TamiSCool

I am also a patient of Dr. Merriman. I'm having the same issues. I was banded 01/04/08 and had my 3rd fill on June 2, 2008. I'm hoping my problem is from not chewing and taking very small bites. I don't know how much longer I can take this pb and vomiting crap. Oh...and I haven't lost any weight either. bleh The only thing I've lost so far is my breakfast, lunch and dinner and $15K. double bleh

My second fill went ok although I felt some restriction, I did not lose any weight. I did have full on somewhat smaller portions. Although I do not feel it was a significant difference in portion sizes. I could no longer tolerate breads, deep fried foods, dry meats etc. and experienced pain and vomiting after eating those foods. I received my 3rd fill on Monday, June 2, 2008. I've been extremely sensitive. I had liquids,Soups and somewhat mushy foods till lunch on Saturday. On Saturday, I ate my first someone solid food. It did not irriate me or make me uncomfortable. Saturday night I think I ate too much and became sick and threw up. On Sunday, I could not tolerate anything more than mushy foods. I'm guessing that I'm irritated and swollen. I feel tight and swollen today. I don't think I can eat again today. I'm hungry. I'm so disappointed. I feel that I've thrown away $15K. I'm discouraged. Is this the way its suppose to be? Any advice or encouragement you can offer? Thanks

I had my first fill about a week ago. Before I had my first fill, I could eat just about anything I wanted without any difficulty. The only exception to this was untoasted bread. I had pain when I ate the bread. After my first fill, I'm not feeling much different. I'm not sure I'm getting the "full signal." I've never felt like I needed to throw up. Think I may have a problem? Thanks

I was banded 01/04/08

Sorry, guess I got carried away and didn't answer your question. lol ummmm, no, no down payment. 1.9% is Excellent! I think anything over about 9.5% would be high. It all depends on your credit score.

About 13,000. Dr. Merriman has done more lap band procedures than any other dr in the ark-la-ex. i really like him.

I don't know anything about having surgery in Mexico or the financing there. I have done no research on medical technology and federal programs in Mexico. Surely there is some sort of Agency for the medical field, but I know nothing about it. I'm not sure how far you are from the surgeon, but something to consider is post op care and band fills. I'm 75 miles from my surgeon, and for me, that means I will have to take off work at least 1/3 - 1/2 a day for each visit. If you take in consideration anytime away from work, how much will you actually save by going to Mexico? My interest rate for the surgical loan was 1.9% annually. That totals up to about $ 173.00 during the term of the loan. My surgery, doctor, medical evaluations, fees, edp, program fees, hospital fees, all inclusive was about 13,000.00. In the long term, I'm hoping for a return on my money in the form of lower insurance premiums, lower medical costs, lower medical perscriptions....etc.

I am a self pay. My insurance doesn't pay obesity related surgical procedures. I'll be paying through Capital One Medical Finanacing for the next 18 months. The interest Rate was better than my savings account pays.

I've done well since surgery on 1/4/08. I had a hernia repair which has caused the soarness to linger. It especially hurts when I yawn, hiccup or sneeeze. uggggggggg I had my surgery in Shreveport, LA. Dr. Merriman was one of the first in the Ark-La-TX to use the lap band. I go back on the 17th for a checkup. I'm still not down to my pre-surgery weight and my belly is still swollen. Guess all those fluids are healing everything. Anyway...hope to be losing weight and keeping it off this time.

I had my lap band surgery on 01/04/08. I think I will go back to my desk job tomorrow, 1/08/08. I may only put in a half day. I think a week off work will be fine for most teachers. Hope you're not teaching gymnastics.