ywilson

I just had my first fill on Wednesday and I too have a bruise which will definately go away. The funny thing is that the pressing that the doctor did on my port to locate it hurt more than the needle.

I had my surgery on May 27. 2008. I went to Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. That in and of itself was an experience...a good one...no a great one. I had someone come and pick me up from the San Diego Airport. From there, I was transported to the Obesity Control Center in Tijuana. While there, I had my meeting with the center's nutritionist, and then I had my blood work. I was scheduled to have my surgery the next day, so with the permission of my nutritionist, I had one delicious, final meal. The next day, surgery day, I had my exam with the clinic's cardiologist which included an EKG. All went well. Then it was my turn to get prepped for surgery. I went into my assigned room where I was told to change into some paper underwear and a hospital gown. Then a nurse came in and helped me put on my surgical stockings (to decrease the chances of bloodclots). Ater that was done, another nurse came in an started my IV which I was told was simply saline to keep me from becoming dehydrated. I was then given two pills. I can't remember the names of the drugs, but one was to help keep me calm, and the other was too again decrease the liklihood of bloodclots. After that, approximately five minutes later, the Dr. came in to discuss the surgery. After about 15 minutes they came into my room with the wheelchair and asked me if I needed to go to the bathroom. I said no and was then wheeled into the operating room. I hopped onto the table and then there was a little hustle and bustle. I forgot to mention that prior to the Dr. coming into my room, the anestheisiologist (I think I spelled it wrong) came into to introduce himself and explain his purpose in the operating room which solely to keep me alive. So anyway, I climb onto the operating table...needless to say I was extremely nervous and thinking to myself, what have I gotten myself into. Is it too late to back out?!!! Anyway, the next thing I know the anestheisologist (there were two) was placing the gas mask on my face and telling me that he was about to start releasing pure oxygen in the mask. I think simultaneously the other Dr. was injecting something into my IV. I remember struggling to keep my eyes open. The next thing I remember was them waking me up and then I was back in my room. Right after surgery, I was very tired. I then felt nauseous. It was very faint at that time, but I knew that as time progressed, it was going to get worse, so I immediately told them and within five minutes they were injecting something into my IV and the nausea was gone. About a half an hour later, they brought me this breathing apparatus which I was told to breathe into every hour for five minutes. This was to help me get the gas up out of my lungs. About an hour or so later, I was given some ice, water, and capri suns to SIP on. I was then instructed that it was very important for me to walk. So I did. I was told that I did not have to spend the night in the clinic but I opted to do so just as a precaution. Let me say this... I was extremely blessed. The only pain that I felt was muscle pain from where my port was placed. I did not have the gas pain, nor the shoulder pain. My port is not even hurting at this point and people usually complain of having port pain even months later and I am only three weeks post op. The real test however has been the post op liquid diet (3 weeks). Thank God tomorrow I start my solids). I must say though that as time passed the diet got easier and I have lost 19 pounds total. Initially, I had a problem with heartburn...nothing major, but for the most part that has not even been a problem. I will be getting a fill in about three weeks so we'll see what happens then. Nonetheless, it was a great experience. Just follow doctors orders...eat like you are supposed to, and ALWAYS tell your doctor about any problems you are having no matter how small. You will do great!!! I promise you!!! They did give me pain pills too. I only took one which was placed under the tongue. I really didn't even need that one, but I took it as a precaution for the plane ride home which was slightly uncomfortable, but very bearable.

So, I am scheduled to have my surgery on May 27, 2008 in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz and like most of you, I am a self pay. One of the things that made me apprehensive about scheduling the procedure was the fact that the procedure itself and any complications were not covered by my insurance. The second concern for me was what would happen if any complications arose while I was in Mexico...how would I pay for that?! Anyway, the blessing was that a few days ago a representative from AFLAC came to my job and he gave me some very insightful information on their hospital protection plan. It is not insurance, but more of a reimbursement plan should you have to go to the hospital and/or stay overnight. I figured that this would be useful for me to help defray any cost of any complications should they arise. Secondly, I also checked into traveler's insurance under which you have the option to elect medical (accidental and sickness) coverage for any incidents that occur while you are in another country. The company that I went through was Travel Insured (Travel Insurance: Travel Insured - Trip, Medical/Health Accident Coverage). The coverage was pretty cheap. I paid $54.00 for $50,000. in medical coverage. I hope this helps someone. :cursing:

Counting from the day that I began the pre-op diet which was May 10, until today I have lost 20 pounds.

Keep your head up. I too am two weeks post op and have very little restriction. I was told that this was the time to allow your body to heal and adjust to the band. Actually, I have learned that initially when they put the band in, it is put in kind of loosely to allow the band to heal in place. Once that is done, you then get your fill and you are on the road to victory.

Absolutely wonderful!!! Congratulations!

To answer your question, from what I have learned since getting my band was that everyone is different when it comes to what they can tolerate and what they can't. For example, some people eggs are a problem, for other it is not. The one thing that I heard that people can't tolerate on a consistent basis is bread. Anyway, what I was told was that it is going to have to be a trial and error type of thing so that you can determine what works for you. Just remember to chew the hell out of everything and you should be fine.

