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Post of day Ten

I had a really good day, up until dinner time. I pureed to runny some Campbells Select Clam Chowder and ate the whole thing, 15 ounces and on top of that I had liquids right before and right after. I have felt nauseous and FULL for over an hour and sick!!!! I didn't realize I had to follow bandster rules about liquids even on my liquid stage. I KNEW I should only eat half, but I didn't feel full WHILE eating it so I ate it all. I was told to have a small portion than stop, we won't always feel full right away. If I am still hungry 15 minutes after, then eat a little more.   Today this is what I ate   Breakfast: I gano mocha coffee and soy milk, 200 cal, 6 protein Lunch: Blended tortilla soup about 1 cup with melted shredded cheese; 250 cal Snack: danon drinkable yogurt, 60 cal, 5 gms. protein Dinner: Clam chowder, 210 cal, 6 g protein Vitamin Water; 125 cal   total calories; 885 calories ( add one laughing cow; 50 cal and some beef broth)   Liquids: 40 ounces   Liquid vitamins   I need to remember and go over the bandster rules. Especailly about keeping small portions and not drinking before, during and after.
BabyGotBack

BabyGotBack

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Post of day 9

Today I am tired. I am not getting enough calories and have been cleaning the house and organizing, etc. This is what I have eaten so far:   Breakfast: 1 cup Gano Mocha Coffee with soy milk; 200 cal, 6 g. protien   Lunch: Creamy split pea, 1 cup: 120 cal, 9 g. protein   Snack: Nectar Protein Shake, Strawberry Kiwi (90 cal, 23 grms of protein) with 1 cup soy milk( 100 cal, 6 grms protien   Snack: 1 drinkable dannon light and fit;60 cal, 5 grms protien   Dinner: tortilla soup with shredded cheese; 250 cal, protien; unknown   Total calories; 820 Total protein: 43+   I have not had any extra liquids as of 4 pm. Maybe that is why I don't feel so good. I also was doing too much around the house and find I get tired easier.   I will definitely be going to bed early. I still also have not weighed myself yet. I would be disappointed to not lose much, so I don't want to set myself up for failure, even if it wasn't. I'd rather wait to see a bigger loss. I think I will wait until I can "See" a difference. I can now somewhat.
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BabyGotBack

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My Measurements

I am post op day 8 and wanted to post my measurements so I can look back on them when I plateau or feel discouraged.   Arms: rt. 14 1/2, lft. 14 inches Chest: 43" Upper chest (under arm pit): 23 1/2 Waist: 32" Hips (upper part of butt): 46 1/2 (lower part of butt): 47 Thigh: rt. 27" lft. 27" Calf: rt. 15" lft. 15" forearm: rt. 10" lft. 10" wrists: 6 14"
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Post of day 8

I feel really good this morning!!!! I woke up with tight restriction, had my coffee with soymilk and am catching up on my band family. I have had some really nice emails and PM's of people thanking me for the encouragement I have given and it makes what I have done even more worth it to me. Can this be a new ministry for me??? I love to help others and encourage them. That makes me VERY happy!:clap2: It makes me feel like God has really blessed my decision and is using me to help others. God bless my band, keep it in place and healthy for the rest of my natural life!!!!   Breakfast: Gano Mocha Coffee with 1 cup Vanilla soy milk; 200 calories, 6 grms protein   Lunch: Campbells' Cream of Chicken and Mushroom (1 can); 190 cal, 7 grms protein, 15 grms fat   Snack: Activia yogurt; 110 calories, 2 g fat, 5 grms protein 1 cup Campbells' soup Chicken mushroom; 80 cal, 6 g fat, 3 g protein   Dinner: 1 cup of homemade tortilla soup with sprinkled cheese; 250 calories, protein: unknown   Total calories: 830 Total Protein: 21 plus     Water: I am sipping on a 32 ounce sipper,which I am keeping near me at all times; 20 ounce crystal light   Supplements: Liquid Vitamins; Glacial Milk; 1 tbsp.   Mood: HAPPY, at peace, calm, I have hope for my future to be the person I really am without limits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My weight won't hold me back from all I have wanted to do!!! YIIIIPPPEEEE:clap2:
BabyGotBack

BabyGotBack

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My Scars 7 days post op!

Wow, I haven't weighed in, but I can tell I have lost weight!!!   http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r192/AudreeVas/P1120655.jpg   http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r192/AudreeVas/P1120654.jpg
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My before pics

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r192/AudreeVas/PC250628.jpg   http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r192/AudreeVas/PC250627-1.jpg   http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r192/AudreeVas/PC250626-1.jpg
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Post Op day 7

I am feeling great!!!!!!!!!! Still super restricted in the morning, like someone is squeezing my stomach with their hand.   Breakfast: 1 cup gano mocha coffee and Silk Vanilla Soy milk; 200 calories, 6 grams of protein   Lunch: 1/2 cup split pea soup, 70 cal, 9 grams protien   1 cup cream of corn, 120 cal, 4 grms protien (gave me severe gas, bloating, stomach ache and diahrea. I have never been sensitive to corn and this was completley liquid)   Snack: Carnation good start and soy milk; 1/4 cup and soy milk; 25 calories and 2 grms protein   Dinner: Chicken Tortilla Soup (blended) with a little cheese; 150 cal   snack: Dannon Activia yogurt;110 cal, 5 grms protein   Total Calories: 800 cal Total Protein: 26+   Vitamins: 1 Tbsp. of Liquid Vitamins( Glacial Milk   Walked around Ontario Mills for about 1/2 hour   Mood/Energy levels: I feel great this morning!!!!   Water=20 ounces, Vitamin Water=20 ounces (125 calories)   I also was craving tortilla soup. I bought a bad mix and am boiling it with 7 cups of water. I added a little shredded cheese. I am going to eat the broth and let me family eat the solid stuff. It smells really good!!!!
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Post Op day 6

