LoriBecky

At this point I think its best to close this topic. If you have any questions, please contact me directly

Hi Cindy, My husband and I drive when we go to TJ and haven't had any problems, but I do suggest the Mexican auto insurance for anyone considering driving - your U.S. insurance is void in Mexico!! good luck and keep us posted!

You shouldn't have a problem. Just make sure you put your name & surgery date in the notes section. If you have a limit of what you can send in each transaction - you can always send 4 payments of $2,000 (someone else had this problem - the whole $8,000 at one time, so I had them make 4 payments of $2,000 - and that went through fine - again - just remember to note who its for and the surgery date. Good luck!

Hi , I did send a note to Rene at the clinic, asking precisely what each test is for, I know generally, but I want to answer the question properly, so as soon as I hear back, I'll let you know

I haven't had any trouble with fiber pills getting stuck, but you might want to check which ones you are taking. I take fibercon - they are mostly soluble fiber - which don't generally cause what they call a "choking hazard" - some of the other fiber choices that have insoluble fiber may. So check labels. I always break mine in half first. I have other issues that I take fiber for, so I take them prior to eating a salad, or something that might be a little harder to disgest because they "coat" my stomach... but again - I take soluble fiber not insoluble fiber. The growling in your stomach... I experienced that a lot - and very loudly, but it didn't come with pangs of hunger at all. Was a wierd sensation to hear and feel my stomach growling, but not feel hungry, but I was drinking almost constantly. Make your own chicken broth... boil a chicken and toss onions and veggies in there - then just strain it before you drink it. It also makes dinners for the rest of the family (i made chicken enchiladas, etc with the chicken I boiled) Good luck

Dr. Miranda at the clinic will tell you that capsules are OK to take - you don't have to break them open. If a pill is larger than an advil, you should check with your pharmacist - and if its ok to break it, then do that. I take capsules for migrains and haven't had a problem. I do tend to break apart my fiber pills and my larger medication, but I made sure it was OK with my pharmacist first.

The 50% statistic is the same as gastric bypass. It is considered a success if you lose and keep off at least 50% of your excess weight. That doesn't mean you can't or won't lose more than that. Its up to you. The band is just a tool, you have to do the work, learn new habits and make healthy choices.

Hey Dixie, What do you do for work? Just make sure you are lifting anything for at least 2 weeks. If you need more time off, you can get a leave of absence note from the office. A lot of people do go back to work right after surgery, and while I was feeling pretty good, I'm not sure I could have put in 8 hour days so soon. Don't over do anything!

If anyone sees any inappropriate posts or ads on our board, please contact me immediately and I will delete the post. We want a clean, friendly, helpful board! Thanks!

I got my first fill today and got to spend some time with Dr. Ortiz at the clinic - he is truly amazing - as is everyone there! I got a 1.4 cc fill. I'm hoping that's enough. I was worried to have too much restriction. I'll keep everyone posted!! If you are debating whether or not its worth going back to OCC for your fills, especially that first one, I would say YES! Dr. Ortiz and everyone else there really do care how you are doing and want you to be successful on your journey.

Hi Transportation for fills is not included. You can use our driver, and that is $130 round trip. There are other ways to get to the clinic. Maybe we can start a fill trip coordination topic on the forum... if you can plan to meet up with someone at the airport and combine the ride, it will save you money, no matter how you get there. I'll do some checking into this topic and try to post something next week.

Hi All, Something Dr. Miranda suggested to me... if you feel particularly dry and need some moisture after a bite, suck a little bit on an ice cube. It will give you that moisture in your mouth, but you really won't be taking in much liquid.

Hi Maria, A little trick that someone shared with me - and since I'm newly banded, I can't recommend if it works or not, but I will share it. I've heard that if you drink cold liquids shortly before eating it will restrict you more and if you feel too restricted - like in the morning - drink a warm/hot beverage and it will relax it a bit. Again... this could be an urband legend... but it won't hurt - so give it a try

Hi, I'm not only newly banded, but new to work with OCC as well. If you'd like to email me directly with your question I can get in you touch with some of my associates that have been banded much longer, and they can get back to you - you can always call us at the toll free # as well!

Hi Maria, It is possible to puncture the port or tubing during a fill especially if the doctor doesn't do it under fluoroscopy, it doesn't mean that's what has happened to you, but it can happen. I think your weight loss is great - we want slow and steady. Its a much healthier way to lose, and you are learning new, great habits as you go along. I go for my first fill on Wednesday, I'm so excited, but I'm also going with the knowledge that I do swell very easily, so I may feel a great restriction right after my fill, but that might reduce some after my stomach has settled down. What I'm saying is, I'm anticipating having to go a few times to hit my 'sweet spot' for fills. Just remember, this isn't a race to the finish line, but the nice part is... once we cross that line, the band makes it much easier to maintain the weightloss. As all of us know, losing the weight wasn't the problem in our past... it was keeping it off Let me know if you have any questions!

Did Dr. Miranda tell you that you could add a fiber pill to your diet a couple of times a day? I know it doesn't sound like much but it really did help. You can have as much chicken broth, popsicles, etc as you like. I found that usually I was more thirsty than hungry. Are you keeping yourself well hydrated?

Deb... that's great!!! I know the liquid thing gets old fast... I ended up treating myself with some fat free frozen yogurt or a weight watchers fudgesicle... still liquid - but really helped me feel like I was eating something

Laura, i'm SO jealous!!! I had my surgery before you and don't get my first fill until next week! I'm glad it all went so well. Keep us all posted on your progress

Hi Mystery, Give me a call! I'd love to talk to you about my own Lap Band experience so far, as well as give you information about Dr. Ortiz We will ask you about your past attempts at dieting, but it isn't a requirement of surgery. You need a BMI of 30 or more, plus a minimum of 50 pounds to lose, much less stringent than U.S.! I wouldn't have qualified for surgery in the U.S., even as a cash patient, my insurance basically laughed at me. Call or email me anytime!

Hi, Feel free to call me anytime for informatin about Dr. Ortiz, you can also look at this site Dr Ortiz it has great information. If you call, feel free to ask me about my own experience with Dr. Ortiz. I don't just work for him, I'm a patient as well!

If you wonder why people are going to Mexico, Gini is right, there is no one better qualified or skilled than Dr. Ortiz. Here is a great place to check out his qualifications: Dr. Ortiz If I can be of any help, please feel free to email me, you can find my email address below.

Hey Gini, No problem, the site is a great resouce. I sent you a private email about how to post new topics. As always, anyone please feel free to contact me directly with questions about Lap Band surgery or forum questions. My email is listed below

Deb - yeahhhhhhhhhhhh whooooooooooooooopie - so happy for you No smoking ever!!!! Please, you are on the road to health... don't jeapordize that by smoking! My progress is going well, so far i'm down about 25 pounds and I go for my first fill next week I'm very excited, not only to get my fill, but to go back to the clinic and see everyone again. Let me know if you need anything!

Hi could one of you send me this information as well. It would be information for me to keep handy for patients. Thanks!

Hi I think I got your email and responded to it today. I'm not sure of your actual identity or email address, but it looked like it was from you - same quote as from forum. Thanks