fat2nrml Posted June 25, 2007 Report Share Posted June 25, 2007 HELLO EVERYONE!! I'M NEW TO ALL THIS AND I'VE BEEN DOING ALOT OF RESEARCH ONLINE. THEY WON'T DO MY SURGERY IN THE STATES CAUSE THEY SAY I'M OBESE BUT NOT MORBIDLY. I WANTED TO HEAR FROM PEOPLE THAT HAD THEIR SURGERY IN MEXICO, WHERE THEY HAD IT AND HOW THEY RATE THEIR EXPERIANCE. I'M SCARED ABOUT GOING TO MEXICO, READ SOME STORIES THAT SOUNDED PRETTY BAD [ABOUT HOW THEY WERE TREATED.] I'D LIKE TO HEAR SOME FIRST HAND STORIES SO I CAN KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. ALSO, I'M FROM CENTRAL PENNA. AND WOULD LIKE TO FIND A PLACE TO GET MY FILLS SO THAT I WOULDN'T HAVE TO TRAVEL BACK TO MEXICO.. GOTTA GO FOR NOW..... I APPRECIATE ALL HELP!! > DARLENE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Robrn90 Posted June 25, 2007 Report Share Posted June 25, 2007 HELLO EVERYONE!! I'M NEW TO ALL THIS AND I'VE BEEN DOING ALOT OF RESEARCH ONLINE. THEY WON'T DO MY SURGERY IN THE STATES CAUSE THEY SAY I'M OBESE BUT NOT MORBIDLY. I WANTED TO HEAR FROM PEOPLE THAT HAD THEIR SURGERY IN MEXICO, WHERE THEY HAD IT AND HOW THEY RATE THEIR EXPERIANCE. I'M SCARED ABOUT GOING TO MEXICO, READ SOME STORIES THAT SOUNDED PRETTY BAD [ABOUT HOW THEY WERE TREATED.] I'D LIKE TO HEAR SOME FIRST HAND STORIES SO I CAN KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. ALSO, I'M FROM CENTRAL PENNA. AND WOULD LIKE TO FIND A PLACE TO GET MY FILLS SO THAT I WOULDN'T HAVE TO TRAVEL BACK TO MEXICO.. GOTTA GO FOR NOW..... I APPRECIATE ALL HELP!! > DARLENE Hi Darlene, I had my surgery May 23rd by Dr Ortiz in TJ Mexico. I could not have had a better experience. Everyone was really nice, they took care of every detail. The clinic was very very clean and up to date. The rest of the staff was also great. I wish I could remember the name of my nurse because I thought she was fantastic!!! I'm an RN so also was very skeptical about surgery in Mexico to begin with. I reasearched it to death, and found that Dr Ortiz has done over 4000 bandings...alot more than any of the US Drs I researched. I absolutely feel confident in referring anyone to Dr Ortiz and his staff!!! As far as fills, I am going to use Fill Centers USA...do a seach on there there is probably one in your area and if not...start called surgeon who do lap bandings, occasionally you will find one that will fill another surgeons patient....Robin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat2nrml Posted June 25, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2007 Hi Darlene, I had my surgery May 23rd by Dr Ortiz in TJ Mexico. I could not have had a better experience. Everyone was really nice, they took care of every detail. The clinic was very very clean and up to date. The rest of the staff was also great. I wish I could remember the name of my nurse because I thought she was fantastic!!! I'm an RN so also was very skeptical about surgery in Mexico to begin with. I reasearched it to death, and found that Dr Ortiz has done over 4000 bandings...alot more than any of the US Drs I researched. I absolutely feel confident in referring anyone to Dr Ortiz and his staff!!! As far as fills, I am going to use Fill Centers USA...do a seach on there there is probably one in your area and if not...start called surgeon who do lap bandings, occasionally you will find one that will fill another surgeons patient....Robin Hi Robin! Thanks so much for your reply! I did send my info to OCC last night, so I'll see what they have to say. How does the process go? Do you have to send a deposit? I have SO many questions!! I did a search on Fill centers USA and there aren't any locally. I have emailed a few other facilities and am waiting for replys. I appreciate your input, it's kind of scarry going through this. I don't know anyone personally who's been banded. Thanks again!! Darlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Robrn90 Posted June 27, 2007 Report Share Posted June 27, 2007 Hi Robin! Thanks so much for your reply! I did send my info to OCC last night, so I'll see what they have to say. How does the process go? Do you have to send a deposit? I have SO many questions!! I did a search on Fill centers USA and there aren't any locally. I have emailed a few other facilities and am waiting for replys. I appreciate your input, it's kind of scarry going through this. I don't know anyone personally who's been banded. Thanks again!! Darlene Hi Darlene, I did have to send a deposit, 500.00. After I talked with Carolyn she emailed me a packet of info to fill out. I printed it out, filled it out and mailed it back. I then talked with her and confirmed a date for my surgery, had a phone consult with Dr Miranda ( nutritionist). Emailed them my flight schedule, recieved a confirmation. I think they required the rest of the money a week prior to surgery ( but I can't remember for sure) It will all be in the info they send you. From there they took care of everything. They were at the airport when I arrived, took my friend and I to the hotel, made sure we got checked in and told me they would pick me up the next morning which they did. Took us to the clinic, did my lab work, had a consult and EKG with the cardiologist, and Dr Miranda. Took us back to a very nice private room with flat screen TV, I talked with the nurse, anethesiologist and a couple of other people. I got into my gown, paper thong type panties ( wooooohoooo, now that was a sight!!!) and the nurse put the TED hose on me. A few minutes later I was taken to the OR, had my surgery, back to the room in less than an hour, and