Sparkette

That's hilarious! ROCKY! Glad everything went smoothly. I know you're glad to have it behind you. Now its on to unwrapping the new you! I'll be glad when my surgery is over. I go next Tuesday! Nervous!!!

Donna

Thanks for the tip on Dr. Ortiz's book. I ordered it this am. from Amazon.com.< /div>

Great! I've heard that it is a great point of reference for anyone who has had lap band or is considering it. I think my copy is supposed to be here tomorrow! It better be! I'm tired of waiting!

Hope you enjoy, heck I hope we both enjoy it! LOL

Donna

This is kinda off topic, but it could serve as encouragement to stay on the post-op diet I guess. You had mentioned not having to eat hospital food, LOL

After my surgery to have my tubes tied, I was supposed to be on Clear Liquids only. However the hospital serves a candlelit steak dinner for you and your spouse after the birth of every child. They brought it right to me without even asking my doctor. I assumed it was FINE since she came in while I was eating and didn't say anything. She just looked a little stunned. I later found out why. IT WAS THE WORST PAIN I HAVE EVER FELT. OMG the gas from surgery, mixed with having a meal too soon. I literally thought I was going to DIE. I don't think it will be too hard for me to stay on liquids for a little while post-op! LOL

Donna

I haven't been banded yet, but I have had gallbladder surgery. My cousin was banded, and had gallbladder surgery months later. She told me that the gallbladder surgery was much worse than the lap band surgery. So I'm assuming it would probably make your healing time a little longer, one advantage is, maybe they can use some of the same incision spots, so you won't have as many scars. I will have 9 after getting banded! I was VERY sore after my gb surgery.

Donna

Hi to all.

I'm Pat and I got the insurance acceptance call today from Dr. Abkin's office. I live in Western, NJ and am 34 years old.

Basically, I come from a fat family. My mother had GB two years ago and has done really well with it. My wife struggles with her weight, and we don't want this life for our three daughters.

My girls are ages 3, 1 and 1 and they keep us busy, but I wish I had more energy to run around with them. I'm doing this surgery for them and for myself and for my wife.

Nerves are starting to get me after getting my insurance acceptance. I'm scared of not getting off of the table and leaving my family...This is normal, right?

I've been lurking on this board lately and have already gained so much insight from all of you.

My surgery is April 3rd. I also did not need a pre op diet. No one mentioned it, so I didn't ask! All I was told was to try not to gain any more weight.

I would love to here from everyone.

Pat

Hi Pat,

My surgery is April 3rd as well. I have 2 little girls ages 4 and 6, and I really want to lose weight so I can play, swim, and do all the fun kid stuff with them. But, I'm like you, I'm thinking what if I don't come out of this surgery. Then they wouldn't even have a mother!!! It terrifies me, but I guess this is normal. I'm going to Dr. Ortiz in TJ. He has done over 4000 of these surgeries, and hasn't killed anyone yet!:nervous

Donna

Hi!

My surgery is scheduled for April 3rd!! Maybe we can keep track of each other! I've been using the Flinstones chewables. My cousin got banded over a year ago, and she takes one everyday. Her doctor told her to use them. She's lost close to 80 pounds now, and is about where she want's to be.

I'm sure the Centrum chewables are just fine!

Good Luck, and hope to hear more from you soon!

If you'd like to e-mail me personally, it's sparks2n2@yahoo.com

Donna:nervous

Lol, I didn't have a psych consult. I saw the dr, he said cool, your young, good job doing it now. Set it up, in - out, wham bam thank you maam. and I have kick ass insurance!

Remember everyone vote for Sanjaya tomorrow. And watch Beth O on The View as well.

Hey Now ....

I believe this post explains it all. Paints a pretty good picture don't you think? :bolt:

Donna

I just had it done as well. Im a couple days post surgery and I have been eating mushy real food. The pre diet I never did the low fat anything. Was good w/ liquids, but ate pudding and Jello and icecream. I know ALOT of people on here say stick to what the diet says, especially after surgery. Well I have not. It bothered me once when I ate to much I could feel the food just sitting over the band. But besided Protein drinks I have had mashed potatos and Red Beans and Rice from Popeye's. DAMN it's good. Me personally, I can take this food and it's not hurting me. I would stick w/ moderete food you can take and just work up from there. I don't feel the liquid diet is completley needed for 2 weeks afterwards. Just try stuff a little at a time and see what your body can take. I would be loosing my mind right now if I was still only drinking liquids. But to each his own.

I don't think that the purpose of the post-op diet is to punish us without food. There is ALWAYS a reason doctors implement rules. It was my understanding that the reason for all liquids, is to give you a chance to heal, as well as letting the band settle into place on your stomach. Liquids run straight through, however, foods will settle in your pouch. The LEAST little bit of pressure on your new band is NOT good in the first couple of weeks. You need to let your band settle on your stomach before you try to eat. Just because you THINK it's OK, doesn't mean you are not pushing your band out of place or enlarging your stoma.