OK, so I was having the same problem. As stated, go to tickerfactory.com. Add all of your information. Once you have finished that step, the url will appear. Copy the url, and then come back to lapbandtalk and paste the url code in the signature portion under either edit profile or edit options (can't remember). Then hit the save option. The ticker should appear every time you post a comment. To update it, click on the actual ticker on your profile. You can actually click on it after you post a comment. Once you click on it, it will take you back to the ticker page where you will enter your pin number. All you need to do is update it there and it will be updated on your profile. Hope this helps.

I was banded on 5/27/08 and thankfully, I have little to no pain (with the exception of a little heartburn). Anywhoo, I am going through a doctor recommended, 21 day liquid diet (bandster hell). It seems as if I am always hungry (the hunger pains are ridiculous). I am saying that to say this. What you are feeling now is the after affects of the medications that they used during your surgery. IT WILL GO AWAY! The one thing that has gotten me through this phase is knowing that I have kickstarted the weightloss process. Since May 10 I have lost a total of 16lbs (in less than one month). While you are recovering, take a walk around the mall or buy a fashion magazine and keeping telling yourself I am on my way to a beautiful, healthy, sexy new me. Keep your head up, the best is yet to come.

I was the same way. I ate everything in sight and felt guilty but now I am in "Bandster Hell" stage and am glad I did not deprive myself.

I also had my incisions glued without any problems thus far.

I totally feel you. I was banded last Tuesday and I am REALLY struggling. For the most part, the surgery has been fine, however, it seems as if I am always hungry and nothing is filling enough. I did break down and have a milkshake. Bad mistake. The first time, I bought one from Burger King. Nothing happened. Then today I went to the mall and purchased a shake from the ice-cream shop and gulped it down. I had the worse choking feeling. The one thing it did do was get me back on the right track. As I was walking around the mall, which helped with the choking feeling, I began looking at all of the clothes and thinking to myself, I am going to be able to wear these one day. Just try and think about the bigger picture.

Isn't Dr. Ortiz (a mexican doctor) affiliated with Fill Centers USA?

Good luck to you. I will also be traveling to Mexico (more than likely alone) to have my surgery with Dr. Ortiz. My scheduled date is May 27, 2008. There is a chance that one of my girlfriends are going with me however there is not a guarantee therefore I anticipate going alone. Am I scared, a little, but a part of me is very excited because I am getting out of my comfort zone and doing "big" girl things. Anyway, I hope all goes well for you. Good luck.

I feel the same way. For the most part everyone has been supportive with the exception of one person. I wish I never told her. Anyway, just look forward to all the positive changes that are about to occur in your life. It ALWAYS makes me feel better and it overshadows the negativity.

oh, my doc never said anything about there no longer being a dumping syndrome so I will have to ask about that. I thought the dumping was the whole point of making sure that you didn't eat sugar. Also I did want to add that I have been though both nutritional and emotional counseling and i am ready to commit to a healthy eating style and wol but I just am trying to find the best tool to help me do that. I also plan on attending support meetings at Park Ridge no matter what WLS I choose. I have always thought that when a revision needed to be made in WLS it was usually from the gastric bypass to the band and not the other way around. I am not banded, however, in the research that I have done, what you have to remember is that with the gastric bypass, often times, the stomach stretches as times goes on. This is why people gain some of their weight back. As a result, they often have to get the lapband.

You look ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! You are also my inspiration.

I am also a self-pay who has decided to branch out and go to Mexico. Dr. Ortiz will be doing my surgery in May. The funny thing is that although I can afford to go to other US doctors, after careful research, based upon his knowledge and background, Dr. Ortiz is the only one I would trust to do it.

Also, check out Dr. Ortiz. His website address is ObesityControlCenter.com. I think that he has excellent credentials and an extensive amount of experience. Also, look into the various lap band websites and enter his name for additional feedback from patients that have gone to him for their surgeries. There is a post regarding Dr. Huacuz on this forum that you should probably check out. Good luck in your continued research.

Blood in your urine is not usually a good sign. I would contact my doctor. Hope you feel better very soon.

Good analogy.

I am sure that whatever the problem is, it can be easily resolved. There are several things that you may be able to do. Try contacting (via phone) the doctor that did your surgery and explain to him/her what problems you have been experiencing. See if he/she can refer offer you any suggestions as to what the problem may be and see if they can refer you to a bariactric doctor in your area that may be able to see you. You can also try contacting the doctor that you were refered to in your area to see if they have a doctor that they refer any runoff patients to. Lastly, I have not been banded yet, however, I will be banded by a Dr. in Mexico. I did ask if they had a follow up care facility that they could refer me to and they stated that they could. Check and see if there is a Fill Center USA in your area. There is link on Dr. Ortiz's lapband website (ObesityControlCenter.com) They have about 50 in the US that specialize in fills and they also cater to people who have been banded out of the country. Don't be scared (easier said than done). It will all work out. Keep us posted.