Houstonwehavea

Hello, I still reccommend Dr Alvarez, as my experience was very positive. His people and he himself were very responsive to all my questions etc. I have been back to him since the surgery for my first fill and again - great service. So I am only sharing my experience and as far as numbers being "fixed" - I'm not sure what you mean. When I went to Dr. Alvarez, I decided if I had any misgivings, I'd walk out and not have the operation. Once there - no misgivings and none since. Just my 2 cents. . .

I'm joining-in. I'm going to set-up my exercise "Ticker."

I reccommend it. I went to Dr. Alvarez - I was able to drive there from Houston (where I live.) If you fly in - he has a driver that will pick you up in San Antonio and drive you to Eagle Pass, TX where you spend the night - prior to surgery. She will then drive you over the boarder to his office the day of surgery. I was completely satisfied with the Dr. and hospital(sure - it was no frills and I wish I had brought my own pillow - maybe a laptop to watch a movie.) For the savings and the excellant care recieved - I'd definitely consider Mexico. Especially if you are self-pay. I truly believe you get better service and attention then you would in the states. And the Dr's are VERY experienced with the procedure.

The most recent humiliation, was after I got my band. I haven't told my co-workers. I was out with a male co-worker who is supposed to be a good friend. We were sitting in a wine bar, two women and this guy. The one woman was telling him she had lost about 10 pounds. She was a lot more overweight than me - although that is beside the point. So she tells him she's lost weight - and he says "ya, and you need to lose a lot more." then he turns to me and says "and so do you." I didn't think it bothered me - but I kept thinking about it. He, of course, has no weight to lose and would have no idea of the struggle. It was just a very insensitive thing to say. As if I didn't KNOW I needed to lose weight until he told me. Anyway, guess I'm still a little bit angry about it!:rolleyes

Paula, I truly relate to the negative results of the band knocking you back. I too haven't exercised since I got the band. My incision still hurts - but that shouldn't keep me from my workout and I've alienated myself from my workout buds - who are still there for me. From everything I've read on this board - I may have to have a fill or two more until I hit the elusive "sweet spot." In the meantime, for my mental and physical health I've got to get back to exercise. So like you, after I'm off-line, I'll pack my workout bag for the week. I don't know about you, but my work has been suffering too. I can not concentrate on my job - it's like I'm sitting around waiting for the band to work so I can get on with my life. And this IS my life. Also, I doubt your band has slipped - I was like you, when I got my fill - I saw it on the xray - otherwise I wouldn't have believed it was even there. The Dr. said it was positioned perfectly. I have my own "egg sandwich" story. It was 4 days post op - so I was supposed to be on clear liquids only - but was starving. I went to a party at a friends home. Her husband is a cordon bleu chef and he made all the food. It was the most awesome spread of party food I had ever seen - I mean EVER - the presentation alone was incredible. I ended up eating a plate of food and like your egg sandwich it went down without a problem. I chewed the heck out of it - but stll - thought there would be some restriction. That's when I knew I was in for a huge challange. And that is when I thought the band might slip. But it didn't and according to my DR slips are very rare. I was wondering(after my first fill) if maybe too much food will "push" the saline back down or out of the band. That thought just came to me. Anyway - I'll quit rambling. GOAL FOR WEEK. EXERCISE and quit obsessing 24/7. Keep the faith!!!

Hello, Where in Mexico? I went to Dr. Alvarez. It was a very good experience. In my opinion - they went above and beyond in all areas of service and infection was not a concern at all. The only advice I'd give you is - bring your own pillow If you have any other questions let me know. I'm quite satisfied with Dr. Alvarez - and my scars are minimal. PS: Any "posters" out there have instructions on adding my ticker? I created it - but can't figure out how to add it to my profile.:help:

PJ I'm in about the exact same situation as you. I am feeling more hopeful ---at least today I am:) I was banded on 5/3/07. Had my first fill on 6/9/07. Like you, I felt no restriction at all prior to the fill. I had to keep a close watch on what I ate and wrote everything down. I had quite a few situations where I ate quite a bit of food and ended-up feeling awful - actually hating myself - because - like you - I paid out of pocket for my surgery. I was beginning to think I was even screwing up this and I would not lose any weight with the band. So since my fill - I've done a little better. I still do not feel very much restriction - but believe it will get better with the next couple of fills. I am counting calories and losing weight - more over - I'm losing inches. It hasn't been the "miracle" I was hoping for - but it's just a "tool." Don't lose hope - I'm not!! PS: ANY POSTERS OUT THERE?? I'm looking for instructions on how to add a ticker and some "bling" to my profile. I set it up on tickerfactory.com. I know I've seen instructions before - but can't remember where. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I just got some information from Dr. Rumbuat - the cost is 10600. Could you tell me more about the $7800 plus travel. I'm looking for a quality surgeon - but for 10k I might as well stay in the states and pay the extra 2K. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Hello, Yes I have heard of OA and attended off and on over the past 20+ years. I have been looking for a meeting in my area that I could attend. OA is based on the same 12 steps as AA (for the most part.) When attending OA I found support from many different "varieties" of overeaters, eating disorders etc. There were very overweight individuals, anorexics, folks who had gastric bypass surgery etc., I felt at home and knew I "belonged." The meetings are based on a spiritual - not religous - program - big difference. I would not have continued to attend OA had it been a religous org. The meetings are sometimes held in meeting rooms in churches - but not "in" the church. I'm considering getting the band very soon. And will probably continue to have some food issues - so I'll probably find myself in a support group. If a lap band group is not available - I'll go to OA.

Hello, Have you set-up your surgery or decided on location? I'm researching for choices outside U.S. as will probably be paying out of pocket. (Also, this is my first post - hope I'm doing it correctly!!:bandit )