luv2bingo07

Hi Sufina and Portland neighbor! Congrats on your upcoming banding with Dr. Ortiz. You will have a wonderful time and if you went to his lapbandforum.com you will find many people have the same date as you and you can look forward to meeting great people and possibly friends. I was told before my banding(just had my one year bandiversary 5/21), that when I thought I had to load up on eating because I didn't think I was going to be able to eat like I used to after banding is totally wrong. You will be able to eat all or most foods that you know and love again but much less or not at all if they are unhealthy choices. You just have to listen to your band and the restriction you have and know what is good for you and know the difference between head hunger and real hunger. I lost 90lbs(not updated here), in my year of banding. I could have lost more, but only had two fills(with Dr. F), and made some bad choices in eating. I am very happy where I am right now and look forward to the continued shrinking me after a third fill soon. I so badly want to go back to TJ and have a fill, but financially that isn't going to happen yet. Good luck and have fun! Peace, Judy

I had my surgery done in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz. He told me my swelling would greatly improve or even go away after and during my weight loss and eating better. So far he is right! Not sure if it is a combination of weight loss(75lbs so far), eating better and less and the colder temps now. I am feeling so much better and lighter and of course, when my swelling is way down like it has been, that is a big part of it. :confused: Peace, Judy

HI Maureen, Mine started coming out in wads in the shower about a week or more ago and hasn't let up much. I put my hair back over the weekend and noticed the very bare spots above my temples on the sides. Really bummed me out. I guess it does have something to do with the surgery and happens months later. Very weird. Had many surgeries and this has never happened before. Good luck with your hair too my friend. They all are saying it does grow back and sometimes better than ever. ; ) Peace, Judy

Hey all, I am freaked out right now because in the last couple of weeks I have been losing ALOT of hair! I mean handfuls and throughout the day they drop here and there. What could be going on here? I think I am getting enough Protein every day and I drink at least a whole bottle of Vitamin Water every day. I don't get it and it's really freaking me out! More like getting depressing because the balding is showing right about my temples. :eek: Maybe a suggestion of some Vitamins or minerals I am missing and what kind to take if any? I hope someone out there can help me understand what might be going on and how to resolve it. My surgery was way back in MAY and now losing all my hair. :faint: Peace soon, Judy<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--fontc--><!--/fontc--> <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_15617--> -------------------- <!--sizeo:3--><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#800080--><!--/coloro-->Highest Weight Ever! - 396lbs 6'1" <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Before Pre-op Diet<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> - 375lbs <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Banding Date <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->- 5/21/07 - Dr. Ortiz/Dr. Martinez - 352lbs <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->First Fill - 7/21/07 <!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--coloro:#800080--><!--/coloro-->- 3.2cc<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Post-op weight as of 9/3/07 <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->- 309bs<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> <!--coloro:#2F4F4F--><!--/coloro-->Current weight loss - 66lbs gone!<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--><!--/sizec-->

Update on Dr. appt. about my lump in chest. Turns out that since my weight loss, I WAS feeling the low end of the sternum which is mostly cartilage and soft tissue. When I would push on it and messing with it, I was making it inflamed and made it tender and sore. He offered an anti-inflammatory and I said I was happy to kick the naproxen after many years and I didn't want it. He said then you should just stop pushing on it and irritating it and should be fine. Ok...lol I was stressed all day because of work and this appt. I was thinking the worse possible news I would get from this. I was stressed over something at work and had a sharp pain in my chest. That just about put me over the edge..lol My BP was great, but I had a slight fever. I have been struggling with nasty constipation lately, but will soon get relief. I know TMI...tee hee Thanks for your help and concerns. Peace, Judy

Hi, I thought I would put my vote in as well. I only weigh myself once a month. I have read so many posts that people get so stressed, or frustrated about not losing or being plateued or whatever, that I decided after the first month or so after surgery that I won't touch the scale until the first week of every month. I have only been on twice a month once and it was good news, but there will be that time that I will get disgusted if I see gain or no loss. I noticed on the poll results that most people weigh everyday. Not a good thing. It should be taken in stride and when you feel good and clothes are fitting looser, then that is a good reason to get on the scale. Hey, I felt more stressed when I was on the pre-op diet and had to lose 36 lbs, but only lost 22 which was a great accomplishment. Good luck to all and enjoy the lighter side! Peace, Judy

Thanks for your reply jmcambra. I walk alot and have enough energy to do alot of things that I normally would poop out on. I also take in as Protein as I can every day to keep up my muscles and I read that you need that for your muscle to keep them from weakening. I am afraid to get too exerted because with my fibromyalgia, etc., I would probably suffer alot. I take pain meds every day, but sometimes not enough. I know also that no pain, no gain(muscle), so maybe if I pushed myself more a little every day, I would strengthen my muscles and joints to where it would be more of a benefit. Not sure about that, but will consider it. Peace, Judy

