success stories?????

[mtred]

I am in the preliminary stages of looking into lap band surgery, I'm going to an informational meeting tomorrow night. I have been doing a lot of research so that I am well informed. I know that the lap band websites show glossy pictures of successful lap band recipients, but I also know that the forums are where the real stories are, the so called "trenches". What I am concerned with is I'm not seeing many successful people on the forums. I can't comprehend that if you've had your stomach reduced to the size of a golf ball that you DON'T lose weight, what is up with that?? Also, I'm astounded that Americans would even contemplate, let alone actually have surgery done in a third-world country such as Mexico. I think it demonstrates the desperation that we have as fat people, we are willing to do anything to lose weight. Does Lap Band surgery really work or is it just another money making gimmick to bilk people out of their money? What is the success ratio? Where are the real success stories on this forum?

[Clynn]

MTred,

I was banded early last month in Tiajuana by Dr Ortiz so I am not a success story . . . yet. But so far I've lost 40 lbs since going on the pre-op diet so being banded has certainly done something and time will tell how successful it is.

I feel I'm more qualified to speak to your second point about being desperate enough to go to Mexico in that I don't think desperation came into that decision at all. Certainly desperation comes into the decision to have the surgery in that I'd tried and failed countless times at less drastic ways to loose weight and knew that continuing to fail would mean a decreased lifespan and quality of life. But once I'd decided to have it done, going to Dr Ortiz was a comparatively simple decision. Dr Ortiz has 1,000's of these surgeries behind him, has instructed many of the American surgeons around here on this procedure, and my father had seen him speak on the Discovery channel about this procedure. Even my primary care physician here told me to go for it after he had done some research and told me that leaving the country for surgical procedures was becoming more accepted as health costs here continue to skyrocket.

Just because the doctor is not American does not mean they are unqualified. If you have a good doctor with a good staff at a good facility the mailing address becomes much less important. My experience in Tiajuana was fantastic. I felt totally safe and well taken care of at all times. Since I live alone I feel that having this done as an outpatient procedure in the States would have had me feeling much less at ease then the overnight stay in the hospital where someone could be at my side in seconds if something went wrong or even if I had a concern.

That was a much more long-winded response that I had originally intended but I hope it helps you make your decision just a bit.

[CalKev]

I am in the preliminary stages of looking into lap band surgery, I'm going to an informational meeting tomorrow night. I have been doing a lot of research so that I am well informed. I know that the lap band websites show glossy pictures of successful lap band recipients, but I also know that the forums are where the real stories are, the so called "trenches". What I am concerned with is I'm not seeing many successful people on the forums. I can't comprehend that if you've had your stomach reduced to the size of a golf ball that you DON'T lose weight, what is up with that?? Also, I'm astounded that Americans would even contemplate, let alone actually have surgery done in a third-world country such as Mexico. I think it demonstrates the desperation that we have as fat people, we are willing to do anything to lose weight. Does Lap Band surgery really work or is it just another money making gimmick to bilk people out of their money? What is the success ratio? Where are the real success stories on this forum?

mtred, You are on the right track.. Read all you can and ask your doctor for referrals of those who have been successful that you may speak with personally. The trend in this forum from my personal observation is first it is new so you won't see stories from a year ago posted here. It is a site that is owned by Obesity Control Center and much of the information is slanted toward Dr. Ortiz's practice..

I suggest you go through the whole board and read it in it's entirety many of your questions if not all are asked before and have been responded to.. Try lapbandtalk.com for a more comprehensive view of the patient views. Best of luck.Kevin

[LoriBecky]

I know it can get a little discouraging sometimes - not seeing a lot of long term success stories on the forum. What I've found to be true is that when someone is past the initial stage of a lot of questions with the band and they are having success and they no longer have questions.... they don't need us anymore! I've been asking long term bandsters to please come back and post, but people get busy with their lives, and most are so much more active once they've lost weight, they dont' have the time to sit down and keep us posted of their wonderful success. I know that has been true of me as well. When I had my hysterectomy 3 years ago I was incredibly active on a forum on that topic, but once I was healed up and was doing well... I haven't gone back to post about how great I'm doing.

