LoriBecky

excuse me... its called the toot and scoot i don't even know what to post here i'm just cracking up - maybe its the pain meds you'll be fine!!!

I would actually just eat at the Lucerna - they have really good food. I don't know about the restaurants in TJ - that would be a better question for Rene - he lives there!

Here is a deal for Dr. Ortiz patients flying into the San Diego airport for a fill and wanting to stay overnight. The shuttle service from the airport to the hotel is $50 (EACH WAY********) and then you get freeeeeee shuttle service to the clinic and back. The hotel has great rates (currently King size bed with kitchenette (microwave & frig.) - $71.77 includes taxes or 2 beds with kitchenette (microwave & frig) - $77.29 includes taxes) Make sure you mention Dr. Ortiz! Here's the website: America's Best Value Inn San Ysidro Here's their direct number 619-690-2633 To be honest, I have never been to this hotel so I don't know much about it, so if anybody stays there please come back and write a review But they are offering a nice rate and include the free shuttle service to all the TJ Medical clinics so I wanted to let you guys know about it! **********Updated info

Hi Just call or email me and i'll be happy to answer any questions you have about Lap Band surgery with Dr. Ortiz

Hi my bandster family, I just wanted to apologize for not being around very much lately - I had my hernia surgery and that recovery is taking much longer than I had thought (even though my doctor warned me it was a very large, very deep hernia!) he also had to do some other exploratory work and repair in there... so I was pretty beaten up. Dr. O has been keeping me very very busy with surgery patients lately so I've had very little time to spend with all of you. I wanted you to know that I miss you guys and that if anyone needs to get in touch with me, just email me directly at lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com and i'll get back to you ASAP!! Thanks to my helpers on the forum for keeping up with the spammers! > > > > > > > > > to all of you!!

Here's a link to get you started... but the staff at the clinic, and Mrs. Ortiz are great resources as well! Mexico Online - Tijuana

QUIT at least 2 weeks before surgery - its for your safety! I have seen patients get postponed because of their lung test, its not worth it!

Hi all I had surgery on Friday and am still recovering. I've been trying to go through my emails, but I'm still in pain and feeling a bit loopy from the pain meds. If you need anything please call Carolyn at ext. 82 or Rene at ext. 83 for assistance.

Call or email me directly for more information on Dr. Ortiz

Hey April Fill Patients - here's your place to get to know other April fill patients & even coordinate with them Remember you can share the round trip transportation from our driver $130 round trip - up to 6 passengers (Call Rene ext 2 to schedule your fill and/or ride). Here is the information for the Bus/Trolley system to easily get to the border from the airport.

LeeAnne, It sounds to me like with the working out you may be adding muscle - have you checked your inches lost? You can certainly email Dr. Miranda about inches lost and see what she says! Or just call her (ext 86) and review it with her! Or you can call me and we'll call her together!

try adding something to it... some real vanilla or some other type of flavor. I still add a bit of peanut butter to my protein shake... it makes a HUGE difference. You can always plug your nose and chug-a-lug

My personal opinion is that they set these ridiculous goals because they know so many people will drop out and not be able to keep with the program or will get discouraged, then they won't have to pay for the surgery. Its really too bad, but I get to meet all you fabulous people because of it

not uncommon excuse me LOL are you eating faster than you were before - I find when I try to eat too fast or too much I really burp and sometimes loudly - not good when you are out for a romantic dinner

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Hi Christine, Thank you SOOOOO much for sharing your story, it is so nice for bandsters considering pregnancy to hear your great success story and.... CONGRATULATIONS!!!! >

Hi Pam, Of course we like all our patients to return to us for fills and follow-up, especially that very important first fill! You can check out Fill Centers USA to see if they have a location that is convenient for you - that's not a recommendation - just passing along a resource. If that doesn't work out for you - email me and i'll try to get you some additional resources.

Hi Just so you know - this forum is pretty new, that's why you don't see a lot of long term bandsters posting here. The other reason is... for some reason when people are having great success with the band and no longer need support... they kind of ditch us LOL I would love to see some long term bandsters come and give the support that they wanted when they were at the beginning of their journey. I've posted this here before, but when I was first having and recovering from my hysterectomy I posted at hystersisters constantly - looking for support and answers to my questions - once I was fine and on my way... I vanished. I go back now because of you guys... because I realize they need me like we need successful, long term bandsters here... nothing like a mirror in your face! If anybody knows any long term bandsters - even banded by another doc - encourage them to come to the boards and support people that are about to have surgery or are just learning to live with the band. All the research in the world doesn't compare with the conversation and support of someone living with it! I know I need you guys a lot - I'm still a baby bandster!!

ok... here is what I've discovered about my band (and some I've heard from other bandsters) Cold liquids can make your band feel more restricted while warm liquids can help ease that If you are retaining water (like on your preiod or other reasons) your band may feel tighter - its common for women to have more restriction during their cycle. If you've irritated your band (something got stuck... you PB'd, etc) you may feel more restriction for a couple of days until you let that swelling go down Most bandsters report more restriction in the morning... not sure why - but that's been my experience and I've heard that a lot. My advice (remember... this is just what has worked for me... call the doc for specific advice) if you irritate your band - stick with liquids for awhile - sometimes it takes a day or two - if you keep irritating it... you could wind up with an emergency unfill on your hands! >

did Michele just say I was shrinking mentally? lol hmmmm I'll have to think about - what was I talking about? nevermind

it will get better! If you ever have any symptoms that are worrisome - just call me - if its after hours I have Dr. Martinez cell # on my outgoing message = you can always reach him!

you can try here: Lap-Band

that's not uncommon at all.. especially with the swelling and your stomach getting used to the band. That ability will return - believe me! lol

The needle for fills/unfills is going directly into the port. Remember, lots of women have amniocentesis and that needle goes straight into the womb!!

moving this one up... c'mon March patients!!! :-h