sarahdavis

Here are my 1 year shots....70lbs down!

Hi- I realize your original post was a little while ago but here is an answer.... I had my lapband done by Dr. Ortiz in TJ. I have gotten all my fills by Dr. K (Kirschenbaum) in Aurora, CO. He does make you sign something and makes it very clear that he is only there to do your fill and don't call him if you have an emergency.... He charges $150 for a fill and does a terrific job even though he does not use Flouro... my fills have always been perfect. I do wish I had looked into him a little better before I went to Mexico. I do still think Dr. Ortiz is the best around, but Dr. K charges $10K I think and then fills are $15. I definanlty don't go in as often because of the fill cost. If it were only $15, I would have been back for some more tweaks... Hope that helps.

So here are my 9 Month update pics.... 228.5/168.5/135

REDGIRL, I was banded on Sep 5th- check out my blog... http://[url="http://www.sep5th07bandsters.blogspot.com"]sep5th07bandsters.blogspot.com[/url] and you can see the progress of 9 gals who were banded in early Sep.

I've lost 50 lbs and I'm freezing all the time too. When I was thin, I used to always wear socks to bed at night because I had such cold feet. I'm back to that!

So I have had my band for 6 months and no problems at all. I was banded in Mexico and have a local Doctor doing my fills. I did ask him the other day which emergency room he would recommend if I had an issue... he recommended not going to my local ER. Anyway, let's hope I keep my band a long time and never have problems but I want to be prepared for an ER visit if I have to. I have my card that came with my band. What other information would be helpful to have to pass on to a doctor...example- what is the correct needle to use to access the port? Would it be appropriate to ask them to use an Ultrasound Machine to locate my port (this is what my fill doc does).... Anyways, I know some of you have had to go to the ER and perhaps could pass that info along. Thanks!

Kandi, I have a 4cc and just got my 3rd fill. I was banded in Sep of 2007... 1st Fill- 2.4cc (good restriction for a week, then gone) 2nd Fill- 3.4cc (great restriction for 4 months, then tapered off to some restriction) 3rd fill- 3.8cc (SUPER TIGHT) My doc says he has filled over 4cc many times. He feels like up to 5cc is ok because of the tubing. I would ask your fill doc to fill you up to 4cc- then drink some Water and see what happens.... If it won't go down, you need to back it off... Just my 2 cents....

So I had surgery in September and have been losing every week until the last 3 weeks- can't seem to get past the 40lb mark. I don't need a fill so I wondering if any one has any tips for breaking through plateaus... what have you done that worked? Thanks.

Jennifer, Welcome! I noticed your post because I'm also from Colorado. I live in Parker but I was banded in Mexico by Dr Ortiz on Sep 5th. I'm doing well- you can follow my progress and others at my blog... http:/sep5th07bandsters.blogspot.com Where are you getting your fills done?

I have not had a fill yet, but it's my understanding that fluero is the x-ray they use to see if everythings going down ok. Dr Ortiz recommended it but it does not seem to be available here in Denver...

Hi- I'm a newbie (banded Sep 5th), but I live in Parker, CO (south Denver) and have looked around for some options. This is what I have found. 1. FillCenterUSA in Thorton- but I have heard that the doc is brand new to fills and has only done a handfull. Fill Centers USA - Weight Loss Surgery - Bariatric Surgery - Gastric Bypass Surgery - Lap Band Surgery Information and Support 2. Dr K is here is Denver and will do follow up and fills for patients that were not originally his... he does not use flouro for fills. Lap Band Surgery in Denver Colorado | Lap Band Surgeon in Denver | Gastric Band Surgery Denver | Bariatric Surgery Wish I could give you some first hand experience but that's what I need also.. Sarah

sarahdavis Sep 5th, Dr Ortiz

want2bmeagain: I'm scheduled for Sep 5th with Dr Ortiz in Mexico. I live in Parker, CO- I noticed you were having surgery in Denver. I have about the same amount of weight to lose as you... Feel free to email me. Sarah sarah@carmichaelinteriors.com