into the U.S. and transported into the custody of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. Separately, multiple Government Accountability Office and Inspector General reports have highlighted weaknesses associated with oral declarations and substandard documentation. Standard and consistent documentation is critical for border officials to accurately determine admissibility into the United States. The Jan. 31 change is a step forward from the largely subjective standard that allowed travelers to present an almost limitless array of documents, such as baptismal certificates, to satisfy CBP officers of their citizenship. This change will allow frontline officers to standardize inspections against a narrower class of documents, and CBP has protocols in place to verify the authenticity of suspicious driver licenses and guard against the use of counterfeit or altered licenses. DHS has maintained a consistent public awareness and information campaign to ensure that the traveling public is aware of the new travel documentation requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The transition beginning Jan. 31 will allow travelers to become accustomed to the need to present appropriate documents. Travelers who apply for a passport card, passport, Trusted Traveler Program cards, or other secure documentation denoting both citizenship and identity in response to the Jan. 31 change will not need to take additional steps to meet the final WHTI requirements upon full implementation in June 2009. U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card on Feb. 1, 2008, in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. The U.S. Department of State expects that cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. Although DHS was on schedule to begin implementation of the new requirements as early as summer 2008, the fiscal year 2008 Appropriations Bill passed by Congress last month restricts the department from implementing these new requirements until June 2009. For more information, visit www.dhs.gov or www.travel.state.gov. ###

A quick note: Allergan is the parent company of Inamed. Inamed is one the companies that manufactures lap bands. Last time I heard, Dr. Ortiz uses Inamed lap bands.

Information from www.travel.state.gov website Saturday January 26, 2008International Travel Home Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Areas that fall under the WHTI: Canada Mexico Bermuda The Caribbean region (includes 17 regions) AIR TRAVEL Implemented on January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. LAND AND SEA TRAVEL The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website. JANUARY 31, 2008 U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time. LATER At a later date, to be determined, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders. Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. PASSPORT AND OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries. The Passport Card: U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for this new, limited-use, wallet-size passport card beginning February 1, 2008. We expect cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. When available it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda. Other Accepted Travel Documents: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST and the U.S. Coast Guard Mariner Document. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders are exempt from the passport requirement. DHS has more information on these travel documents. This information may be seen at www.dhs.gov. ABOUT WHTI The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on February 22 its intent to propose, as part of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), significant flexibility regarding travel documents required for U.S. and Canadian children as part of WHTI requirements for U.S. land and sea border entry in 2008. The goal of the initiative is to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler. Media Notes 09/04/2007 DHS Reminds Carriers and Traveling Public About the End of the Temporary WHTI Accommodation 06/08/2007 Joint Departments of State and Homeland Security Announcement: U.S. Citizens with Pending Passport Applications Allowed Temporary Travel Flexibility Within Western Hemisphere Federal Regulations

I've heard of this happening. In the old days of dieting, the "Diet Center" they used to tell us to eat only fruit for 2 days to jump start your loss. The "Atkins" people do only meat and eggs for 2 days. I like doing a protien drink thing for a couple days. Then back to my normal routine. I know exercise is key to getting back on track too. But, I think Clynn's suggestion is a good one, it would be wise to call Dr. Miranda.

I did the pay cash, have the surgery and I submitted it to my insurance provider (UHC). I got a "They ain't going to pay" letter from them stating I didn't get pre approval first. I'm now in appeal. My appeal had to state that it was imposible to get pre approval cause no one in my area even did the lap band surgery. I also had contacted them at the beginning of my lap band adventure and they could'nt tell me how I could get pre approval. Insurance companies are like talking to a wall. LOL. It's like dealing with the people in the comic strip "Dilbert"

Hi Victoria, Everyone goes through this phase of worry. If your having your surgery at the OCC, your in good hands. After the surgery you'll wonder why you were such a worrier. LOL. As for me, I wish I would have been lap banded 5 years earlier when I first looked into it. I've been kicking myself ever since. I can say that the lap band is a tool and it works if properly filled. I started my pre op diet Jan 1st (at 295 lbs) and was banded at the OCC on Mar 1st ( at 275 lbs) I'm now down 85 lbs total. Hooora! I love my band. Oop's, Disclaimer: not all results are the same as me. LOL. I am not the poster child for lap banding. LOL. But, I love the results!