I had to go with my mom to the doctors, got home to leave again to pick up the kids and then straight to Ikea. At least I got in about 1 1/2 hours walking, but didn't get too eat much.   Breakfast=1 cup gano coffee and soy milk; 200 cal, 6 protein   Lunch= 1 cup broth 0 calories   Snack= Nectar Protein drink, fuzzy navel, 90 cal, 23 grms protein   Dinner=Creamy split pea soup, 130 calories, 9 grams protein     1 Vitamin water=120 calories   Total Calories= 540, Total Protein=38 grams protein   I am super restricted and super tired!!! I am going to sleep early again!!!
BabyGotBack

BabyGotBack

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Day 5 Post Op

I woke up feeling very restricted, like someone is squeezing my stomach. This is what I have had so far:   Breakfast (8am): 1 cup of Gano Mocha Coffee with soy milk; 200 cal, 6 grm protein     Snack (10-11am): Light and Fit Smoothie, 7 oz.; 60 calories, 5 grms protein   Lunch: Anderson's creamy split pea 15 ounces; 260 calories, 0 fat, 18 grams of protein   Snack: Carnation Good start with soy milk; 230 calories, 11 grms protein   Dinner: Cream Chicken Soup; 1 cup; 70 calories and 3 grms protein   Total Calories: 820 Total Protein: 53 grms   Supplement: 1 tbsp. Glacial Milk Liquid Vitamin   Liquids: Vitamin Water Revive (150 calories) 20 ounces Vitamin water mixed with water 20 ounces   I am feeling a lot of restriction now in the evening. 1 cup of cream chicken soup has me full up to my throat feeling. I guess I am less restricted during the day, so that was why I was able to have 15 ounces of split pea soup. I still feel good physically, emotionally and mentally. I just feel a lot of restriction!!! I feel in the evening like I can't breathe so well, like I have a really tight corset on.   I don't know if I am going to weigh yet or when. I do want to do measurements and will do them this week!!!
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BabyGotBack

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Day 4 Post Op

I have not journaled since before surgery. The trip was good. We accidentaly drove into Mexico instead of parking in the San Diego side. Thankfully, Rene came and got us and drove my mom's car to the hotel. The hotel was awesome, Dr. Ortiz and his staff were awesome. The surgery went very well. I did have sensitivity to the anesthesia so I vomitted 2 times after surgery. I went home on Saturday and helped drive home on Sunday since my mom was so tired she was falling asleep!!:faint: I had bad gas pains the first 3 days. I don't have gas pains today. I felt good enough yesterday to get frsky!!:nervous I was very hungry yesterday and got clearance to eat cream soups from Dr. Miranda, but when I tried, 2 small spoonfuls made me feel FULL. It was that dreaded head hunger I hear so much about. I just felt super tight and restricted when I woke up. I had a cup of Gano Mocha coffee and soymilk. That made me feel very full. I had the two bites of cream of chicekn and couldn't do anymore. I actually felt super full after one, but just wanted to see if that was really what I was feeling.   Also, I had not drank enough fluids so I was really thirsty not hungry. I am going to keep liquid near me at all times and sip, sip, sip!! This is what I have had so far today:     TODAYS' FOOD INTAKE Breakfast: 1 cup of Gano Mocha Coffe and soy milk; 200 cal, 6 grms protein (9:30 am) 2 small bites of Cream of Chicken, 30 cal   20 ounces of crystal light 20 ounces of crystal light   Lunch: Dannon Activa Mixed Berry Yogurt 12:30pm; 4 oz., 110 calories, 2 f fat, 5 g protien (enough to make me feel VERY full and give me a very tight feeling and big "sigh"   Snack: 2 Skinny Cow cheese 2:30pm (melted in my mouth to a liquid yogurt consistency) 50 cal. each=100cal, 2 g protein each=4 grams (I feel slightly satisfied. I will try some cream soup now.) Snack: 3/4 cup of Cream of Chicken 50 cal, and a Skinny Cow cheese melted into it for extra protein, 50 cal, 2 grms protien 3 pm   Dinner: 1 cup of Carnation Instant Breakfast; 130 cal, 1 gm fat, 5 grms of protien) with 1 cup of soymilk ; 100 cal, 6 grms protein)(I was feeling super restricted, more than the morning and didn't feel I could drink anything till about 8:30pm)   Total Calories today: 740 calories Total Protein today: 28 grms   EMOTIONS I AM FEELING TODAY I am feeling really good today. The only thing I feel is restriction and like something is squeezing my stomach. I feel so full that I keep on taking that "sigh" I usually take when I have eaten more than enough. I feel happy and at peace. I am also praying and fasting during this time.       EXERCISE TODAY As of 11 am,none yet! Walking around the house and cleaned up a bit, washed dishes. This proved to be too much because I got very, very tight.     SUPPLEMENTS TODAY 1 tbsp. of liquid vitamins       FLUID INTAKE TODAY 20 ounces of Crystal Light 30 ounces CL     I think Feb. 16 is 6 weeks. I will see if I can get a fill then.   I felt really restricted in the evening, like I couldn't drink anything. I felt like I had to sit up to get in a deep breath like when you are full. It felt better after the Carnation drink I had it warm.
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Day 4 of Pre Op

