Banded14yr

Alexandra, very well said and I totally agree. Chocolate_snaps as I read your post I thought to myself that you're going to be just fine. Like Alexandra said you're a very smart girl and that will get you through these kinds of obsticles in the future. Even though you were hurt by this episode, you learned even more by it. I also think you'll be just fine, and I also know that because of incidents like this, you will expect to be treated with respect by any future boyfriend, and that can only be a good thing

The most important thing right now is that you start the healing process and start to feel better. It's a shame that the docs didn't consult with your band doctor earlier, but what's done is done and the most important thing is your health. I truly feel that you start feeling better soon. Take it day by day and don't even think about weight or the band for a while. I'm really glad that you're ok, you've really been through an ordeal.... Take care

The last time I looked on Fill Centers USA's Website, that location was no longer listed. I've had fills with flouro and fills without and they both went very well.

If you want the Lapband you'll probably need to go to Mexico with a BMI that low. Since the Mexican Healthcare system isn't run by insurance companies, they don't have strict guidelines and red tape in order to get the Lapband. It's a good option for you if you want the Lapband and can't find a surgeon in the U.S. that will band you.

Dr. Hugh Houston does fills and is in Nashville. He's a little pricey though. http://www.cmcwls.com/houston.php

I've had a fill with flouro and a fill without flouro and both went just fine. This might sound odd, but I would almost prefer a fill without flouro. In my case, the flouro showed me closed up when I didn't feel closed up so I feel that I received a conservative fill amount. If the doctor has you drink some Water during the adjustment and has you tell him how you're feeling, then you might get a better fill in my opinion. Anyway, that's how it worked for me. Hopefully your doctor would give you a fill at no charge if it's not enough and you come back within a certain period of time. You might want to ask him. Good luck with everything

Alexandra, So sorry to hear of your band slippage. You have a wonderful positive attitude and that will help carry you through this process. Please keep us updated on how you're doing.

I would contact your doctor directly, I'm sure he would be willing to help you.

Nataly, Obviously, I believe there is some kind of communication problem going on. Dr. Rodriguez always makes himself available to his patients. He and his staff will be in Las Vegas Thursday-Sunday for a patient gathering. I'll be seeing him there. Please pm me your name and an email address and I'll make sure that he receives the information. BTW - there are several doctors in the U.S. that will see patients that were banded in Mexico. Where do you live? I might be able to help

Nataly, You've left 4 emergency messages for Dr. Rodriguez? Can I ask how you have made these emergency messages? Email Marisol at office@thebariatric.com Let me know if she doesn't return your email. Tricia

Congratulations Lara & Kara on your upcoming surgeries. Dr. Rodriguez is wonderful!

Could you give me the name and number of the PA in Wichita where you get your fills? I know someone in Wichita that is looking for a fill doc. Thanks so much!

Congratulations TexasBr@t! Welcome to bandland - Just continue to take things easy for a while and please keep us posted on how you're doing. You've started a wonderful new chapter in your life, one that I think you won't regret Take care! Tricia

Merridy, Continue to do your research. The Lapband is a wonderful tool and you'll find that the more research you do, the more comfortable you'll become in your decision. I was banded in Mexico and have no regrets. There are a lot of great surgeons in Mexico and a lot of people have been banded there, so there is a lot of information about people's experience with surgeons and getting the Lapband in Mexico. You're doing great! Just continue your research and feel free to ask about anything Tricia

I drink one cup of coffee every morning. I used to be a pot a day coffee drinker but I just don't crave it like I used to. I love my one cup in the morning's tho

Welcome Lauren! I'm also in Nashville, and October 23rd is my birthday, so you picked a good day! Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. If you have any questions, just ask away.... lots of people with a lot of knowledge on this board. Tricia

Sweet, It sounds like you just need another fill. Are you able to get your fills locally? If so, did the doctor use Flouroscopy? If you have the Swedish Band it holds more saline than the Inamed band. My first fill was 5cc's..... I'm at at a perfect fill level at 6.4 - but everyone is different. If you don't feel any restriction or if you feel like you can still eat too much, start thinking about scheduling another fill. It might take 3-4 fills to get you to your sweet spot so hang in there!

Welcome Brad! I'll be honest with you.... I've talked with a lot of banded patients over the past few years, and all of the men that I've talked to have been extremely successful with the band. It's kind of sickening actually! LOL - for whatever reason, men tend to drop a lot of weight and much quicker than women with the band. Keep doing your research, read as much as you can, ask as many questions as you need to and I feel confident you'll find the answers that you're looking for and make a decision either way that's right for you. Tricia

Sue It's time for a brand new start. The first thing I would do is get a slight unfill. Having too tight of a fill is not healthy and obviously makes you feel miserable. Then, after you get a slight unfill, concentrate on the foods that you're eating. I've also been banded over two years, so I'm sure you've heard the same ole posts that I have about trying to get your Protein in first, then veggies...ect..ect... Don't worry about the past. You've done a fantastic job in your weight loss! You are an inspiration! It's just time to start a new. Take it one day at a time, then it won't feel so overwhelming. You're doing great!! Tricia

I have a friend that was banded in July. She was doing fine until about 4 weeks post op and ate some crackers. She ended up having pain and has had problems with pain (while eating) ever since. She's had an upper GI, a Barium Swallow test and an Endoscopy with all tests coming back negative. We're now thinking that she might be experiencing GERD If anyone has been diagnosed with GERD, what are the treatments for it? Does it ever go away, or is this something you continually deal with? Thanks!

Thank you everyone for your replies! You've been most helpful!

It's very normal to feel hungry at this point and to be able to eat just about anything. You're still healing, but more than likely, any internal swelling you had has gone down. Your band is not filled during surgery, so it's almost like you don't have a band at all until you get your first fill. Hang in there and remember that this is a short difficult time to go through until you get your first fill. Try to stick to your doctor's post op diet during the healing phase. It will pay off for you in the long run. Congratulations on your recent banding! Tricia

My thoughts and prayers are with you Trish! John, thanks for letting us know about Trish and I know you'll take good care of her during her recovery time. Tell her to hang in there and we're all thinking about her! Tricia

It might be as simple as your daughter just needing another fill. I think you both have done fantastic!

Thank you! 50 pound weight loss since March is nothing to sneeze at either! :clap2: Congratulations! Tricia