bjkgriffith

Alexandra, I finally found a US doctor to fill my AMI band this weekand I really liked him. But, he told me that he believes in trying to lose the weight by controlling diet vs. filling often because he says that the fills lead to the erosion of the band. I don't know if that is true or not, but that was his reasoning. He usually gives his patients 0.5 cc in their lap band and was very reticent to put the 4.0 cc's in mine that Mexico said he should, so we went with 3.5 cc's. US doctors are too new to this. They are still a little gun shy. Barb

I had my first fill (2 months post-op), and mine was terrrible. I was stuck twice, once just trying to feel for the port, second time under ultrasound, and finally had to go to the hospital, get a local anethesia and four more pokes before the needle finally went in. I don't blame the doctor, he really tried and my port is under my left breast, and he puts his patient's ports in the sternum, but it was awful. Today I am VERY sore and swollen. I got 3.5 cc so I hope when I go back on food that there is some restriction, because I'm not looking forward to my next fill.

Lori, How close is that to Rochester, Syracuse NY area? Do you know? Is your fill doctor familiar with the AMI band? The doctor that I had set up for fills doesn't fill the AMI band. Thanks, Barb

AMI bandsters, I would love to know who of you have the AMI band (Vera, I know that you do) and why it was chosen or used vs. the lap-band. I am having a great deal of difficulty in getting anyone in upstate NY area to do a fill on this band. Thank you __________________ Barb

Leo, I wonder if that information has a lot to do with not drinking alcohol too. Besides erosion of the band, I wonder why they say that you can't have any addictions to get this band...Aren't we all addicted to food anyways? Barb

Hi, yesterday I went to a University hospital for a treatment for Meniere's Disease. This treatment requires me to lay on my stomach on what looks like a Dentist's chair while I have an object connected to my head............Anyways while I was on my stomach, I felt something "pinch" where my port is and since then my port area has been very sore. Has anyone ever pinched their port and do you think that I should get checked under flouro next Wednesday when I go for my first fill? Thanks, Barb:confused:

Jennifer, No need to feel so cheated with the doctor that you chose. Although Dr. Sanchez is kind, he is an expert and his staff are all very friendly and accomodating......Most of his patients that are in this board and others will agree with me when I tell you that the aftercare is practically NONEXISTENT!!! Most of us got home and never got a phone call either. I know that I had to email them several times to get notes on after surgery procedures and foods....etc. That is just the way it is. That's why we all have to learn from each other. Good Luck Barb

Lori, Thanks for the tips. I live in an area where there are practically no bandsters, and a support group is unheard of, so any tip that I can get from my online groups helps. Thanks, Barb

Really? Good for you!! I am at the same point that you were. I had my surgery on Aug. 1st and now I seem to be gaining weight.....ugh!!! I am scheduled for my first fill on Sept. 8th--- I CAN'T WAIT. I hope that I am as lucky as you. Barb

Good Luck Nancy, We will all be thinking of you. Barb

Hi, I was banded on 8/1 and due for my first fill on 9/8. I have an AMI band and don't know how much of a fill I should get the first time. I don't know if the doctor just has a set amount of saline ready or if you can request more or if there is no restriction, if he will add more..... Any suggestions? Barb

I am not understanding and I am due for a fill in 3 wks. Did he do your first fill under fluro? Is that when they use the barium? Thanks, Barb

I have learned that there is a way to control my eating. I have learned to stop when I am satisfied and I have learned that I need to find some new hobbies...lol. You'll be fine. It's a piece of cake. Good Luck Barb:)

I was banded the first day of August 2003. Am I the oldest August bandster? Barb:

Hi Vera, It's Barb. Back and doing fine. Can't believe that now I am looking forward to my 1st fill. Glad to hear that your surgery went well. Take Care

Laurel, Very glad to hear about Wayne's progress. Let's keep in touch. Do you know if Rosemarie belongs to this group? I would love to see how she is doing too. Barb

Hi Laurel, It's me Barb. How is your husband feeling? I feel great. Maybe we can keep in touch. Barb

Yes, that's right!!! I love to go to Geneva and eat @ Nonna Trattoria's restaurant...IT IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE! Did you ever eat there? How far is NJ from Geneva? Barb

Sodus is between Oswego and Rochester, NY Are you familiar with Rochester, Syracuse...area? I think that we are like 6-8 hours from New York City. Barb

Are you near Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown .... what cities are near you?

Does anyone know of a support group formed in upstate NY? I live between Rochester and Syracuse, NY, but don't know of anyone in my area to meet with or discuss things with or have a support system with. Help! Barb Dr. Sanchez 8/1/03 249/238/140

Vera, Yes, I met AnnMarie and she is nice. I also met Alex, Eloy, Sady, Dr. Sanchez, Elmo and others there and all are too sweet. I really loved this experience. I did not go alone, I took my sister and mother. If they had known that we would be staying at the hotel instead of the hospital...they could've brought their bathing suits. There is a beautiful pool at the hotel (Novotel) where we stayed. Ya know, I don't know what hospital it was (Iknow, strange), but it was about 2 min. from the hotel and it was beautiful - all marble and very clean. I kept all of my personal things at the hotel and had to have my family bring over some shampoo, deordorant, make sure that you buy some gasX for later in the day, or the next morning. You may want to bring a puzzle or crossword book or a novel for the overnight stay. Good Luck Barb, Sodus, NY Dr. Sanchez 8/1/03 249/238/140

Nicole, I just got back from Monterrey on Sunday, Aug. 3rd. Dr. Sanchez performed my banding and I love it. I loved the people there and the architecture and the care that they give you while you are there. I was never treated with so much care here in the U.S. Dr. Sanchez is extremely talented. He is an expert in his field. You'll be fine. Barb

I just got back from Monterrey. Dr. Sanchez did my band on Aug. 1st. and I must tell you that it was a fabulous experience. He and all of his staff are a pleasure. Monterrey is beautiful and all of the people there are wonderful. Dr. Sanchez is very experienced and my banding went very well. Barb