LoriBecky

(peeking around to see if Chelley is here... don't wanna get smacked) ok... I can't say this enough DRINK DRINK DRINK! You need to be taking in a MINIMUM of 64 ounces per day - at least 1/2 of that pure water! It makes a huge difference in the ummm outcome (pun intended!) Drink all day, just not while you are eating or for an hour after! If you really get backed up - you may want to try some milk of magnesia (make sure it doesn't interfer with any meds you are already taking)

I have been on restriction for a YEAR - no exercise because of a back problem that cleared up as I lost weight... then as I lost weight they discovered a very large hernia that I had repaired in March. I have just been released back to exercise - funny, first time i've EVER been excited about exercise! I'm trying to go on a power walk every morning (before it gets too hot) today, because I was sore, I went on a fast walk but not a power walk - but... I did get a "weet woo" from a construction worker - woohoo LOL Exercise not only makes us feel better, it helps with the weight loss and ummmm helps to put things back where they are supposed to be (yes, i'm talking about my derrier!) I also use the quiet time to pray and work on my poetry - so turn off the TV, leave the Ipod at home and get out and enjoy nature, even if it is just to walk to the corner and back!

We do take credits cards, we just take them through Paypal. Too many of our patients would come down, credit card in hand only to have their credit card company not accept the charge because it is a foreign country and that waves a red flag... then we have to cancel that patients surgery. Paypal is a safer, easier way to make your payments without having to give out your credit card number! We still sometimes have some credit card companies not allow the full amount to go through and our patients have to make several smaller payments over the course of several days. If you are speaking of Care Credit, no we don't take them because they don't take us. They won't finance surgeries performed outside of the U.S. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions

there is a toll free # to call for information on shipping charges from our estore - its run by Bariatric Advantage. I think it just depends on what you order! I think the Centrum Chewables are pretty good - but I bought the Target generic of the Centrum - Y I K E S!!! lol never again!

S E V E N T Y pounds but i'm more excited about the inches!!! As you all know I never post this stuff about myself because I want this forum to be about you guys - but what the heck... i'm excited

Ok my bandster buddies, this one is all about ME! Today is one day before my band anniversary, so I measured myself since I had done so the day before my surgery last year. :::::::::Drumroll please:::::::::::: I've lost 65 inches - SIXTY-FIVE INCHES this year - do I hear a roar from the crowd?!?!?!!? lol Thank you guys so much for your support and help in keeping me on track. I finally started really exercising this week (its been a year since I was allowed to exercise, too!!) so I'm hoping the inches keep coming off! I'll be at the clinic next Thursday (6/21) for my 2nd fill. I'm excited to meet those of you that will be there that day Love you guys!! - and I just have to say WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

From a health standpoint - yes, smoking does hurt you! You need to quit a MINIMUM of 2 weeks prior to surgery, more if you've smoked for a long time. I don't believe the smoking does damage to the band... but it certainly doesn't do you any good! Ok... stepping down off my soapbox

during the pre-op tomatoes aren't good - too much sugar - it is green salad - greens only!! I think it would be hilarious to bring Dr. Miranda a big trough of salad... but not sure you can get that across the border LOL oh well... you can just go to the Costco there in TJ! Yes, the fiber capsules do help with the hunger.... but if its head hunger you are dealing with you need to find a diversion... just come to the forum!!!

I add fiber daily into my diet because of IBS (irritable bowel) I use soluable fiber that dissolves completely in liquid (its tasteless and I add it to water or juice. We offer fiber on our website Estore or you can buy it at your local drug/discount store (Benefiber, Metamucil, etc) I believe you can also buy fiber in chewable form. If you have any issues with IBS - this is a great site and is where I purchase my fiber Help For IBS Good luck

That recommendation is for the PRE-OP DIET!!!

Dr. Romero does the fills

You guys are too funny of course all my patients know, and most of my family knows but most of my friends & acquiantences - NOPE they don't - unless I think the band would benefit them and then of course, I tell them. I didn't tell anybody before I went because I didn't want to hear the "Mexico.. are you crazy?!!?!?" I had done my research and knew Dr O was the best surgeon for the job, anywhere in the world!!! Then, because I was so impressed, I started working for him. So... semi-secret bandsters UNITE lol

No... its UP TO 4 pounds of greens per day prior to surgery. For snacking, salads, to help with hunger... you don't HAVE to eat it. I'm just cracking up - I can't imagine someone force feeding themselves 4 pounds of salad a day!!! I love you guys - you keep me smiling

do the chewables! We offer a great line of vitamins at our estore - specifically formulated for bandsters! here's the link: Estore Vitamins

Support & coordinate with other July Fill Patients here Here is the link to theBus/Trolley Info Just call the clinic 1-866-376-7849 ext. 2 to schedule your fill.

Congratulations If we haven't already spoken, I'm sure we will! If you have any questions let me know :-h

if only it were a 100 times LOl I'm just kidding Call me as often as you like, and yes, I'm planning on being at the clinic on the 21st of June... so batton down the hatches TJ here I come LOL I'll visit the surgery patients once they've had their happy juice IV and get them to tell me their secrets bwahahaha

I just answer questions about OCC and our practices - I have no idea how often other centers, or which centers, use the VG band. You may be able to find that out through some internet searches or on other forums There are actually other sized gastric bands out there besides the VG and standard band.

be careful about studies, sometimes that is a fancy word for doctors that are training in the band - ask how many bands the surgeon has placed and how many teens the surgeon has performed Lap Band surgery on! Experience is very important for proper band placement!

Hey Judy, you can call or email me anytime with questions! I'll be happy to help any way I can.

The most frequently used bands are the 10 cm (4cc) the "standard band", and the larger VG (Vanguard) band is which is 14cm long (10cc's). The VG band is generally used on patients with a higher BMI with more belly fat, but strangely enough some of the higher BMI patients have rather small stomachs or not much fat accumlated right next to their stomach, and a few lower BMI patients that from the outside would appear to need a standard band have a lot of fat accumulated on their stomach hence they need the VG band. That's why the doctor can't make a final determination until he's "in there" I hope that helps.

Jennifer - i can't make a recommendation but I can give you some names - email me!! Lori

no surgery on the 21st.... but I'm hoping to be there for a fill on the 21st!!

FOLLOW YOUR DOCTORS ORDERS.... PERIOD! If you have a question about what your doctor has instructed then call!! I'd be happy to put you through to Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Miranda if you question the post-op diet regimen

Not true The VG band is reserved for those patients that have the BMI or anatomy that requires it. The standard band is still just that... standard and most frequently used.