I am doing so much better today! Breakfast: Protein shake-250 calories   Lunch: Lean Cuisine, 390, corn=120, shredded cheese=50 total=560   Dinner: Lean Cuisine, 280 cal, corn 100, dash of spaghetti sauce 30 cal, some shredded turkey 100 cal. Total= 510+ Total for the day- 1320   Green tea=20 ounces h20=20 ounces   I am feeling good mentally. I have energy. I am getting nervous the closer it gets. I weighed in today at 184.5. I started at 190 on day 1 of preop. On ay 2 of pre op I had lost 4 pounds, the ones I gained from the holidays. I guess it must have been water. It is funny what a difference a little weight makes. My thighs are not rubbing together as much. Most of my weight goes straight to my lower body since my tummy tuck and body contouring. This week is going to fly by.   I added corn, shredded lean turkey to my meals. I did increase my calorie intake, but it was adding healthy foods. I feel good
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Day 3 of Pre Op

Today has been great so far! I had a protein shake for breakfast. Ended up wearing most of it. It spattered all over my sweater, car, Ruben and the backseat!!!:omg: I also had a Lean Cuisine with a little shredded turkey on the side. The extra protein helped a lot. Someone on one of the threads said that Lean Cuisine has high carbs and carbs make me more hungry. They said to buy the South Beach diet ones since they have more protein. I am also drinking some green tea. I feel satisfied and happy right now. I was feeling a little overwhelmed this morning before lunch. Now, after I ate I feel a lot better. I need to drink my water today. I didn't drink it yesterday and it made it harder. Water truely helps! I weighed in at 185.5, so done 1/2 a pound from yesterday.   Breakfast: Protein shake 250   Lunch: Lean Cuisine, Salisbury steak and mash potatoes, 270 calories and 8 grms fat. and 1 cup hot and sour soup   Dinner: Red Robin, chicken salad and a few of my daughters fries.       I can't believe that this Friday is by band day!!! I leave Thursday evening. My daughter is off this week, so the week will go by fast. I need to go shopping and buy 2 weeks of groceries and convenience foods so I don't feel pressured to cook and won't feel guity I am not cooking.   I still need to bring in my elyptical from the garage. :argue:   I am done with day three of pre op. I am making better choices and eating much, much less than normal.
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2nd day Pre Op diet

I feel so much better today. I had my shake about 11 am. I think having it too early left me too hungry. I took a Green T to curb my appetite. It also takes the edge off.   Breakfast, 11 am: Protein shake; 1 scoop vanilla protein 90 cal., 1 1/2 cups soy milk 150 cal, 1 small banana 70 calories, 2 splenda packets, cinnamon, and crushed ice. total calories= 310 calories 1 Green T   Lunch, 2:15pm: Lean Cuisine; chicken and rice, with side of apple crisp 340 calories plus a side of green bean and corn stir fry 150 calories   Dinner: Lean Cuisine swedish meatballs, 280 calories and 7g of fat plus a side of green beans and corn   Snack: (I just could not help it and had a foodgasm) a small handful of cashews and almonds:rolleyes: 170 calories   1 kelloggs k20 protein water: 50 calories   Daily calories: 1450 calories     I can tell I am getting hungry. My stomach has that black hole feeling. I also weighed in this morning and weighed in at 186!!!! I was 190 yesterday! I did pee and (you know) a lot yesterday and did dance for 2 hours last night. So, I feel better. I don't have a headache. I feel happy and content.   It is almost time for dinner and I am starving.   I am full now and feel I overeat today. WHAT I COULD HAVE DONE BETTER: I could have done without the extra 1/2 cup milk, could have used 1/2 banana, I could have drank my water which I didn't and see I was a lot hungrier, I could have had smaller serving of corn and green beans, and could have pushed the nuts away.   THIS PREMENSTRUAL HUNGER KILLS!!!!!   Tomorrow will be a better day. I can tell that not taking my Green T in the afternoon, my appetite was in FULL effect!!! The kellogg water is helping also. Too bad they are so expensive. I will have to be on the lookout for sales!!!
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BabyGotBack

1
 

Desperate feelings about food

feel really desperate right now. I can't explain how I feel, I am trying to sort it our as I feel it. My husband wants to take me out dancing. I don't want to go. He wants to go out and celebrate my banding next week. He is being careful to eat before we go, not in front of me and is not going to eat at the restaurant where the dancing is. I feel like if I can't eat, it's not worth going. Today is day 1 of my pre op and I am not going to blow it. My husband won't let me either. Why do I feel this way? Like if I can't eat, it's not worth going out and having a good time with my husband????? It makes me realize how food centered everything is. My mom also wants to go out to eat breakfast with my daughters and I. I told her I couldn't eat because I am doing my pre op diet. She said "what does that mean, you can't go out and eat with me ever again?" I told her that just because I can't eat, doesn't mean she and my daughters couldn't and that soon, I could eat something lite or soup. I feel soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hungry, like my stomach is a black hole. I know I am going to go through some emotions and it makes me feel better coming here and talking about it. I want to have fun, my husband wants to go have fun. Why am I mourning the food part of it? I think I screwed up and opened up my appetite by overeating and eating what ever I wanted. My first pre op diet wasn't like this. I didn't feel like this. I am also in that first week before my period, and I feel extra funky and hungry because of that. :help:   Well, at least I will definitely get my exercise in today. We are going salsa and merengue dancing. It takes a lot of energy to do that. I am feeling better venting. I was venting to my husband too, but he just doesn't understand how I feel. He is trying to be very supportive and is really excited about my surgery for me. He listens, but he doesn't understand. I can tell he feels sorry for me.   Man, I think I need those Quick Slim 30. My stomach aches. Has anyone else felt like this????????     I am also posting this on my journal. I want to document my journey through this whole process. It made me feel better posting and venting to people who understand what I am going through. I am going to go out with my husband, and have a great time! I am not going to let food keep me from being young and going out dancing with the man I love. I don't want him to see me this way. I need to get myself together, stop being a victim, poor me, poor me and get a grip!!!   It's time to go!!!!
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BabyGotBack

