luv2bingo07

Hiya Maureen, Yes, I am getting excited and having some fear and doubts too. Weird how your mind works. LOL I will surely be thinking about you too my friend and band buddy. Hope all goes well and we get through it with flying colors. I have been thinking alot about how different life is really going to be. I will be off of work all next week so when I go back I should be on thicker liquids like the Protein shakes and cream Soups. Ahhh, that will be nice. Good luck and take care, Peace and hugs, Judy

Hello CAWalsh, I have had 2 pit tumors removed since 2001. I am now taking growth hormone shots which I can stop temporarily until after I get back from lap band surgery on Monday in Mexico. My surgery is monday and I will be coming home on Wednesday. I have low growth hormone which just was discovered after my last tumor surgery in 2005 and then gamma knife radiosurgery later that year. I have been taking the shots since last November. My weight gain has slowly increased after my first surgery, so I have been suffering more with physical pain and other things, so I really needed to do something about my weight even though I have been heavy all my life. Good luck to you and hope this answers some of your questions. If not, let me know. Peace, Judy

As far as I know she is available for aftercare and treats Mexico surgery patients. I believe that she doesn't take insurance because most patients that had their surgery in Mexico, had insurance that does not cover any kind of weight loss surgery or treatment. I am very sure that she deals with all aftercare problems and such. I hope that cleared up your question? Have a great day! Judy

Hi bethicle, I am in Oregon and also having surgery in Mexico, but with Dr. Ortiz. My surgery date is May 21st. I have been reading up alot about different issues regarding lapband and biggest one that every one is concerned about is aftercare. Dr. Kelly Fitzpatrick has come highly recommended for fills and aftercare if you can't or don't want to go back to Mexico for fills. She is in Milwaukee. Her website is gastricbands.com. Hope this helps you! Peace, Judy

Wow! Thanks everyone for your replies. That's gonna be a challenge for me to realize I guess. Right now, I think I should weigh around 195, but between that and 210 would be good too. Good luck to all to reach your goal weight if you haven't already. Way to gooooo Edie!!! You look mauvelous! Peace, Judy

Hi all, I have been really thinking about being heavy and tall most of my life and going to be banded May 21st. I have seen alot of weight loss tickers that show what your main goal weight is, and I have been wondering about how do you know what your real weight should be? I am 6'1, and weigh 367, down from 375 since starting the pre-op diet a couple weeks ago. I am big boned and cannot see myself in any way (Thin). Thin to me sounds anorexic. Now Slim-n-Trim sounds better and healthier. How do you know what you really should weigh? And being realistic about it. Thanks for any replies. Judy

Hi Crystal, I love Muscle Milk Protein shakes in the chocolate and banana. They have 22g protein and lots of Vitamins and minerals. I have gotten used to them and they are satisfying for now. They come in 17oz. RTD cartons or 11oz.(which I drink) 4-packs. I recently got a 6lb bag of EAS chocolate, but haven't tried it yet because I am not sure how best to mix it. With Water or milk? Good luck, Judy

I decided back at the beginning of the year that I wouldn't say anything to my co-workers other than a close one that we have shared weight loss stories before. My surgery is May 21st with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, MX. All anyone knows is I decided to take a vacation in Mexico for a few days and that's it. Certain details have come up about the flight plans and when I was called by the nutritionist and coordinator, but, as far as they know it is just because I want to lose some weight before my vacation, which isn't lying, it's necessary...lol My DM is going with me and I am taking a week off, so no worries. I have been thinking though about sending an email to several people in the office about what I actually did just to prepare them for any strange behaviors that might come up when I come back to work, like living on only liquids, or God forbid, a PB episode. Not sure if I will say anything, but probably should forewarn people. Take care all, Judy

Hey all, I have posted before about drinking the Muscle Milk Protein shakes as part of my pre-op diet. Well, I had to get some more at costco today and was thinking that it is kinda high calorie and expensive in the long run. I saw a bag of EAS Protein powder that I have read about people drinking and is lower in calories, higher in protein, etc. My question is if anyone is drinking this, if they like it, and what is the best way to mix it? With milk or Water? I am hoping I didn't buy the 6lb bag for $25.99 for nothing...lol Thanks for any suggestions. Judy

Thanks trizzy. I am struggling but holding up. It does scare me to take a taxi down there, but hopefully there will be some other bandsters there so we could all go together. Should we take our ID's or something with us when we shop? Don't want to get into any kind of trouble there. Take care, Judy

