Dreamchasertx

Be sure to ASK them how much is in your band. If you've been going to the same doctor, they should know. If they don't, then they need to. They can take it all out and re-inject it so they'll know for sure. It's YOUR body, it's YOUR money.... don't be afraid to ask them! By the way, I have a 10cc band, and I had it filled about 10 times, finally getting 9.3 cc in my band. That was a little bit too much, so I went in and wanted .5cc taken out... Well, she took out the whole thing and then started putting it back in, starting me at 7cc again. No restriction at 7cc. Went back again and up to 8cc. No restriction at 8cc. Went back again and up to 8.3cc. Very, very slight restriction. So I'm headed back again tomorrow and going to ask her to put me up to 8.7 to 9cc. I feel like I KNOW my level after 3 years, and I KNOW what is best for me. Don't be afraid to stick up for yourself!

I have been to Dr. Stephanie about 8 times. She doesn't fill up a whole lot, but she is very nice. She charges $200, but if you get an appt online, you can go for $180. Her site is www.wellspringprocedures.com. Just a note: I was filled by her about 6 times, never full enough. I went to Dallas and had a fill, and it was too full. I did lose about 70 pounds, though. I went back to Dr. Stephanie after a year, only wanting her to take out 1/2 cc. Her normal procedure is to take out the whole amt, and then put it back in. She didn't get back to where I need to be. I've been back twice since then, and I've already gained 30 pounds in 3 months. I do like her a lot, but I'm not happy with my fills.

There is a fill doctor, Stephanie Eijsink, in Tyler. She does fills for $200 or $180 if you sign up for an appt online. Her website is www.wellspringprocedures.com. I have been to her about 8 times since 2007. She is very, very nice, but she doesn't put a whole lot in at once.

I haven't posted anything in quite a while, but wanted to add an update! I'm down to 165 lbs now, from 241. I didn't start losing really good until I got my last fill back in February of this year (09). It's a really tight fill, but it's really worked. (And it's usually worth it!) I'm still having days where I can't eat much at all, but it's because I get tired of yogurt or chicken and want to try a tortilla or something like that... doesn't work! But all in all, I'm very happy! The only thing that is bothering me now is that I have a new boyfriend (for a month), and I just don't know how to tell him about my surgery. No matter what, people look at you differently once you tell them (people that didn't know you before). They look at you like they're trying to see the weight loss. So I know it's going to change his view of me. But hopefully, with some advice from my friends, I'll be able to figure out how to tell him without it being a big deal... what a dilemma!

I haven't posted anything in quite a while, but wanted to add an update! I'm down to 165 lbs now, from 241. I didn't start losing really good until I got my last fill back in February of this year (09). It's a really tight fill, but it's really worked. (And it's usually worth it!) I'm still having days where I can't eat much at all, but it's because I get tired of yogurt or chicken and want to try a tortilla or something like that... doesn't work! But all in all, I'm very happy! The only thing that is bothering me now is that I have a new boyfriend (for a month), and I just don't know how to tell him about my surgery. No matter what, people look at you differently once you tell them (people that didn't know you before). They look at you like they're trying to see the weight loss. So I know it's going to change his view of me. But hopefully, with some advice from my friends, I'll be able to figure out how to tell him without it being a big deal... what a dilemma!

:ramboHi guys! I just wanted to add my name to the list! I'm so excited to be going to Dr. Corvala to have my band done. I've done all my local research and found an after-care and fill doctor. He's a couple of hours away, but one of my daughters lives there, so it's not a big deal at all. I wish I could go to Tijuana tomorrow! If I didn't have to wait until 10/5 for my stock options to be vested, I would have already been there! I'm getting mixed reviews from my friends & family that I've told. I work with a bunch of guys in the oilfield (I'm a girl), and not a single one of them has been negative about it! My boss did say that his sister-in-law had trouble with hers but that she had been drinking carbonated beverages, which I hear is a big no-no! Her band slipped and had to be adjusted. But she's fine now. My best friend and my niece were the only ones (so far) that have been really down on it. But they are both overweight, and I think it's more about them being a little bit jealous that I'm able to go have it done. And I'm glad I picked Dr. Corvala (or is it Lopez?)... I don't know which name they use for their last name in Mexico! I'm so excited to say "I'm goin' to Tijuana.... Party on bandsters!" Of course the word "party" is going to have a whole new meaning from now on! If there's anyone out there that's having surgery with this doctor, I'd love to hear from you. Just call me the Tijuana Bandita!

