Beckie9395

I was wondering if anyone could refer a doctor in Canada, near Victoria or Vancouver for fills?? I am about 2 hours from there, and have band that is not currently US approved. It is the Johnson & Johnson, Obtech brand. It would be closer than returning to Mexico for this. Thanks! Beckie

I was given this website by my doctor: Fill Centers USA - Weight Loss Surgery - Bariatric Surgery - Gastric Bypass Surgery - Lap Band Surgery Information and Support. They are just starting to open locations for people that don't have doctors. One just opened in Auburn, which was only about 45 minutes away from my home. We met the doctor a few weeks ago, and got our first fill. You might want to take a look and see if there is one that might be close for you? Our doctor was really nice, and we're glad to finally have someone who will see us.

I just went to the website that was posted in the message below. Then I found an updated article: FDA Approves REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band For Morbid Obesity This says that the "Realize" band by Johnson and Johnson, was just approved. Nothing about Obtech. I have the same one, so I have sent an e-mail asking them if it is the same thing. I am having trouble findining anyone in the states (in my area as well) to do fills.

My husband and I were banded at Bajanor in April 2007. Dr. Carlos and his staff are so hospitable. The facility was very clean, but very simple. Not all the amenities we are used to having in the US. We chose the Obtech band by Johnson and Johnson. Dr. Carlos said this band was just finally approved in the US. I have not confirmed this. Does anyone know a doctor in Seattle area that will do a fill on this band? How about Canada? I'm willing to drive up to 4 hours if I have to. My husband and I have not gotten any adjustments. He is putting his weight back on, and I am at a plateau. We really need help finding someone so we can get back on the road to losing weight. Thank you

Did get it working yet? I can't figure it out either???

I had my surgery on 4/19. It hurt for the first 2 weeks much more than I expected. This is my 3rd week, and I am now really moving around much better. It was hard to look over my shoulder when driving, or to get in and out of my car. I was always exhausted in the afternoons too. Hopefully you are feeling much better now too!! Hang in there

Forgot to mention that they have the US approved Inamed brand band. Johnson and Johnson is also to be approved next month. That is the band we got. Not getting a US band is risky for that reason. So sorry to hear of your situation. That is what I was afraid of. In the meantime, we plan to fly back down there for adjustments. Unless we can find something in Canada. It is only 2 hours away, and much more convenient.

Hello. Look up www.bajanor.com. This where I went. I was referred there by someone that works at a doctor's office where my mom works. She couldn't afford the surgery here in the states, and her insurance wouldn't cover it. We were in the same boat, and decided to go there. I had my band placed on April 19, and my husband did it too. Neither of us have had any complications.

Thank you for the encouragement Not being able to afford the surgery here, has its disadvantages. One being part of a support group. We met another patient while we were in Mexico, who referred this site to me. She and I have been keeping in touch through e-mail. Her surgery was rescheduled, and she'll be going in at the end of this month. Anyway, I was on liquids the first week, then graduated to creamy things like yogurt, cream of wheat and oatmeal. This doctor has a different recommendation than what I have heard from others. Doesn't seem as strict. My primary doctor here recommended sticking to it. I think the longer you can go with the softer stuff, the better. The "strict" may be better overall. I snuck a few things here and there, and must say, I did regret it. I would try a bite here and there, and if it works, then I try it again another day. The broth and liquids were giving me a huge stomach ache several times a day. Yes, the port side has been quite painful. Nobody ever talked about that, so I didn't expect it. My husband felt it too. Our bandages were off after about a week. Our incisions were closed with some kind of "glue." I had two stitches, and my husband had 3, which are also out now. We're almost healed except for one long incision that is about 3". I think the port is under there because we can feel a bump. I am usually allergic to adhesive, so I understand what you went through. I started using rubbing alcohol as soon as I could get near the areas to get the sticky stuff off. Yes I have heard that men lose quickly. My husband is just in heaven, telling me his watch keeps flipping around now, and that he is on the last notch of his belt. I'm proud of him. He used to eat about 5 full dinner plate sized meals a day. Now he can only eat a cup at a time, and hasn't needed any insulin because his body is making just enough. His doctor is monitoring him, so please, don't anyone out there just go and do this on your own. Blood sugar levels are not something to mess with. He has been a diabetic for 14 years, and his top weight was 330. I did this for myself, but also to support him. We have a 14 year old son, and a 12 year old daughter, and look forward to having more energy and spending more time with them before they are grown.

Hello everyone. I live in Everett, and got my band in Mexico on April 19. It has only been 2 1/2 weeks, and I'm just now getting back to feeling like myself. My husband did this also, as he is a diabetic, and had to lose the weight. I have lost 8 pounds, and he has lost 30. Just found out about this website. Look forward to checking it out.