Boo

I LOVED Dr. Ortiz! I was terribly nervous going until I entered his new surgery center and met with the doctors. Yes, it is clean and modern and slick. Beautiful marble counters and floors on the second story of an interesting building. The first floor has an eye surgeon for lasik, etc. Dr. Ortiz has the second floor, and the third floor is being finished for a conference center. I had no complications and am really glad I did it. The Lucerna Hotel is okay. The beds are very hard, so I ordered extra pillows to prop myself up. The staff is very professional and caring. And his mother is darling! She drives the patients in her classy suits and speaks perfect English. (Dr. Ortiz grew up in California, and he still lives north of the border.) Congratulations! If you want to e-mail me with any worries that is fine with me! I have had so many patients of Dr. Ortiz help me. You are smart to come on the board. It brings alot of relief to know that others have made it through okay.

Wasn't gonna, but... I am shocked at the negligence and inhumane treatment of "Misfortune". It is beyond comprehension how anyone could let a person suffer like that. But, I can also understand why jboy would want to investigate the situation. I wish we knew ALL the horror stories about ALL of our doctors. I tried very hard to find something negative about my doctor, but found NOTHING. And lawyers are the only people on earth that help us to see both sides of a nasty situation so we can adequately judge. Let the truth be told! It is the only way we can prevent others from being injured. (Doctors and patients!)

Your little girl is adorable! This is like a nightmare. Poor thing! Good luck tomorrow, and be brave. My family will say an extra prayer for you tonight! Blessings!

I had my surgery in Mexico by Dr. Ortiz. My brother is a surgeon and he checked out Dr. Ortiz for me. Your story sounds like mine. Despite my hardest efforts, my weight hovered in the 29 - 33 BMI range for the last six years. You are so right, the social aspects of obesity are the hardest to live with. Dr. Ortiz told me that it makes no difference if you have 50 pounds to lose or 100 pounds to lose in the way you might view yourself. I know that I have withdrawn socially to a degree since I became obese. But that is all changing since I was banded! In the past month, I have gotten more involved in activities I love and with friends that I have missed. I have lost 20#, have more energy, and am not obsessed over my weight. I have not been banded long, but already my life has improved. I am very grateful! Good luck!

Hey, my knickname really is Boo. At first, I hated it because I thought I was so white and fat that I was scary-looking. That is what the "scary" is referring to. Heck, I scare myself when I look in the mirror! But that is now beginning to change and I have learned to embrace the name. Opinions are worth about two cents. Experience is priceless. Misfortune, I don't want to take up any more space on your thread. I will send you a private message. I just hope you don't blame yourself for going to Mexico for surgery. It could have happened anywhere. Congratulations for making it through the past year. I'm sure it is a year that you never want anyone to have to endure! Blessings! :confused:

I'm home from work today and, luckily, read your post! I had a painful bite today, held my breath several times and it passed! Thank you!!!!

First of all, Misfortune, I am sorry if I diverted your thread in some way. Your story is so shocking and horrific! It is amazing you survived. You must have a very strong will. Your warning is valid and appreciated. Sho, I apologize for I am not trying to pick a fight with you. I speak in defense of good doctors. This board can easily ruin doctors' reputations by opinions, and that is unfair. I also have a Masters Degree, so "big words" don't "scare" me away. We are extremely blessed to live in this country with advanced technology, skilled surgeons, available health insurance, and easily obtainable antibiotics. For many of us, lapband surgery is not possible in the U.S. due to low B.M.I. levels. Yeah, the thought of going to Mexico for surgery, at first, is a "scary" one. Yet, I completely believe that there are highly skilled surgeons in countries that lack the resources available to the surgeons here. My brother is a world-renowned surgeon. He travels to third world countries to train surgeons and to donate equipment and supplies. I have met some of these surgeons. They can barely support their families working in places like Indonesia, and countries in Africa. They attend seminars in the U.S. and love their profession. They are highly intelligent; they just happened to be born in another country. My reason for posting on this thread: 1. I want to join other bandsters in wishing "Misfortune" a healthy future. I am so sorry for your terrible ordeal. It could have happened to any of us. We all know the risks, but the percentage is so small, we don't think it will happen to us. For me, it was a risk that I was willing to take because I have felt so miserable being obese. Again, I am so sorry this happened to you! Your warning is extremely important and helpful to all of us! 2. I value first-hand experience. The many patients of Rumbaut praise the Monterrey experience and his skill. I completely believe them. Ortiz is my surgeon. I received excellent care, and had no complications in an immaculate, modern surgery center. 3. I live in SoCal and speak in defense of our Mexican neighbors. For me, Tijuana is minutes away from top medical facilities and fairly close to home. Monterrey would be quite a distance for me to travel. Also, I am confident there are many excellent surgeons to select in Mexico. When I was going under for my surgery, I felt completely at peace in the hands of Dr. Ortiz. Wishing a healthy future to all!

