amicheletti78

Hey just wondering if you get a better fill if the Dr. uses fluro. I was told that they can see how much fluid is going through if they use flouroscopy and so they can actually put in how much you need as opposed to guessing. This way there is less of a chance of problems with to much or to little restriction. What do you think?

So I was banded Aug 18 and have been struggling getting any fluids in let alone the recommended water. I was drinking about an ounce of water and not able to take anything else in for at least 1&1/2 hours. Anything more would just come back up. During this time I would be so uncomfortable and continuously burping. I know the point is to feel restriction but this was pretty crazy. Everyone else seems to be doing so well and so I just figured it was taking me longer to heal. Well today I realized that I had let myself become very dehydrated and finally called my doctor. It turns out my stomach mucosa is swollen so badly that even water barely trickles through. There is no fill in my band yet just my body reacting badly I guess. So some IV fluids and IV Toradol and I'm a new woman. I will be continuing the IV hydration and anti-inflammatory meds until the sweling goes down. Just wanted to tell my story incase there is someone else out there having similar problems and like me reading the August forum and thinking they were alone. Don't wait it out you will be soooo happy you did something.

I'm from Manteca also. Will be banded on the 18th of Aug!

Thanks so much for all the great responces. Everyone has such different experiences so I guess I will just have to wait and see. We all just need to figure out what works best for us individually. I will be getting banded on the 18th so perhaps the wait wont be to long (on the other hand it may still feel like forever!).

Angie- August 18th!!!

Hi everyone, my name is Angie and I am from Manteca, CA. I am 213lbs and 5'6" going to Mexico for self pay. I was a normal healthy kid and joined the military after high school. This kept me in good shape until I finished my time in the military and had my first child. I was up and down after that. Now, another child later at my highest weight I have decided that yo-yo dieting is no longer for me. So now I'm doing something about it. My surgery is scheduled for August 18th and I start my pre-op diet on the 4th. I'm so excited but incredibly nervous too.

bthom21, I will be getting my fills done in Mexico. I think its a good idea to do them under fluro and that is way to overpriced when you go to a Dr. that didn't do your surgery around here. Its actually cheaper for me to fly to San Diego get the fill and fly home on a Sat than it is to pay another doctor to do it. I also hear that when they do it under fluro you can get more fill. I am a surgery nurse so I know that if an emergency unfill was to happen I could get that done at my hospital as we access ports regularly here. I do think it is important to have emergency care lined up locally. So definately check into that before surgery because you never know when you will need help. I am going to Mexico because my insurance doesn't cover WLS... Go figure. Who will be doing your surgery? Mine will be done by Dr. Ortiz, and I start my preop diet on Aug 4th (not looking forward to the protein shakes!)

Hi, Tony50, I am from Manteca, CA. Good to know there is someone so close going through a simular situation. I am pretty chicken right now too, but I know this will be great in the long run! Who is doing your surgery? I am going to Mexico for surgery on August 18th because my insurance doesn't cover WLS. Good luck to you!!!

Hi, I have recently decided to get a lap band and will be doing it with Dr. Ortiz in TJ Mexico because my insurance won't pay:frown:. My concern is that I have a friend that lives in S. California and she says that the Mexican borders are very dangerous right now. I am wondering if anyone has recently been through the border and if it seemed dangerous. It is stressful enough to go out of country and make this big decision but I don't want to put myself in a dangerous situation. Any advice?

August 18th with Dr. Ortiz in TJ, Mexico... Can't wait to see the new me!

Thanks, this makes me feel so much better! I know its silly but I really was worried. Cant wait for Aug 18th!

Hi everyone, I plan on being banded soon, but I am still going through the insurance process. My insurance (anthem blue cross northern ca) requires a BMI of over 40 because I do not have any co morbidities. I can't lose any weight before my consult as I am borderline already. I am wondering if I lose weight before the day of surgery if it will affect my insurance coverage. I don't want to be weighed in that morning and have anything cancelled for a BMI under 40. Especially since many doctors require a diet before the procedure.