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Day 1 Pre Op diet (for the 2nd time due to reschedule)

Here I am on day 1 of pre op. I gained 5 pounds since my first pre op!! OOPPSS on the Un-Diet. I am glad to be on a more controlled program. Breakfast: Protein Shake , 250 calories Lunch: Lean Cuisine, Jumbo Rigatoni with Meatballs, 8 g fat, 390 calories Dinner: Lean cuisine, shrimp scampi 240 calories and mushrooms, 150 cal.   I took a Green T appetite suppresant because I was starving. I just made my lunch and the appetite suppresant is kicking in. I also have been drinking my water.   Exercise: dancing with my man!!!   I feel so hungry it is ridiculous! I am going to definitely go to Dr. Kim's tomorrow and get some Quick Slim 30. I just hope he has some!!
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I feel ANXIOUS!!!!

My surgery is not until January 5 and I feel so anxious!!! I feel like it is never going to happen! So, I made the decision to be proactive toward my decision to get the lapband and began to exercise again. My preop diet doesn't start until Dec. 29 or 30? So, not for another 9 or 10 days. It almost feels unreal. I want to be charting my meals, stats, etc. I feel so ready. I think being on here helps so much and all that I am learning in advance. I read Dr. Ortiz's book and it has helped tremendously. It has answered all my questions. My funding is coming through. I will be able to transfer the balance due to the doctor on Friday!!! WHEWWWWWW I can't wait to begin my journey! I have been on a last supper mode and have had diahrea everyday. I am getting sick of food and really do feel like I am getting it out of my system forever!!!!!   I can't wait to be healthy and tone!!!  
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2nd Day of Pre Op diet

Today is my 2nd day of Pre Op. I am hungry, but feel good. I had energy even if I am only having about 800 calories or so a day! I am having my protein shake for breakfast, Lean Cuisine for Lunch/Dinner. They are such small portions. It makes me realize that my portions were enormous! I could normally eat 4-5 of those little Lean Cuisine plates. I weighed in today at 182. The scale at my mom's last week said 185. I was also premenstrual. I am waiting for Dr. Ortiz's book to come. I can't wait to read it. Hopefully, I will be in Mexico this coming Sunday!!!
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1st day of pre op diet

Today I started my pre op diet. I had a protein drink for breakfast and lean cuisine for lunch/dinner. I feel good, but I have a headache. I can't believe next week Sunday, I will be in my hotel room (God willing)!   I got my recipe book "Eating Well after weight loss surgery" by Patt Levine. It is really great! She is a chef that has had a lot of recipes in Gourment Magazine. She is also a lap bander.   I am excited to try new recipes. They are also designed to make for your family. You just have to puree your portion. I am going to buy a Magic Bullet for myself to make it easier.   I just need to buy a scale because I don't have one and I want to track my progress!
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More patient testimonials

