mtnman428

Thanks! And true that!:mad2:

I like that suggestion of attending a seminar that talks about both. Even though I was definite on Lap Band I attended a seminar anyway (to learn more) and it covered both surgeries. I still went with the Lap Band and it definitely solidified my decision. With the lap band there is no malabsorption, no dumping syndrome, no rerouting or cutting of the intestines. Lap Band is the closest surgery to your real body. Also Gastric Bypass doesn't always work over time and some people gain some of their weight back. Although you could eat around the band too, but the plus is that you can always get more of a fill for more restriction. Also if for any reason you absolutely couldn't live with the band for some reason, it can be removed from your body. Good luck with your decision!

I think that it is normal, and it depends on how much you can eat and are losing if you need another fill. My Dr. said that some people lose most of or all of their wieght with only 2 to 3 fills throughout the whole process, but he did say that women tend to need more fills than men. I have not had any fills yet, so I cannot tell you from experience.

That is EXACTLY why I prefaced my statement with, "I have no personal knowledge of Juarez"... and also restated that I have never been there, and to be careful and do your research for anywhere. I will also add (which, I have in other posts) that I did not go out walking the streets of Tijuana after dark or alone either. I did feel comfortable during the day though, and I wouldn't go as far as saying (or not saying) that Tijuana is more dangerous then Juarez. As for the Dr. from Juarez, I read about his death on a post here on Lapbandtalk, so I can neither confirm or deny that as fact. As I said (and I'm not making it up, nor do I have anything to gain-you can rent the DVD), Bordertown is based on true events, which, happened in Juarez with more than 5000 girls/women being raped and killed and found places there. Much of it was covered up-this is real and scary, and yes some of that may happen in Tijuana, and even Arkansas. However I wouldn't put all of my faith and trust into a facilitator, whom is gaining money from getting my business, as they may assure you that it is safe. The main point is to just be careful and use caution always when in a new place (or anywhere). :thumbup:

I wasn't told to stick to a cup of food or under either! I do feel some restriction without a fill yet, but I've only been on solid foods for 3 days now. The thing that gets me too, is that today the scale said that I gained a pound and I haven't gone over 1150 calories!!! So now I don't know if I should ride it out (probably) or go down to 900-1000! I don't want to go that low though because then I won't have much leeway (to go lower) when I do get a fill and I don't want my metabolism to shut down...even though I think it already has.:thumbup: I've been getting help on here though and the advice to stop concentrating on/counting calories too, so I should try that. It's just so hard and scary to break that calorie counting mentality!:(

I (and I think most) had a pre-op diet. It depends on every Dr./patient. I also believe that the quality was equal/better, then some in the US. The nurses and Dr.'s were more readily available, and kept checking in on me. It's not to say that you can't have a bad experience in Mexico (or anywhere for that matter). It's all in the process of doing research and trusting that you did your own homework on any surgeon that you may choose anywhere in the world.

I'm glad to hear that it all worked out!

Thanks...I'll try to follow your advice then, because you look great! I don't know if I'll ever be able to run, even when I was thin (years ago) I didn't, maybe because of my 4'11.5" height and short legs!!! But I have been walking, and can also re-start the elliptical now.

I'm kind of a "plane jane" eater when it comes to recipes. I like to make 2 simple things with eggplant. Either eggplant parmesan, which you can make a few different ways, or I also like to marinate it in a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then cook it in Pam spray or grill it. For the eggplant parm, you can just slice it up like that, then layer it with your favorite sauce and some mozzarella cheese, then bake it. You can also do the same, but coat the eggplant in egg white then breadcrumbs or flour and cook it first, then layer w/sauce and cheese.

Yeah Mexico is about anywhere from $6500-9000 for surgery, but in the US it is much more anywhere from low $10,500-30,000+! Plus most of the Dr.'s in Mexico have been practicing the Lap Band for longer than the Dr.' in the US, thus have more experience. It was available in Mexico years before it was FDA approved in the US in 2001. That is how I started researching and ended up going to MX because I lost my health coverage here in the US. That and the Tequila, lol!

I was just wondering about the general calorie intake on average that everyone was instructed (or is) to eat?? How much is too much, and what do you think is too little?? I just started solid foods yesterday, and have not yet had a fill. I do feel some resrtiction, but not much. Should I be eating 1200 calories for now? I mean, calories can always vary depending on what we eat (like, I can eat the same amount of pizza as chicken, but spend more cals on the pizza) So what would be a good # for me to keep up? Will I need room to lower my calorie intake to keep losing after fills; which, would mean I should probably be at the higher calorie end for now??? Thanks all!

I just want to start by saying: I have no personal knowledge of Juarez; however, I watched the movie, Bordertown (with Jennifer Lopez); which, was based on true events and that took place in Juarez. Like I said, I have never been to Juarez, and I do not know how big it is, but the movie was an eye-opener! Also I read in one of these posts that a popular Lap Band surgeon in Juarez was gunned down and killed. I'm not trying to discourage anyone form going there, but I would like to encourage all to be very careful no matter where they decide to go, please!