I have to lose as close to 36 lbs as possible before my surgery on May 21st. I fell in love with Muscle Milk that I bought at costco and also found at GNC nutrition stores. GNC is way more expensive. A case at Costco comes with 18 cartons ready to drink and has 23 grams of Protein, and only 5g of sugar. Also loaded with Vitamins and minerals, etc. GNC carries more of the flavors, but Costco only had the chocolate milk and Vanilla cream. The other flavors are Cookies and cream, chocolate mint, mocha, root beer, banana cream(yummy). They have kept me going and I have gotten used to them for replacing Breakfast and dinner and a lean cuisine for lunch. I snack on fruits and veggies in between. Good luck. Judy

Hi all, My surgery is scheduled for May 21st with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, MX. My pre-op diet from his nutritionist is a Protein shake for lunch and dinner(I love muscle milk shakes), and a lean cuisine for lunch. Also, all the fruits and veggies I want. I lost 15 lbs the first week, but slowed down the second...figures. I have been real good and the nutritionist wants me to lose as close to 36 lbs. as possible before surgery. Yeah...I don't see it, but will be close. I much on dry cheerios and enjoy a cracker or two here and there, plus got some flax seed healthy Cookies, but only have maybe one a day. Good luck to all. I am getting close to my band date...can't wait! Peace, Judy

Hey trizzy, Congrats on the weight loss! That is awesome in less than a year. Yes I am doing the 2 Protein shakes and a lean cuisine a day. Some times are good, some rough, but I am getting my fruits and veggies together to snack on. In three strict days, I have lost around 6lbs so far. Dr. Miranda told me to lose as close to 36lbs by my surgery date which is May 21st. I don't think that will happen, but i have a good start. That makes me feel better about the money situation. How far from the hotel was the shopping area? Can you walk or have to take a taxi? Thanks for all the info. Judy

That's great news Marv! Good Luck and full speed ahead! ; ) Peace, Judy

Hi Laura, I noticed you were being banded today 4/16, and I wanted to wish you good luck. I am being banded on May 21st with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico and I started my pre-op diet today. I was told to try and lose about 20-36 lbs by that date. So, the nutritionist said to drink a Protein shake for Breakfast and dinner and a Lean cuisine for lunch. I can munch on lots of veggies and drink all the diet drinks I want. So, far it has been ok, but rough. Take care, Judy

Ok...so I went to costco today hoping to find a good deal on the Glucerna shakes for my pre-op diet and the Lean cuisines for my lunches. No go on the Lean cuisines...they didn't have them. I got Muscle milk Protein shakes instead because they have more than twice the protein, and 2 grams less sugar than the Glucerna. They were also $6.00 cheaper. There was less cans of them, but they were bigger than the Glucerna. I got some veggies to snack on too. Is this ok for a pre-op diet? I'm am thinking I made it better. Has anyone had the muscle milk before? How is the taste? I haven't tried one yet. I got the chocolate of course...lol What about the South Beach diet meals instead of the Lean Cuisine? Are they allowed instead? Haven't priced those yet. I hope I can lose what they want me to. It's gonna be tough, but I know it will be worth it. Peace, Judy <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_10814--> <!-- THE POST -->

Forgot to mention the cost. When I went to the seminar and she was talking about the cost if your insurance didn't cover it, it would be around $25,000 and $35,000 for gastric bypass. GULP! I am only paying $8500 with Dr. Ortiz and it included tranportation to and from the airport, hotel, clinic and back, surgery, all pre-op tests, nutritional counseling, EKG, and a night in the hospital. If you would like to check it out just in case, the website is www.lapbandforum.com, and the website is www.obesitycontrolcenter.com.

Hi Marv, I started the process with Dr. Patterson a couple years ago. I went to the info seminar and this was before the Obesity Institute was even finished. It was great info, but if you are sure that your surgery will be covered, that is great, but if you are like me and not sure, then trouble could be ahead. My company had an exclusion for any weight loss surgery. I would have had to risk having a lot more bills by starting and going through the whole process and then have to appeal after appeal. Nope! Not gonna deal with that hassle. The process takes too long and I don't want to wait. That is why I was able to withdraw my 401k and am scheduled for surgery on May 21st with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. He is highly recommended and way more experienced and knowledgeable about the lap band. I even have his book. Anyway, it will be a nice vacation for me too. Don't get me wrong though. Dr Patterson is good from what I have read about her and her colleagues, but I really didn't want to have to deal with the long process and appts. it would have taken. Besides, it wouldn't have been covered anyway. Hope this helps. Judy

Hi all, I finally got my 401k check and a surgery date to have LBS with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I am so excited, but stressed too. The date is May 21st, and arriving on May 20th. The nutritionist said I need to lose ideally 36 lbs, but she said at least 20 would be ok. But she called me today and said I need to start the diet now. I told her I couldn't afford the Optifast from their website. For a 4 week supply is almost $300. :faint: She said to then have a Glucerna shake for Breakfast and dinner, and a lean cuisine meal w/meat for lunch. I can have up to 4 lbs of veggies a day. I don't know if I could even afford that. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on how to do this? I was thinking costco, but not sure if they carry that stuff. :help: Most of the veggies I wanted to get are really spendy too because they are not in season or are organic...lol Thanks for any advice or suggestions. Peace, Judy

Hey trizzy, I hope you get your fill if you think you aren't at your sweet spot yet. Are you still losing weight or hit a stuck part? If you are not losing, then you probably need a small fill. Maybe talk to Dr. Fitzpatrick to make sure. My surgery date is May 21st. I am supposed to fly down on the 20th(Sun.), and pre-op tests and surgery on the 21st(Mon.). I am not sure how to do that because the only flights are early in the morning, or later in the evening. I don't want to get there too early, but want to be there in the daylight. My mom is coming with me. I was told I need to lose around 18 - 20 lbs or more before and not sure how to do it. But will I am sure. Did you shop alone with your husband or were you there with a group of bandsters? Did you pay in US dollars or change over to pesos? Kind of nervous about that part. I want to shop, but kinda nervous. Take care, Judy My

Hi Brandy, Everyone here has great thoughts on your situation. I am scheduled for May 21st to be banded by Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I am self pay also and was able to pay for it by withdrawing my 401k money to pay for it. I am really excited, but nervous and stressed because my Mom is not happy that I drained my 401k for it. Also, paying for the airfare, which isn't that much actually so far. She has been in a mood ever since I showed her the check and made the appt. Noone wants me to go alone, but seriously, I think I should. She even told me to start cutting back my portions now, since I will have to do it soon anyways. Well, I won't cut anything back until I find out how much I need to lose from the nutritionist, etc. lol Take care and good luck. Peace, Judy

Hi trizzy, Thanks for the info. So are you at your sweet spot yet and continuing to lose? I feel alot better about going to Dr. Fitzpatrick now. I will probably go to her after my first fill if I can afford going back to TJ. How was your trip across the border? I was told that your only need your US identification if you are driving over the border. I just want to make sure, so there is no stress with delays and whatever. Also, did you shop at all? And did you have to claim anything or pay duty coming back over the border? Thanks again, Judy

Congrats trizzy on your surgery and weight loss! You seem to be doing great. So you have had two fills since surgery? Did you have any co-morbidities before your surgery? Where in Oregon are you? I am in Portland. I want to go for my first fill with Dr. Ortiz or I think it would be Dr. Romero, b/c like you, I want to make sure everything looked good and is staying in place. I have Dr. Ortiz book, Lap Band for Life. It is awesome and has so much information in it to live with your band to best results you can. It also says that when you have your first fill, they try to give a bigger fill than most docs so you have restriction right away and longer so you drop the weight quicker and better, but that doesn't always work. Did you make a pre-op appt. with Dr. Fitzpatrick before going for surgery just so you get to know her and also get info you will need during the process? My primary doc recommended I should, but I think I will just call her or email her. Thanks again, Judy

Hi all, WTG! Nykee on your weight loss. I am scheduling with Dr. Ortiz for mid-May. I was wondering how much you were required to lose on your pre-op diet? That is what concerns me alot. Also, I want to get my first fill with Dr. Ortiz and then go to Dr. Fitzpatrick after that. I bought Dr. Ortiz book, Lap Band for Life and it has so much great information in it. Peace, Judy

I have Dr. Ortiz book Lap Band for Life and it is awesome! It tells you everything you want to know for where the lap band came from and also pre and post op steps which include nutrition, fills, etc. You can only get it on Amazon.com Judy