This surgery is costing me 8,000. I'm not going to do ANYTHING to jeopardize my band. What is 2-3 weeks of liquids?? I've got the rest of my life to enjoy food. I just don't think it's worth it, to PUSH it.

Donna

ONE more thing! If you want to get more info about Dr. Ortiz, he has his own forum. It is www.lapbandforum.com It is VERY informative. His website is www.obesitycontrolcenter.com It has pictures of his brand new state of the art facility, and also the hotel they put you in while there. Both are VERY nice!

Best of Luck!

Donna

P.S. If you'd like pricing info, you can e-mail me personally at sparks2n2@yahoo.com

I'm set up to have surgery April 3rd, 2007 in Tijuana MX. Dr. Ortiz was the doctor I chose. One reason was it was cheaper to fly to San Diego airport (where they pick you up), and cross over to TJ. No passport needed. I did TONS of research on Dr. Ortiz, and I think I made a good decision. He has been on Discovery Health Channel, to talk about lap band surgery, and has proctored many surgeons in the US. He also did a satellite transmitted class for Yale. He has performed over 4000 surgeries to date, and was the first doctor Inamed designated to be a proctor surgeon. AND, if that's not enough, HE WROTE THE BOOK ON IT!

LOL

Seriously he wrote the book "Lap Band for Life" and my copy should be arriving anyday now. No matter which surgeon you choose, they say his book is a DEFINITE must read! Aceves, and Huacuz would have been my next choices! Whoever you decide on, just make sure YOU are comfortable with your decision. That is all that matters!

Good Luck,

Donna

Thank you so much! It's close, and I like the idea of fluoroscopy for at least the first fill. Much cheaper than an airline ticket across the country and possibly a nights stay. I can't thank you enough for informing me. I'll keep in touch with you too. Fillcenters are very high priced, and probably not any better than any Dr. who's experienced at this. Thanks! Thanks! Thanks Sparkette

No problem Betterlife!

Perhaps we will meet one day at a fill appointment! LOL:D

Donna

Sheesha~ do you really mean $15.00? $15.00 is an incredible price.

WOW! Thank!

Dr. Kirschenbaum will only do fills for $15, if HE did your surgery. Furthermore, he will not do fills for MX patients. Plus, you'd still have a long drive, or a flight to pay for....

The doctor that I was GOING to have do my surgery in the US does free fills after surgery, only IF he did your surgery, but will not touch patients who have gone to MX. This is true of MOST US lap band surgeons.

It's hard to find one.

I think I'm gonna stick to Dr. Vitello.

Donna

P.S.

I also checked into the fillcenters thing, and it was far too high in my opinion. It doesn't appear they have been around too long.

My doctor in MX gave me the above docs!

Donna

Hi! There is a doctor in IL that will do fills. He is in Downers Grove, IL.

His name is Dr. Vitello. I emailed him, and he responded quickly. This is what he said:

Yes I still perform lap band fills. The fee without fluoroscopy is $75, assuming I can

get access to your port without xray. If we ned xray the fee is $150 plus the hospital bills you $125 for the use of xray. If your interested just email me.

DrVitello

His contact info is: Dr, Vitello (Downers Grove, s.w. of Chicago) contact by email at jvituic@comcast.net

Also Midwest Bariatrics in Nina, Wisconsin supposedly will do fills. I don't have a phone number.

I've also heard about this one, but have had no luck contacting them:

Surburban Surgical Care (n.w. Illinois) 888-639-7353 $250

Where are you located? I'm in Iowa City, Iowa.

Hope this helps,

Donna

Dont know what happened Tracy with your name, I think where I copied and pasted onto here the winking smilie gone into a word format? Ive added a few other names in too, theres lots of us (corr theres 6 of us all having surgery on the 2nd of April!)

I'm having my surgery April 3rd! Tijuana, MX-Dr. Ortiz!

I am currently 242, and have not started the pre-op diet yet! I'm so excited!!!!

Donna

Hi, Sparkette, Stacy, Kat and anyone I missed,

I got a lot of support from this thread. Stacy, you are headed down to Dr. Ortiz for surgery this Friday March 16th. I am right behind you. I will go down on the 19th for surgery the 20th and Donna, you are right behind me on Apr 3rd. I will be watching the board eagerly to hear your experiences. I, too, went through a lot (insurance was going to cover, then employer changed insurance carrier which excludes) to choose Dr. Ortiz. I am comfortable with this choice, but still, of course, nervous, excited, the whole nine yards. So, just wanted to say, have a good, safe journey, vaya con Dios and we will "see" each other soon, banded.

AMRDMR

I'm very EXCITED, but I'm BEYOND nervous!!! LOL I've never flown before, and I'm more terrified of flying than having the surgery itself!!

We will fly from Chicago to San Diego, and on the way back from San to Denver, and Denver to Chicago!!!! So first time out I'll get to try out 3 different jets!!!! yep, Im nervous! Hubby has flown all over the world, it's no biggie to him, but ME??? That is a whole different story!!