There are many more success stories about the band than problems with the band. I'm really trying to encourage people to come back and post. Remember newbies... when you are doing great and are being successful with the band... remember people here still need to hear how you are doing and need your encouragement!! Don't forget about us!

By the way... I'm doing great since my surgery in June - couldn't be happier and would do it again in a heartbeat

[CalKev]

There are many more success stories about the band than problems with the band. I'm really trying to encourage people to come back and post. Remember newbies... when you are doing great and are being successful with the band... remember people here still need to hear how you are doing and need your encouragement!! Don't forget about us!

By the way... I'm doing great since my surgery in June - couldn't be happier and would do it again in a heartbeat

Hello Lori! I wanted to jump in with a suggestion. When I had surgery I was waiting to be released on the 17th of October. Another couple was sitting next to us and we struck up a conversation. The young lady from Arizona had lost a large amount of weight by the the lap band she had placed by Dr. Ortiz. She was coming in for an unfill to moderate her weight. Meeting the women in the lobby gave me a boost as I was just banded and she had lost over 100 lbs. and looked healthy and happy.We need to hear from people like her on the board.

In your database is there a way to contact past patients with a survey and an invitation to visit the board. Or an email address where you can contact them and ask them to fill out a survey so you could gather data on past patients. I'm with Cliff hearing some success stories would boost moral on the board and also give you valuable market information. I just saw my first TV commercial for the lapband here in California so it would seem market acceptance is becoming more mainstream and will lead to rapid growth in near future in use of this excellent tool.

Cliff, Email Lori - She took me through the process and I have lost 45 lbs as of today thanks to her accurate and knowledgeable guidance. She can do the same for you.We are all in it together here on the board so join us please! Best wishes in moving forward! Kevin

[NWMarc]

Also, I'm astounded that Americans would even contemplate, let alone actually have surgery done in a third-world country such as Mexico. I think it demonstrates the desperation that we have as fat people, we are willing to do anything to lose weight. Does Lap Band surgery really work or is it just another money making gimmick to bilk people out of their money? What is the success ratio? Where are the real success stories on this forum?

Hi mtred,

During my search for information on Lapband surgery I actually considered going to India for the surgery. Although I signed up with Dr. Ortiz for a reduced price, it still would have been less costly to go to India even with the flight and hotel costs. The hospital in New Delhi is world renown and has a international certification. However, I got to meet Dr. Ortiz at a "Band Bash" in Tacoma. My mind was made up then. Actually I met 3 doctors from Mexico and would have been comfortable with either of the other two also. However, I felt best about Dr. Ortiz. Aditionally, there were many sucess stories there. I noted that the vast majority of banded people there had lost at least 50 lbs. A good number even over 100 lbs. and one lady near me was at 150 lbs lost.

You asked "Does the lapband really work.." It works about as much as my table saw. It's a tool, used properlly I have no doubt it can be successfull for almost everyone. Get careless, and it can hurt. Sometimes I don't like the idea of using the table saw although it would be the best tool for the job. I work around it. You can certainly work around the lapband and totally defeat it's abillity to help you. Just eat mashed potatos with gravy, ice cream and drink high calory drinks like milk shakes. The lapband, like the table saw, is a tool that can be very effective for it's main purpose. Frankly, I'm still learning how to use both tools more effectively.

