Hi All, Just wanted to check in with you. My surgery was on the 23rd, and I'm doing well. Home now, and just trying to get fluids into my system. All I could do today was 9 oz of Carnation Instant Breakfast + 14 oz of water. The CIB was done in 1 oz shots, and it took me all day to get 9 of them in! Hope you're all okay! Laura

Hi Gina, I am sorry to hear of the troubles you are having. You might want to repost this on the "main" board so that everyone can see it, and be warned. Good luck, Laura

This is my story. I was banded on 4/11/08 by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana. First of all, I never saw Dr. Ortiz, when he came to my room pro-op I was sleeping like a baby, the adavan before surgery took me to lala land. After surgery, I was never seen by a Dr. just a little hispanic lady who slept at the clinic all night with the rest of us. I was released less than 24 hours after my procedure and sent to the hotel with 4 little pills that I was to take every 12 hrs. for pain. (They might stop a headache) But here is my biggest problem. I paid a 500.00 down payment to hold my surgery date, well I financed the entire cost of my surgery plus some so I could pay for after care fills. The clinic received their money on 4/8/08 from my finance co. and received my 500.00 on 4/7/08. I was told that I would get my 500.00 back the day I arrived at the clinic for surgery. Ok, day of surgery, no check. They said it would be mailed. I called on the 16th of April, they stated it was mailed on the 13th. It is now April 25th, I still do not have my money. I am now being told that the accountant is on vacation (how convenient is that) and basically no one can help me until that person returns next week. Now let me say something about Citerra Financial, this is one of the Financing Options that the Obesity Control Center goes through. Like I stated earlier, the Clinic received their money on 4/8/08. When I returned from Mexico on 4/15/08, I still had not received the additional amount I had financed. So after several E-Mails and several phone calls I finally received my money on 4/19/08, minus a 500.00 dollar origination fee that I was never told about. I went to Dr. Ortiz because of his credentials. But I have to say I dont know what kind of organization he is running there but I will never recommend any one go there unless maybe you are self financing. There is no aftercare. They get you in, they get your money and then they are pretty much done with you, and no one is willing to help me solve my money situation. I had to have them that deposit within 3 business days or I would lose my surgery date, I paid 16.50 to overnight them the money. Now its 2 weeks later and I havn't seen mine. VERY FRUSTRATED.

Hi, My surgery is scheduled for April 30th. I am having the realize band also. I too am a little nervous but am ready to move forward. I will be so glad to be able to get off of this shake diet that I have been on for the past 2 weeks. Just wondering what to expect. Anyone have any advice for after surgery?

4 yrs post op. I found out I was bi-ploar and had to start taking meds. The meds made me blow up, now I am up to a size 24-26...not been able to work b.c I am so depressed. I was down to my goal weight of 220 size 18, and I just feel like my surgery was in vain. I was wondering if anyone had any summer clothes they do not need anymore size 24-26. I would really appreciate it. And if anyone has any advice for me to help me to start losing the weight again. I would really appreciate it. Love Mary