Misfortune, I am really sorry you had such a horrendous experience. You are that small percentage that makes us all terrified to go under the knife. I am sorry it happened to you.

NEW SHO, Have you ever met Dr. Rumbaut? Have you personally been to the hospital in Monterrey? Do you perform medical research? Have you ever been to the surgical facilities in Tijuana? If not, then true your "opinion" is worth 2 cents.

Call Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Martinez. They are always available to answer our concerns!

Congratulations! I have my first fill tomorrow!

I was banded on a Wednesday and scheduled to go back on Tuesday, but just couldn't! I was too weak. I went in the following day. It made the world of a difference! There is no way to know for sure, but I needed a week.

Watch out for sea salt scrubs, too!

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/248/150 - 15 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/282.5/150 - 17.5 total 4-3: Mom2Blak - 4-4: Angelu - 4-4: brneyezz - 4-4: judyc - 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/268/150 - 43 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203 (no pre-op)/191/132 -17 total 4-6: Klsame - 4-6: Disneynut - 4-10: little one - 4-10: Nissi69 - 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/207/135 - 33 total 4-11: tlj - 4-11: Reyna - 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/209/135 - 31 total 4-12: Infaith - 4-12: JenWillwin - <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O<v /><O<v:shape id=_x0000_i1028 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"><?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata></O<v:shape><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata> 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/338/175 - 20 total 4-13: NJgirl - 247/230/220/140 - 27 total<O<v:shape id=_x0000_i1030 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata></O<v:shape><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata> 4-14: Miper70 - 4 -17: Shackdog - 4 -17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4 -17: Jeepergurrl - 242/222/140 - 20 total<O<v:shape id=_x0000_i1032 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata></O<v:shape><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata> 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/250/150 - 20 total 4-18: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4 -19: Kathi - <O<v:shape id=_x0000_i1034 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata></O<v:shape><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata> 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/202/130 - 18 total 4-20: Indababy - 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/246/150 - 27 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/284/150 - 26 total<O<v:shape id=_x0000_i1036 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata></O<v:shape><v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1OwnerLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_i mage002.gif" o:href="http://lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/silly.gif"></v:imagedata> 4-22: Alisonb - 4-24: Eficka - 125kg/117/111.9/69 - 13,1kg - 28.8 pounds total 4-24: Ceparano -255/270.5/255/170 -15.5 total 4-24: Kat - 4-24: hlj25950 - 15.5 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/255/145 - 11 total 4-25: nofattipatti - 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/230/150 - 34 total 4-26:Tracylou - 4-26: K@t - 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/260/145 - 24 Total 4-28: Jellibeanz - 4-28: Susan4794 - 4-28: msheavensent - 4-29: Scneaux - <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

I don't know what all that stuff is after my name, but I am "Boo," and here are my stats. 208/203/191/130? Lost 17 since highest, -12 since surgery I get first fill this week!

3loves, When you pick up the liquid Benadryl, get the clear one. Some people are allergic to the red dye in the colored varieties. Also, the claritin redi-tabs are made for fast action. They just dissolve in your mouth. Sometimes if you have eaten something you are allergic to, it will make you vomit (which is a blessing!) So if it is dissolved and absorbed through the mouth, it works much quicker. I always have those three things available. There is an organization called the Food Allergy and Anaphalaxis Network. They are dedicated to promote education on food allergies, labeling on packages and in restaurants of common allergans. Go to www.foodallergy.org I attended an event they sponsored and it saved my son's life because I was able to recognize the symptoms of anaphalactic reaction. Again, good luck! Find out EVERYTHING you can once you know for sure what your allergy is. The culprit can be hiding in unsuspecting food, beauty, or numerous other products!

