VegasGrace

Weird to say it...but that's great!!! So many worry about knowing they have the band or feeling it.... just goes to show that you don't feel it. I had hoped I'd be one of those who lost weight just by virtue of having the appliance inserted...wrong. Oh well. Just having the band implated doesn't cause weightloss...it can on some. Restriction is what causes weight loss and that comes with having the band adjusted. I didn't lose my first pound until 10 weeks AFTER surgery...and that was my 2nd fill. So don't worry and try not to be too discouraged as the band is working as it should. Cindy, call your doc for a fill. But don't get discouraged if that doesn't work. It may take another fill or 2 to get restricted...but I can testify...it does work!!! Hang in and hang on. Write back when you "omg, just had a fill and am loosing weight"

Was using Weight Watchers a few years ago. Loved the point system. Used it for about 5 months. Problem was, I saved all my points and ate BBQ chips and pepsi...oh, but I measured and stayed w/in the point system...didn't cheat. I lost 3 pounds and after a few months realized it wasn't quite working for my food addiction. But WW has been rated like the best paid diet plan to be on...good luck!

Nope, no limit on fills. To be a candidate for a fill the doc listens to certain key words the patient uses in the visit. Without these key buzz words, the doc may not do a fill. Get out the manual and look for the section on adjustments. When you see the doc next, speak to him/her using the phrases out of the book. If you still don't get a fill...something is wrong. "still hungry" "I fell like I eat too much" "difficult to stay on the prescribed diet".... just a few examples.

I've heard of others doing Alli...even weight watchers or other diets in combination w/ lapband. If you have good insurance, don't waste your money on Alli. Get a script for Xenical...the prescription - stronger, too. But that's if your copay is less than the 50 bucks or so Walmart charges for Alli. But of course I must say, ask your doctor.

You are so funny, but one of so many of us. I was down right scared...was updating my will...wrote my kids goodbye letters, getting my finances in order...directions on what to do if I "don't come back". Was terrible. Now I look back and think how silly I was. When I made the decision for lapband then took a few weeks to select a surgeon...I had my appointment within a month. Don't know if I could go through all that gloom and doom thinking for longer than that. Hang in there and you'll be fine! Keep us posted.

Your post has helped others...sticking to doctor's orders is so important. I did, but I am not on a special diet. I eat whatever, whenever...as long as I can tolerate it. I'm just over 20lbs from my goal and having my pouch stretched.... that could have been me! Luckily, I slime like crazy just as soon as I get too much down...and that happens pretty fast. So many think sliming is a bad thing...but I appreciate it. Lets me know when to quit. Resa, hate you've had to go through this...but consider it a lesson learned. And just a bump in the road on your journey. Keep us posted on how things go for you.

Thanks for the post. Everyone is different and while most have no issues after surgery, some do. It's good to 'hope for the best/prepare for the worst'. Down 2 sizes.... WOW, already. JoAnn...congrats and keep us posted on how things are going for you!

Bargain nip and tuck draws tourists to S. America - Yahoo! News I went, had a blast...sister came along. Everything is great! Was only $7,000 for everything: Transportation San Diego Surgeon fee Surgicenter Anesthesiologist Cardiologist consult Psych eval Meds Band Surgical instruments Hospital Stay everything

Some do, some don't. Mine does but since he is in Mexico, although he has great rates, it's simply cheaper to go where I live. He charges about the same but if I went to him I'd have airfare to contend with. Some docs pad the price of surgery to include aftercare and fills. That's great if you are happy with your doc and always will be. But time and time again I've found those who want to switch providers but can't due to already have paid one person...they can't afford to pay another. I think gastric banding will be so commonplace that surgeons will do surgery, and Adjustment techs will do fills.

<p>Hello from Provo. Going up and down the 1-15 there are so many billboards advertising lap band/ plastic surgery/ and more.</p> <p> </p> <p>That's how I learned of the band. I did the research and went to Huacuz Surgical Center just across the border in Mexico...Baja. He is doing a seminar in Florida soon but I wish he'd come here to Utah.</p> <p> </p> <p>He's wonderful and very experienced. Just because we are self pay doesn't mean we give up on quality surgeons. </p> <p>I paid 7,000 flat for everything...including cardio consult, psych evaluation, surgicenter, meds, everything.</p> <p> </p> <p>Huacuz Surgical Center is his site. I've not heard anyone say anything bad about him.</p> <p> </p> <p>Also, for aftercare and fills, I use a doctor in Salt Lake...Murry acutally. He has his own practice and does fills for people passing through, too.</p> <p> </p> <p>Good luck! </p> <p> </p> <p>I can write more about my experience w/ Dr. Huacuz, going to Mexico, having fills done here.... just let me know if you want more info.</p> When I type in websites, this site turns it into a link..but it's www dot huacuz dot com

What a great friend to have...to be open and honest...and not spiteful and try to sabotoge your efforts. Change is difficult to deal with...for anyone. The person it happens to and those in the circle. Hopefully by now you guys have talked and everything is okay.

Wish we had a thread we could post for giveaways. I'd much rather give my expensive suits to someone who could use them while losing weight...than to a donation center that only jacks the price tag up and those in need can't afford it. I own my own business and dress for success and donated some size 16/18s recently only to find them in the center w/ high price tags on them. That's not why I donated them....anyways... I have a size 12 green pantsuit, button up front top, w/ embelishments. Long sleeves. Pants are lined. If you could use it...it's yours. Just pm me. Folded it will slide into one of those 'flat rate' envelopes at the post office so all you'd have to do is mail me one of these envelopes preaddressed and stamped...I'll send it to you.

That's one of the reasons I use fillcenters usa because they are in the business of customer service and want to make sure customers are happy. Get a fill and it's too tight...go back for free for an unfill. But since you have insurance and want it to cover this... you will have to shop around.

The more experienced surgeons are in Mexico as they have been doing this procedure alot longer than we have here in the US. I wanted the best surgeon for the job..not going to mess up. Did the research and got the best one and it was a pleasant surprise it was so much cheaper...like more than half. So I got the best of both worlds.

Day of was good sleeping. Wish I could pay for that type of anesthesia every once in a while just to get knocked out. The next day I was up and around shopping with my sister in Mexico...but was hunched over...I have new appreciation for the ground. Slept alot, too. The 3rd day I was crossing the border, flying out of LAX to SLC. Was relaxed and napped. Day 4 was normal. But I did get sleepy alot. Some can tolerate pain better than others and some surgeons cause more trauma to the site than others. I drove like day 4 but got sleepy at red lights. So I waited til about a week.

I've heard other say this. But not sure about 'soon' fading. I think I've read they have restriction but over time it fades. If it soon fades, and it's happened at least twice- w/ 2 fills and it always happens, I'd check for a leak.

Couldn't answer the poll as I looked for the option "I do what they do" as in as soon as I arrive, who ever answers the door I glance at their feet, also shoes in the foyer gives a sign.

I'm sure you could contact Inamed...they may even have a link on their site...for health care professionals. Don't see why not.

I had mine done the week after you. I've lost 15 pounds. So you are doing so well....congrats!

OUCH hate this is happening to you.

Oh, please let me know if this isn't a good idea. I don't want to be flamed or anything...but I won't be making a cent off sales, as it will all be going back to the group. Someone let me know and I'll remove this post if we just want to pay out of pocket for the hotel.

My sister came with me and thought I was crazy for going to Mexico, Tijuana no less. She's a nurse. She asked for coffee w/ milk and the lady said, cafe? leche? My sister was like, no...coffee w/ milk. Hahahahah She believed all those who said it was dangerous, terrible, etc. She was very impressed and is now making plans to go to have surgery.

I've been restricted for about 6-7 weeks and have had instances of stuck food/slime/expelling it... Over the past few days, I'm choking on my own slober. I can't even hold down grits or oatmeal. I've heard of restriction kicking in a few weeks after...but this is rediculous. Not worried about anything...yet. It's only been 2 days. I've also heard that restriction only lasts so long so I'm hoping to wait this out. The worse thing I could do is get an unfill only to find this was temporary swelling or something. But go with your gut instinct. Call the doc if you need to.

I've not heard of any who refuse...it's rumored but I put it to the test. I went to 6 doctors in my area...just saw an ad for lapband or was passing by...they ALL would have taken me as a patient. But fillcenters usa was cheaper...so that's who I went with...their doctor who also does these procedures. I didn't say, "hey, was banded in Mexico...can I get a fill?" No, I called or went in and said I was banded a while back, just moved to the area.."

I was self pay, found a great surgeon, and used my overdraft protection/line of credit. It was only $7,000 for everything. You can use your HELOC, line of credit, or even request a line of credit from your credit union...or a loan. Don't pay 15k for the surgery at a high interest rate or your surgery will end up over 20k...that's not wise. Go with a good surgeon who doesn't rob the pocketbook and then get a good rate.