I loved my experience with Dr Ortiz, I would recommend him to anyone. I'm an RN and I did a lot of investigating before surgery. I was considering using another Dr and then I called Don Mills at Inamed/Allergen to review my options and I chose Dr Ortiz after speaking to him. I didn't visit with him or the the clinic beforehand because I live in New Jersey and I scheduled my surgery for 2 weeks to the date that I called. I can tell you that my surgery lasted around 30 minutes and he fixed 2 hernias. I went shopping the day after surgery for a few hours. My husband is also an RN and he was very impressed with Dr Ortiz, the surgical center, and the aftercare. If you have any further questions feel free to ask. Patti     Hi,   You should really talk to my wife, since she's the one with the lapband: Koala   After doing endless amounts of research, we discovered why you can never find anything first hand reports of problems with Dr. Ortiz, they just don't exist. The only negative things we could find online about him were rumors and hearsay.   After talking with him while waiting for my wife's turn in the operating room, we could tell that he is a man who A) knows exactly what he's doing and is truly passionate about helping people lose weight without doing permenant, irreversable damage to them. Unprompted by me, Dr. Ortiz covered every single argument I've ever had in favor of the lapband and against gastric bypass.   "I'm not rearranging what God made," he told us. "I'm just putting a little squeeze on it."   We also found out why he has done so many bands. He was been a close friend of the inventor of it for many years and has been involved with the lapband pretty much since it was an idea in this guy's head. If anyone claims to have done more Lap-bands than him, I would definitely question them extensively because they're probably lying.   Heck, Dr. Ortiz taught the most prolific LB surgeon here in Las Vegas how to do the procedure...and he's done about 200 of them. If I was going to get the transmission in my car fixed, I would go to a transmission shop since they would do a better job than the "fix everything" guy with a garage. :-)   The actual facilities of Obesity Control Center are spotlessly clean. There isn't a surgeon in the world, let alone America, who wouldn't be proud to be a part of a facility like that. While we were waiting to have her bloodwork, we saw someone wiping down the wheels on a piece of equipment. That said a lot for their attention to detail.   One advantage they have is that they ONLY do lap-bands, so they only operate on completely healthy people. The chances for post-op infection are naturally reduced that way. Dr. Ortiz pointed that out to us. I'd never really thought about it, but it makes sense. Their instruments are never used on someone with a staph infection or bad disease like that.   Lap-bands are literally all they do at OCC, so the whole team is very good at it. Plus, the work is divided between Dr. Ortiz and his partner Dr. Martinez. Dr. Ortiz places the band after Dr. Martinez gets everything ready. Then, Dr. Martinez removes the laproscopic equipment and closes. So, you don't have to worry about "Geez, I'm the sixth patient today, so he's already been working for six hours."   One of the operating room nurses has the lapband. She carries pictures of herself with an additional 120 pounds. It's very reassuring to see her and to know that someone who literally knows exactly how you feel is by your side the entire time.   We felt 100% comfortable with Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez. They both speak English better than most Americans, so there are no communication problems there. Dr. Ramirez was the overnight doctor and he's a great guy, too.   There were a couple minor language barrier things, but nothing very significant. Heck, we've had the same thing with nurses at Summerlin hospital who ONLY speak English, so it's barely worth mentioning. One very kind, older nurse was actually asking us for help pronouncing some words. She was just as sweet as can be, a true "abuelita". Some of the staff may speak only Spanish, but you are never there without someone who speaks English fluently.   Try as we might, we just could not find any reason to use another doctor in Mexico. Everything (including my one hour phone conversation with Inamed's Patient Liason) pointed to Dr. Ortiz having the experience that he claims and the facility to back it up.   I honestly do not think you could have a better surgeon do the operation at any price, anywhere.   My wife, being the "touchy-feely" type asked him why he does it and what his greatest joy is from his work. He said "the best thing about doing this is seeing someone in the waiting room or running into them somewhere and thinking that they look familiar...then having them show me their 'before' picture of what they looked like 100 or 150 pounds ago and tell me 'I am one of your patients'. That's the most incredible feeling in the world."   Contrast this to our first surgeon's words of "You can't lose all the weight you want with the band."     If you're truly serious about the band, it can be the greatest thing in the world. My wife had her surgery in August and she's down 78 pounds (not a typo, seventy-eight pounds). A couple of other people who had the surgery that same day (and did NOT take it seriously, in my opinion) have lost like 25-35 pounds. One of them actually ate solid food (Cup o' Noodles) the day after surgery.   Anyway, if you have any more questions, just let us know. We could even talk with you on the phone if you wanted.   We have no ties whatsoever to Dr. Ortiz other than as very satisfied customers. Jason     Hi, I don't have a lot of time to write this morning, but I didn't want you to think I hadn't seen your email. Jason gave you some great information in his letter. Here are snippetts of stuff that I think helped me:   First, take your own pain meds to Mexico with you. Everyone there while I was felt they didn't get enough relief with the ones Dr. Ortiz prescribed. We shared with one of the guys who thought to bring his own. That would be my number one suggestion about the surgery.   Do walk as much as you can to avoid the shoulder pains from the gas. That helped a lot because mine weren't bad.   I followed directions to a T. My weight dropped very quickly up until I reached 70 pounds off. Typical day of eating for me: Oatmeal bar for breakfast Lean Cuisine for lunch Light meal at supper   I never drink with meals. Getting enough water is my current problem, though.   I have not added exercise, really. So, I know I need to do that. Maybe that will get the weight coming off better again.   My therapist says you have to replace food with something. The key is to figure out what that something is. For me, it's music.   The other thing I find is that I'm having to deal with emotions without medicating myself with food. That leaves me feeling pretty open and bare sometimes, and it take some emotional work. Be prepared.   I have to get my hair dry, but please write if you have any questions. I'll surely share my thoughts with you. It helps to walk this path with others who really GET what it's all about. Have a great day, Pam       This is what some wonderful people from these boards sent me to reasure me. I just wanted to keep them all somewhere I could keep them, read them, re-read them and for others who would ever read my journal, help you the way I needed help to be reasured I was doing the right thing with the right doctor!!! scared:
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1 week before lapband surgery

