judy2291

Did you keep the area clean and dry? Watch for any redness that may indicate infection. Otherwise, you might make sure your pants are not tight at the waist or rubbing the area over the port. I experienced that once so I know what you're talking about. Mine went away when I changed the type of pants I wore. The elastic was constantly rubbing and pinching just enough to irritate the skin. Judy

Coyote: Have you thought about Fill Centers USA? If you're paying $200 a visit for after care, I'd find someone who was more responsive to your problem. I know the fill centers can be a little expensive initially, but if you're not getting adequate care, you're throwing good money after bad. Maybe if you post your city & state someone here may know of another doctor you can see. Or you can contact the fill center and see if there's one in your state. Fill Centers USA - Weight Loss Surgery - Bariatric Surgery - Gastric Bypass Surgery - Lap Band Surgery Information and Support Best of luck, Judy

Olisand33: Welcome to our thread, home of Dr Francisco Gonzalez in Tiajuana. First, you didn't say where you were from but if you live in the So California area, having Dr G so close is a real blessing since he will provide free fills for as long as you need them. I know there are those who even drive in from Arizona. Then there's our Miss SUNSHINE who loves Dr G so much she flys (on her angel wings) in from New Mexico. If you haven't read CHRISTINE'S post on how to find a doctor, please take a few minutes and read it here: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f11/resea...tml#post600965 When you talk to people on these type of forums, it would be wise to remember you never really know who you are talking to. I say this so you won't automatically believe everything that's said. It's important to do your own research. Unfortunately, some people have their own agenda at lapbandtalk and while I believe most are honest and straightforward, there will always be some who are not. Never choose a doctor solely on someone's recommendation. You could be talking to a Patient Coordinator who's only interest is making a sale so they get their fee for recruiting patients. The doctor they promote may have a horrible track record and you could be jeopardizing your health, maybe your life. I personally contacted one of the more popular doctors in Tiajuana before Dr G. I was all ready to hand over the money until I asked about driving down to tour the facility first. Can you believe I never heard from them again? You might be surprised who the doctor was but the important thing is I was doing my research. Please follow your gut when you see those red flags go up. Don't try to justify the reason, just cross the doctor off your list and look someplace else. Every doctor has a patient coordinator and they all get a fee for recruiting patients. A good doctor doesn't need his patient coordinator playing games on these boards or lying about other doctors. A good patient coordinator is the link between you and the doctor. They are invaluable to you as a patient. They are knowledgable, appropriately sympathetic, and usually a good conversationalist. If you have questions or concerns, they are the one who contacts the doctor and gets back to you in a timely manner. They are the ones who arrange a phone call from the doctor, and follow up on you after you're home. Yes, we all love Dr G and his staff but I think you'll find that anyone who had a successful lapband surgery will sing their doctor's praises. This procedure is so simple, and it's almost painless to most people. You can contact Laura at laura@golap-band.com for more information about Dr G. I don't want to quote an exact price in case there's been an increase but most uncomplicated surgeries are about $7500-$8000 all inclusive (except transportation cost to the border). This means you get all the doctors, surgical staff, tests, and followup (including fills) for one price. I should tell you that if there's any serious pre-existing conditions (heart, kidney, lung), you would have the surgery in the hospital and the price would be higher. But regardless of who does the surgery, if you have a serious medical problem and ANY doctor wants to do it in a surgery center (instead of a hospital), find out how far the nearest hospital is and how you would get there if something went wrong. There is no 9-1-1 like we know in the US and ambulances get to you when they get there. That being said, most of us did fine in the surgery center and I can personally say the aftercare was wonderful. The nurses are very attentive and the rooms are more spa-like than hospital-like. Hope this helps. The web site is Lap Band Surgery, more than 2,500 successful procedures. Keepin touch, Judy

CalifNurse: How's the eating going? I know I haven't been doing the best since I discovered..... cream cheese! Did you know you can eat cream cheese on anything? Yup, crackers, and veggies, and bagels, and even plain... right off the spoon. I think it's one of those things I should be staying away from, or at least eating in moderation. An 8oz block should last longer than a day, huh? ONENONLY: So sorry to hear your news. You must feel so violated having some unknown intruder inside your house! Other people don't always understand that it's just not "the stuff" you lose when this happens. You also lose your sense of security. I hope you have some trusted people around when you need to vent. And it's ok to scream, trust me. CHRISTINE: You are doing so well! {{{ Go Crissy! Go Crissy! Go Crissy! }}} SUNSHINE: Where are you hiding? I get worried when you don't post. Have you deserted us? Take care girls and post a note when you get time. I'm working some crazy long hours but like a bad penny, I'm sure to show up sooner or later. ~LOL~ Hugs, Judy :thumbup: :tt1: :tt2: :wub: :eek: :eek: :tt2: :tt2: :tt2:

Thank you for that Snowbird. It always amazes me when someone pops up on a thread with the purpose of causing fear, then disappears. Anyone who wants to research doctors in Mexico should read WasaBubbleButt's link. It contains a tremendous amount of research and facts. If you want the real scoop, and really educate yourself on what this is all about, take some time and read it.

