losethechains

No regrets at all. My wife and I were both banded at the same time, and being self-pay it was a no-brainer. Research is important, though...You need to be sure of the doctor and facilities you choose. But, again, the upside is a much lower cost if you are self pay. We have had a good experience all the way around. In fact, my wife had an issue (not band related, but it was shortly after surgery) so when she couldn't reach our primary physician here, we called Dr. Rumbauts office in Mexico and spoke with them on the first try. That's pretty sad when we can get better response from a doctor in another country than we can out BlueCross covered primary care right here in town! Sorry - I'm ramblin' on...In any event, our band procedures, hospital stay and follow up with Dr. Rumbaut and his team have been great. We both had our 1st fills there as well, but now there's a Fill Centers USA close enough for us to drive to, and that will be cheaper in both time and money than going back to Mexico. Hope you find the doctor your looking for!

I also had my second fill in Roswell with darlene this past Saturday (Nov 17th). It was a good experience, and will save a lot of money and time as compared to trips back to Mexico. I am thankful to have the option within driving distance from home. She and the office staff were all very nice, and the procedure went just fine. Oh, I made a point of letting her son know I wasn't there because he is "hot" as previously posted. (They were aware of the post.)

My wife and I both used Dr. Rumbaut. Good experience, good facility, logistics were all taken care of, and English speaking. I have nothing but good to report and would recommend Dr. Rumbaut, though I am only speaking from my own experience and I'm sure there are other good and qualified docs available. I guess it falls back to you and your choice. I hope you find one you're comfortable with.

Hello. I don't know how the other plans are, but my policy is with BCBS Tennessee and my wife and I had to pay for our surgeries out-of-pocket because there is a specific exclusion for the procedure. Which really stinks...especially since I WORK FOR BCBST!! Oh well, it's worth the investment! I hope yours is different and covered! have a good day.

Hello, all! I'm not from Georgia, but live right on the line in Chattanooga, TN. My wife and I were both banded in Monterey, Mexico by Dr. Rumbaut in April of this year. We were self-pay as our insurance has an exclusion for the surgery. (which especially stinks since I work for BlueCross BlueShield of TN!!) But, we were both able to be banded for $19000 which was the same price for one of us to be banded locally by Dr. Ponce. So, for us it was a no-brainer. Things in Mexico were great, and the folks down there really helped to ease our fears. The surgery, recovery, and 1 fill since were all fine. I have lost 80 lbs, and Christy (my beautiful bride) has lost around 55. So far so good! I just thought I'd chime in, since we are in the same region at least... Ya never can tell what one might learn from meeting their neighbors - especially those who are going through some of the same challenges and life changes. Thanks for the "community support"!

TerriDoodle - "My boobs are finally bigger than my stomach!! "<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig --> Hey, and mine are not! Thanks for helping me to see yet another benefit! (Guess we guys and gals can have opposite goals at times)

1. Great camping trips for the whole family, propping up my old "flowerdy" Hawaian shirt as a tent... 2. Summer getaways including parasailing under the shade of non-flatulent wind-inflated size 54 undies. Seriously... I was banded back in April of this year, and actually started watching my diet and walking in February, so my highest weight was really a couple of months before surgery. I started out at 388 and this morning was 316, so 72# so far. In this relatively short timeseveral things have happened: 1. My blood pressure has come down such that the doc has cut my dose in half and expects that in time I should be able to come off of it completely. 2. Went from size 54 to size 50 in the waist, and 4X tall to 2X tall in shirt. 3. No longer winded when walking up stairs. 4. Can actually jog 1 out of 4 laps at the track. (Without causing a self-sustaining jiggle wave like before. ) 5. I can see (not clearly mind you) the faint outline of my lower ribs! I do have them! 6. No more waking up with headaches from sleep apnea. 7. Grocery and eating out bills are MUCH lower. Like others have posted, I am sure there are many more, but these are the first that come to mind. It is definitely an encouragement to read what everybody is experiencing as a benefit of the choice to be banded! I hope the benefits continue for you all!