Oh yeah, I forgot. It is a good idea to get several epi-pens. Keep one in your purse, one in your car, and one at home. Have the doc write the prescription with refills. You fill one, then go back the next day to the pharmacy to fill the next, and so on until you have the number you need. (As soon as your insurance will cover it).

Isn't it interesting how allergies run in families? Definitely get your own epi-pen in case you are not close to an ER, and for the speed of relief. The blood test is used when they are just testing for one specific thing. So they are more expensive. It is wise to have the blood tested for shrimp or shellfish because if they give you a skin test, and you are severely allergic, you can have another anaphalactic reaction. I'm sure your allergist already knows that. It is just safer! It sounds like you are due for another round of skin tests also. Good thing you were knowledgeable and got to the ER!!!

You must have been MISERABLE!! You can develop a food allergy at any time in your life. There are NO cures for food allergies, only avoidance of the allergan. You should get an Epi-Pen prescription from your doctor in the event of an emergency. It is a really serious condition. The most common food allergans that cause anaphalactic reactions are shellfish and nuts. Other common allergans are wheat and dairy, but they aren't usually fatal. Find a good allergist and test your blood (not skin) for shellfish allergy. Also, many fertilizers have fish products in them. I wonder if you had contact dermatitis from the same thing? Good luck!!!!

I am soooo sorry you are discouraged! It happens to all of us at some time. Please don't be so hard on yourself. We all submitted ourselves to this surgery because we felt there was no other hope. We all understand failure and the fear of failure. My biggest fear about the band was that I would FAIL AGAIN! So I understand your skepticism! After the initial first week post-op, I haven't really lost. I'm trying to be patient through the growling stomach aches and through reading posts of "25 pounds lost in two weeks!!" I figure I'm a turtle, too. Slow and steady wins the race! 1. Is it possible that you are retaining Water? I get puffy and gain weight after every surgery from the IV and shock. And I think our bodies (obese) react to stress by shutting down and holding onto every bit of fuel possible. You've just been through alot! 2. Also, you are CONSTIPATED! Of course you won't lose! You need to get things moving. 3. Don't take diet pills. Isn't that partly why we did this? So we don't have to take pills? 4. Please be patient with your body and praise yourself for the good things you are doing! You have stayed with the Protein diet, you are drinking water, etc. Be proud of those accomplishments. The numbers on the scale will move. They have to. If anyone knows about being patient it has got to be VINES!! She is so understanding and has dealt with so much. Read her posts! Hang on! Things will get better!

Can you take some liquid Benadryl? There are also Claritin redi-tabs that dissolve in the mouth. They can be taken together. Your whole hand? That is terrible! You poor thing! You should call an allergist. You might need a steroidal injection.

You have some difficult struggles right now. Pituitary tumor - my sister had one removed a couple years ago. They go in through the nose. It came out all in one piece. No recurrence because it was benign, but she has suffered with the Cushing's ever since. It is not an easy trip. Mom - I'm sure you have given your mother a lifetime of joy and pride and love. Probably what she wants now is to lean on your courage. Let her know that she was a good mother, that you love her and that you will miss her, but that you will be alright and continue to live a good life. Prayers and thoughts your way!

I brought my husband with me, but many other patients were there alone. They seemed perfectly happy and confident going through it alone. You do have nurses and doctors to help you. And if you make friends with other patients ahead of time, you could check on each other. I made a great friend through lbt that was banded the day after I was. I was able to meet her before her surgery and show her that everything was okay with me. And then I checked on her after hers. I also made a friend there who was alone, and we check on each other, still. The surgery isn't really that traumatic UNLESS you have some serious complication. But it really depends on your peace of mind. I never go to the hospital here in the US alone. If I have surgery, I make my husband stay with me all night. So I'm a baby! I do have to admit that after arriving at the center, and meeting the doctors, I was completely comfortable and confident. But, prior to the surgery I was very nervous, so I appreciated having my husband there to lean on! As we crossed the border, I kept asking him, "Do you think I'm crazy??" Good luck in your decision!!

Hi everybody, I need some help. Does anyone have an inspirational thought or quote that has helped you to succeed with the band?

I've heard that obesity is a social disease. I just don't know which comes first. Do we withdraw from the shame of the obesity, or do we become obese because we have withdrawn from life and close contact with friends?