I start my preop diet on Sunday. The diet consists of a protein shake for breakfast, a lean cuisine for lunch and dinner. My surgery date is Dec. 18, 2006. I reallly can't believe that my life is about to change. I will lose the weight this time and keep it off! I am weighing 185 right now. My first goal will be 155. My second goal which I plan on doing slower and gradual is 135 or so? My friend Monica had the lapband put in a year ago and she did very well. She lost fifty pounds and has had no complications.   She did gain a little back, but only due to a loss, eating around the band and needing a fill. We are going to support each other also. I know the support has a big part to play in all of this. I log onto this forum at least twice a day for an hour at least.   I have been eating some things that I know I won't be able to eat for a while if not ever. Not getting to out of hand though. So many people have emailed me with such positive things about Dr. Ortiz. I get more reasurred everyday. I want to post what they said here so I can look back or others can get the info they need. This week before my surgery will consist mostly of what I am learning in preparation to the surgery and post surgery and peoples comments.     COMMENTS I RECIEVED FROM OTHER PATIENTS Hey" so sorry about that earlier email - i had to rush off! anyway, i researched like mad and chose ortiz because he is the best (imo) - very skilled, credentialed, etc and I wanted someone with the most experience. I also liked his staff and his anestsiologist (can never spell that right) and they use a type of anesthesia that doesn't require intubation. I was super scared of the surgery and my husband was initially against going to mexico etc. I didn't go to the clinic but we both talked to dr ortiz prior and i loved him immediately. I still very positive about him for the surgery - both he and dr martinez give you their personal cell phones - something unheard of in the states. Their facilitiy is different now (but even better) than when I had surgery last year. The only reason I'm unhapppy is i've had trouble losing weight and have struggled living with the band and I haven't felt very supported AFTER the surgery for non emergencies. But face it , most go home and lose weight with one or a few adjustments. There aren't as many of us who struggle so I don't want to sway you from him - just make sure you have some local support and possiblly a local fill doctor etc. And mostly, talk to dr ortiz yourself and ask all your questions, etc. That will help youmake up your mind. hey, good luck to you - also dr. ortiz has a good book with other doc recommendations too and lastly don't base your decision solely on price - experience is key. take care and i wish you good luck in your journey. email me anytime! take care, mary __________________   Hi, My brother is a surgeon in the U.S. and he suggested I check out some TJ doctors for the lapband. My BMI was too low to qualify here. Ever since I first heard about the band, years ago, I knew I wanted it! I found Dr. Ortiz on the internet and ordered his book. I also spoke on the phone with someone who had surgery there. She was NOT a paid coordinator or anything (neither am I.) Anyway, I drove down to Mexico from L.A. and had the surgery without ever meeting Dr. Ortiz ahead of time. There was a really peaceful feeling that I was doing the right thing. The surgery is clean and the staff very professional. Honestly, I don't know of any doctor that could have so many happy patients. He does this surgery about 4-5 times a day. He is extremely experienced and that is what I wanted. Also, he teaches the surgery to U.S. doctors. I am totally satisfied!! No regrets! Good luck!!!!!   Surgery November 18, 2005 (Dr. Ortiz) When I first started researching the lap band the first thing I looked into was insurance coverage. Insurance won't cover the surgery for me (I didn't even try b.c i don't come close to meeting the criteria) SO I am self pay. So getting the surgery here in the US was out of the question. B/C it was between 15-20K. I then started researching Dr.'s in Mexico, the carribean and even Europe. Money is a big factor. I'm single, I'm 24, I live in the NYC area and I have a mortgage so I couldn't spend 10-13k like a lot of Dr's charge- in foreign countries. I also found cheap Dr's in Mexico (the cheapest was 6500). But after researching the doctors credential's I was quickly turned off. Dr. Ortiz's credentials seemed really impressive. The maker of the lap band trained Dr Ortiz. Dr Ortiz has 2 centers the cancun and the tj. One of his partners in the Cancun center is the Cheif of St Vincents- here in ny (he has been on the news and in magazines (for his achievements), which put my mind at ease. B/c if Dr. Ortiz was a crook or a bad dr the cheif of such a big hospital wouldn't be associated with him (atleast that's what i think). ALso Dr Ortiz completed a course at Harvard and Yale. And he has trained surgeons around the world. This all seemed very impressize to me. In addition I have not found 1 bad thing about him on the internet, which also helps. I also found one testimonial of a girl who went to dr ortiz. The band would have been too close to her aorta, so he did not complete the surgery. This put me at ease b/c he put safety before her desires. So in a nutshell that's why I chose Dr. Ortiz. What made you choose Dr.Ortiz? Well, I arrive on the 14th and I leave mexico the 17th. Im excited and nervous. It sounds like your friend is doing great. I hear stories of people losing 60 lbs in a few months while it takes outhers a year to do it. It sounds like the fills are very important for a lg weight loss. Me personally, I'd rather lose consistently over a year than lose it so quick that I'm stuck with excess skin. That's my main fear. Today I started my preop diet. When I decided to get my surgery (3 weeks ago) I have eaten everything I coluld possibly want and more. I have gained 8 lbs. So I'm starting the preop det today of 2 shakes and a lean cusine. Then Friday I'm going to start 3 shakes a day. Of course the day I start my diet I woke up at 6 am (opposed to 8- I work sun-thurs) So I have already had a large salad and I have to go prepare my protein shake before work. I hear if you blend the shake w/ice it's more filling. I'm going to go test that out. Please keep in touch. It's great to find others that are experiencing the same things I am. Lori     I hope this info helps- my family and friends were opposed to me going to Mx at all for my surgery- but I sent them all the links and his resume and his credentials and they feel comfortable. I have not been able to find any bad info on him. I heard horror stories about betancourt medical -and Dr Lopez. I feel confident about my decision. Evaluate both doctors credentials- also go through lapbandtalk forums and find info on btoh dr's that may help. The two doctors I had it narrowed down to was Dr Rambaut and Dr Ortiz- but I went w/ dr ortiz b/c of his credentials.   Dr Ortiz has 2 centers- the cancun one has been closed since the hurricane. this is the website that show's his association with Dr Nick Gabriel   www.lapbandincancun.com   Ameri Med Hospital offers Lap-Band surgery exclusively to patients of Dr. Ariel Ortiz and Dr. Lee Grossbard of the Lap Band in Cancun web site. Ameri Med Hospital is Cancun's newest hospital complex offering a full range of emergency and routine services. Ameri Med offers private rooms and a fully bi-lingual staff. The whole setting creates a soothing environment that will delight even the most demanding patient.     