I wanted to add to this post. I was told once by an Inamed rep that their lap band is designed to last a lifetime. In other words, the band should out live you. LOL. But they also said, technically there is a 5 year manufactures warranty on the Inamed lap band. Now,, who pays for a band to be replaced in that period of time if its defective??? As far as I've heard,, the only defective bands were the ones where the doctor screwed up and or where a fill tech missed the port and hit the tube. Those bands are checked so many times in the manufacturing process that if its a truely defective band, you might be a first. LOL. Keep us posted on this if you could, Thanks

I can't tell you which brand of band you have or which size. Your Doctor should have told you at the time of your surgery. You might want to give the clinic or surgeon a call and ask. I'm not trying to be a smart A#$, but its good to know this info. You didn't say where you were banded? I know when I had my lap band surgery at the Obesity Control Clinic, I received the box in which my band came in. On the box is the size and the serial number of my Inamed band. Also they give me a small credit card size card that gives me the same info.

Here's info straight from Inamed/Allergan The 9.75 cm and 10.0 cm LAP-BAND® Systems have a recommended maximum fill capacity of 4 cc’s. The LAP-BAND® VG and the LAP-BAND® APS have a recommended maximum fill of 10 cc’s and the LAP-BAND® APL band which has a recommended maximum fill of 14 cc’s. A lot of bandsters have been under the assumption they had more saline then what they really had. Have you thought of going to a different fill center and having all the saline removed to see how much you really have in it. Also, when refilling your band, have it done under fluoro with barium. A good fill doctor, as they inject the saline, can see the restriction as the barium flows through the band.

When you go to dial out on your cell phone, you got to check to see which cell carrier tower is connecting to your cell phone. I've noticed that when your in TJ, certain areas or on higher floors of the hotel or clinic, you can pick up the AT&T cell tower on the American side of the border. But at street level you might be connecting to the Mexican cell service, I think its MexTel or some other name, That's when they nail you with those high rates. Another thing I've noticed, I swear the Mexican cell phone company has automatic dialers that can detect American cell phones. Several times my cell phone went off and the caller ID wouldn't display a name.. If I would have answered the phone I would have contributed to the Mexican cell phone company. Them tricky Rascals!!!! Even Fransico, who works the internet room at the hotel Lucerna, said he's heard about this trick. The locals call it "The Joker". So the moral of this story is,,, before you dial or answer your cell phone,, check to see which cell phone tower your signal bouncing off. The OCC offers the free use of their phones and internet and the hotel Lucerna has free internet down in the lobby. PS, good job on the weight loss.

I know,, I wouldn't want to unfill it either,, but, its like some people that will have it unfilled before they go on a cruise. What can you say. Different strokes for different folks.

I wanted to add to this post,,, I talked to the Cosmed Plastic Surgery Clinic and they told me that its not mandatory to have your band empty when having a lower lift/tummy tuck. It just so happened in a couple cases where the patient didn't want to be restricted while recuperating from the plastic surgery. I guess its one of those mental things where you want to eat like an oinker while in pain from the lower lift/tummy tuck. LOL.

I think the hotel that was on the American side of the border that was reasonable and had shuttle and etc, fell though or they didn't live up to their promise for Dr. Ortiz's patients. There were a lot of complaints. I know you can have the OCC clinic get you their rate at the Lucerna ($80 - $90?? a night, I think, check with the OCC ). I also know there are several other hotels near the Lucerna that are cheaper. I'd contact the OCC and see if they can find you a place that's more reasonable than the Lucerna. Or do a Web search for hotels in TJ. Most of those hotels are only 6 to 8 blocks walking distance to the OCC clinic. If you find some place on your own and stay there, please post your findings here at the forum.

The Obesity Control Clinic has quickly replied that there have been several patients that have had tummy tucks before they had been lapbanded and had no problems. Remember it's wize to list your tummy tuck in your medical history before any surgery.