We had another great visit with Dr. Gonzalez. I don't have an infection but Dr G could feel some slight swelling. He asked in his most charming manner because my mother was standing right there, if I was sticking to my diet. Well.... uh.... uh..... I have been having some problems with meat getting stuck. Maybe I'm not chewing well enough? But sweets still go down nicely so I find myself having a little treat every few days. Not good if I want to lose weight, huh? So I've been having more Soup and soft foods the past 2 days and haven't had any pain. I made meat loaf and mashed potatos tonight so I'll take the leftovers to work the next 2 nights. Good thing I don't mind leftovers. My folks decided to go to Mexico with us and it was an experience! Mom actually did pretty well but my 82 year old father almost got himself in trouble at the border. He suffers from diabetis and gets a little hostile when his blood sugar is off. First he got in to it with some guy who was trying to pass us as we stood in line at the border. When it was our turn the border guard asked if he bought anything in Mexico, and Dad said "I don't think so". Cindy and I looked at each other and Cindy said "We had a doctor appointment", afterwhich I said to Dad "You didn't buy anything" (because he forgets). The guard snapped at me and said "I was talking to him!" Well, as much as my Dad is forgetful these day, he gets very upset when anyone talks harshly toward his daughters. Dad was visibly upset at the guards tone of voice and said (rather loudly) "I said NO and I'm looking right at you!!!" {{{Big gulp!}}} He may as well have added "YOU BIG JERK!" Fortunately, the guy didn't react and let us go by. I had visions of Dad being dragged into the interogation room! ~LOL~ While we were there, we met 3 girls who were in for fills but didn't subscribe to this board. Now they know about the website and may be joining the ranks. They had nothing but good things to say about Dr Gonzalez and staff. Cindy got a good fill but I'll let her tell you about it. Finally she knows what I've been talking about when I say "restriction". ~LOL~ Judy

I guess if my own sister tells me leakage wouldn't cause swelling, I tend to believe it. Maybe I was feeling my band and all the poking made me a little sore. Who knows.... but I'll have Dr G check me out on Tuesday. Sunshine: I am so concerned about you. Please let us know what the doctor says and I'll send some extra prayers your way. Anyone going for surgery or a fill on Tuesday, Jan 29th? If so, Cindy and I will be there about noon and would love to meet you! I'm pretty sure our mother wants to go but I'm a little concerned about her walking across the border. She has advanced arthritis and has already had one ankle replacement. She's a hard lady to keep down and I'm sure she'd do ok but it's still Mexico. Anyway, I hear she has her passport ready and her walking shoes shined. It should be fun. I'm working overtime tonight so have to get ready to head out the door. I hope everyone is doing ok and seeing results. I know I am. Hugs, Judy

It's my first night back to work after having a friend visit this past week. I did get on the scales after she left and Oh-Boy, I didn't think I ate THAT bad. ~LOL~ Maybe the 2 pound gain was all the food I ate while she was here. Ya think? I had forgot that most people eat by the clock so I found myself eating my food, then eating again when my friend had a meal. So I'm back on track starting tonight. I brought my food to work and promise to throw the rest of the cheese crackers out when I get home in the morning. There really is a lot to say about planning meals and keeping the temptation stuff out of the house. I'm feeling better. The pain around my band is almost gone. I will be going to see Dr. Gonzalez next Tuesday to see if the swelling was saline from my band. I don't even want to think about the darn thing leaking. Wouldn't that be the pits? Positive thoughts, positive thoughts.... Judy

But...but...but....Sunshine! You are doing well. I thought you'd only lost a few pounds when I saw you in December and now look at you! You're down over 15 pounds and feel some restriction. That's more than you had before. Sometimes I think we're so anxious to get to the finish line that we lose sight of the progress we've already made. Baby steps.... Love those blue cups too! Judy