was up walking about 15min after I returned to my room. I spent the rest of the evening and night, resting and walking, and visiting with some of the other women who had surgery that day. We were taken back to the hotel the next morning, within an hour or so several of us went shopping for several hours. Came back to the hotel, rested, looked around, had a wonderful time. I honestly could have gone back to work within 2 days had I wanted to, it was a piece of cake! They took us back to the airport the next morning, and home I came.. Don't be stressed, for me at least it was sooooo much easier than I thought it would be.....This of course was the condenced version so any specific questions don't hesitate to ask...Robin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat2nrml Posted June 29, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2007 Hello again Robin!! Nice to hear from you! Thanks for all the info., it's really making the decision to go easier! Carolyn called me [i believe it was Carolyn, I was so shocked that she called me the same day I sent my info!] She explained the quick version of it all and asked if I had any question and I was dumb-founded. She said I could call anytime with questions. We are trying to get our finances in order and I'm hoping I'll be able to get the surgery earlier than Feb. of next year. The more I read about peoples experiances about the procedure and their dramatic weight loss, the more excited I get about going!! When did you have your surgery? How much have you lost?[ I'm not real good on the computer, so I'm not sure if we can look at other people's profiles.] Did you have alot of ups and downs in your weight loss? I have had a weight problem all my life and I'm SO tired of struggling. Like most other people's stories I've read, I've been on every diet, lost and regained even more. I joined LA Weightloss 2 years ago and lost 39lbs. I've since gained it all back + more, I'm afraid to get on the scale. I truely believe that I'm addicted to food!! The only difference between me and a drug addict is they struggle to stop using something that's bad for them and their bodies don't need anyway. I HAVE to have food everyday to live, so the thing that I'm addicted to, I CAN'T stop "using". I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about. Well, thanks again Robin! Hope to chat with you again soon! Darlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Robrn90 Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 Hello again Robin!! Nice to hear from you! Thanks for all the info., it's really making the decision to go easier! Carolyn called me [i believe it was Carolyn, I was so shocked that she called me the same day I sent my info!] She explained the quick version of it all and asked if I had any question and I was dumb-founded. She said I could call anytime with questions. We are trying to get our finances in order and I'm hoping I'll be able to get the surgery earlier than Feb. of next year. The more I read about peoples experiances about the procedure and their dramatic weight loss, the more excited I get about going!! When did you have your surgery? How much have you lost?[ I'm not real good on the computer, so I'm not sure if we can look at other people's profiles.] Did you have alot of ups and downs in your weight loss? I have had a weight problem all my life and I'm SO tired of struggling. Like most other people's stories I've read, I've been on every diet, lost and regained even more. I joined LA Weightloss 2 years ago and lost 39lbs. I've since gained it all back + more, I'm afraid to get on the scale. I truely believe that I'm addicted to food!! The only difference between me and a drug addict is they struggle to stop using something that's bad for them and their bodies don't need anyway. I HAVE to have food everyday to live, so the thing that I'm addicted to, I CAN'T stop "using". I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about. Well, thanks again Robin! Hope to chat with you again soon! Darlene Hey again Darlene, I had my surgery May 23rd of this year. I am down 27 pounds since my surgery but the past 2 weeks have been a struggle to not regain. I have no restriction and am waiting for my first fill (July 11th) then hopefully all will be back on track. They put the band in empty and you have to wait 6 weeks for your stomach to heal and get use to the band being there before they actually put any saline in it. You have to remember, the band is just a tool to HELP you with your weight loss, you still need to make wise choices with your food selection and exercise. But those things are soooooo much easier to do when you can see so much progress It's all good!!!!! talk later....Robin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat2nrml Posted July 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2007 Hi Robin, I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about weight loss surgery and just ordered Dr. Ortiz' book Lap Band for Life. I've yo yo dieted all my life and I told my husband a few years ago that I don't think any diet is going to be successful for me unless I'm restricted somehow from eating.