pegala

I will definitely put it on my schedule. I am a member of a band participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in NY . We are staying at tje Marriott at Newark airport and busing into NY for all the events and sightseeing. Price at the Marriott is approximately 100-120 per night for group rates. Very convient if flying in.. a thhought.. If you need/want more info let me know and I can give you the contact name.. Pegala pscen@msn.com

Does anyone know any fill dr's in Philly?? I had my surgery in Mexico 2 yearss ago..... just moved to Philly last month. Thanks Peggy

I am taking a poll from all the people who live in Florida who are banded and looking for a fill doctor. I am an RN who does part time work at an imaging center. I have presented the idea to the group of radiologist there that they should look into becoming certified in fills..with fluro. The center is in Sarasota. I told them that $300. for a fill was a reasonable rate for fluro.. My question is would people be interested in that??? If I get enough yeses, I will present this to them. They would not do the fills every day but perhaps have someone there once a week for anyone who wanted to come in that day... Looking forward to hearing from you all . Peggy Banded on 9/28/06 by Dr. Ortiz in TJ< Mexico have lost 58 lbs since then. Have returned to TJ for 2 fills (my only 2 fills) 1st fill 11/10 2nd fill 2/3 still have great restriction and am losing despite having to stop exercising since late Feb. due to knee trauma...

Bandqueen, I am in the TampaSt. Pete/ Bradenton area and I am looking for fill doctors here, Do you have some names and how much they charge?? Thanks, Peggy

Per my Dr. I was allowed to start exercising 3 weeks post surgery EXCEPT for abdominal crunches that has to wait until 3 months. At the end of my 3 weeks I joined Curves and have gone there 3 times aweek since and I walk 2 miles one other day a week.. the other 3 days I work an 11 hour shift so that's enough exercise on those days.. I found that I really look forward to my Curves days and feel good after I finsh my workout... I even think it is working .. I was banded on 9/28 and I am now down 30-32 lbs. (depends on the scale, the time of day and how much clothing I have on.. Have fun... Pegala

I had surgery in TJ with Dr Ortiz the end of Septwmber and I cannot say enough good about my whole expierence.. The doctors. nurses, staff were very, very nice. the facility was spotless. BEing a nurse I was looking for every and anything that I might find "wrong" but I have nothing but the highest praise for my entire expierence. Dr. Ortiz and Martinez, Dr Sandra, Dr Rumero and the anesthesiologist all made me feel very comfortable. They come and talk with you prior to surgery , answer any and all questions you have. They even allowed me to watch a few fills and a few surgeries..they have nothing to hide... I am returning to Dr Ortiz for my first fill on Friday and I am going from Florida.. I trust ,respect and admire them that much.. REad up on the procedure and the doctors and then make your decision.. Good luck to you. Peggy

Hi Kev, I was banded by Dr Ortiz on 9/28 and am SO delighted with everything ..Dr Ortiz and his entire staff and procedure were just fantastic... I am scheduled for my 1st fill 11/10 which will put me at 6 weeks. I have to fly from Florida but I am so impressed by OCC that I would not think of going elsewhere for this 1st fill. Good luck on your journey. Peggy

Raynie, Before surgery I thought the same as you did, how can I ever eat without drinking, what about my diet cokes, what does full fell like... I thought I would give up diet coke before surgery so I would be ready.. well, that didn't work BUT I can tell you that once you have surgery you WILL know what full feels like. and since you are on clear liquids for 7 days post op you don't have to worry about eating and drinking at the same time...lol... I am only 5 days post op and I have been doing clears and I truly am NOT hungry.. a few sips and I am okay.. no telling what the next stage will bring but I am ready for it.. 3 more days and I can go on to the creamy soups... and drinkable yogart.. My suggestion to you is not to fret too much over this..although easier said then done.. as my date drew closer I began questioning myself more and more and found out through reading here and on Dr Ortiz's forum that that is a natual feeling. Enjoy your meals now.. not pigging out or overdoing but eat regularly..you will get your pre op diet form Dr Miranda and just follow that.. Like I said I finally said I need my diet coke ,but now since surgery I am fine without it... As far as some of the other posts with some people losing slower than others, each of us is an individual and so is our rate of weight loss. I am just going to go by the theory that I will follow instructions to the letter and see what happens.. if it's slower than what I think is normal . I will consult with the doctors.. Good luck to you, take a deep breath and know you are going to be in excellent hands. Peggy

Raynie, I was just banded on 9/28 by Dr Ortiz in Mexico... He, Dr. Martinez, and the whole staff are FANTASTIC.. You will not regret your decision to go to him... Good luck on your journey. ANy questions regarding anything there please ask, Peggy

I am totally apalled at what some people say to others... I was at the book store yesterday and was buying several books including soup and smoothie cook books, a few novels and Weight Loss for Dummies. The clerk actually said to me .. "I have a cousin who had gastric bypass..not a pretty story" Since I really thought it was none of her business and I am being banded on Thursday I only retorted, "I'm not having that done.... and left .. NOt sure why people think they can say whatever they want to you about your weight.

where do you find ANY WHEY?

Lynn, I am scheduled with Dr, Ortiz for 9/218.. I can't believe it is only 5 days away... Everything I have read, researched,and everyone I have heard from tells me we have made a good choice. There is a complete journal on obesitycontrolcenter.com by James . ( it might also be on theis site somewhere) It is very interesting and fact filled.. Good luck, Peggy

I am so glad to read what all of you have posted.. My surgery is 10 days away and I keep asking myself if it's the right thing to do,. I really don't have any fears about the procedure itself, it's mostly anxiety about the aftercare....will I ever be able to eat "normal food" again???what if it doesn't work??? will I always remember not to take a big drink or bite of something?? how will I do without drinking while eating??? what will I do without my diet coke?? I appreciate everyones hints and help and support... I am going to Dr Ortiz in Mexico and the plane resevations are done but the check is not written YET.. I guess in the back of my mind I feel that until the check is wriiten I can still cancel ...I don't wnat to ,just apprenhensive..

Wow, thanks to all of you... Things are looking a little better in the "eating" department now... Getting very anxiously nervous Peggy

Jodi, thanks for the receipe... sounds great.. Keep the ideas coming.. the more I have the better it will be...

I have a surgery date of 9/28 and would like some ideas/opinions on the different protein powder mixes and which is the most popular and tasty.. Also would like ideas on different clears to have for the first week after surgery.. Bought a Magic bullet... so I'm ready to start blending... thanks to all for your help as I start this long journey. Peggy

James, thanks for a great overview... I am scheduled with Dr. Ortiz for the end of Sept.. Any suggestions on what to bring, something that perhaps, you wished you had brought but didn't? Did you get more complimentary water on the 2nd check in??? I am anxiously nervous, mostly about the aftercare as opposed to the surgery itself. Good luck on your journey. Peggy

Has anyone in the Tampa / St Pete area used FillcenterUSA??? I have heard one negative report about them... Anxious to hear other reports. Thanks for any info. Peggy

Yes, Steve I have heard that many docs won't do fills on Mexico banded people. but I have heard of of a few that do...looking for more so I have a few more to be able to choose from..If anyone knows of any docs here inthe Tampa/Sarasota /St. Pete area please let me know... Thanks, Peggy

I am scheduled for surgery the end of Sept. In Mexico with Dr Ortiz... Live in Manatee county.. Peggy