Well, I guess since my beautiful sister is posting, I need to get my butt over here more often. It was disappointing when she wasn't able to get a proper fill because we had decided to lose weight together and I'm a little ahead of her in that department right now. But knowing Cindy, she will zoom right past me once she has some restriction again. And her husband is such a wonderful support system he even prepares her snacks! What a guy! I've really come to appreciate my BIL and actually look forward to him coming along on our treks into the deep Mexican interior. ~LOL~ His enthusiam for both of us makes him the wonderful guy he is. We finally told our mother that we had surgery in Mexico. I kept telling her the doctor's office was south of Temeciula (wine country) and near San Diego. (Hey, I wasn't lying!) She took it pretty well considering we have other relatives who get medical care in Mexico and I never felt she was Ok with it. She was a trooper, as usual, and just laughed as she said "I knew it!". It's pretty hard to put anything over on her. Well, I've been on mushies most of the past 2 weeks and doing a lot better. I found my bites were too big and I wasn't chewing enough. Using a baby spoon has really helped along with meats like hamburger and tuna. I still can't eat chicken very well. I had a pot pie at work the other night and did ok until I downed a chunk of chicken. Yes, it stuck! So for now, I'm eating soups, stews, and salads. But, believe me, I'm not starving! No way! My port area has been giving me a little problem the past few days and will probably have to have it looked at. I can feel the port because it's right on my waistline, but there seems to be more swelling up near where the top incision is located. It feels like it goes from there toward the port and I can't understand if it's the fill lines, or I may have an infection. It is a little tender, almost sore. I'll be emailing Laura this afternoon and may meet up with Cindy next week for another Mexican adventure. If it is an infection, I don't want to let it go too long. Depending on what she says, I do have extra antibiotics I bought when I had surgery. I'm so glad everyone is doing well and will be back a little later. I have a girlfriend flying in on Wednesday and I have so much cleaning to do I may as well shovel it into the garage and shut the door. I have no idea how I will get this place looking presentable by Wednesday. Have a great week! Judy

Hey Christine! You are doing so well! Congratulations on reaching a huge goal. I'm trying to get there but it's one step at a time, isn't it? Sunshine: How are you doing now that your fill has had a chance to settle down? It was so good to meet you in December but I was worried you might have a little too much in your fill with all the throwing up, etc. Glad to hear you made it through the holidays with only a 2 pound gain. That should be a distant memory by now... are you losing again? New: I had been wanting to check in on your progress but have had some computer issues. It sounds like you initially had some problems. Have they resolved themself? I think I may need to go back and read more of the thread. I'm still doing well. Was banded on 10/31 (yes, HALLOWEEN! Yikes!) and have lost 34 pounds. Dr G said I should only lose about 10 pounds a month but most of it was the first 6 weeks. I didn't lose anything over the holidays... too much pumpkin pie, perhaps? You bet! I had my 2nd fill on Jan 2nd. He added 2cc bringing my total to 3.2cc's. Boy! I have some great restriction and sometimes find it hard to get solids down, or stay down! Breads are a definate no-no, they tend to gum up and sit there. Ouch! Crunchy things go down well so a few wheat thins with cream cheese or peanut butter is my lunch of choice. I made a roast last night that will probably feed me for 3 days plus a good portion to the freezer. One question to anyone who may have experienced the same thing... Does it hurt for you to eat? I find almost anything I eat brings some pain from the moment I start to swallow until it goes down. I'm thinking it's because I'm so tight right now but it sure takes any anjoyment out of eating. Oh well, when you're addicted to food, I guess associating something negative with eating helps. I hope everyone is having a wonderful New Year! Take care fellow bansters and TRY to enjoy the ride. Hugs, Judy

NewBlew and NM, I get that taste in my mouth but I think it's related to the low carbs and low blood sugar. Sugarless cough drops help during the day and a little mouthwash before bed at night. It does get better as you add more carbs. I try to eat a few carbs first thing in the morning to boost the blood sugar, then eat every 3-4 hours during the day. It may only be a few tablespoons of cottage cheese, but it keeps my blood sugar even so I don't get a headache or smelly breath. My sister was banded on Wednesday and had a very nice experience. The only thing was trying to get across the border, it took me almost 2 hours. After being there a few times, I really think Tuesday is the easiest time to cross. DON'T FORGET! Beginning Jan 1st, you will need a passport! Hope everyone is doing well. I'm down 28 pounds post op and it's really beginning to show! Judy