Thanks for the pat on the back about my weight loss. Yours is great too! Every pound makes a difference. I think I lost mine too fast because my arms are batwings and I have some sagging skin on my butt and thighs...lol Need to get serious about toning up, but with the pains I deal with later, I put it off. No pain, no gain right? LOL You are doing great with your crunch exercises. Congrats! :clap2: I would like to do some exercise like that, but my body wouldn't allow it. I have been PMing with WABB and I see my GP on thursday about the lump in my chest. Really a weird thing and not sure if it has always been there or if it just appeared after I lost weight. I will keep you posted. I think I have lost more up to now because I have more to lose? Not sure, but I really need another fill very soon. With a VG band, the normal first fill is 4cc and I only got 3.2cc. So, that didn't last more than a week or so. :rofl: Well, take care and I will keep you posted about my journey. Please feel free to keep me posted too. Peace, Judy

A sliding hiatal hernia was identified at this time. we proceeded to dissect diagphragmatic peritoneum at the level of the gastric angle of His uncovering left pillar, then proceeded to open pars flacida identifying right pillar ang its union with the left pillar, hiatus closure was performed utilizing two interrupted sutures(Ethibon 2-0). Under direct vision a retro gastric tunnel was created. Introduction of Greenstein instrument and exposure of the angle of His performed. The Lap-Band was pass in a retro-gastric fashion using the specified instrument...etc. The rest is about placing the band. Hope this explains some. Judy

Hey Julie, Long time no see! Way to go on your continued succesful weight loss! I am doing pretty good myself, but need another fill. Only had one so far. Still have a bad habit of grazing. But try to eat healthy. Have a question for ya. How do you eat? Are you at your sweet spot now? Ok, more than one question...lol I have the VG band and I was only able to get 3.2cc instead of the usual 4cc on the first fill. I knew after about a week or so that I needed more restriction. But I did have some at different times during the early part of the day. Right now and all through the solid food phase, I have not eaten any or very little hamburger. Don't like it anymore. It doesn't chew down enough, so why bother. yuck! Good to see ya again and able to pick your brain...lol I am so in awe of your success! Can you tell. Take care, Judy

Well, I can tell you one thing. I refuse to give up my Starbucks or any expresso drink. I have cut wayyyyyyyyyy back on Starbucks though, because of the high fat and/or calories. But when I do have it, it is always only a tall mocha light frappucino, or a tall nonfat, 2 pump mocha with whip sometimes. Usually only on the weekends though. But only once or twice and sometimes not at all. During the week I just have a nonfat, sugar free mocha at java man by my work. They are the ONLY ones that have sugar free mochas and Starbucks has NEVER had sugar free mochas. Something needs to change there. ya think? LOL Mocha my days! Judy

Please ignore my ticker...haven't updated it lately. Thanks! Judy

Hi all, I recently got my surgical reports faxed from OCC and saw that a Sliding hiatal hernia was found. I didn't know what that was until I researched it and found a pic of it. Prior to surgery, I was taking Prevacid for GERD. Haven't taken anymore since surgery which is great! I didn't see anything about the hernia needing or was repaired, but there was alot of medical terms in the report that even I couldn't figure out...LOL Now, since I have dropped weight, I have a bulging lump in the middle of my chest that is tender and achy at times and sometimes I have some reflux or heartburn, but not alot and short lived usually. Was this hernia repaired and/or could it have reoccured and caused that lump? I haven't taken anything at all for the heartburn I have occasionally. Just don't want to. I know that usually Dr. Ortiz repairs hiatal hernias, but not sure if this one needed repair or was repaired. Not even sure if that is what it is, but it's the only thing I can come up with ya know. Thanks for any replies in advance! Peace, Judy <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_15454--> -------------------- <!--sizeo:3--><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#800080--><!--/coloro-->Highest Weight Ever! - 396lbs 6'1" <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Before Pre-op Diet<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> - 375lbs <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Banding Date <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->- 5/21/07 - Dr. Ortiz/Dr. Martinez - 352lbs <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->First Fill - 7/21/07 <!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--coloro:#800080--><!--/coloro-->- 3.2cc<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->Post-op weight as of 8/4/07 <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->- 315bs<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--> <!--coloro:#2F4F4F--><!--/coloro-->Current weight loss - 60lbs gone!<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--><!--/sizec--> <!-- THE POST -->

