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I personally like getting it done under fluro. It's more accurate. I've had my band since 1/10/11 and never had to get an unfill. There have been a couple times where I went back sooner than my scheduled 4 weeks because I felt the fill wasn't "tight" enough, but they never give me any problem with coming in earlier. That being said, for the first couple months I did not have the fills under fluro and those were ok too. I think the most important thing is to be able to have an open and communicative relationship with your surgeon and whomever is giving you the fills. It shouldn't matter what method they use. Have you met with Dr. Enochs and his staff yet? I met with Dr. Yoo, his bariatric nurse, his PA and his office assistant before I even decided on the surgery. If you meet this doctor and feel comfortable, I wouldn't worry about negative posts.

My surgeon uses fluroscopy for every fill. What surgeon/hospital are you thinking of going with? I had mine done by Dr. Yoo at Duke Raleigh. Very happy with how everything went. Just over a year out and down 80 pounds. I'd be happy to help with any other questions or concerns. Let me know!

I live in the Knightdale/Raleigh area as well. Had my surgery on 1/10/11 and am down 80 pounds. I am all for getting a support group together!

Hi there. So I just went to my doctor for my 11th fill on Tuesday. I felt like I had very little restriction (and as far as I knew I had over 6 ccs in my band). When I got there I asked her to total up all my fills and she said I had a little under 8 ccs! I thought it was odd I had 8 ccs, but I felt more restricted back in December when I had fewer. She said she was only able to take out 4.4 ccs...and then she put one more in. She said if I don't feel restriction I am to call next week and they are going to do a test to check for leaks. Hopefully with both our situations, we will turn out ok! I would hate to have surgery again! Would love to hear from anyone else who has had a similar experience and what the outcome was.

Hey there. I didn't go to him. I went to Dr. Jin Yoo through Duke Raleigh Hospital on Wake Forest. Dr. Yoo was excellent - I am 6 months out and his and his team's follow up is excellent as well. Just in case you want another option!

Hi Vanessa - I am in Raleigh, NC. Not too far from VA...where in VA are you located? I had surgery on 1/10/11 so I just over 6 months out. It was the best decision I ever made! I would love to be your buddy/mentor and support system. I have done a TON of research and think I can be pretty helpful with questions. If you are intereseted, I have a blog you can look at: www.thebandontherun.blogspot.com Take care and hope to talk to you soon! Amanda

Hey there...I go to Dr Anne Bon Pain in Cary...she is really good. Also - nice to see another Raleigh bander on here! I was banded 1/10/11 at Duke Raleigh by Dr. Jin Yoo. When were you banded?

Hi there! Congrats on beginning your journey. This forum and other blogs are so useful. If you need any pointers or tips, just ask. I was just banded 2 weeks ago and I am doing great. Lost 13 pounds so far! Amanda Follow my journey www.thebandontherun.blogspot.com

Thanks everyone! Huggles - I was born and raised outside of Detroit, MI. Been to Toledo MANY times. Good luck to you!

Hi All - I will be having my surgery next Monday, January 10th - I am excited and nervous! But mostly I am looking forward to starting my new healthy life! I am having it done at Duke Raleigh in Raleigh, NC. Anyone else in NC or having the surgery done on the 10th? I have also started a blog for my journey...would love for you to check it out! http://thebandontherun.blogspot.com/ Amanda

Renniemommie - I understand how you are feeling. It took me about 3 years to decide that WLS was for me. I opted for the lap band (I will be banded on Monday 1/10). As far as your concerns, I too have heard the same things (slippage, throwing up etc.) - BUT - if you dig deeper you will see that most of the concerns you have are highly preventable. If you do what you are told by your medical team the likelihood of slipplage goes down greatly. If you chew, chew, chew and sip, sip, sip the throwing up aspect is also reduced. Yes you may have to "chew your food to a pulp" - although from other blogs I read this isn't always going to be the case- to me it is a small price to pay for the freedom of health. Have you been to a seminar yet? They usually go over every option available and you can ask questions. Perhaps when you learn more, you will feel more comfortable making a decision. In any event, good luck to you and I wish you success in your journey! Amanda Follow my journey: www.thebandontherun.blogspot.com

Hi There! I am sorry you are having to go through all this. I know how anxious I was - you have to rely on a lot of people to do their job and do it well...which always isn't the case. My advice to you would be to maybe contact you surgeon's office and express how eager you are to get this thing done and see if there is anything they can do to push it along - they might be able to call the nutritionist and get you an earlier appointment. Good luck and if you have to wait until Feb - that is still less than a month away! Amanda Follow my journey: http://thebandontherun.blogspot.com/

Hi There! My best advice to you would be to do some research and attend a WLS seminar in your area. That way you can learn about all types of weight loss surgeries and decide which is right for you. You can also speak with the surgeon running the seminar and get some ideas and support from him/her. Good luck! Amanda Follow my lapband journey: http://thebandontherun.blogspot.com/

I was borderline, too, but managed to get approved. I have BCBS. Maybe you doctor can call the prior-approval nurse at your health insurance provider and have a conversation as to why he thinks you would benefit from the surgery. I wouldn't hurt to ask. Good luck! Amanda http://thebandontherun.blogspot.com/

Thanks for sharing Joan! I won't be banded until 1/10/11 - but it is nice to know this. My doctor also will be using an x-ray machine to find the port. Amanda http://thebandontherun.blogspot.com/

I have BCBSNC - once my doctor submitted the notes regarding my weight history I was approved within 24 hours. I had no problems.

Hey Jen - I am getting banded on Jan. 10th too! I don't have to do a pre-op diet either. The protein/nutritional drink I will be using is sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast made with skim milk and then I will be adding extra Protein powder. I have been told this tastes the best. As far as other liquids, my nutritionist said I could have anything that is sugar free and can pass easily as a liquid through a strainer (so no jell-o!). I can have things like broth, sugar free popsicles, and tomato Soup. Hope this helps! Amanda

Hey there! I will be getting banded on 1.10.11! I started the process back in October and didn't tell anyone (other than my parents) until the middle of December. I was anxious at first, but once you start telling people, it's kind of liberating!! Good luck! ~Amanda

Hi there! I would suggest speaking to someone in your HR department at work. When they set up your benefits they pick and choose what they want covered. They should be able to tell you right away if weight loss surgery is covered. Hope this helps! ~Amanda

Hi Everyone! I'm havng my surgery on January 10th! I'm very excited. I live in North Carolina and will be having my surgery done at Duke Raleigh Hospital. I have actually had a really easy process. Thank God! I went to my first seminar in October, had my first appointment with the surgeon a week later, did my psych eval and nutritionist consult within the next 2 weeks, had to get a scope, then I was approved by BCBSNC. Wanted to say GOOD LUCK to everyone getting banded in January! Also, if you live in NC (or even if you don't) please contact me if you need pointers or info regarding the pre-op process. I would be more than happy to help! Amanda