I had my first fill yesterday and could only tolerate 1.2cc's. Now that I'm home, I'm wondering if I was so afraid of the fill that I didn't get an adequate amount. I was able to eat normally last night and today only noticing the slightest difference in restriction. I'm 5 weeks post op and initially lost 19 pounds the first 2-3 weeks. After that, I started putting weight on (went on a cruise) and gained 5. At fill, the total lost the first month was 14 pounds. Good news! My sister is being banded by Dr G next Wednesday and we will continue this journey together. I'm hoping a little sibling competition will keep me motivated. I really do need the support and someone to talk to. Thanks for listening, Judy

Congrats Krysten! Now, are you going down just to talk about the surgery, or are you planning to get the band at the same time? I think you'll be surprised how nice the area is in Mexico, I sure was! Well, it's almost 3am Wed morning so I need to get to bed. I go back to work on Sunday so have been trying to stay up a little later each night in preparation. I've got a lot of catch up reading to do, my internet was down all day Tuesday and I about chewed every fingernail off. This Time Warner has been a big pain and hasn't worked right in over 2 months. I guess it's time I cancel or get a service tech out to fix the problem. Catch y'all later, Judy

Vicky, I am so sorry you had such a terrible experience! Perhaps reading your story will make others stop and reconsider their choice of doctors. No one should ever decide simply on the recommendation of someone here! Do your research yourself! It's all out there if you look. Or email the doctor and ask for his stats! There's also many, many knowledgible people here who can point you in the right direction. I initially bought into this same doctor's hype after seeing his video and reading all the praise on his website. What I didn't know was he paid for, and controlled, the video and his site's message boards. I became suspicious after I had started the process of making inquiries and other communications from his office. It was something someone said on one of these threads.... I can't remember what sent the red flags up but I emailed the next day asking for an appointment to interview and tour the facility. Guess what? ALL communication abruptly stopped and my telephone calls and follow up emails remained unanswered. Was it something I said? ~LOL~ I feel that if we were all young and healthy, this probably wouldn't be a big deal. But, we're here because we're obese, have health issues, maybe not so young anymore, and need this surgery to improve of quality of life. Maybe even save our lives...

I understand someone not wanting to take pain killers but this is not the time to be brave. Take your drugs and enjoy them. This is why they were given to you. The surgery pain should go away within a few days. Yes, I also felt pain when breathing deeply. I couldn't even get out of the reclining chair without crawling over the raised foot rest. I didn't have the strength to push the foot rest down with my legs. I had no strength in my abdomen muscles and it was all very sore. I went to Tylenol on day 3 and have been prefectly fine. I hope you both feel better soon, Judy

It's been almost 2 weeks since surgery and I seem to be getting tighter. At first, I was eating something every 2 hours. Jello, broth, lots of liquids. I've added a few mushies like refried Beans and was doing well, but I'm still worried. The past 2 days I've had problems keep straight liquids down. Please tell me what your restriction feels like. Do you get a lump in your chest when you eat, or do you ever feel like you need to burp? I need to know if these are normal feelings or if I need to go back to the doctor. I keep waiting for a "full" feeling but I'm not sure what that should feel like. I know the key is to eat slow and deliberate but when I burp up liquid, I wonder if there's something wrong. Any thoughts? Judy

I took 2 weeks because I work 12 hour shifts from 7pm-7am. If you have a desk job, you might be able to return sooner. I haven't been sleepy during the day but I have problems sleeping after 30 years of being sleep deprived. I did sleep the first 24 hours after surgery but I was in the surgery center and they were very good about checking on me. Don't cut yourself too short. I know employer's want some idea how long you'll be out and that a fair request. I took 2 weeks because once I'm there, I'm not really able to leave if I get sick at work. As for painkillers, I bought the overpriced antibiotics because I didn't want to fool with it once I was home. I didn't buy the painkillers because I had Vicodan from a previous medical procedure. I took them 2-3 days and then forgot... i guess I wasn't hurting enough to need them. Best of luck, Judy

Am I the only one who wasn't able to get on the website until this afternoon? I was beginning to think we'd all been banned! ~LOL~ Jimmyjoe: Don't forget about the holidays in December. I'm only 5 days post op so I can't really advise you but I know others have said it hurt to eat for a few weeks, things got stuck. I live in Southern Calif if you need help. I won't go for my first fill until Dec. I had already planned a cruise with my family and even Dr G thought I should wait under the circumstances. Well, I'm heading to the grocery to get more Soup. I know I'm suppose to be on Clear liquids but if I blend and thin really well, it doesn't bother me. Hope everyone has a wonderful night! Judy

Sunshine, Thank you for posting. It's been a rough couple of days. Mostly, I think because I was feeling well, I overdid it on what I could eat. Let's see.... I started out with chicken broth, that got boring prety fast. I drank a few Protein shakes. I was worried about my BP meds so managed to get those down. The 2nd day I decided "Hey! This isn't so bad!" and took off with the dog to the groomers. Afterward, I hit Target for some more Gas medicine (I actually had very little), and one of those new blender bottles that have a stainless steel spring ball that really does a good job mixing the powder. After a short nap, back to the groomers where it all finally hit. I was off and running for the complimentary poo-poo bags to barf in. Who knew they were the perfect size to discretely hold over my mouth as I pretended to look at the doggie toys. Finally back home I decided to give things a rest and settled in for an afternoon of movies and all the TiVo I had been meaning to watch. I found that I could eat blended potato Soup thinned with more chicken broth. Nothing has ever tasted so good. My biggest mistake was not throughly going through cupboards. I spotted a half empty bag of corn chips and threw them in the trash. Then I spotted my #1 weakness. Cheetos! Needless to say, Cheetos are not a lap band friendly food. I heading out for a family birthday so have to close. Will let you know how my first outting went later tonight. Hugs, Judy

Sorry Sunshine, I didn't see you when I started my post. Thanks for all your kind and practical advice prior to my surgery. And before I forget AGAIN, NEWBLEW, you want to eat veggies and other Fiber before surgery so you don't get constipated. It's bad enough what the pain pills do to your elimination, don't do anything to encourage the problem before surgery. You'll find your abdomnal muscles are a little sore the first few days, nothing big, just from being poked. It goes away fast, at least for me, but even with stool softeners, I'm still waiting for something more than a few grapes. ~LOL~ Good luck to you!

Hi New and Christine, Imagine my horror after being banded on Wednesday to come home and find the Dr G thread in total turmoil. Nowhere in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the complete lack of respect shown to other posters by one individual. I truely feel the person is incapable of responding to someone who doesn't share their belief. I have seen this in the depressed or mentally ill. I have other opinions but will keep them to myself lest the poison pen gets pointed in my direction. I want no problems and don't care to become involved in another's personal life. I am here strickly for lap-band support as I make my way through the next few months. I made my decision and it's done... finished. I don't need, or want information that may, or may not be accurate (depending on who you ask). Thank you very much, whoever you are... I hope this new thread fairs better than the last one but don't be surprised if the same problem pops up again. Some people are incapable of letting things go and will use any excuse to keep at it. My favorites have always been "out of concern", or "people really need to know this". I say BULL! Say it once, maybe twice, then let it go. I really could have used some support the past few days but it wasn't going to happen here. Instead I had to search other boards and archives for my answers. It's very sad... I really hope this is a better start but I won't be surprised if problems follow. With names and ID's so easily changed, it's only a matter of time.

I also like Unjury. I use a stick blender to whip it up and it doesn't get thick like some powders.

DrPhil. What a wonderful post! It's exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you too, NM. Maybe we'll met up one day since I plan to get my fills with Dr G too. Well, I finally reached Laura and sh'e going to pick me up in front of McDonald's (last minute torture????) after I cross the border. I need to finish getting dressed and my bum in the car. No luck on getting any sleep after working all night. I guess I'll sleep well tonight! Hugs to everyone! Thanks for everything! Judy

I'm sitting here after working all night and wondering how I'll stay awake the rest of the day. Ive decided to sleep a few hours before making the 2 hour drive to Tijuana. I'm hoping to get there by 2pm, cross, get something to eat, and going to bed. I still haven't heard from Laura about payment and it's causing a lot of anxiety. I decided to walk across the border and get a cab to the clinic but I can't find an address anywhere! More anxiety..... I feel so unprepared. But I know they're expecting me because Dr V left a message yesterday. What should I take? Toothbrush and a change of clothes? I really want to travel light because I'll be hauling it all back across the border in a few days. I already have my wheeled tote out, love those wheels! I'm hoping I feel well enough to do a little shopping before I leave. Is that unreal? Before I left work this morning, 2 girls said they'd be watching how I do. They're both quite heavy and considering bypass. Of course, I've been singing the praises of lapband so I've got to do good! OK, I'm just babbling so will try and take a nap before I set out on this adventure. Judy