I gotta put in my 2 cents for Rumbaut. After much research, my wife and I finally chose him, and have been satisfied completely thus far. We were banded in April, went back for the first fill in May and things are moving along well. They really take care of ya while your in Monterrey, all the details and logistics are arranged for you, English speaking folks at the hotel, and the medical staff are all easily accessible while your there aqnd after you return to the states. We've nothing but good stuff to report about Dr. Rumbaut's practice. Hope you find the right doc for you!

Danny, my wife and I were banded in Monterrey, Mexico by Dr. Rumbaut back in April, and have been back for our first fills in May. Our experience has been (based on the 2 trips) that there were several folks from the states there for either the operation or for fills while we were there both times, and many of them we've kept in touch with since. Hopefully your situation will be similar. The friendships and support developed with people going through the same fears, stresses, and decision processes are invaluable. I know you won't regret your decision! We have 4 small children, ages 3-9, and I want to be there for them much longer than I would have been had I continued down the road I was on. The banding decision is certainly of benefit to me, but it's also, and no less so, a decision and investment in my family. For those reasons, and based on the results we've seen in ourselves and others, it seems the right one! I'm sure it will be for you too. We'll be prayin' for ya! Ross

Banded: Apr 12th 1 fill so far, 1.7cc. Moderate restriction, I am looking forward to more.

My wife and I were banded by Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey back in April. We have been back to Monterrey for our first fill. I would highly recommend Dr. Rumbaut and his staff. they provided everything they promised, the logisitcs in Mexico were all handled well, the operation and hospital facilities were great, and we've had no issues in the healing process afterward. Nothin' but good stuff to say about Dr. Rumbaut! Hope you find what your searching for.

Thanks for your info! My wife and I were banded in mexico, and also live in Chattanooga (Hixson) and have been to Mexico for our first fill. We have been weighing the options, but the cost for many local folks is just too high for the "program". (Dr. Ponce, etc) But, if there's someone at memorial, that might be better than flying to Mexico several times, and we've both been a little leary of Fillcenters USA because of the feedback we've read. decisions, decisions. thanks again for the post!

Yep! I don't post much, and read a few posts here and there as time allows, but wanted to just encourage you a bit in knowing there are other guys going through the process with ya. I was banded in April and had my first fill the end of May, so I'm still learnin' the ropes, but things have been going well for me. My wife and I were both banded at the same time, so we are support for each other. I was 388 at my highest, 356 at surgery, and 325 as of yesterday...so far so good. In any case, I hope things are going well with you too. Have a great weekend.

My wife and I were both banded by Dr. Rumbaut on April 12th of 2007. We were in the same situation where the local doctor was going to cost $19000 for one of us, and we were able to BOTH be banded for $19000 in Monterrey. They arranged averything, and delivered all that they promised. The hotel, transportation and hospital stay were all fine. I would have no reservation about recommending Dr. Rumbaut. Also, flights from Atlanta to Monterrey (we live in Chattanooga, so Atlanta is pretty close for us) are available for <$400 round trip, so it's not too expensive for the travel. We are going back next week, in fact, for our first fills. Anyway, I hope this is helpful, and that you find a doctor you are comfortable with.

I just wanted to say thanks for starting this thread as well. I'm new to the site, and this, in fact is my first post. Nice to be among brothers and sisters in Christ! With regard to the question about the band and faith, I am reminded of a joke...A man was caught in a massive flood and was perched atop his house, praying fervently for rescue. Along came a man in a small aluminum boat. When the man offered a ride to safety, the man on the roof declined saying he had faith thet God would save him. Anbother boat came by a while later, and he responded the same way. The water was rising, and as he felt his feet in the current, a helicopter came along and offered a line, but agaion the man refused. Shortly thereafter, he drowned. Upon entering the gates of heaven, he asked the Lord what happened???I trusted you, and I had faith in you?? Where were you when I needed you? And the Lord responded, "I sent ya 2 boats and a helicopter...." Seriously, I think we have to remember that our weight problem really isn't so much the issue,. it's the idolatry of the food, and the ongoing battle for the mind. It's our choices. Even after banding, we have to choose to follow the correct diet. The battle is in the mind. We should "take every thought obedient to Christ" and "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind" because that's where the battle exists. The band is a tool, not the answer. It's a help. We'll still need all the faith and obedience we can muster in order to achieve our goals. But, thanks to the support of folks like you all, it doesn't seem so daunting....