Having Problems!

Hi everyone and anyone! I had my surgery in Tijuana back in October. My progess was next to nil. In March I flew back to Tijuana to have a fill. The first 3 weeks post-fill were fine. However, for the past week, I have been unable to keep anything down. Has anyone else had this problem? Even water seems hard to digest. I have never had this extreme of a problem before. Also, I am wondering if anyone here who had the surgery out of the country, was able to find a doctor in Oregon who will help them. I have not had any success. I feel as though I have a faulty band. I have only lost 12 pounds so far!!!! That is with going to the gym 3 days a week. I could have those results w/o surgery. I am open to any and all suggesstions. I am desperate. Thanks in advance! Melissa Kelly

Melissa - Sounds like you indeed do have a problem with your band. I don't know of who in Oregon or Washington might take it on, but I'd start calling around. Tell them you just moved to the area from the east coast and cannot afford to see your doctor if they seem to have a problem with a Mexican doctor. If you can't get it resolved and you want a more permanent solution, you could opt for the regular RNY. Dr. Aguirre in Ensenada does a fantastic job. I'm not sure if you could get any compensation out of the doctor who did your surgery or not, but I would call the Mexico Medical board and check on him and maybe report him. Keep us posted on what happens! Dina

Dina- Thank you so much for your information. You have really researched and done your homework for this. I, on the otherhand, felt desperate for help. Dr. Verboonen was able to get me into surgery within 10 days of contacting him. In hindsight, that should have told me something! You have been of great help to me! Thanks, Melissa

Melissa - do you think you need to get in to see why you aren't losing? I find it odd that you've only lost 12 lbs since October yet were having a problem with what sounds like a blockage yesterday. I think you need to have a reputable surgeon take a look for you - it likely would be a quick and relatively inexpensive visit. I think you deserve to have some success by now! Dina

Melissa - I would hurry up and try to find a doctor locally to take care of you. You should have someone watching your progress for awhile. Read this post: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/south-of-the-border/postdetail/318.html?vc=0 Dina

Pre-op Newbie here~ so take this with a grain of salt Sounds like you have irritated your stomach. I would try liquids for a couple days and focus on getting in ALL your water so you don't get dehydrated. You also need to CALL YOUR DOCTOR in TJ. Get their input. You might need to make a quick jaunt down there. (Tickets from PDX-SAN are under $200 right now). Finally, if you think you need an emergency unfill, contact Dr. Kelly Fitzpatrick in Ptld. She might be able to help you! Good luck, Marcie TBB 5/14 Dr. Ortiz 274/155

Marcie- That is very good advise. Today I am doing so much better. Last night while sleeping, I was on my back and I guess I had a dumping episode. Anyway, I don't know what happened, but I literally almost choked to death on my own vomit. Now that would be awful! To be found dead like that.lol My husband slept through the whole thing. But seriously, whatever was irritated seems better now. Thanks, Melissa

Melissa, You may know that Emma Patterson is very pro-Lap-Band. Have you considered contacting her office for follow-up care? I know several of her post-ops - in fact, I went through pre-ops with her myself. Her contact info can be found here on AMOS. Blessings, dina BPD/DS July 2, 2002 Dr. Aniceto Baltasar in Alcoy, Spain SW: 365 lbs, BMI 64 CW: 160 lbs, BMI 25.8 GW: 130 lbs, BMI 23 Read my story at: http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Dina/dina.html See my photos in the Photo Gallery at http://www.bodybybaltasar.com/

Hi Dina! Wow, your story is very exciting and encouraging. Congratulations on your success. I have indeed contacted Dr. Patterson's office. They at first agreed to see me and I scheduled an appointment. Then when I was literally walking out the door to leave for the appointment, her office called to cancel. The only reason they gave me was that she decided to no longer accept other surgeons patients. I was very bummed about that. All the doctors that I have contacted in Portland have said the same thing. I thank you for your advise, and I will continue working towards my ultimate goal. Thanks, Melissa