OnlyMe

I am in Orlando and know there are two Fill Centers USA locations within a few hours from me (Tampa and St. Pete). I am trying to stay away from the Fill Centers USA locations because I've read too many negative comments about them. Where is everyone in Florida getting their fills? I would really like to have the first few fills with fluro (figure I've invested way too much $$ into this for a blind fill). I've called a ton of surgeons in the area and no one is willing to take patients banded in Mexico. What was most surprising to me is that Dr. Lee Grossbard (who was trained in Mexico, is one of the co-founders of Fill Centers USA and was banded by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico) won't take patients banded in Mexico either! *sigh* :cry I am willing to travel anywhere in the state for a fill doctor that uses fluro and won't bankrupt me in the process. (Heard Dr. Kim in Celebration is great, but $1000 just to be accepted as a patient is a little crazy.) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Absolutely. I am a self payor. My health insurance company does not cover weight loss surgeries or any complications that may arise from such surgery. I made the decision to have surgery knowing that in the long run, the surgery will improve my quality of life and health.

I feel totally ridiculous asking this, but I can't find the answer anywhere in my post-op diet instructions. I know the first few weeks post-op are all about healing and not dieting. But I can't figure out how often to "eat". Heh. My instructions are to consume Clear liquids for the first week, limiting my drinks to no more than 1/2 cup each time. Thereafter I can add thickier liquids until approx week four when I get real food! YAY!! Anyways, I digress... back to the liquids. Am I supposed to follow the 3 meals a day thing with the liquids? Or is this only for the solid food portion of my diet. Those of you on your post liquid diet, how often do you "eat"? :help: (Btw, editing this post because I think I found the answer in the forums. Seems people have suggested drinking a total of 64 oz of liquids each day. That roughly equates to 1/2 c per hour for a 16 hour day... which is a whole lot of liquids. I would however still appreciate a response from someone on this. I'm soo afraid of doing something and hurting my band and/or stomach!)

Wow! This guy sounds like a total jerk.

Terri, Does it worry you that we are consuming so much sodium in our liquid diets? I am really enjoying my broth, but wonder if all this sodium is contributing to my puffyness. Once I get to the creamy Soup stage it can only get worse!

Hi. I am 3 days post-op and in the clear liquid stage. I am having a difficult time interpreting the signals (gurgles and pangs) my stomach is sending me. For starters, I can't really tell if I'm hungry. This is a good thing since I was always hungry before. My real concern is that I also can't tell when I am full. I am trying try to drink my liquids at regular intervals, but can all this liquid stretch my pouch? (I limit my liquid intake to 1/2 cup at a time and I sip it for what seems an eternity.) Any ideas?

I can't tell you what happened while I was under anesthesia, but I went into the operating room wearing a hospital gown and the hospital paper panties. When I woke up I was wearing the same thing. I am not sure if the hospital staff undressed me while I was there. Or if they merely uncovered the areas they were working on. I think it all depends on the surgeon!

Although I can't relate with the constipation problem, I thought I would suggest something. My ex had a serious cought of contispation and the doctor recommended an OTC remedy called colace. It's available in gel caps and liquid form... and works like a charm!

Jennifer, Glad you are feeling better! It was definitely the pain meds. I felt awful for the one day I took meds. Since then I've been taking children's tylenol (when needed) and feel great!

I was meaning to post this earlier, but felt a little too nauseaous to walk to the PC area. I had my surgery this morning and feel great. Apart from a little gas, dizziness and stomach soreness (just had chicken broth) I feel great. The pain is minimal at best. I'm gonna go take a spin around the surgical center and go lay down. More information tomorrow.......

Well everyone, this is my last post until after surgery (if I am able to get to a PC). I leave for San Diego tomorrow morning at 5:00 am and have surgery Thursday morning. I'm extremely nervous since I'm going alone... but am sure things will be ok. Please keep me in your thoughts! :nervous

I am using Chromax Ultra Strength 500 mcg capsules. I bought these at a local pharmacy.

OMG OMG OMG :omg: Surgery is less than a week away!!!! I am sooo excited! How is everyone else doing with their pre-op diets? I've lost 7 lbs of the 12 lbs I need to lose. I stalled there for a bit and keep losing and gaining the same 2 lbs. I finally broke down and spoke to Dr. Miranda (Nutritionist @ Dr. Ortiz's office). She recommended that I take chromium picolate and I've been losing ever since! YAY! 4 days and 5 lbs to go... I hope I make it! I just wanted to wish all of the April 2nd bandsters luck and congratulations! I hope you have a speedy recovery! <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_10374-->

I recently ordered a bunch of samples from unjury.com and all I can say is :wow2: The chicken broth mix (as weird as it may sound) tastes great and has no aftertaste. I also ordered vanilla, unflavored and chocolate. There are so many ways to mix this Protein powder with your foods, there is no reason not to get your daily protein requirement. Unjury is now my favorite protein mix.

When the fills are covered under a package, you have to fly back to Mexico to receive them. For some people that live near the border it's very cost effective.

Hey Tracy! You are doing a great job on the list... I was on there before, but not anymore. Would you pleae add me again? Thanks!

Schexy, I was told to lose 5% of my current weight. I am hoping that the 12 day pre-op liquid diet does the trick.

Hello April '07 Banders! Add me to the list. I'm scheduled for surgery with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana on April 5th. I am excited, nervous.... and can't stop obsessing over the little things I need to do/buy before my trip. Anyone else getting banded by Dr. Ortiz that week? I look forward to chatting with all of you!

Greetings! I've been lurking for a while and finally decided to take the plunge! I'm scheduled for surgery with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico on April 4th. I've learned a great deal from this forum and believe I am somewhat prepared for my transformation. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you.