Just wanted to throw out an update! I got really depressed because I wasn't losing as fast as I thought I should have been. I was banded 10/18/07, and only about September of 08 did I really start losing. I'm almost down 60 pounds and everyone is starting to notice. I need another fill because I'm able to swallow too much, but I plan on doing that January 17. If anyone has any questions, feel free to email me anytime at carlynsearcy@yahoo.com. I haven't had any complications other than feeling full and having to throw up a few times. Also, I've posted some pics of the hospital I was at and some pics of myself. For some reason, I still don't take full body pics, but I'll try to get something posted! I have a huge butt and thighs, so I hate taking body pics!

Well, today is my birthday and it's been 9 months since I had my surgery. I've lost almost 40 pounds, but I know it would be more if I would get off my butt & get some exercise! I work a full-time desk job, and the only exercise I'm getting is going to and from the parking garage... I have membership to 24-hour Fitness, and I went consistently for about a month, but then I stopped. I'm trying to get my motivation back. If there is anyone in the north Dallas, Garland or Mesquite areas that needs a band buddy, give me a shout. I'd like to find someone to work out with. I just moved here in March and I don't know anyone except the people I work with. I'm finding that I still don't like being in pictures. I took some of my trip, but have only had a few taken since then. I'll get them uploaded. I still say that being banded in Tijuana was the best! It was truly a wonderful experience.

Well, today is my birthday and it's been 9 months since I had my surgery. I've lost almost 40 pounds, but I know it would be more if I would get off my butt & get some exercise! I work a full-time desk job, and the only exercise I'm getting is going to and from the parking garage... I have membership to 24-hour Fitness, and I went consistently for about a month, but then I stopped. I'm trying to get my motivation back. If there is anyone in the north Dallas, Garland or Mesquite areas that needs a band buddy, give me a shout. I'd like to find someone to work out with. I just moved here in March and I don't know anyone except the people I work with. I'm finding that I still don't like being in pictures. I took some of my trip, but have only had a few taken since then. I'll get them uploaded. I still say that being banded in Tijuana was the best! It was truly a wonderful experience.

I've had three fills already, and I'm up to 8.5 cc in a 10cc Johnson & Johnson band. I only feel restriction when I eat bread, potatoes or sometimes eggs. I was banded 10/18/07, and with these three fills, I've only lost 24-25 pounds. I feel like it should be more. I know I need to exercise, and I'm only walking about once a week. I think my question is: should I be filled until I feel restriction on most foods if I eat regularly, or do you think I'm doing okay and just need to get my butt away from my office desk or off the couch? I go to Dr. Stephanie in Tyler for my fills because I was banded in Tijuana (absolutely fabulous experience!). She charges $200 per fill (under fluroscopy), so I'm debating on whether to go ahead and have a little more put in, or save the money. What do y'all think?

I'm back from Tijuana and it was the most wonderful experience! I've been trying to get my pictures & video online, but I can't get the video software to download onto my computer. I would recommend Dr. Lopez Corvala with my whole heart! He and his staff were so wonderful! If anyone has any questions, please e-mail them to me and I'll get back to you. I'm having absolutely no pain (I was banded on the 18th & this is the 25th) and am back to work. I'm on soft foods (right now I'm eating a yogurt with Protein powder mixed in.) I'm feeling hungry a little bit and wishing I could go for my fill right now! I had originally said that I would just start with Dr. Maese in Dallas to do my fills, but I had such a perfect experience in Tijuana that I'm thinking of going back there for my first fill. The hospital was beautiful, the girl nurses look and act like angels, and the guy nurses/anesthesiologist/etc were all so darn good-looking! I tried so hard to get one of them to come home with me! :eek: