BabyGotBack

I start my preop diet on Sunday. The diet consists of a protein shake for breakfast, a lean cuisine for lunch and dinner. My surgery date is Dec. 18, 2006. I reallly can't believe that my life is about to change. I will lose the weight this time and keep it off! I am weighing 185 right now. My first goal will be 155. My second goal which I plan on doing slower and gradual is 135 or so? My friend Monica had the lapband put in a year ago and she did very well. She lost fifty pounds and has had no complications. She did gain a little back, but only due to a loss, eating around the band and needing a fill. We are going to support each other also. I know the support has a big part to play in all of this. I log onto this forum at least twice a day for an hour at least. I have been eating some things that I know I won't be able to eat for a while if not ever. Not getting to out of hand though. So many people have emailed me with such positive things about Dr. Ortiz. I get more reasurred everyday. I want to post what they said here so I can look back or others can get the info they need. This week before my surgery will consist mostly of what I am learning in preparation to the surgery and post surgery and peoples comments. COMMENTS I RECIEVED FROM OTHER PATIENTS Hey" so sorry about that earlier email - i had to rush off! anyway, i researched like mad and chose ortiz because he is the best (imo) - very skilled, credentialed, etc and I wanted someone with the most experience. I also liked his staff and his anestsiologist (can never spell that right) and they use a type of anesthesia that doesn't require intubation. I was super scared of the surgery and my husband was initially against going to mexico etc. I didn't go to the clinic but we both talked to dr ortiz prior and i loved him immediately. I still very positive about him for the surgery - both he and dr martinez give you their personal cell phones - something unheard of in the states. Their facilitiy is different now (but even better) than when I had surgery last year. The only reason I'm unhapppy is i've had trouble losing weight and have struggled living with the band and I haven't felt very supported AFTER the surgery for non emergencies. But face it , most go home and lose weight with one or a few adjustments. There aren't as many of us who struggle so I don't want to sway you from him - just make sure you have some local support and possiblly a local fill doctor etc. And mostly, talk to dr ortiz yourself and ask all your questions, etc. That will help youmake up your mind. hey, good luck to you - also dr. ortiz has a good book with other doc recommendations too and lastly don't base your decision solely on price - experience is key. take care and i wish you good luck in your journey. email me anytime! take care, mary __________________ Hi, My brother is a surgeon in the U.S. and he suggested I check out some TJ doctors for the lapband. My BMI was too low to qualify here. Ever since I first heard about the band, years ago, I knew I wanted it! I found Dr. Ortiz on the internet and ordered his book. I also spoke on the phone with someone who had surgery there. She was NOT a paid coordinator or anything (neither am I.) Anyway, I drove down to Mexico from L.A. and had the surgery without ever meeting Dr. Ortiz ahead of time. There was a really peaceful feeling that I was doing the right thing. The surgery is clean and the staff very professional. Honestly, I don't know of any doctor that could have so many happy patients. He does this surgery about 4-5 times a day. He is extremely experienced and that is what I wanted. Also, he teaches the surgery to U.S. doctors. I am totally satisfied!! No regrets! Good luck!!!!! Surgery November 18, 2005 (Dr. Ortiz) When I first started researching the lap band the first thing I looked into was insurance coverage. Insurance won't cover the surgery for me (I didn't even try b.c i don't come close to meeting the criteria) SO I am self pay. So getting the surgery here in the US was out of the question. B/C it was between 15-20K. I then started researching Dr.'s in Mexico, the carribean and even Europe. Money is a big factor. I'm single, I'm 24, I live in the NYC area and I have a mortgage so I couldn't spend 10-13k like a lot of Dr's charge- in foreign countries. I also found cheap Dr's in Mexico (the cheapest was 6500). But after researching the doctors credential's I was quickly turned off. Dr. Ortiz's credentials seemed really impressive. The maker of the lap band trained Dr Ortiz. Dr Ortiz has 2 centers the cancun and the tj. One of his partners in the Cancun center is the Cheif of St Vincents- here in ny (he has been on the news and in magazines (for his achievements), which put my mind at ease. B/c if Dr. Ortiz was a crook or a bad dr the cheif of such a big hospital wouldn't be associated with him (atleast that's what i think). ALso Dr Ortiz completed a course at Harvard and Yale. And he has trained surgeons around the world. This all seemed very impressize to me. In addition I have not found 1 bad thing about him on the internet, which also helps. I also found one testimonial of a girl who went to dr ortiz. The band would have been too close to her aorta, so he did not complete the surgery. This put me at ease b/c he put safety before her desires. So in a nutshell that's why I chose Dr. Ortiz. What made you choose Dr.Ortiz? Well, I arrive on the 14th and I leave mexico the 17th. Im excited and nervous. It