Hi , I have been wanting to post about this for awhile. Since I have dropped a good amount of weight(60lbs), my knees, legs and hips hurt alot more than usual. It seems so strange that doctors tell you before that your weight is wearing on your joints, so if you lost some weight, you would feel better. Yeah right! What the heck is going on here?! I have lost 60 lbs, and my knees(especially my right knee), has been more painful and popping and cracking more than ever. I have osteoarthritis in my hip too. I refuse to take those joint supplements because firstly, they take weeks to take affect, and secondly, they are expensive, and thirdly, it's just another pill to take and I am fed up with that. I am happy now that I don't need to take my Prevacid for GERD, and my naproxen for the arthritis(been on it for years and it just makes me swell), even though it helped before with the pain. Don't want to take it also because it can hurt the lining of my stomach and possibly the band. Stiffness in my knees are worse than ever too. Before I got serious about my weight and to get the band, I was told by my ortho doc that the next step on my right knee is arthroscopy. Hey, if it helps then I am all for it, but with the excess weight I was carrying, he wasn't too gung ho about it. Don't blame him because I wasn't very strong or sturdy then. That would be rough. So, I was wondering if anyone else has had to get other surgeries done after they lost weight enough to handle it? Thanks all for any replies. Peace, Judy <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_15455-->

Hi Denise, In answer to your question about why people choose to go to Mexico for surgery, for me, many reasons. First, insurance won't cover anything related to weight loss. Second, many US surgeons are not as highly experienced with Lap Band surgeries. Don't get me wrong...I know many people have had much success with their surgeries here. I am very happy for them as many of them had insurance to cover it. But, I also know that some are self pay too. I had started the process for surgery here in Portland a couple years ago, and the crap I had to put up with...not to mention the cost was enough to not want to have surgery anywhere in Oregon at all. So, here I was two years later and wanting to finally get this done. I was sooo ready to change my life and get healthy. Well, after researching on this forum and obesityhelp.com, among other websites, I realized that Mexico was the way to go. Not only for surgery, but for a nice mini vacation. I researched several Mexican surgeons' sites. Dr. Ortiz was THE most experienced and qualified for this surgery as he has trained many of the US surgeons and still does. He has performed over 4500 lap band surgeries and he and his staff are wonderful all the way around. Again, I have heard of other Mexican surgeons, but I constantly ran into Dr. Ortiz name and talked to his patient coordinator several times. That was it for me. I knew and felt with all my heart and body that this is where I need to go. I, of course, made sure that I had a doctor for aftercare here and she is not too far from me. She is very reasonable for fills even though she doesn't have flouroscopy. Dr. Ortiz even recommends her to patients from here. I really hope this clears some things up for you. I am very happy with my decision and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Good luck on your journey with your band. Peace, Judy

Hi, I wouldn't think any medication should be a problem for getting the band. I take elavil for Fibromyalgia and still take it. Of course, I also take Lortab, but have to crush them before taking them. The elavil is very small, so once I am allowed solid foods, I will take it whole. Hope this helps. Judy

Hello, I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz on May 21st. He and his staff were wonderful and caring. No worries at all. I arrived the day before surgery and it was a Sunday. I did ALOT of walking that day. Had lunch out at a really neat authentic Mexican restaurant called La Casa de Mole across from the hotel. Ordered room service for dinner(like a last meal). Everyone takes US dollars all over Tijuana. I did ALOT of walking right after being released and taken back to the hotel. Went walking and shopping to a mall. I never had any gas pains...was able to poot it out or burp here and there. lol Probably because of all the walking. There will be others having surgery the same day as you and you all will be walking the floor afterwards and during the night...especially if you have some gas pain problems. The nurses will be right there when you need them and will bring you popsicles and whatever you need. You will do great! Good luck and have fun with it! Peace, Judy p.s. you might want to check out the forum for Dr. Ortiz patients. it's Lap Band Forum (Powered by Invision Power Board)

It's going ok with me for now. I really hate that hungry feeling though, but I deal with it and keep drinking. So sorry you are having pain when you sip a shake. How thick is the shake? It shouldn't hurt drinking anything unless it is too thick or chunky, which I am sure is not the case in your situation. I would call your doctor, because I have been having creamy Soups, liquid yogurt and the shakes since 6 days post-op and no problems so far. I admit I jumped the gun, but never had a problem and I really am glad. Take care and keep in touch my band sis across the country. Peace, Judy

Awww...thank you again Maureen. I am stronger than I think sometimes, and lose sight of the good that will come out of this struggle. I guess I am always afraid of looking too far into the future like next year at this time where I will be wearing new smaller clothes and enjoying a tad of the BBQ feast(although baby one). I will get off my pitty pot and deal with this because others are with me in thoughts and spirit and I need to be there for you too. I am not the first person to have this surgery, but ONE of thousands. Bless you all and have a great week! Judy