That's great to hear, because I was wondering the same thing. I wasn't sure because my nutritionist just said not to gulp or chug, so I was confused! She said to just take sips, but then I was feeling thirsty! So I'm glad that you asked this question for us!

Thanks everyone! Keep the ideas coming. Armywife, are you Greek (or do you just like the Gyros)? I only ask because I am Syrian (and French). I didn't even think of Gyros. Good idea.

Hi everyone! I just have a question about solids. I've been on liquids (clear, then full) for 21 days since surgery now. Today I start solids. I do not have a fill. I'm just wondering what kind of food to eat? I don't want to mess up and PB on my 1st day/week. Do most foods go down OK since I don't even have a fill yet? I'll take the advice to take small bites and chew, chew, chew. But what? What's a good choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner??? Thanks all! :biggrin::thumbup:

My Dr. also says to wait 1 hour after eating and suck on ice cubes if thirsty (Dr. Ortiz too). Although his nutritionist also told me that if I need a sip of water or something (hot food, coughing, etc..) that I could do that, but not everyday. She also said that if I'm out at a restaurant and want to sip wine or a drink with dinner that would be fine too...just not all of the time.

Hi, I was self-pay too. I also had some trouble getting the money up front right away. I used a balance transfer check on my credit card, so had to wait for that money. Anyways, after I had put my $500 down payment the Center wanted the final payment 2 weeks before surgery too. I called the center and spoke to them and told them that I could not pay the balance until the day before surgery (when I arrived in MX by a Cashiers check). They didn't act extremely happy, but they understood and told me that as long as it was paid before surgery, then I'd be fine. So maybe you can do the same, just call and explain your situation. As long as you have already put your down-payment and pay the balance before surgery I think they will accept that. After all, they're not going to turn away money. Good Luck!:biggrin:

I'm guessing it was Morphine in my drip, but they didn't really say. When I was released the following day, I went home with a 2 day supply of Supradol. When that ran out they said to use liquid Tylenol if needed. I did take it for a couple of days, but I don't think that I even really needed it. I didn't have much pain just a little port soreness. At first I had no CO2 pains in my shoulder, I think because I walked quite a bit for the 1st few days after surgery, then I didn't walk on the 4th or 5th day, then the next day I got the shoulder gas pains. The walking really helps with them. I started right back to walking and they felt better, but still there a little.

Hi, I too was self-pay with no money to spare!!! I did go to Dr. Ortiz and am happy with my decision. The price is $7950, BUT if you are OK with a semi-private recovery room (which they don't really advertise) (and you'll most-likely be asleep thru recovery anyways-I was) it is $7700. That'll save u $250! Or if you can find someone else that wants surgery too, then you get a multi-discount with a private room for $7500 each. My sister almost came to do it with me, but didn't in the end. They do have payment plans that can maybe help you. Your flight would be to San Diego, so it is cheaper than flying into Mexico, so think about that too. Let me know if you have anymore questions, and Good luck whatever you decide! :crying:

Ditto what Jachut said. Yes, my Dr. said that this phase is for the band to heal properly in place! The body should be concentrating on healing and have as little digestion as possible. Also you will not see or know the damage right away until it is too late. I'm not trying to scare you, you probably haven't done much damage yet-if you haven't really been eating all the time, but you REALLY shouldn't further chance it. There are a few great 3-5 minute videos on Youtube.com right now (that were just posted a few days ago) from my doc-Dr. Ortiz. He actually talks about this exact subject. You should watch it.

You could also try Prune juice and/or Metamucil. Good luck.:wink2:

Hi, I was banded on 7/24 and I'm still on full liquids (1 protein shake per day, cream soups, tomato soup, yogurt smoothies, etc...). I can start eating solid foods on 8/14...a couple of days. No mushy stage for me. My Dr. doesn't do it that way. I've actually been at a stand-still with my weight these last few days, even though I've only been having between 650-800 calories per day and walking most days! Maybe my calories are too low and hopefully once I start eating I will lose again.:wink2:

My Dr. said that it was fine to have coffee and tea after surgery, but while I was on the clear liquids stage I could only have it with CoffeeMate/non-dairy creamer. Now that I'm on full liquids I can have it with milk or half & half again (in moderation).

My Dr. told me besides walking, he wanted me to wait 3 weeks post-op to do exercise and 3 MONTHS post-op for Ab work, so I'd wait to do the sit-ups until at least then and just concentrate on cardio. :wink2:

Did u already try Fillcentersusa.com? I'm not sure if they take a payment plan or not, but they should. Also try calling around to your local Lap Band surgeon's offices and see if they'll take you and also take a payment plan. Good luck!