sounds like your friend is doing great. I hear stories of people losing 60 lbs in a few months while it takes outhers a year to do it. It sounds like the fills are very important for a lg weight loss. Me personally, I'd rather lose consistently over a year than lose it so quick that I'm stuck with excess skin. That's my main fear. Today I started my preop diet. When I decided to get my surgery (3 weeks ago) I have eaten everything I coluld possibly want and more. I have gained 8 lbs. So I'm starting the preop det today of 2 shakes and a lean cusine. Then Friday I'm going to start 3 shakes a day. Of course the day I start my diet I woke up at 6 am (opposed to 8- I work sun-thurs) So I have already had a large salad and I have to go prepare my protein shake before work. I hear if you blend the shake w/ice it's more filling. I'm going to go test that out. Please keep in touch. It's great to find others that are experiencing the same things I am. Lori I hope this info helps- my family and friends were opposed to me going to Mx at all for my surgery- but I sent them all the links and his resume and his credentials and they feel comfortable. I have not been able to find any bad info on him. I heard horror stories about betancourt medical -and Dr Lopez. I feel confident about my decision. Evaluate both doctors credentials- also go through lapbandtalk forums and find info on btoh dr's that may help. The two doctors I had it narrowed down to was Dr Rambaut and Dr Ortiz- but I went w/ dr ortiz b/c of his credentials. Dr Ortiz has 2 centers- the cancun one has been closed since the hurricane. this is the website that show's his association with Dr Nick Gabriel www.lapbandincancun.com Ameri Med Hospital offers Lap-Band surgery exclusively to patients of Dr. Ariel Ortiz and Dr. Lee Grossbard of the Lap Band in Cancun web site. Ameri Med Hospital is Cancun's newest hospital complex offering a full range of emergency and routine services. Ameri Med offers private rooms and a fully bi-lingual staff. The whole setting creates a soothing environment that will delight even the most demanding patient. Dr Ariel Ortiz, a Board Certified Mexican medical doctor whose medical practice is in Mexico, is a world renowned expert on Lap-Band surgery, having trained almost a decade ago under the designer of the Lap-Band, Dr Mitiku Belechew. Dr. Lee Grossbard started his private practice in 1984 in Zephyrhills, FL where he is currently located. After attending Lafayette College, Easton PA he then went on to graduate from Autonomous University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico with Honors. Dr. Nick Gabriel currently holds an appointment as the Chief of Minimally Invasive Surgical Education at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York, and an assistant professor of surgery at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine dr ortiz's credentials: Click here to view an extended curriculum vitae for Dr. Ariel Ortiz. Click here to view additional certifications. for more info on Dr Otriz http://www.drarielortiz.com/ www.obesitycontrolcenter.com http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobe...ere+gl h.html http://www.aftercareprovider.com/dr_ortiz.html more info on dr gabriel http://drnickgabriel.com/ http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobe...briel+hgm.html Ariel Alfonso Alfredo Ortiz Lagardere, M.D. Address: Office: Obesity Control Center Leona Vicario #1510, 2nd Floor Zona Rio, Tijuana, Mexico, Zip:22320 Phone: US. 619 270 1126 1866 Dr Ortiz (376 7849) MX: 011-52(664) 6849505 Email: drortiz@obesitycontrolcenter.com Mailing Address USA: 1503 Liberty Creek Place Chula Vista CA 91913 Cell Phone: (619) 247-9695 Current Academic Rank: Professor of Clinical Medicine Professor of Surgery UABC School of Medicine University of Baja California, Tijuana Training 1997 Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Fellowship Centro de Adiestramiento del Noroeste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social University of Baja California, Tijuana Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico 1997 Obesity Surgery Fellowship University of Baja California, Tijuana Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico Hospital Angeles del Pedregal Mexico, DF 1993 – 1997 Residency in General Surgery Centro Medico Nacional del Noroeste Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. 1986 – 1992 M.D. awarded June 1992 Faculty of Medicine, Tijuana University of Baja California, Tijuana Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico 1983 – 1985 B.A. awarded in Clinical Laboratory Escuela Federal Preparatoria “Lazaro Cardenas” Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico Academic Board Certification Board Certified in General Surgery 1997 #98254 Mexico, DF Certification & Licensure: Board Certified in General Surgery # 98254 06/99 Mexican Medical License # 2526822 Issued: 10/08/97 Baja California Medical License # 10575-02/00 Last Issued: 02/00 Baja California General Surgery License #125/2000 Last Issued: 03/00 Academic Appointments 2000-present Professor of Surgery University of Baja California, Tijuana Professor of Clinical Medicine University of Baja California, Tijuana 1998-2000 Professor of Laparoscopic Surgery North Western Laparoscopic Training Center Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Tijuana, B.C., Mexico 2000 – present Professor Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Course North Western Laparoscopic Training Center Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Tijuana, B.C., Mexico Honors & Awards 2002 President, National Association of Bariatric Surgery, Mexico 2000 President, Baja California College of Surgeons 1999 Secretary, Baja California College of Surgeons 1998 Scientific Committee, Baja California College of Surgeons 1996 Honorary President, Northwestern Resident Association 1995 Chief of Residents, General Surgery 1994 Chief of Residents, General Surgery 1993 Chief of Residents, General Surgery 1992 A.H. Robbins Award of Academic Excellence Professional Organization Memberships 1997 – present Tijuana Medical College Baja California College of Surgeons 1997 – present National Board of General Surgery 1997 – present Mexican Association of General Surgery 1997 – present Mexican Association of Laparoscopic Surgery 1999 – present International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity 1997 – present Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgery 1998 - present Latin-American Society of Endoscopic Surgery 2001 - present American Society for Bariatric Surgery 2002 - present Fellow American College of Surgeons Committees 1998 – present Medical College of Tijuana, Educational Affairs Committee 2001 Tijuana College of Medicine, Digitalization Committee Department and Hospital Appointments & Committees 2001- present Chief of Surgery, Notre Dame Hospital, Tijuana, Mexico 2001- present Quality Assurance Committee, Siglo XXI Hospital, Culiacan, 2000-present Quality Assurance/Risk Management, Praga Hospital, Tijuana, 2000-present Blue Shield International Evaluation Committee, Tijuana Medical College 1997 – 2000 Co-Director, Endoscopic Hernia Training Center, IMSS, Tij. 1998 – 2000 Co-Director, Advanced Laparoscopic Training Course, IMSS 1998 – 2000 Operative & Invasive Procedures Committee, IMSS, Tijuana Abstracts Ortiz Lagardere, AA, Lopez Covala JA, Guzman Cordero F. 3 Years Experience, Endoscopic Hernia Training Center. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Achalasia Accumulated Experience. Endoscopic Training Center, IMSS, Tijuana Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Complications related to adjustment port after 150 Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Bandings. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Multidisciplinary approach after Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding elevates success rate. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Preventing Lap-Band Slippage, Modifications to the Technique. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Lopez Covala JA, Guzman Cordero F, Ortiz Lagardere AA. First 100 cases of Adjustable Silicon Gastric Banding, 3-year follow-up. Presented at the AMCG Annual Meeting, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. October 2000. Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F, Ortiz Lagardere AA. TEP hernia repair, Focus on the technique. Presented at the AMCL Annual Meeting, Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. November 1999. Lopez Corvala, JA, Guzman Cordero F, Ortiz Lagardere AA. Laparoscopic Nephrectomy, our experience. Presented at the AMCL Annual Meeting, Cancun, May 1999. Awarded the first place by the AMCL Scientific Committee. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Intragastric Balloon for mild obesity. Technique and results. Presented in the AMCL Annual Meeting Acapulco Guerrero, Mexico. May 1999. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Band Adjustment, a Multidisciplinary approach. Presented at the AMCO Annual Meeting, Mazatlan Sinaloa, Mexico. July 1999. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Complications related to the Lap-Band, Slippage and Erosion. Presented at the AMCO Annual Meeting, Mazatlan Sinaloa, Mexico. July 1999. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Corvala JA, Guzman Cordero F. Technique is related to band slippage. Presented at the AMCO Annual Meeting, Mazatlan Sinaloa, Mexico. July 2000. Ortiz Lagardere AA, Lopez Crovala JA, Guzman Cordero F Laparoscopic Hernia Repair; A revised training protocol. Rev Mex Cir Endosc, 2, 71-74 Abril 2001 Ongoing Research “Risk factors for Band Erosion. A multicenter evaluation.” (Funded by Grupo Laparoscopico de B.C.) “Beating the learning curve in Laparoscopic Hernia Repair. Integrating new interactive teaching tools.” (Funded by Tyco Healthcare, International) “Is band adjustment always necessary?” (Funded by Grupo Laparoscopico de B.C.) “Restrictive mechanism of the Lap-Band, How does it really work?” (Funded by Grupo Laparoscopico de B.C.) “A prospective randomized study, The Tep Repair without mesh fixation.” (Unfunded) Teaching Responsibilities 2000 – present Latin-American Lap-Band Training Coordinator, Grupo Laparoscopico de B.C. 1999 – present Endoscopic Hernia Training Center for Latin America, Grupo Laparoscopico de B. C. Invited Lectures . University Autonoma de Baja California, School of Medicine Anniversary Conference, “Minimally Invasive Surgery.” Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, “Skill Development For the Laparoscopic Surgeon.” University Autonoma de Baja California, School of Medicine. “Aids related surgical procedures.” 1998 Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, HGR 20 Tijuana. “Hernia Repair, Laparoscopic vs Open.” 1998 Baja California College of Surgeons, Laparoscopic Hernia Meeting. “The Tep approach, the future of the endoscopic approach.” Baja California College of Surgeons, VII International Laparoscopic Reunion. “Avoiding bile duct injuries.” 1998 Mexican Association of Laparoscopic Surgery, VIII International Laparoscopic Surgery Reunion. “Management of Chronic Pain, Laparoscopic Hernia Repair.” Mexican Association of General Surgery, New Techniques and Innovations in Surgery, Mexican, B.C. “The double mesh technique” 1998 Mexican Association of General Surgery, New Techniques and Innovations in Surgery, San Luis Rio Colorado. “The double mesh technique.” Mexican Association of Obesity Surgery, Annual Reunion. Ixtapa, Guerrero. “Obesity surgery, a stepped-up approach.” 1999 Mexican Association of General Surgery, Regional Reunion, San Luis Rio Colorado. “Partial or Total fundoplication, indications and technique.” 1999 Mexican Association of General Surgery, Open Hernia Course, Chihuahua, Chihuahua. “Experience with the double mesh technique.” Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, Obesity Course, Acapulco Guerrero. “Intragastric Balloon Placement, technique and results.” Mexican Association of Obesity Surgery, Annual Reunion, Mazatlan, Sinaloa. “Band Adjustment Protocol, a multidisciplinary approach”. 2000 National Defense System, Annual Reunion, Ensenada, Baja, California. “Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication” 2000 Mexican Association of General Surgery, Northwestern Regional Reunion, Mexicali, B.C. “The Tep repair, technique.” Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, National Meeting, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico “ Lap-Band, Safe and effective procedure; Four year follow-up”. Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, National Meeting, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico “ LASGB, Long term complications and Follow-up”. 2002 LASGB, Mexican experience, Phil Schauer Course, Breckenridge Colorado. 2002 Complications in Lap-Band, avoiding and treating them successfully. Live Exhibition Surgery Mexican Association of General Surgery, International Laparoscopic Reunion, Tijuana, B.C. “Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.” Mexican Association of General Surgery, International Laparoscopic Reunion, Tijuana, B.C. “Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.” Mexican Association of General Surgery, Regional Laparoscopic Reunion, Mexicali, B.C. “Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.” Mexican Association of General Surgery, International Laparoscopic Reunion, San Luis Rio Colorado, “Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.” 2000 Mexican Association of Obesity Surgery, Annual Meeting, “Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding.” 2000 Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery and National Defense System, Annual Meeting, Ensenada, Baja, California, “Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.” 2000 Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery Regional Meeting, Tijuana, Baja, California “Endoscopic Hernia Repair, Tep.” 2000 Mexican Association of General Surgery, “Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding.” Live Exhibition Surgery to the USA Endoscopic Hernia Repair, TEP Hernia Balloon Repair, Yale Laparoscopy Training Program, 28-29 April Live transmission from: HGR No 20 IMSS Hospital Tijuana, B.C. Mexico To Yale Laparoscopy, Yale University, New Haven Ct. Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Yale Laparoscopy Training Program, Six-week course Live transmission from: HGR No 20 IMSS Hospital Tijuana, B.C. Mexico To Yale Laparoscopy, Yale University, New Haven Ct. Surgical Proctoring in USA 2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding LAP-BAND System Bariatric Surgery Department Lennox Hill Hospital, New York, New York. 2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding, LAP-BAND System Minimally Invasive Surgery Department University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding, LAP-BAND System Bariatric Surgery Program Hoag Hospital, Orange County, California 2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding Loyola University Chicago, Chicago IL. 2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding Little Rock, Arkansas 2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding Arlington Hospital Dallas, Texas 2001 Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding Irvine Medical Center Los Angeles, Ca 2002 Proctorings in the USA Chicago, Illinois Port Huron, Michigan Detroit Michigan Seattle Washington Austin, Texas Fort Worth, Texas Baton Rouge, Louisiana Minneapolis, Minnesota 2002 Proctoring in Canada Montreal 1st International Workshop Television Appearance- TV Program Host June 2001- June 2001 Information Capsules Home Remedies Discovery Health Feb 2002- Feb 2003 Discovery Channel Latino-America Discovery Health Spanish Version of “Living Pulse” Show Host For Latin America and Spain this is info on nick gabriel ·Dr. Nick H. Gabriel Joins the Airport Medical Offices Announcing the addition of Dr. Gabriel at the Airport Medical Offices at JFK·Stomach Surgery for Weight-Loss (stream video) Special Interview with Dr. Gabriel on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360·Suddenly Skinny Dr. Gabriel's patient Lisa Sohr featured as the "cover girl" in New York Magazine Click here to view Dr. Ariel Ortiz being interviewed on The Wellness Hour with host Randy Alvarez. __________________ "If love is blind, what's the purpose of lingerie?"

I was wondering what I should stock up on right now for when I get home from the hospital. I know it is a liquid phase,, but does that include protien drink, carnation breakfast, cream of mushroom or just chicken broth and gatorade? Thanks for all your suggestions. Audree

I bought some liquid vitamins that have so many great ingredients in it! It even has sea vegetables, noni juice, pomegranate, amino acids, etc. I got it at Sams Club for $19 (like CostCo). Audree

I will be banded by Dr. Ariel Ortiz. He is supposed to be one of the doctors with the most experience. He also proctors and teaches doctors the procedure around the world. He has even taught doctors in the US the procedure. There are a lot of threads on him! Audree

Mysherrijo: I haven't gotten my band yet. I just asked the Patient Coordinator what they have in place in case of emergency. She meant the actual placement of the band, not the before and after prep. She was just trying to say he was very experienced. I will ask her again though, just to clarify!!! Audree

I will be starting my preop diet on Sunday!!! I am so excited. My day is coming!

I'd like to know too! I here the weight loss is slower with people with lower bmi's. Hopefully it is at least 1-2 pounds a week! Audree

I contacted someone from Dr. Ortiz's office about medical procedures in case of an emergency and this is what they had to say. "Good question....At our Center, we have a 3 bed, fully equipped ICU unit, that we have never had to use. But, it is there in case of an emergency. Remember, Dr. Ortiz has never had a mortality and complications during surgery (with Dr. Ortiz) are really unheard of. If anything is questionable about a patient having surgery, it is discovered and discussed during the patient's preops and once in a while, a patient's surgery is cancelled or post poned, as Dr. Ortiz may not feel it is safe to proceed (for whatever reason). The surgery is a quick 15 minute procedure, that Dr. Ortiz has been doing for over 9 years. He has all the experience in the world. Yes, it is true that some people do think that going to Mexico is inferior. But, I assure you, it is all in the credentials of the doctor, their skill, education, experience and reputation. It really is more important who the surgeon is as opposed to the location." This really put me more at ease, even more so, because I was already at ease. I feel the peace of God about it. I had a tummy tuck done in CA, and come to think of it, I didn't question that it was done in a surgery center in San Bernardino. For Dr. Ortiz to have an ICU unit ready for an emergency and to have never had to use it?? That is awesome! Audree

OOOPPSSS I meant "getting Lipo" not getting lip!!! HEHE

Hello! I also will be banded on December 18. I will arrive on Dec. 17th which is a Sunday to check into the hotel and get settled. They will do my pre op and Surgery on Monday, Dec. 18. I will go home on Tuesday. My mom is going with me. She was trying to get me to change my mind, telling me to maybe get a breast reduction and butt reduction. My husband had a heart attack! Getting lip would not solve my problems of over eating and portion control. She did say she'd support my decision. I think for some reason, she is afraid I will get to skinny. I just want to be healthy and be a good role model for my daughters. I have two step daughters who are 15 and 19 and they have major issues with food, watching me diet the whole time they have known me, 11 1/2 years. They are both very in shape, but have issures with food. They have a phobia of getting overweight, especially my 15 year old. She doesn't eat during the day and binges when she gets home till the evening. I tell her that is a recipe for obesity. Of course she doesn't think I know what I am talking about. She is very active, runs, dances, etc. My 19 year old used to not eat, even convince herself food made her nauseous. She goes through periods where she loves food, eats a lot, then doesn't eat. She actually needs to gain weight. She used to be anemic. I know I had a big part to play in there sick relationship with food. When I had my daughters, I vowed to eat healthy, excercise, so that is what they have seen. They are 5 and 7. They both are thin and have very healthy eating habits. They only eat when they are hungry, don't clean there plate (My mom used to try to make them clean the plate, until my daughter told me mom "my mom says you used to make her clean her plate and that is why she got fat") My mom stopped doing that. They love veggies, broccoli, cauliflower, eat all in moderation. I do notice that they say things like, "that has too much fat or sugar". I don't want any of them to go through what I have gone through. I need to do this right, so for the rest of their lives, they can see me have a healthy relationship with food, watch my portions, make healthy choices, excercise, drink Water. I am not telling them about the surgery. I am going to tell them that I am going on a liquid fast, which they won't think twice about since they have seen me do fast, veggie shakes, etc. Has anyone heard of Juvo shakes??? (Juvo.com) I used to take these shakes which are 100%natural. They are dried in a process that makes them be in a raw state. I go to a chinese herbalist and used to buy them there. They are 30 different types of veggies, mushrooms, Beans. The only thing is I didn't think it had enough Protein. My chinese herbalist said it had the right combo to sustain healthy life. I think I will buy they again and add protein to them. Juvo is also supposed to help with different ailments and help the body heal faster, etc. I haven't taken them in a while. My kids even liked them. I would blend ice, light soy milks, raw sugar, cinnamon and a banana. It tastes like heaven. That combo came up to about 350 calories for a large shake. Has anyone else tried these shakes? If you have, how do you take them? I am going to be stocking up my cabinet now and will start my pre op diet on Dec. 10!!!!!! YYYYYYEEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH Audree

I DID IT!!!! I paid my deposit, so there is no going back now. I think I was procrastinating a little, for some reason. Even if this is what I want and I am 100% sure of it. I will arrive to Mexico, Dec. 17th which is a Sunday to the Hotel Lucerna. Then my pre op and surgery will both be on Dec. 18th on Monday. Then I leave on Tuesday. I wake up in the morning so excited, waiting for this exciting new chapter to begin. I know it won't be easy. I know that I have a new way to eat and live. But, I want to be healthy, more than I want to eat large quantities of food. I want to be a good role model to my daughters, so they don't have to face the pain of being overweight all there lives like me, and suffer the ridicule of well meaning family members. People have always made comments about what I am eating and then if I am on a diet, throwing it in my fame "What diet are you on now????" Telling me I will never lose weight. My grandmother used to tell me she was ashamed to walk down the street with me, and even if I felt I didn't care what anyone said, I am sure that being told that hurt me somehow. I used to be thin as a child. Then at 12 years old, my step dad started teasing me. I guess that was when I started to develop. I was not overweight, but he'd tease me and tell me I was getting fat. That is whe I started this vicious cycle of yo yo dieting, from age 12 to 33, 21 years. My mom wanted to have me commited at one point to a place that delt with overweight teens. She took me to OA, Weight Wathcers, Nutra System, Lindora, etc. What is sad, is each attempt made things worse. Her obsession with my weight made it worse. I think it is important to know why we are overweight, so we can know how to fight in the correct way. I don't eat for emotional reasons anymore. I used to do it to spite my family, the more they bothered me, the more I'd eat. They wanted to control me and what I ate, how much I weighed. The woman in my family are very vain and into appearance. So, to show them they didn't have control over me, I'd eat more and gain weight. I think that also had a lot to do with me not wanting to wear makeup for so long and want to dress frumpy, because they'd be on me to wear makeup from the moment I woke up. I know they meant well, they did the best they could, thinking they were helping me. Negative reinforcement just doesn't work! Put downs and those little comments. Now I just eat because I love food! I love large quantities and I love to feel full! I stick to the eat when you are hungry, stop when you are full, but my stomach has a big capacity. I have a question. My friend who had the lapband surgery a year ago said she was told she could never do abdominal cruchnes? Does anyone work out there abs and how? Thanks for being there for me. I really appreciate this site and all of the people in it. God Bless, Audree <><

Actually, you can't hardly see my scar at all. My stomach hanging so low it covered certain parts of me, where a lot more disfiguring, at least to me. In the end, I did it for myself. My husband was happy either way, but I did it for me.Audree

I also heard many people park there cars in the US side of the border and just walk over to TJ. Audree

I had one done two years ago and it is the best thing I have done, so far. If I would have known about the Lap band, I would have done that first. I gained eighty five pounds with both my daughters, due to toxemia. I went up to 240. I had an "apron" and even with a personal trainer for one year, the rest of me toned, but not the "apron". I found a wonderful doctor in San Bernardino, CA named Dr. Jessie Mitchell, BeautifulReflections.com If I gain weight, it is not in my stomach, it gets distributed other places. So, my stomach is completely flat and I love it. He only charged me $4000 cash. Audree

I will have my surgery on Dec. 17. So, by Christmas eve, one week later, I was wondering what kind of liquids people will be having? Thanks,Audree

Hi NG Adams! I did that (I think)! Down on the bottom of the page where it says browse, I put the code in and my picture did pop up after I reviewed it, my picture showed up. I was thinking that maybe the moderator of this page has to okay it first??? Thanks for your help! Audree

How do I get my picture up by my name? I went to the page to make a signature and uploaded a picture. Does it have to get approval first to get on or go on right away or did I just do it wrong? Thanks, Audree

Hello! I went under User CP and put in a signiture. I uploaded a picture at the bottom of that page. I assumed that it would put my picture up, the one when you answer people on the forum and is by your name. But my picture is not there. How do I get it there? Thanks,Audree

I just noticed the LBT chatroom. Does anyone ever use it? Audree

Thanks!!! Slow and easy loss is better than slwoly gaining everyday like I am now. I can never keep it off! Audree

Also, is this the official check in for December bandsters? there is another December bandsters but it said something about surgery date. Audree

Hi! I am decided to use Dr. Ortiz and and trying to get a surgery date of Dec. 17 or 18. I am just waiting for my funding. Dr. Ortiz sounds fantastic! I have actually talked to someone who wen to him and they had nothing but great things to say! He has a lot of experience too. I am so ready to do this. I have actually only been on this board for about two weeks and researching lapband for about the same time. But,, I have been watcing my friend who has had hers for a year. She also did hers in Mexico with Dr. Pedro Herrera Terrazas. I remember when she first told me she went to Mexico and I couldn't believe it. But, I see now it was only my own ignorance then. Who's to say doctors in other countries are not as good or better than the US? I guess it is just an automatic stereotype people do including myself until I really looked into it and educated myself. I am a lower bmi patient 5'5 and 185. If I am not on a low carb diet and constantly dieting, I easily gain. I am sure I have gained 5 pounds since Thanksgiving since i am not doing low carb. I am eating everything in moderation, since I know I won't be able to eat certain foods for a while and some permanently. The problem is, what I think is moderation, is in actuality a lot I guess. When I have counted calories, I underestimate what I really eat. Looking forward to being a part of this group! Audree:nervous

Thanks for your comments! Audree

I was wondering if they will use a fluro if they have to and how much more it would cost? I know that Dr. Ortiz always does his fills using a fluroscope. Is this better, to use the fluro than not to? Audree

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has used FillCentersUSA.com It is a referral service to patients in the states who use a doctor that is out of the country or too far. Dr. Ortiz is a affiliated with them as a medical advisor. If you did, what was your experience? Where you happy? Thanks, Audree