LoriBecky

Part of the reason we are getting more spam is because we are trying to get our forum "out there". We are doing more advertising for our forum so it pops up easily on a web search. I am working closely with our webmaster to see if we can block IP addresses. We do block spammer names, but they just get a new name. Please don't desert us!! Then the spammers win.

Hi Kay, I've searched the forum and must be missing your questions about Anesthesia. I'm at the toll free number 1-866-376-7849 ext 81 or you can email me directly at lori@obesitycontrolcenter.com and i'll be happy to answer your questions

they don't do Lap Bands there... I think they refer patients to us for that.

Try boiling your own chicken instead of sipping the canned stuff... makes a huge difference. Season it, add garlic & onions then strain it. You can bone the chicken and feed it to family or freeze it and save it for when you can start eating. The real chicken stock is soooooo much better than that canned stuff! Once you are onto the full liquids phase... trying adding a no sugar added fudgescicle... that was heaven LOL

Hi Cyndi Kevin and I are discussing the whole pictures in posts thing. We like to see pictures, too, but we have to figure out where to draw the line. What's ok and what's not, especially since we have teenagers posting and viewing our site. Thank you for your patience

Hi Bandsters, I removed the pictures from the post but left the link. We don't allow pictures directly on the website, but feel free to click the link if you'd like to look. Thanks!

Hey Kevin, I agree with you about the boards - everyone here is so supportive. I know some aren't experiencing the success they've hoped for, but even through our struggles, the support we give and receive here is awesome. You are all part of my band family and I cherish every one of you! >

I want to thank Kevin for his help as well. He has been a GREAT addition to the forum team! Oh... I added some more smiley choices to the forum - check them out!!! sending everyone a hug > Thanks Kevin =D>

Hi Chelley, I am so glad to hear that you are healthy and that you are able to keep your blood sugars under control - that is great news. I really am sorry you are struggling so much with your band and I wish you luck and success on your journey to your goal weight. We are all here for you and wishing you the best!

HI Kay, Dr. Martinez assists Dr. Ortiz with surgery. Dr. Ortiz is the lead surgeon on all surgeries performed at Obesity Control Center and Dr. Ortiz authored the book Lap-Band for Life. We are currently out of stock, but hope to have it available after the first of the year

HI Chelley, My condolences to you on the loss of your grandfather. I'm so sorry! I know I am one of the lucky ones that has had success with the band, but I do have to watch what I eat and old habits are hard to overcome. I do worry about you Chelley, eating only spoonfuls of food and not losing weight. I'm not a nurse or a doctor, but I wonder if something else might not be the problem. I don't know, but I can't understand not losing weight while eating so little food. Have you been tested for thyroid or other metabolic issues? I can tell you I eat more than spoonfuls of food and because of a back issue am not exercising at all, in fact I have to go in for a procedure on my back next week because of a buldging disc (prayers are appreciated, i'm a nervous nelly especially when it comes to needles in my spine!). The band isn't the miracle cure I had envisioned, but it is a tool that I'm leaning to use more effectively everyday. Sometimes what I think I need is someone slapping my hand as I reach towards a piece of chocolate, but overall, I am happy with my band and I don't say that because I work for Dr. Ortiz. I work for Dr. O because I believe in the band. I wouldn't do this if I didn't believe in it. Chelley, I wish I had some insight into why you are struggling so much, but unfortunately I don't, but I'm here for you anytime you'd like to talk and I'm happy to set up another telephone consult with one of the doctors anytime you'd like

You can avoid PBing and sliming by eating slowly, chewing thoroughly and not drinking while you are eating. Don't worry too much about the scale not moving. My scale didn't move much in the month of September but my inches kept coming off. It started moving again in October and though I'm slowing down, I'm still really happy with my progress and getting closer to my goal all the time If you seem to be having more of a problem with PBing or sliming try going on liquids for a day or two and them start eating slowly and chewing well. Sometimes you can cause an irritation at your band from repetitive PBing and the only way to relieve it is to give your band a break and relax a bit. I seem to do much better if I avoid soft bread type food (muffins, bread, stuffing!). If you want the scale to move, stick with your post-op eating plan... protein first, then greens, then fruits and carbs last. It really does help (oh... and this is for you Chelley) drink your water!!! I want to thank Kevin (CalKev) for helping me keep our board clean... he is our official SPAMINATOR. He can answer general questions about his experience with the band, but please, if you have specific questions, contact me or someone at the clinic, and as always, if you have a concern, use the cell phone numbers you were given at the clinic and if you feel you have an emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency room I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Here is the place for December surgery patients to post. We dont' have a lot of surgeries scheduled in December, and so far... no posts, but let's keep it organized and post here for December: December Surgery Patients

Hi, I did have a plateau for a few weeks, the scale didn't budge, but I still lost inches. I thought I might need another fill, but I started re-evaluating my food choices, made some needed adjustments and the scaled started moving again - YIPEE.. down 55 pounds since June

Hey Maggie, I think I know who you are the problem on this forum currently is that we don't have a lot of long term bandsters posting since the forum is kind of new (compared to the others) and it seems that once a bandsters is on their way and not having problems they kind of desert us! (I'm guilty of that myself on other forums!) So.... anybody out there that knows a long(er) term bandster, let 'em know we need to hear from them!

Hi Roo, Its $350 for non patients

The audience would be banded patients or those thinking of becomming a bandster. There will be seminars, informational boothes, doctors speaking, support groups. They have a before and after fashion show so you can see some of the amazing weight loss successes

Here's the link to the Seattle Bandster Splash & Bash Dr. Ortiz, Carolyn & I will all be there Seattle Bandster Bash

Washington Bandster Bash... I'll post this link on the general forum as well... here's the link It is February 16, 17 & 18th in Seattle Seattle Bandster Bash

Are you having problems with PBing or eating food? Are you able to take in liquids without problems? You don't want a band that is too tight or you increase your risk of a slip. If you are unsure, please call Dr. Martinez on his cell phone, if you don't have that number anymore, email me directly. Or call the clinic directly (ext 83) and ask to speak with him, he can help determine if you are too restricted.

Mandy, I couldn't feel my port until I had lost a substantial amount of weight. Until my first fill, what I thought I was feeling as my port was actually the scar tissue forming under the larger incision. THey don't place the port right under the incision so scar tissue doesn't form on top of the port. It has only been in the last few weeks that I can really find my port when I feel for it - and I"m down 50 pounds now. I hope your port hasn't flipped, that doesn't happen often, but can happen, especially if you were doing too much lifting too soon. Just take a deep breath and wait til Monday. That is the beautyf of having your fills under xray - because even if the port moves around they can usually still see it and do your fill. If you have any questions about your port, or want a 2nd opinion after you get the xray - please call Dr. Martinez on his cell. If you need that number again, please email me directly

Thanks Kevin I'm always happy to answer questions. Feel free to email me or call me at the toll free number.

Support and coordinate travel with other March Fill patients here. here's a link to the great post by Marys about bus/trolley rides Bus/Trolley Info Don't forget if you can coordinate with other patients to arrive at the airport at the same time, you can share the cost of our fill transport. Its $130 and can carry up to 6 passengers. Just get yourselves coordinated and schedule with Rene at the clinic.

Support and coordinate travel with other February Fill patients here. here's a link to the great post by Marys about bus/trolley rides Bus/Trolly Info Don't forget if you can coordinate with other patients to arrive at the airport at the same time, you can share the cost of our fill transport. Its $130 and can carry up to 6 passengers. Just get yourselves coordinated and schedule with Rene at the clinic.

Please feel free to call me if you want information about the Band over Bypass surgery. I'd also be happy to set up a phone conference with a doctor if you'd like to ask questions