LoriBecky

Hi Roo, I don't show you scheduled for a consult with Dr. Ortiz on the 4th. Call me so we can straighten it out. Thanks.

Hi Ashley, Have your mom look around the site, or have her call me. I've talked to other people's mom's to put them at ease. I think it helps them to hear from someone who's been banded! You can also show them the website. If they still have any doubts, let's set up a phone consult with Dr. Ortiz and you and your mom. He is wonderful and can explain everything!

Hello Has anyone ever stayed at the Best Western Americana? I'd like to hear from people who know of it or have stayed there. Is it nice? Safe neighborhood? How was the shuttle service? Thanks! We're all in this together

I've blocked banddoctor from posting for now - no ads on our boards. If you need information about fill docs you can always email me. I don't know anything about this person. I think its better if bandsters give other bandsters referrals to doctors they've used!

you have probably irriated yourself from swallowing too much at one time and not properly chewing it. You can always go liquid for a couple of days to let things settle down. but it is always a good idea to check with your doctor!

I had my purse with me and left it in the room... i suppose you guys could trade off watching each others purses if you have a friend coming with you. I never felt like my possessions weren't safe there. If you feel the need to have it secured, just ask Rene or Dorella at the clinic if they can stash it for you. And yes, you do get a WLS card

Sally, did they figure out why your band slipped?

HI I'm starting this topic because I've had questions from patients starting off with a low BMI (30-35). Feel free to post away

Chelley, I'm sorry you are having such a struggle with your band. You know more about the band than most people, but I'm going to ask these questions anyway, because even though I'm sure you know this, it might help someone else. Are you drinking while you are eating or withing an hour after eating? Are you taking in any extra high calorie liquids (or soft foods) Are you drinking lots of water between meals... your body needs the water to lose weight. Fish is easier on your stomach than chicken and chicken is easier than beef. If you find you aren't getting your protein in with food... which should be your first choice, try adding low carb/high protein shake once a day - since my restriction is tightest in the morning, I usually have one for breakfast. If you are doing all these things correctly, I'd say its time to give Dr. Ortiz a call. He really does care about his patients and wants you to be successful with the band.

OK... i called the office on this one and asked Dr. Romero. You can have a couple of sips of champagne during the wedding toast. You might want to ask for your glass to be poured early - so you can let some of the bubbles dissipate (and ALL the foam) -but remember.... just sips and just a very little!! As a general rule... no carbonated beverages!!!! Have a wonderful time at the wedding

The hotel is not covered for the fill, nor is the transportation for the fill. There is a great deal on a hotel in San Diego - the Best Western Americana Inn - you need to get to them from the airport, but they do provide free shuttle service to all medical clinics in Tijuana. Their # is 619-428-5521. The last time I checked their rate was $56.95 for a single.

They do have shampoo & soap on the counter. If you need anything else, just ask at the front desk, they are very helpful!

You might want to get your barium xray from your current doc. You can send it to Dr. Ortiz and have a phone consult with him. He will want to see your actual x-ray - not the report. Call either me or Carolyn and we can help you coordinate this. If anyone can perform your surgery, it would be Dr. Ortiz. He is THE expert in Lap Band Surgery (he even performs band over bypass... a LapBand over a previous gastric bypass... not many doctors are skilled enough to do that! Don't give up!

Please go here for other September surgery patients September surgery patients

The GasX really did help me. I don't think I had too much gas though, and I did walk a lot right after surgery(this really is the best remedy). I walked around the clinic that night quite a bit and then the next day my husband and I went shopping around Tijuana.

Nothing worse then being half way through your flight and hitting turbulance with no drugs, lol. True! Dr. Ortiz does give you 4 Supradol's (sublingual) upon discharge from the clinic. This should be plenty to get you home - so you can leave the liquid Tylenol at home. If you have a long flight, I would suggest you take the Supradol at boarding - you'll probably end up sleeping most of the way! Since I'm from California, I just took mine as we left the hotel and i really had no pain all the way home (and 2 hours in line at the border) what did hurt was watching my husband eat the freshly made churros and all I could do was smell 'em!

Hi Use this area to coordinate fill trips with other September fill patients. The cost of the clinic shuttle service is $130 round trip - cash to the driver. The cost of this can be shared. Just contact Rene at the clinic once you are ready to schedule. Our driver can carry up to 6 passengers. Here's a link to a great post by marys about bus/trolley information Bus/Trolley info

Roo, SlimFast used to make a high protein/low carb shake with Soy in it... don't know if they still do - but you might check that out as well.

Hi Bundle, I'm sorry you have had such a rough time. I hope your counseling and recovery go well. The good news is that once you feel more in control, your band will still be there, helping you back to a healthy weight. We are all anxious to hear about your progress.

Hi I've spoken with you and your friend on the phone I'm so glad you were able to get your surgeries booked together! I think the best advice I've seen on the forum is don't try to eat as much as you can with the band... try to see how little you can eat and be satisfied! There are ways to "eat around the band" - don't do it... follow the advice from the doctors, excercise and try to make healthy choices! Please feel free to contact me with any questions!

Sounds like you are doing the right thing... quitting early! I would suggest some walking as well... anything to increase your lung function! Swimming and walking are great exercises. Just smoke one last cigarette tonight and toss 'em - you are on your way to being healthier... why hang onto that bad habit!! I know its hard, but think about how happy you'll be when they are out of your life

If you have surgery planned for September with Dr. Ortiz, here is the place for support & planning - maybe even to meet people who have surgery planned for the same day. Disclaimer: While this board is generally a safe place, please use caution when coordinating travel/meetings with other patients.

If you have an August surgery date... you can support each other here... maybe even plan to meet on surgery day. Disclaimer: While this board is generally a safe place, please use caution when coordinating travel/meetings with other patients.[/

Congrats!!! I remember speaking with you. I'm so glad you were able to get it all worked out! Good luck and keep us posted!

Not, when were you last checked under fluoroscopy? I'm wondering if you need another fill. If you are able to eat a full meal it would seem you don't have enough restriction.