LoriBecky

Dr. Ortiz is being interviewed by "Coach Cher" on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bandbanter on Monday, November 17th - check your local time zone - I believe its 5pm central time. You can call in during the live show with questions - if you miss the show you can listen to it when you have a chance Let's all support Dr. O!

The Doctors will air Wednesday, November 12th http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_page/59 check your local listings!!

Please call the clinic for current pricing on "fill rides". Prices are now calculated individually and not based on sharing the ride with other patients. The costs of transportation have increased as has our patient load. You can get that information when you call to schedule your fill at 1-866-376-7849 ext. 2. Current standard prices are: $100 for the xray fee for the fill $199 includes the fill, and transportation to and from the clinic from the San Diego Airport $279 includes the above plus a night at the hotel. You can email appointments@obesitycontrolcenter.com or call 1-866-376-7849 ext. 2 for details and scheduling. The trolley is always an option for getting back and forth - here is a link to that post for more information: Bus/Trolley thank you!

today is a special on Teen Lap Band surgery - they have interviewed Dr. Ortiz and part I airs today, but Dr. Ortiz segment won't air for a couple of weeks - i'll update you!- check out your local listings: The Doctors

This is great! This is Dr. Martinez performing a fluoroscopy fill on a patient!

I'm so glad you and your baby are OK I'm not a doctor, but my guess is that you had a slip, probably fairly early on and that's what may have caused your problems - did you ever have a fill under fluoro or was it "blind fills"? If you did have a slip, that would be why the band seemed too low and crooked upon removal - that's what a slip looks like and would explain why it suddenly became tighter - it probably continued to slip and felt tighter as your pregnancy proceeded and you started to retain fluids. Most women don't even need an unfill during pregnancy, but some do, a removal is very rare! But if in fact it was a slip, and was worsening, this is what would happen. I'm glad you and your baby are OK!! Keep us posted do you know what you are having?

Julie, I am so sorry about your experience - I have forwarded your note to the clinic so they can make sure that doesn't happen again! There is a doctor on duty day and night, so even in the evenings or before or after hours you should always get someone on the phone. 1-866-376-7849 ext 5 for post-op docs, ext 3 for Dr. Martinez or ext. 4 for Dr. Ortiz. Victoria - I just sent you an email, I haven't received anything from you so please forward those emails with questions - i don't have anything from you - just went through my old emails and my junk folder and don't see anything - you can always call me 1-866-376-7849 ext. 81 with questions.

the doctor has been answering questions in video's - i'll submit yours - here is the link to the video's: Lap Band Videos

if you send me the information I will be happy to present it to the doctors. You know, sometimes you just need to ask the right way and give him details - most doctors won't commit to anything without all the details! We are all working so much lately that he honestly can't commit to anything outside of work, but send me the details and I'll see what I can do

Who is it that talked to Dr. Ortiz, I had let somebody know to email me with specifics and I would see what I could do. I was even going to try to work out some fill stuff with the clinic - please send me more detailed information and I will work on it!!

OPRAH TODAY!!!! check your local TV listings or go to the website: http://www.oprah.com/index spread the word!! Cassie on Oprah

Ok guys. I have to say this again, when you let some <insert name here> dictate how you react and whether or not you use the forum, you let him win. If you refuse to react he'll go away, just like a whiney little kid - he'll get bored and go. Don't give him what he wants. I can't say this enough... ignore ignore ignore. You are giving him exactly what he wants. I'll keep an eye out as will our other spaminators, but please do NOT RESPOND TO HIS POSTS OR EMAILS. thanks

You can go to this link and view our videos and subscribe so you can be alerted to new videos as they are added. There is a lot of great information here! Pass it on OCC Videos

http://gallery.me.com/arielortizlagardere/100036

We have some new help on the forum, most of you arleady know her <drumroll> welcome Clynn! She will be helping to keep the board clean, fun, friendly & supportive

done! its easier on us if you just report a topic or poster, otherwise I have to stumble upon messages to check. thanks let's keep our forum clean and supportive!

don't forget that aol is free now and they have easy chatrooms! you can make them private, so only those invited can enter, or public. Might be an easier way to chat!

> > > > > > > > all around!

The forum is going to be watched and monitored very closely (as much as we can). Patients come here for support and information, not to be threatened or harrassed. I won't hesitate to ban those that threaten our community or just want to shake things up by flinging insults at others. We need to keep this forum clean, safe and welcoming. I don't mean that posts need to be positive and singing praises... we all struggle and we all have different opnions, but negativity for the sake of negativity or just to "stir things up" isn't welcome here and will be shut down. That's just how it is and if you don't like it... sorry, find somewhere else to sling it. C'mon... let's get back to what this forum was intended for, supporting, encouraging, crying on each others shoulders (ok... computers) and generally helping each other through the ups and downs of life with the band. :cheerleader:

i feel a bump up is in order on this one...

Hi Donna, I'm so sorry you are having problems! I thought I would explain the charges in the event you need a replacement. Since often a band problem manifests itself in the port, we want to make sure that the problem is actually with your port and there is truly a leak. We don't make money from sending you out for an endoscopy. This is done to make sure we know what the problem is. I had my port moved a few months back and I was happy to pay the $250 to make sure I didn't have a problem with my band. Its a good idea to get an endoscopy periodically to check your band. If there truly is a problem with your port that requires a replacement we only charge the cost of the replacement port and the clinic fees, no charge for our physicians. If there is a manufacturer defect with the band, the costs will be reimbursed by the band manufacturer. We have to return the port to them for testing and if they conclude it was a defect, the port replacement fees will be refunded to you. I hope this better explains the fees involved. I know it BITES to have to put our more money for your band, that's why we only charge expenses for this service. If you need more of an explanation then I do suggest you speak with one of our doctors, they can probably explain it much better than I can! I really hope everything goes GREAT and you can get back on your way to success! :cheerleader:

i vote for San Diego (did I already vote? LOL) I'm sure we can get a visit from some of the OCC staff!!!

Ok bandsters I love you guys and love that you bring your heart and soul to the forum but.... this is a place for support and discussion - not childish arguments. Please... bring your opinions but leave the games at home with the kids. Dr. Ortiz does not want this going on at the forum and you will be seeing postings and topics disappear with the wave of my magic band wand if you don't play nicely. Now play nicely and no hitting, hair pulling or throwing of food (or broth if you are still on liquids) hahaha love you guys!

take a look at Dr. O's video!!! Avoiding a band slip by Dr. O

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