[ I even researched getting my mouth wired shut!] This was before I even considered weight loss surgery. I remember years ago when Roseanne Barr had that surgery called the Fobi pouch [spelling?] I thought it was a pretty good idea, but of course knew that I could never afford it. I feel, for me anyway, if I don't have some kind of restriction, that I will yo yo forever and go through the up and down roller coaster of feeling good and being depressed. I'm bigger now than I've ever been [without being pregnant] and I'm miserable. I really think with the restriction of the band that I'll be able to take the weight off and keep it off for good. Like you said, the tool to help you. I do make bad food choices, but for the most part the fact is I just eat way too much. I can't have just one portion of my meals, I go back for seconds and thirds. I hope to know soon if I can do this this summer.... fingers crossed!! Thanks Robin! Darlene PS Good luck with your fill!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmckee Posted July 6, 2007 Report Share Posted July 6, 2007 Hi Darlene, I just got banded on July 3rd. I did extensive research and Dr. Ortiz is the 'go to' guy for this. He's done more than any other doctors that I could locate. The OCC takes care of everything. Hotel is beautiful, trip and surgery was a breeze. I'm already down 7 lbs. but I'm sure that's mostly water. Anyway, be sure to take Gas-X strips with you. They are life savers! I'd be happy to answer any questions that you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat2nrml Posted July 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2007 Hi tmckee!! I'd be greatful to hear your whole story from start to finish.... if you have the time! I read some of the other posts and it has been very helpful in making my decision to have the surgery. What was your starting weight? How tall are you? I'm 5'5" and I'm way over 200lbs. [i haven't been on the scale in over a year... too afraid!] I haven't heard anything bad about Dr. Oritz in all that I've read, only good things! I did read one post that said Mrs. O was kind of cold and didn't converse much. The rest was all good. Thanks so much for responding, I really appreciate it! Darlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmckee Posted July 7, 2007 Report Share Posted July 7, 2007 Hi tmckee!! I'd be greatful to hear your whole story from start to finish.... if you have the time! I read some of the other posts and it has been very helpful in making my decision to have the surgery. What was your starting weight? How tall are you? I'm 5'5" and I'm way over 200lbs. [i haven't been on the scale in over a year... too afraid!] I haven't heard anything bad about Dr. Oritz in all that I've read, only good things! I did read one post that said Mrs. O was kind of cold and didn't converse much. The rest was all good. Thanks so much for responding, I really appreciate it! Darlene Hi Darlene, Your story is almost identical to mine. The yo-yo diets, losing just to gain back plus 'interest'. I eat pretty healthfully, just way too much. I'm 5' 6". I was 226 before pre-op diet. Weighed in at 221 the day before surgery. I'm pretty fearless so I wasn't really worried about the surgery. As it turns out, there is no need to be. It really is a pretty simple procedure...only took the doc about 20 minutes! (He's drop dead gorgeous by the way...so is Dr. Martinez. They could not be any nicer!) I wouldn't say Mrs. O is cold. She's obviously very wealthy, impeccably dressed, classy lady. She is reserved, but I found her to be very kind and helpful. Let me know what other specific questions you have and I will be happy to answer them. 4 days post op and I feel GREAT! Terry M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat2nrml Posted July 7, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2007 Hi tmckee, I'm pretty fearless too, I was never afraid when it comes to surgery. I had a hysterectomy last March and then had to have my appendix out in Dec. Both operations went pretty well. I did get sick both times though. Doc said it was the anestethia,[spelling] but I say it was the gas they use to pump your gut up with to do the laproscopic surgery. [but what do I know?] I think the biggest fear I have is going to Mexico. I've never been there and I'll be traveling alone. I'm not telling anyone that I'm having the surgery [except my husband] I'm not one to have a bunch of people surrounding me either. Where are you from? I'm from central Pa., so it'll be a bit of a trip. It's great that you're feeling so good right after surgery!! Are you going back to Mexico for your fills? I'm not sure what I'll do, I'm still searching my area for a place. I hate the thoughts of traveling back to Mexico so often for fills. I read some other patients stories, and it seems like they pay as much for a local fill as it would cost for airfare back to Mexico!! If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to ask. Thanks! Darlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmckee Posted July 9, 2007 Report Share Posted July 9, 2007 Hi tmckee, I'm pretty fearless too, I was never afraid when it comes to surgery. I had a hysterectomy last March and then had to have my appendix out in Dec. Both operations went pretty well. I did get sick both times though. Doc said it was the anestethia,[spelling] but I say it was the gas they use to pump your gut up with to do the laproscopic surgery. [but what do I know?] I think the biggest fear I have is going to Mexico. I've never been there and I'll be traveling alone. I'm not telling anyone that I'm having the surgery [except my husband] I'm not one to have a bunch of people surrounding me either. Where are you from? I'm from central Pa., so it'll be a bit of a trip. It's great that you're feeling so good right after surgery!! Are you going back to Mexico for your fills? I'm not sure what I'll do, I'm still searching my area for a place. I hate