Donna

Donna you did the best thing in all---made a decision YOU are happy and comfortable with. When I finally made my decision, a peace settled over me, it was such a relief, that I just knew somehow it was the right one!

Many times others try to sway you one way or another, for months it seems it is the question to have the surgery or not...then the question changes to who to do the surgery, ot where---isn't it a relief to know YOU researched it, and YOU made the decision YOU are happy with?!!! Way to Go!!!!

Good Luck!!!

Kat

Kat, I know EXACTLY what you mean!! Felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders when I finally set a date! Now I'm so excited, I just want to GET THERE!!! LOL

Donna

Congrats on your decision. My surgery is this Friday with Dr. Ortiz and I am very excited. Good luck to all!

Stacy

Stacy, please DO keep in touch! I want to know EVERY DETAIL when you get back!!!! LOL Aren't you EXCITED?????? Good Luck!

Donna

He is going to do my surgery for 8,000.

Hi Sparkette,

I have made my decision a couple months ago to have surgery with Dr. Ortiz. I have researched alot about him and the people that have had their lap band surgery with him. He and his staff sound awesome! Would be a nice vacation for me too.

You mentioned their price for surgery is 8,000 now instead of 8,500? Are they running a special right now? I have tried to email Lori to ask about that, but I guess she is on vacation.

I am trying to withdraw my 401k to pay for the surgery. The holdup right now is I need my doctor to write up a letter for me stating I need this surgery and that I have a medical financial hardship that is keeping me from any other options to finance it. Unfortunately, my doctor is only in the office wed. thru fri.

Thanks and good luck with your decision and journey to get banded.

Judy

Judy, if you have referred someone else to him, or are having someone come with you to get the surgery also, you can get the 500 dollar discount. Atleast that is how they explained it to me a couple of months ago. She told me a few days ago that the offer still stands, maybe because she told me that months ago, or it may be something they just always do. Doesnt hurt to check, if you know someone else who wants to have it done!

Donna

Thanks everyone!! I really did get a lot of help from all of you, and I appreciate it!!

My surgery date is APRIL 3rd!!!!! I'm so excited I can't hardly contain myself!!!!

Donna

Already tried that. The US doctors said that they COULD not do the surgery for less than 15,500. That was the absolute LOWEST price I could find. Except for Kirshenbaum. He was 9,950. Plus throw in the flight, and that brings it back up to 10,550. Not bad if you HAVE that money.

I have researched Dr. Ariel Ortiz, and decided that he is a very reputable and experienced Dr, and his facilities are brand new, state of the art.

He trained most of the US docs, and also wrote the book "Lapband for Life" and he graduated from Harvard University. He is going to do my surgery for 8,000. He is ASBS, FACS, and was the first DR in the world to become a Proctor surgeon in Canada, Philipines, and the US. Recognized by Inamed as a top surgeon, and he has even proctored Drs. in my state (Iowa) as lap band surgeons. He himself has done more than 4,000 lap band surgeries.

Have only heard wonderful things about him, so I'm completely comfortable with having him do this. Plus his assistant has set me up with a local Dr. here who will do my fills, and consultations. 175 per fill with flouroscopy. If I had it in CO, I'd still have to pay that, or fly back to Denver everytime. Flight and surgery MX will cost me 8,500.

I feel pretty good about my decision.

Donna

Thanks for all the info! Flights from here to Denver would be just as much as a flight from here to San Diego. Looks like a roundtrip tic to San Diego first week of April is 211.00 American Airlines, which I think is pretty dang good, considering April is quickly approaching!

There are fill docs in MO that charge 300.00 for MX patients. Not far from me. I've read a LOT of good stuff about Dr. Ortiz. His package special is 8500. I'm wondering if I could convince him to drop it a little more! LOL

Donna

I was lucky that he even considered agreeing to the surgery! He FINALLY agreed to it and then we found that insurance wouldn't cover it. We just don't have 15,500 laying around. That is what my doctor in Iowa charges for self pay. That is why he is limiting it to 8500, and as far as me coming up with the rest, I'm a stay at home mom, so I don't know how that would work. LOL I've heard good things about MX though. I've talked to several people who have chosen Dr. Ortiz in MX, and were really happy. Dr. Aceves cost is 8200, and I hear he is an excellent Dr as well.

My insurance has a rider stating that it will not cover any type of obesity/bariatric surgery. It is BCBS Procter & Gamble. So, my hubby said he would give me 8,500 for the surgery and not a penny more.

I checked into Denver, CO but the surgery is 9,950 and that does not include hotels, prescrips while there, transportation from airport to hospital etc.

I talked to a doctor in MX, but I can't remember which ONE for the life of me. He had packages starting at 7000 and going up depending on the hospital you chose for the surgery. Hotel was included, as well as transportation to and from airport. And yes, it is the INAMED band. Anyone know who this could be?? Please help, I'm desperate to get my life back, and I've already tried everything! I've GOT TO HAVE THIS BAND!!!

Thanks

Donna:help: