Oklahoma bound for TJ? Your thoughts, please

Ok, I have scheduled and appointment with Dr. Ortiz in TJ for 10/16/07. I just need to know I am making the right choice. I need the good the bad and the ugly. I have done my homework. I have read from the forum for weeks. You all are the experts. What were you experiences with Dr. Ortiz. I know there are some of you out there from Oklahoma. Do you go back to TJ to get your fills? Was the travel difficult after the band in TJ. I plan on taking a friend, so this will help. Please let me know about your experiences.

Margaret :help:

Hi! I had my banding done in Norman, Ok. by Dr. Keith at Norman Regional. The program here is very good. My surgery date was 8/23/2007. We have a support group that meets every two weeks which is great. Lots of luck to you. Lady Link

My husband and I were banded by Dr. Ortiz just 5 days ago. Their staff is just awesome, so the surgery and everything went well. Travel back to the states was a bit uncomfortable, just take your pain meds. Although we weren't planning to get our fills there before we left, we have decided that we will probably at least go back for our first fill. Congrats, and good luck!

Thread Starter

Hi

Thanks for your response. I would love to hear all about your trip. I would like to pick your brain. Is there anything specific that I would need to take with me et.? I am so happy for you and your husband.

Margaret

Margaret,

I can't really think of much to take with you. I suppose stretchy pants for comfort after surgery. If you're able to or have access to decent pain medication you might take that with you as well. As much as I've heard about the lax pharmacies in Mexico I was surprised at the crappy pain meds they give you. I'm still experiencing pain in my left shoulder due to gas buildup, but I've been reading some posts here today and some people have recommended a heating pad, so that may help too. I'm planning to get one for myself today! I'd love to keep in touch with you regarding your surgery, but I just joined the forum today and am not able to send personal messages yet and can't give my e-mail out online. If you're able to send a PM, drop me a line!

Christy

Thread Starter

Christy

You will love the forum. It is a great place to learn so much info.

Margaret

I am from Oklahoma. I am going to be banded tomorrow in tj. I will be going to Dallas to get fills.

Thread Starter

Hi

I can not believe I found another bandster from Oklahoma, getting banded in TJ. Please let me know how things went. I am so happy for you! Who is your fill Dr. in Dallas. I am looking for a fill Dr. Please let me know how you are and how things went in TJ. I am 45, married with a 7 year old son. I live close to Mcalester.

Margo I am back form TJ. I had the band and it was a wonderful experience. I would not say it was painful but you will be sore. I will be using Dr. Maise in Dallas. Yes he does fills for tj bands, he does not band but only fills. I have heard good things about him. I will see soon.

Thread Starter

Hi


Thank you so much for the info. I will look up Dr. Maise on the internet. Were there many out of pocket expenses when you got to TJ? I am just trying to budget the trip. How do you feel today? Have you gone back to work yet? I wish today were the 17th of October so I could just get started. Well, better do the preop diet first. :clap2: Yea, for you.

__________________
Margaret

margo, there were no expenses for tj at all. Of course i went to a differant doctor so i can not say what it will be there. I was allowed to walk around the second day and then come back to the clinic, so i went to a shopping center and got a starbucks and that was a little less than 4.00 and then i bought a bottle of water for 3.00 at airport. My husband spent money on food that they delivered to him at the clinic, and then he ate when we went to the shopping center but all in all i bet we did not spend more than 50.00 for food or anything else for that matter.

I went with Dr. K in Colorado.... check out his site...www.lapbandrockies,com... ya know, he is priced similar to Mexico, but with all the safety of going American... there's an entire string of his patients under Doctors and Hospitals... called considering Dr. Kirschenbaum (spelling)...anyhow, I just like the safety of being in country, with medical standards, pre and post care for 3 months, legal recourse, etc.... also...many people are flyin to CO as opposed to Mexico... I felt safer with my choice...

And airfare is cheap....

Tina

__________________
Tina "Love makes a family a family..."
Banded by Dr. K, Parker, CO, 9/5/07
1st Fill, 0/2.3 cc 10/2/07
2nd Fill, 2.0/4.3 cc 11/1/07, too tight, small unfill, (0.2)/4.1 cc,11/5/07
3rd Fill, 0.7/4.8 cc 2/21/08
4th Fill, 0.5/5.3 cc 6/27/08

HI! Margo


I to am from Oklahoma and have a surgery date set for jan 23rd with dr jose rodriguez...i havent been able to find any fill doctors here in oklahoma so far..im so nervous to have this surgery done but quite excited at the same time! i havent found many people on here from oklahoma so i thought i would reply to your post! how have you been doing after your surgery? i havent found a fill doctor in oklahoma so far but the secretary in mexico assured me that before i leave they will do all the calling within a 2 hour distance from where i live to set me up with a fill doctor so that eased my mind a little! i cant wait to have the surgery!