Marc

[CalKev]

Marc, Love the table saw analogy. It's right on. Kevin

[Teri]

I am in the preliminary stages of looking into lap band surgery, I'm going to an informational meeting tomorrow night. I have been doing a lot of research so that I am well informed. I know that the lap band websites show glossy pictures of successful lap band recipients, but I also know that the forums are where the real stories are, the so called "trenches". What I am concerned with is I'm not seeing many successful people on the forums. I can't comprehend that if you've had your stomach reduced to the size of a golf ball that you DON'T lose weight, what is up with that?? Also, I'm astounded that Americans would even contemplate, let alone actually have surgery done in a third-world country such as Mexico. I think it demonstrates the desperation that we have as fat people, we are willing to do anything to lose weight. Does Lap Band surgery really work or is it just another money making gimmick to bilk people out of their money? What is the success ratio? Where are the real success stories on this forum?

Hi mtred, While I can only speak for myself, very newly banded! (NOV 1) the decision for me and my son was about Dr. Ortiz being a "proctor" meaning he has educated surgeons in the U.S. (MI, WA, TX, IL, LO, MN) He is also American Board Certified. The U.S. would not band us. As far "as another money maker", I have spent thousands of dollars on fad diets, LA, WW, diet pills, SB, At, etc. losing, but unable to keep the weight off. I have to say I was hopefull instead of desperate. Only time will tell, but for me it sounds promising. Since I go to the Dentist in MX. (crowns $150, for perfection) I knew we would have better quality care by Dr. Ortiz's team from all the research! Our experience was the finest, with sanitation and hygiene first class! Good Luck on any desicision you choose or any route you follow. Teri

[susieb]

Aloha Mtred,

I was banded in January, 2004, in Tijuana by Dr. Ortiz almost 3 years ago. Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Martinez and their staff will continue to follow your progress and help you with any difficulties you might have. You literally become family to them once you have your surgery. They are very professional and I would feel safer with them than any American Doctor.

Even though I've not lost all of the weight that I've wanted to as of this date, I know it can be done. Right, it is a tool, and how you use that tool is up to you. There are other ways to lose weight, like gastric bypass, but my friend passed away having that kind of surgery, so it was not an option for me. Lap Band has very few complications and can work 100% if you want it to. I've just rejoined the forums, because I need the support to lose those extra pounds to reach my goal. Best of Luck to you and let us know what you decide!!!

Susie in Hawaii

[mommyrkr]

I only had surgery in August, so I wouldn't call myself a success story, but I am on my way, so far. It has been 2 1/2 months since my surgery, and I am doing great. I have had one fill, and seem to have pretty good restriction from that. Time will tell. I have been stuck a few times, but I have never PB'ed. I have lost 35 pounds and am consistently losing as well as eating a healthy amount of food to maintain a body (not too little). I love my band, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Keep in mind, as it was said, that these boards are a place to find support. When things are going great, you don't need the support, so you tend to not use the boards. But when things are not so great, something is wrong, you are frustrated, then you seek the answers and support the boards might provide. From the quantity of surgeries that Dr. Ortiz does, a very, very small percentage ever post on this site. Most go about life, and we never really get to hear how it goes for them. They are not looking for this support.

Best of luck to you, hope all goes well in whatever you decide.

Becki

[Jessecarr]

I am going to a doctors tomorrow to put me on the waiting list to get Lap Band done.. im 15, and very overweight, I cant wait

[AngieB]

I am in the preliminary stages of looking into lap band surgery, I'm going to an informational meeting tomorrow night. I have been doing a lot of research so that I am well informed. I know that the lap band websites show glossy pictures of successful lap band recipients, but I also know that the forums are where the real stories are, the so called "trenches". What I am concerned with is I'm not seeing many successful people on the forums. I can't comprehend that if you've had your stomach reduced to the size of a golf ball that you DON'T lose weight, what is up with that?? Also, I'm astounded that Americans would even contemplate, let alone actually have surgery done in a third-world country such as Mexico. I think it demonstrates the desperation that we have as fat people, we are willing to do anything to lose weight. Does Lap Band surgery really work or is it just another money making gimmick to bilk people out of their money? What is the success ratio? Where are the real success stories on this forum?