the thoughts of traveling back to Mexico so often for fills. I read some other patients stories, and it seems like they pay as much for a local fill as it would cost for airfare back to Mexico!! If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to ask. Thanks! Darlene Hi Darlene. I came from Milwaukee, Wisconsin so it was about a 5 hour trip. I haven't found a fill center in Wisconsin yet so I'll probably go back to Dr. Ortiz for at least the first one. My biggest fear was going to Mexico too. I had a completely false negative impression of what Tijuana would be like. As it turns out, it is a nice city and there is nothing to be concerned about. I only told my husband but he had to blab to a friend of his... If you have someone who wants a nice three day vacation for the cost of airfare, take them up on it. I wished I would have taken a friend. The hotel is reserved for two people so there's no cost there. 'Just a thought. Good Luck. Terry M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathy Jane Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 Hi There I was room mate with Terry and I dido what she says, everything and everyone is really nice I too have struggled with my weight for 20 yrs I'm 5"6" and stared the day of surgery at 212 Ive lost 11 lbs but everyone is different I may gain some back before my first fill ??? Terry I'm going back for my first fill maybe we can go the some time??? Kathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apple Blossom Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Are you going back to Mexico for your fills? I'm not sure what I'll do, I'm still searching my area for a place. I hate the thoughts of traveling back to Mexico so often for fills. I read some other patients stories, and it seems like they pay as much for a local fill as it would cost for airfare back to Mexico!! If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to ask. Thanks! Darlene Hi Darlene, I hope you don't mind me intercepting. I don't think you'll be getting fills as often as you anticipate. After talking to Dr. Ortiz prior to my surgery, I learned that the average is 3-4 fills for your LIFETIME. I asked him to repeat...I thought from reading the message boards that I would be going back every couple of months. He said, so long as you don't challenge the band....repeat, don't challenge the band, you will need few fills. Judy Banded July 9 (4 days ago!) -5 lbs since surgery 16 since pre op diet 45-50 to go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat2nrml Posted July 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 HELLO JUDY, I APPRECIATE EVERYONE'S INPUT!! THANKS SOOO MUCH! I ALSO THOUGHT THAT FILLS WOULD BE OFTEN [READING THE FORUM] THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE GETTING FILLS, THEN GOING BACK FOR UNFILLS THEN A MONTH LATER GETTING ANOTHER SMALL FILL. I SENT AN EMAIL TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL HERE IN PA. THAT DOES LAP BANDS AND ASKED IF THEY DO FILLS FOR PEOPLE OTHER THAN THEIR PATIENTS AND SHE WANTED MORE INFO. SHE DOESN'T SOUND TOO THRILLED ABOUT IT. I HAVE'NT GOTTEN AN ANSWER YET, SO I'LL KEEP MY FINGERS CROSSED. I'M STILL TRYING TO GET THE MONEY UP TO GET THE SURGERY.... I WANT IT BAD!!! AGAIN, THANKS SO MUCH JUDY AND GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BAND!! ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN THINK OF, DROP A LINE!! DARLENE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clynn Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Most of the people getting many fills are the ones who have the larger VG band which requires more fine tuning in order to hit the sweet spot. Dr Ortiz will decide when you get into surgery which band you receive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat2nrml Posted July 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Most of the people getting many fills are the ones who have the larger VG band which requires more fine tuning in order to hit the sweet spot. Dr Ortiz will decide when you get into surgery which band you receive. Hello Clynn, Thanks for your reply! Do you have the VG band? I just got Dr. Ortiz' book Lap band for Life and breezed right through it! He did say that it depends on the Dr. if they decide to use the VG band. Some like it more than others. I'm sure we'll discuss all the options with the different size bands. I'm currently working with the bank to get the money for the surgery,.... they drag it out so much! Thanks! Darlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat2nrml Posted July 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Hey again Darlene, I had my surgery May 23rd of this year. I am down 27 pounds since my surgery but the past 2 weeks have been a struggle to not regain. I have no restriction and am waiting for my first fill (July 11th) then hopefully all will be back on track. They put the band in empty and you have to wait 6 weeks for your stomach to heal and get use to the band being there before they actually put any saline in it. You have to remember, the band is just a tool to HELP you with your weight loss, you still need to make wise choices with your food selection and exercise. But those things are soooooo much easier to do when you can see so much progress It's all good!!!!! talk later....Robin Hello Robin...... Just checking up on you to see how your first fill went??? Darlene P.S. Did you get your fill in the States or by Dr. O? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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