happypsychrn

I use Dr Gonzales in Winston/Salem. He charges 350 and only uses fluro. I'm not sure what the hospital charges b/c he filed it under my insurance. He used to do blind fills in the office for 250 but something happened - his nurse told me that he had a problem with "a couple" of people who were banded in Mexico "that weren't lap band candidates" She implied to me that they were really too obese and the port was hard to find. His # is 336-784-8299. It takes awhile to get an appointment. Dr. Bauman charges much more...I called his office when Dr G started the fluro only policy but was still cheaper to use Dr. G. Hope this helps!

I must tell you guys about my American Idol connection - the hairdresser I go to knows Chris. The hairdresser (Patrick) has a girlfriend (Dana) who owns a mens clothing store. Well Patrick called Chris a few weeks ago and ask him how he was doing in the wardrobe department. Long story short, Dana started "dressing" Chris a few weeks ago. Chris is a very nice guy, they say, totally devoted to his wife. Also, "Fuel" asked him to be their lead singer but he was unable to right now b/c of the Idol obligation. Yes, I'm in NC, home to Clay, Fantasia, Chris, Bucky and Kellie.

I turned 55 last August and had the band placed last Oct. I've lost 47 lbs with about 45 to go. Good luck with yours!:clap2:

Gosh, I don't know how I've missed you guys....was beginning to wonder if any NC bandsters were out there. Question - how much does Dr B charge for fills? I do know that he fills Mexican docs patients but haven't called his office b/c he is 2-3 hrs away. Anybody out there near Burlington/Greensboro/Chapel Hill area? Leigh

Oct 26 for me........9 days and counting down! Dr Joya here I come!

My surgeon insisted I quit the day I scheduled surgery. I've been a non smoker now for exactly 3 weeks. Get yourself some Wellbutrin or Zyban and use chewing gum, sugarless of course, after meals when the craving is the worst. The doc also told me to blow up 20 to 30 balloons a day for 2 weeks prior to surgery. I appreciate his concern. I've had surgery before, in fact had my gallbladder out last year and the surgeon (different one) didn't mention it. This makes me confident I've chosen well. Keep the goal in mind when you're quitting - you're going to be much healthier and thinner without needless addictions.

When you have a pouch, you have much smaller stomach surface to irritate and that's what ibuprofen can do. You don't want to take that chance and risk loosing your band. I do question, however, if liquid motrin with lots of water to wash it through would be ok. Anyone out there know?

Hi msfrosh, I too am to be banded soon and have little support. My BF is the only one who knows and he's not too excited about it. Use this forum for your support or you can e-mail me privately and we'll support each other. Good luck and congrats for your decision to seek a better life.

e-mail Gerald@drjoya.com and ask him. I'm sure they do surgery beyond age 70.

Sarah, I think she was going for: If she has a small pouch she cannot binge, therefore there would be no need to purge.

Borrowed from my 401. No penalty. I'll pay myself back in 2 years time - so easy! Had the check in 2 days.

I like the toothache thing! That will definately work for the liquid stage and that's the one I most concerned about. I'm in NC too - near Burlington.

Hi all! My date with Dr Joya is Oct 25th. I'm not one bit nervous, just excited! Think of it, ladies and gents, we're about to shed the old us and begin a new life full of possibilities.....just think of all the new energy and time we'll have to do new things, go new places, meet new people now that we will no longer avoid social situations and be obsessed with food! Keep that in mind as the day approaches and doubt starts creeping in..............good luck to all and keep us posted!

Hi all, I was working with a bulimic patient who is also an x-ray tech when she told me that when she was in training they were required to undergo tests themselves in order to know what their patients were feeling. Well, they did an upper GI on my bulimic lady and discovered that her stomach was HUGE! Her instructors insisted she see a doc immediately and began to name several disorders that could be wrong with her. Of course they knew nothing of her bulimia. When I told our psychiatrist about this story, she immediately thought of by-pass surgery for the lady! ( Our doc probably has never heard of lap band. ) I found that idea incredible - could the lap band be used to treat bulimia? What's your opinion doc?

Hi ya'll, I have a unique situation in that I am an RN on an inpatient EATING DISORDERS unit! We teach our patients how to accept the body they're born with, how media influences their self image, etc. We also eat with them. I work 12 hour shifts so I am with them for 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. They don't expect us to eat at snacks but, oh boy, do they ever watch everything we eat at meals! Eating disorder people are extremely obsessed with food, but we know that don't we? If anyone has any ideas, lies, whatever, that I can use for excuses not to eat I'd appreciate any and all. Obviously I can't tell my secret, even to co-workers. Help! I'll be banded Oct 25th. Thanks for bringing up this discussion!

Oct 25th is my date with Dr Joya. So far I'm not one bit nervous, just the opposite, it's a new BEGINNING ladies and gentlemen! We're about to shed our old selves and start a whole new life free of our obsessions with food. Think of all we will accomplish with abundant energy and time to explore new options!

Where are you PamRN? I have questions for you like, I was unaware that you could have a fill during the surgery - what's that about? Also, why the mid-band?

Hi Terrilen, According to my post surgery instructions you just about have it covered. You can include coffee, tea, clear fruit juice and water along with what you've got listed. Remember - its only a week!

hi folks, I'm new to this whole thing but plan to be banded very soon. My main concern is giving up soda, especially diet drinks. I swear, I've worried more about giving them up than pain, fills, whatever! Soooo glad to hear you all are doing so well without! What about you beer drinkers, any problem giving it up?