Dr Ariel Ortiz, a Board Certified Mexican medical doctor whose medical practice is in Mexico, is a world renowned expert on Lap-Band surgery, having trained almost a decade ago under the designer of the Lap-Band, Dr Mitiku Belechew. Dr. Lee Grossbard started his private practice in 1984 in Zephyrhills, FL where he is currently located. After attending Lafayette College, Easton PA he then went on to graduate from Autonomous University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico with Honors. Dr. Nick Gabriel currently holds an appointment as the Chief of Minimally Invasive Surgical Education at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York, and an assistant professor of surgery at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine dr ortiz's credentials: Click here to view an extended curriculum vitae for Dr. Ariel Ortiz.   Click here to view additional certifications.   for more info on Dr Otriz http://www.drarielortiz.com/ www.obesitycontrolcenter.com http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobe...ere+gl h.html http://www.aftercareprovider.com/dr_ortiz.html more info on dr gabriel   http://drnickgabriel.com/ http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobe...briel+hgm.html     Ariel Alfonso Alfredo Ortiz Lagardere, M.D. Address: Office: Obesity Control Center Leona Vicario #1510, 2nd Floor Zona Rio, Tijuana, Mexico, Zip:22320 Phone:   US. 619 270 1126 1866 Dr Ortiz (376 7849)   MX: 011-52(664) 6849505   Email: drortiz@obesitycontrolcenter.com Mailing Address USA: 1503 Liberty Creek Place Chula Vista CA 91913 Cell Phone: (619) 247-9695   Current Academic Rank: Professor of Clinical Medicine Professor of Surgery UABC School of Medicine University of Baja California, Tijuana   Training 1997 Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Fellowship Centro de Adiestramiento del Noroeste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social University of Baja California, Tijuana Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico 1997 Obesity Surgery Fellowship University of Baja California, Tijuana Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico Hospital Angeles del Pedregal Mexico, DF 1993 – 1997 Residency in General Surgery Centro Medico Nacional del Noroeste Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. 1986 – 1992 M.D. awarded June 1992 Faculty of Medicine, Tijuana University of Baja California, Tijuana Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico 1983 – 1985 B.A. awarded in Clinical Laboratory Escuela Federal Preparatoria “Lazaro Cardenas” Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico         Academic Board Certification Board Certified in General Surgery 1997 #98254 Mexico, DF   Certification & Licensure: Board Certified in General Surgery # 98254 06/99 Mexican Medical License # 2526822 Issued: 10/08/97 Baja California Medical License # 10575-02/00 Last Issued: 02/00 Baja California General Surgery License #125/2000 Last Issued: 03/00   Academic Appointments   2000-present Professor of Surgery   University of Baja California, Tijuana Professor of Clinical Medicine University of Baja California, Tijuana 1998-2000 Professor of Laparoscopic Surgery   North Western Laparoscopic Training Center Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Tijuana, B.C., Mexico 2000 – present Professor Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Course   North Western Laparoscopic Training Center Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Tijuana, B.C., Mexico     Honors & Awards   2002 President, National Association of Bariatric Surgery, Mexico 2000 President, Baja California College of Surgeons 1999 Secretary, Baja California College of Surgeons 1998 Scientific Committee, Baja California College of Surgeons 1996 Honorary President, Northwestern Resident Association 1995 Chief of Residents, General Surgery 1994 Chief of Residents, General Surgery 1993 Chief of Residents, General Surgery 1992 A.H. Robbins Award of Academic Excellence       Professional Organization Memberships   1997 – present Tijuana Medical College Baja California College of Surgeons 1997 – present National Board of General Surgery 1997 – present Mexican Association of General Surgery 1997 – present Mexican Association of Laparoscopic Surgery 1999 – present International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity 1997 – present Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgery 1998 - present Latin-American Society of Endoscopic Surgery 2001 - present American Society for Bariatric Surgery 2002 - present Fellow American College of Surgeons       Committees 1998 – present Medical College of Tijuana, Educational Affairs Committee 2001 Tijuana College of Medicine, Digitalization Committee       Department and Hospital Appointments & Committees   2001- present Chief of Surgery, Notre Dame Hospital, Tijuana, Mexico 2001- present Quality Assurance Committee, Siglo XXI Hospital, Culiacan, 2000-present Quality Assurance/Risk Management, Praga Hospital, Tijuana, 2000-present Blue Shield International Evaluation Committee, Tijuana Medical College 1997 – 2000 Co-Director, Endoscopic Hernia Training Center, IMSS, Tij. 1998 – 2000 Co-Director, Advanced Laparoscopic Training Course, IMSS 1998 – 2000 Operative & Invasive Procedures Committee, IMSS, Tijuana     Abstracts   Ortiz Lagardere, AA, Lopez Covala JA, Guzman Cordero F. 3 Years Experience, Endoscopic Hernia Training Center. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Achalasia Accumulated Experience. Endoscopic Training Center, IMSS, Tijuana Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Complications related to adjustment port after 150 Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Bandings. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Multidisciplinary approach after Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding elevates success rate. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Preventing Lap-Band Slippage, Modifications to the Technique. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Lopez Covala JA, Guzman Cordero F, Ortiz Lagardere AA. First 100 cases of Adjustable Silicon Gastric Banding, 3-year follow-up. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F, Ortiz Lagardere AA. TEP hernia repair, Focus on the technique. Presented at the AMCL Annual Meeting, Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. November 1999. Lopez Corvala, JA, Guzman Cordero F, Ortiz Lagardere AA. Laparoscopic Nephrectomy, our experience. Presented at the AMCL Annual Meeting, Cancun, May 1999. Awarded the first place by the AMCL Scientific Committee. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Intragastric Balloon for mild obesity. Technique and results. Presented in the AMCL Annual Meeting Acapulco Guerrero, Mexico. May 1999. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Band Adjustment, a Multidisciplinary approach. Presented at the AMCO Annual Meeting, Mazatlan Sinaloa, Mexico. July 1999. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Complications related to the Lap-Band, Slippage and Erosion. Presented at the AMCO Annual Meeting, Mazatlan Sinaloa, Mexico. July 1999. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Technique is related to band slippage. Presented at the AMCO Annual Meeting, Mazatlan Sinaloa, Mexico. July 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Crovala JA, Guzman Cordero F Laparoscopic Hernia Repair; A revised training protocol. Rev Mex Cir Endosc, 2, 71-74 Abril 2001       Ongoing Research     “Risk factors for Band Erosion. A multicenter evaluation.” (Funded by Grupo Laparoscopico de B.C.)   “Beating the learning curve in Laparoscopic Hernia Repair. Integrating new interactive teaching tools.” (Funded by Tyco Healthcare, International)   “Is band adjustment always necessary?” (Funded by Grupo Laparoscopico de B.C.)   “Restrictive mechanism of the Lap-Band, How does it really work?” (Funded by Grupo Laparoscopico de B.C.)   “A prospective randomized study, The Tep Repair without mesh fixation.” (Unfunded)     Teaching Responsibilities   2000 – present Latin-American Lap-Band Training Coordinator, Grupo Laparoscopico de B.C.   1999 – present Endoscopic Hernia Training Center for Latin America, Grupo Laparoscopico de B. C.       Invited Lectures . University Autonoma de Baja California, School of Medicine Anniversary Conference, “Minimally Invasive Surgery.” Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, “Skill Development For the Laparoscopic Surgeon.” University Autonoma de Baja California, School of Medicine. “Aids related surgical procedures.” 1998 Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, HGR 20 Tijuana. “Hernia Repair, Laparoscopic vs Open.” 1998 Baja California College of Surgeons, Laparoscopic Hernia Meeting. “The Tep approach, the future of the endoscopic approach.” Baja California College of Surgeons, VII International Laparoscopic Reunion. “Avoiding bile duct injuries.” 1998 Mexican Association of Laparoscopic Surgery, VIII International Laparoscopic Surgery Reunion. “Management of Chronic Pain, Laparoscopic Hernia Repair.” Mexican Association of General Surgery, New Techniques and Innovations in Surgery, Mexican, B.C. “The double mesh technique” 1998 Mexican Association of General Surgery, New Techniques and Innovations in Surgery, San Luis Rio Colorado. “The double mesh technique.” Mexican Association of Obesity Surgery, Annual Reunion. Ixtapa, Guerrero. “Obesity surgery, a stepped-up approach.” 1999 Mexican Association of General Surgery, Regional Reunion, San Luis Rio Colorado. “Partial or Total fundoplication, indications and technique.” 1999 Mexican Association of General Surgery, Open Hernia Course, Chihuahua, Chihuahua. “Experience with the double mesh technique.” Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, Obesity Course, Acapulco Guerrero. “Intragastric Balloon Placement, technique and results.” Mexican Association of Obesity Surgery, Annual Reunion, Mazatlan, Sinaloa. “Band Adjustment Protocol, a multidisciplinary approach”. 2000 National Defense System, Annual Reunion, Ensenada, Baja, California. “Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication” 2000 Mexican Association of General Surgery, Northwestern Regional Reunion, Mexicali, B.C. “The Tep repair, technique.” Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, National Meeting, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico “ Lap-Band, Safe and effective procedure; Four year follow-up”. Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, National Meeting, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico “ LASGB, Long term complications and Follow-up”. 2002 LASGB, Mexican experience, Phil Schauer Course, Breckenridge Colorado. 2002 Complications in Lap-Band, avoiding and treating them successfully.     Live Exhibition Surgery   Mexican Association of General Surgery, International Laparoscopic Reunion, Tijuana, B.C. “Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.” Mexican Association of General Surgery, International Laparoscopic Reunion, Tijuana, B.C. “Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.” Mexican Association of General Surgery, Regional Laparoscopic Reunion, Mexicali, B.C. “Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.” Mexican Association of General Surgery, International Laparoscopic Reunion, San Luis Rio Colorado, “Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.” 2000 Mexican Association of Obesity Surgery, Annual Meeting, “Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding.” 2000 Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery and National Defense System, Annual Meeting, Ensenada, Baja, California, “Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.” 2000 Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery Regional Meeting, Tijuana, Baja, California “Endoscopic Hernia Repair, Tep.” 2000 Mexican Association of General Surgery, “Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding.”     Live Exhibition Surgery to the USA Endoscopic Hernia Repair, TEP Hernia Balloon Repair, Yale Laparoscopy Training Program, 28-29 April Live transmission from: HGR No 20 IMSS Hospital Tijuana, B.C. Mexico To Yale Laparoscopy, Yale University, New Haven Ct. Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Yale Laparoscopy Training Program, Six-week course Live transmission from: HGR No 20 IMSS Hospital Tijuana, B.C. Mexico To Yale Laparoscopy, Yale University, New Haven Ct.     Surgical Proctoring in USA   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding LAP-BAND System Bariatric Surgery Department Lennox Hill Hospital, New York, New York.   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding, LAP-BAND System Minimally Invasive Surgery Department University of Illinois, Chicago, IL   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding, LAP-BAND System Bariatric Surgery Program Hoag Hospital, Orange County, California   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding Loyola University Chicago, Chicago IL.   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding Little Rock, Arkansas   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding Arlington Hospital Dallas, Texas   2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding Irvine Medical Center Los Angeles, Ca   2002 Proctorings in the USA   Chicago, Illinois Port Huron, Michigan Detroit Michigan Seattle Washington Austin, Texas Fort Worth, Texas Baton Rouge, Louisiana Minneapolis, Minnesota     2002 Proctoring in Canada Montreal 1st International Workshop     Television Appearance- TV Program Host   June 2001- June 2001 Information Capsules Home Remedies Discovery Health   Feb 2002- Feb 2003 Discovery Channel Latino-America Discovery Health Spanish Version of “Living Pulse” Show Host For Latin America and Spain     this is info on nick gabriel ·Dr. Nick H. Gabriel Joins the Airport Medical Offices Announcing the addition of Dr. Gabriel at the Airport Medical Offices at JFK·Stomach Surgery for Weight-Loss (stream video) Special Interview with Dr. Gabriel on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360·Suddenly Skinny Dr. Gabriel's patient Lisa Sohr featured as the "cover girl" in New York Magazine   Click here to view Dr. Ariel Ortiz being interviewed on The Wellness Hour with host Randy Alvarez.   __________________ "If love is blind, what's the purpose of lingerie?"
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