Mtred - Great post, as it has brought some good response. I wanted to share with you, even though I am not what you would consider a "success story" yet. I had my lab band placed on 4/24/09. I choose this tool because I have lost over 100 lbs before by way of healthy eating and getting the butte moving! My issues falls with keeping it off. The yo-yo dieting is very hard on a body and I want to love and respect my body, not torture and abuse it.

When I began learning about the lap-band, I did my homework. What made me decide to choose Dr. Ortiz and the Obesity Control Clinic came down to experience, cost, after-care support, and reputation. Dr. Ortiz loves what he does and it shows because his staff treat you very well. If my insurance paid for this procedure, I would have found someone in the states to do it, but lets be honest here. Money does play into it. That being said, I do feel like I choose the best surgeon for the procedure and the money. Dr. Ortiz has placed over 6500 lap bands to date. What that tells me, is he knows what he is doing. I would personally rather have a Dr. who has a crap ton of surgeries under his belt then say someone who has 200. Experience translates into seeing many different issues.

Before my surgery, I spoke with Dr. Martinez, asking him several qustions. One being, about the newest technic, that makes 2 incisions. (Hey, the less cutting the better right??) After listening to his response, I felt comfortable with having 5 incisions done, not that they would have done 2 anyway. The reason being is safety and getting the best view. Anyway, I am rambling now, but I do want to say this. After surgery I was up and walking with in the hour. I did not suffer from any gas pains. NONE AT ALL! I had minimal discomfort and left the clinic the same day. I was in surgery at 10:00 and out by 10:30. Walking by 11:00 and back at our hotel by 4 or 4:30. The next day, I went shopping for 4 hours with 3 other bandsters who had surgery the day I did. We all felt great and had a good time.

I do read posts on lapbandtalk.com and as a matter of fact a few days before my surgery I spent time on the oh crap, I didn't sign on for this board. You know, the people who have the band and have suffered greatly for having it. It gave a personal face to the statistics. Band slips, band failures, ect. It was a great experience and really opened my eyes to what could go wrong. Of corse, I gambled on the odds and decided to be banded, that being said. So far I am satisifed with my decision.

I also belonged to a board for pregnancy support. Once I had my son, I'd say a few months after, I stopped posting. Soon after that, I stopped reading all together. I have not even logged on to the site in months. I do keep in touch with some of the momma's on facebook. Let's face it, we use tools for a reason. Once that goal is reached we move on. There are a few members of this forum who have reached goal and continue to post and share their expierence. After you have been a member for a while you will see who they are.

I know I have darn near wrote you a novel, so I will close and say, I wish you the best informed decision you can make for yourself and welcome to the forum!

Angie

[my_friend_amber]

I was banded nearly 1 year ago (May 15, 2008) and have used these boards very little over the past 9 months because after a while you kind of get things down and learn on your own and need the boards and the advice of others less and less, like Lori said. I have lost over 60 lbs in this first year and I'm certainly not done yet, but I have got a great start going and I feel like I'll certainly get there as long as I use my "talbe saw" well. (I agree - great analogy Mark!)

Also, regarding the remark about how desparate Dr. Ortiz' patients must have been to go out of country, that statement is one of ignorance. (keep in mind - the definition of ignorance is about having a "lack of knowledge" - this is not an insult!) If you had been to the OCC and visited with the doctors there and seen the amazing facilities, you'd know that going to Mexico for suregery was just the most logical choice. Dr. Ortiz is certified by the American Bariatric Society, which is all I need to know about the surgeon himself. But add to that the amazing, state-of-the art facilities, the wonderful after-care, and the amazing price and I felt like I'd have been silly to go elsewhere.

[jhawkchick75]

I am going to a doctors tomorrow to put me on the waiting list to get Lap Band done.. im 15, and very overweight, I cant wait

Congrats!!! You are very fortunate to be able to do this so early in your life. Read up as much as you can in this group and I encourage you to take notes. Any questions just ask!

Keep us up to date!