SanDiegoSue

PLEASE use a mortar and pestal (pill crusher) and put the crumbs ior powder of the pain pills under your tongue your system will absorb them and you can get some pain relief. it may taste bad, but i do this will all my meds. Good luck sweety! Susie

So the big bowl of salsa and chips i just ate is sitting in my esophagus? I kinda figured that much. i will get second fill tomorrow. I got first fill May 10 and have had occassional mild pb when i eat a bite of chicken fish or meat too fast and don't chew well, but I can graze on chips and guacamole and salsa for hours. So it must not be tight enough. And I have only lost 1.5 lbs since the fill. To answer the question about looking at food going through with ultrasound, this won't work. I am a sonographer and do ultrasound for a group of radiologists here in town. Ultrasound cannot be used effectively to evaluate the digestive tract since sound waves cannot travel through the gas and air. Same with lungs, these are best seen on fluouroscopy Xray or CT. If you knew a radiologist, he might do a study for you. He could take before, during and after pictures, but it would take too much radiation to watch food go through in real time. Trust me, I have tried to see my band. The best I could get was a little Fluid collection around the port post op and the actual port itself. I am going to see Dr. Martinez in the morning. I will ask him to take a picture right when the pouch fills and see if he will give it to me to show. Wish me luck! Susie

You look awesome. Congrats!! Susie

I also had my surgery with Dr. Ortiz. PLEASE go get your very first fill there. I live close so I went for my first. There were people there that got first fills elsewhere without fluoro and didn't get good ones and were back with him after all to get it right. I also know someone who went to another doctor to get first fill and she got 2cc and couldn't drink Water, so he removed 1.5cc and left her with just .5cc. she has no restriction and paid several hundred for it. She is thinking of scheduling to see Dr. Martinez (Dr. Ortiz office) in 3weeks. I may take it to get her fill. She is from Ohio. I highly recommend him. My first fill was 1.5cc and I feel good restriction. I got to watch it on the fluoroscope and it looked like an hourglass. Good luck with you decision! Susie

I'm an ultrasound tech in San Diego county. Susie

Did you say your just go banded six weeks ago? So did I . I have lost several pounds but that was due to internal swelling. I did not receive a fill at the time the band was placed. The first 6 weeks are for recovery. i get my first fill this Saturday with Dr. Martinez in Tijuana. I think that is when the real restriction will begin. I am getting hungry, but still can't eat like I used to. Does anyone out there know if I should follow a special diet tomorrow the day before my first fill> I appreciate any advice. Thanks Susie

Were are you in So Cal? Dr Martinez in Dr Ortiz office in TJ is awesome. They do it on Saturday's so you could go in the am and do Seaworld or Zoo> I'm in San Diego County. My first fill is 5/14. I will be going back to Tijuana. Several people like to take a $5 cab ride to Revolution, shop, etc. Also the Dentist I use there does the laser whitening for around $180. Susie

Welcome Karen!! I am a native Texan living in California. Where are you located? Congrats! I was just banded April 1. I am loving it. I get my first fill 5/14. Already down 19 lbs. Tell us about your experience! Susie (Moved to CA in 1997)

Good Luck!! It's going to be fine! The first week of clear liquids includs broth from Soups you like, just strain the veggies and meat. Popcicles are great crunchy treats (sugar free) so have all you want. Day 8 is heavenly. Yogurt ( I like the whipped kind it tastes like mousse). The best Protein I found was Jay Robb whey chocolate, mix with soy milk (you can't tell), and the greatest soups are low-fat and are creamy, the brand is Imagine, right next to Campbell's in a milk-type carton. They are ready to heat and eat. Cream of Broccoli, Butternut squash, etc. Before you know it you will be back on solids! Just be sure to always eat protein first. Susie

Hi Folks. If anyone approaches the point when a panniculectomy (apron) is going to be done, please be sure to contact local burn centers to possibly donate! I have worked with WLS patients for several years and hear that is a need. Sometimes if insurance won't pay, I have heard that burn centers might help or advise. Thanks, SanDiegoSue

I used Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana who came highly recommended by current patients. I was 30.1 BMI on April 1st. I had high blood pressure, cholesterol and triclycerides. I had a lumbar fusion in 1994 and exercise is not easy. I have already lost 19 lbs in 24 days. I put the flat $9500 fee on a low interest credit card. I think I will save that much money in large Entrees and junk food within a couple of years. Basically it will pay for itself quickly. All of the follow up care and fills are included in the flat fee. If any revision is ever needed, or if it must be removed (1% chance) that is also free. I AM VERY HAPPY!. SanDiego Sue April 1 170 April 24 151 goal 125 height 5'3" Age 50

Hi I'm Susie. Banded April 1st with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana. Feeling fantastic and already down 13 lbs. Awesome experience!

Thanks for the reply. Not going to drink alcoholic beverage anytime soon, but I noticed that I was not sleepy at bedtime a few nights ago and took a valium and I was groggy within minutes. I already told hubby that I would be a cheap dinner date, he could order what he wants and just give me a few bites, but I wasn't considering alcohol. Maybe I better try one at home first so I won't fall flat on my face in public. LOL! Thanks again Susie banded April 1 Dr. Ortiz lost 13 lbs so far

Hi All! I was justed banded April 1 and have lots of questions. This seemed like the closest thread for the question about alcoholic beverages. Do we ever get to have them again? If so, what is the result. I will be on vacation in a couple of months and I am sure that a Pina Colada or some such beverage will be in order. How soon after banding is it allowed if ever? I don't want to make a mistake and get sick on vacation. Thanks Susie