Thanks so much Maureen for lending me your shoulder. :drum: You are a special band sis to me. I live with my mom and brother and my brother eats alot of the foods I so loved before. He always stocks up on deserts like donuts and all. I am afraid if I say that you shouldn't have stuff like that out in the open to me like that, he might say well, you wanted this surgery and spent all that money, etc. My mom doesn't eat much, but when she does, it usually doesn't bother me, but it seems like every day especially in the afternoon, I feel so starved. I thought I was strong enough to handle this, but I guess I was really wrong. I started drinking the Protein shakes and the creamy Soups, but realized I wasn't supposed to have the soups until like day 11. Never had a problem with them though. I have had a healthy choice fudge bar a couple times, but only one a day. Those seems to be satisfying. I still can't find out when I can have the soupy cream of wheat though, and pudding. Maybe the same time as the soup phase? That would help me at work too. Well, I feel better and am going to tough it out. Thanks again for sharing your whine with me. Write anytime. :tea: Peace and hugs, Judy

I am getting to the point where I cannot take the feeling of starving anymore. Also, starting to regret this surgery. People are barbequing for the holiday, and I sit here trying to figure out what to drink, and not eat! I know it will get better, but I am trying not to fall apart and cry because I am so HUNGRY! I am being good though so far I think. I know that alot of people have gotten to this point and can't take it anymore and eat something that they suffer for dearly. I refuse to throw up or PB, but I am soooooo hungry! Sometimes I think that maybe the reason why I am so hungry is that my pouch has healed enough to try the next step of food. Then I realize, NO! my stomach is still swollen. I am not healed yet. ARGH!!! Thanks for letting me cry on my computer keyboard since I don't have a shoulder to cry on. Judy <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_12161--> <!-- THE POST -->

Hi sad, I am sorry your doc is an idiot. Sorry for the harsh words, but I was taking Prevacid for about 8 years for GERD(acid reflux disease) before being banded and haven't needed it or miss it at any time since I was banded last Monday, May 21st. The band also prevents reflux from what I read before surgery. I understand that your doctor may mostly do RNY surgeries, but that is no excuse for him to brush you off because of a minor thing as a hiatal hernia. As a matter of fact, I went to Tijuana MX for my surgery with Dr. Ortiz and he repairs the hernias at no extra charge when he performs the band surgeries. I was with a gal that had one and it was no big deal. I truly hope you can straighten your doctor out about this and get the surgery you want and not have to settle for one that is so risky with your life. That is my two cents. Peace, Judy

Hey all, I know what you are talking about. I was banded 5/21/07. I forgot to Water down my apple juice yesterday and boom! I have had diarrhea all day today. I even started drinking yogurt smoothies which have been a little filling but I feel like I am still STARVING! But, tomorrow I can start with creamy Soups, Protein shakes, etc. It's all good! Peace, Judy

Hi Christy, I am not familiar with the med you have been taking so long. What exactly is it for? Have youseen a Neurosurgeon about your tumor, and if so, what does he/she say about whether or not surgery would be a definite plan for the future? Have you ever had any surgeries on it yet? Sorry, I don't recall alot of these things from your earlier post. I was starting the process for lap band surgery two years ago and then all came to a screeching halt because I first found out that my insurance has an exclusion through my employer for any kind of weight loss surgery, and second, my second tumor was found. I decided to get that surgery done and already knew that I would also be having the radiation treatment too later on. I am not sure if this surgery will help your weight gain, but for the most part, I believe it will because even though you are on meds that probably caused the weight gain by overeating or not processing fat like it should, the band should keep you in control over that. So, you are having surgery on Monday also? Cool! I will be thinking about you too hun. You take care and don't stress over the other. Concentrate on the surgery and how well it will help you in the long run. Take care, Judy

Kathy, I am so sorry about what you are going through. 45 lbs is alot to lose. If it helps at all, I was told to drink a Protein shake(Muscle Milk-choc.) for Breakfast and dinner, and a lean cuisine for lunch. Also, you can eat lots of fruits and veggies for snacking. I lost 15 lbs the first week and slowed way down after that, but I stuck to it, and after a few weeks was down about 24lbs. I have lymphedema swelling in my legs and feet that affect my weight especially when it gets warmer outside. Of course, my weight is fluctuating now because we are having warmer weather. I am self pay and having my surgery with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, MX on Monday. I was told to lose as close to 36 lbs as possible before surgery because my BMI was over 50. Well, I am under 50 now and that should be good. Good luck and I hope and pray something will work for you. Judy