Tricia K.

Jess, thanks for updating us. I'm really happy to hear that you're home and doing well. :scared: *hugs*

You're welcome, hun. Good luck on your finals.

I'm not Kristin, but here's their web address. http://www.wishcenter.org/

I just finished watching the elimination show and all I have to say is "HOLY CRAP!!"

Like Amy, I recommend Surgical Specialists of Louisiana in Covington, LA. My surgeon was Thomas Lavin from that group. You'll be in good hands if you choose them. Best of luck to you!

C 206 (- 68 total, - 1 this week)

I paid $12,900 in Covington, Louisiana, which covers surgeon, hospital, anesthesiologist and 1 year of follow-up care/fills. www.whyweight.com

I've never had that problem. I hope it gets better with your weight loss.

Here is a list of Philadelphia lap band surgeons that I found on obesityhelp.com. I don't know if any of them do fills for Mexico patients, but I'm sure a simple phone call would give you the answer. Ramsey Dallal Einstein Bariatrics (215) 663-6422 Mathew Kirkland Pennsylvania Health Systems - Bariatrics (215) 829-8431 David Wernsing Pennsylvania Health Systems - Bariatrics (215) 829-3697 DrWernsing@aol.com

:happybday: :ban: Happy belated Birthday, Dawg! :party: :happybday:

I hope that you find some fellow bandsters in or around Manhattan. I used to live in Bergen County, NJ and I miss it. I'll be up there for a long weekend in early June. My husband and I will also (most likely) be visiting that area during the holidays. I haven't seen the tree in a LONG time.

I'm sorry that you're having such a struggle deciding what is best for you. I can only tell you my own thoughts on this subject. There was never any doubt that I was going to have lap band surgery. Although the weight does come off slower than gastric bypass (which I consider to be more healthy), I don't have the permanent re-routing of my insides and it can be reversed, if medically necessary. The slower weight loss also gives your body/skin more time to adjust to the loss. If you read the statistics, you'll see that lap band patients can and do lose a large percentage of their excess weight just like gastric bypass patients. Additionally, the risk of complications/death is much lower with lap band surgery. Another benefit with lap band surgery is that it is adjustable and you don't have the increased risk of gaining the weight back...assuming you follow the rules. I hope this helps with your decision. I wish you the best of luck. P.S. I'm a native Oregonian, now living in Louisiana.

Congratulations and welcome to bandland! I hope you have a speedy recovery.

YVW "Sweet spot" is another term for proper restriction.

Abbreviations and What They Mean http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=7959

Congratulations, Mia!

I wholeheartedly concur!!

Congratulations on reaching 1 year and for all of your successes. You look fantastic!

Here are a few links to companies that provide financing for non-covered medical procedures. I would suggest, however, that you go to your local bank and inquire about a personal loan first. You may find that you get a better rate. I was self-pay and we obtained a personal loan from our bank. Good luck! http://www.efinancing-solutions.com/default.asp http://www.surgeryloans.com/ http://www.monarchfinance.com/ http://www.medicredit.com/

CONGRATULATIONS skbishop78!!

CONGRATULATIONS HEATHER!!

That's a great story. I'm so happy for you and your family. I bet it was great meeting all of those new people. My DH is also adopted and has known about it from a very early age. At the moment, he doesn't have the desire to meet his birth mother or father but I hope that some day he will. Best of luck to ALL of you!!

Hi P'Nut! :biggrin1:

My surgery was performed by Dr. Thomas Lavin of Surgical Specialists of Louisiana in Covington. You're in great hands!! Everyone there is wonderful.

I'll be thinking good thoughts and I hope you have a speedy recovery!