mica

10 months out and so happy I had it done. Best cash I ever spent. After 40 some years of life, I can finally eat "normally" and feel great! I still think about food and my weight of course, but don't obsess about it anymore! Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat (wish I had it done 25-30 yrs ago!).

I must be a "glass half-empty" kinda gal cuz, although I have had great results since being banded 10 months ago, I am starting to have fears of losing my band! I have had no complications and am living comfortably with my tool. What I worry about is that something will happen that will cause my band to be removed... I worry that there is only a set amount of time that the band can remain inside one's body without the body maybe rejecting it etc... Is there anybody out there that can reassure me by telling me they've had theirs for ???? years? I know that the band hasn't been around that long, but let us know how long you've had it. (Then I can find something else to worry about!! ha ha ha).

Glad I was of some help Sooverit. We are close to the same age and the weight came off steadily. I could have probably lost quicker (this was quick enough), had I been a little more diligent regarding the exercise. I do walk alot, but don't do a whole lot of heavy cardio etc... Anyway, it's working! Like everyone else on this site has been on the diet roller-coaster for far too long! It's nice (it's actually fantastic!!!!!) to finally feel what i think "normal" people experience in regards to eating and food. The only regret that I have regarding this surgery, is that I did not have it done 25 years ago! How much pain and sufferring would I have avoided!

Hi, I was banded Jan 25,08 in Tijuana, Mexico and am down about 50 lbs!!!!!!!!!! It has been the best health (mental and physical) decision that I've ever made. Unlike any other diet etc... it actually works! The fact that I am not constantly obsessing about food is as wonderful as the fact that I physically cannot eat large amounts! I am a self-pay, but you know what? The cost of the procedure is nothing compared to the benefits I've gained. I have spent soooooo much more on fad diets, programs, food etc............. Good luck!

It's ketosis. Of course it doesn't hurt to up the water but it's ketosis.

I also agree with Restless Monkey. I was banded Jan 25, 08 in TJ, Mexico. It really has been the best thing I have ever done for my physical and mental health! I was self-pay and can honestly say that this was cash well-spent! The minor problems I had probably occured in the first 4 wks after surgery and I think are expected issues following any surgery. My issues of PB ing only occur when I push it, so have learned to take it easy. The first time it happenned, I panicked, but now know what it is and what to do about it. Knowledge is power, so if you are prepared for issues such as PBing and gas pains in Left shoulder following surgery etc... you don't freak as much and can deal with the issue knowing it is a common problem. I had great patient facilitators whom I had email and phone access to 24/7 who walked me through any problems that arose. I also turned to this forum for help. Just look at all info with a sceptic's eyecuz there is alot of fear-mongering and inaccuracies appearing on a regular basis. This forum is a great place to find a buddy or mentor. I have lost about 45-50 lbs so far and couldn't be more pleased. Good luck in your decision.

You will get through this! I think the fear that "my tool" was not working drove me down the same road prior to my first fill. As per usual maladaptive/overeating behavior, that fear was enough to make me want to eat more cuz I'm thinking "it ain't working anyway right??" stupid thinking! (does that make sense). Remember, this is a temporary situation. It will improve! Get that fill and you will notice a great change. Don't be so hard on yourself, start over new today! I was told 1/2 cup of food as well, not 1 1/2 cup. Maybe that is part of the problem?? Good luck fellow Saskatchewanian! P.S. I love your dogs!

I was banded Jan 2008 with a bmi of around 35. I have since lost about 50 lbs! I am thrilled with the results! I am self-pay, got it done in Mexico because with a bmi that low, I would never have had it done through our health care system. My only regret is not having had it done 25 yrs ago. Good luck with your decision.

KJDVille I tried accessing the video you referenced in your post and it is "unavailable". Can you send me another link as I have tried to go through the abc website with no luck.

Sorry, hit the enter key by mistake! I have read really derogatory remarks about the Betancourt clinics on this site for awhile now. At first they alarmed me and I began to panic thinking I was done for. As time had gone by, I have met many other people (in person and on line) who have also been banded by Betancourt clinics. The vast majority have had a good experience, I really havn't met anyone who would not do it all over again.. I appreciate accurate information when I am making a life-altering decision. I don't appreciate fear-mongering and rumours that are not backed up by facts. Remember, there are many of us who read these posts who were banded at that clinic and begin to worry and rethink our decision (even though there is no factual evidence that we should), what you are acheiving here is not really productive or beneficial to anyone other than maybe another clinic who is picking up potential patients. If you have facts backing up your claim, lets hear them. I remember awhile back, a few posts with the same tone and content by someone posing as an actual patient of Betancourt clinic only to be discovered to be someone working for another clinic! As far as this type of surgery being a "gold mine" for Betancourt, I suppose it is also a gold mine for any other DR. involved in this or any other type of procedure/surgery that is provided at a more accessible and less-expensive rate than is possible in another country, right? I would like to hear the facts.

I had my surgery at Betancourt, jan /08. |It was uneventful and I was completely satisfied with the treatment etc...

Hi Natalie, I am from Saskatoon , Saskatchewan and had my band done Jan 25,08 in Tijuana, Mexico. So far am down about 40 or so lbs! I had a low bmi but was getting fatter fast. I too, have strugled with my weight for a long time and have tried everything. I am self pay and the surgery cost 7500.00 canadian. The flight there was about 1000.00 but worth every penny. The band has given me control where I had none. Send me a message if you need additional info. Mica

Hi, I was banded in Tijuana, Mexico Jan 25/08. so far am down about 40 lbs! I paid $7500.00 for the surgery plus costs of getting down there etc... but it was well worth it. The clinic i went through has good follow up through a nurse you can reach by phone. I have a fill nurse here in Saskatoon who does fills for $75.00. I had a low bmi, but am short and have struggled with my weight (as we all have) all my life. Finally, I have a tool to help control my eating! I can eat anything but only in small amounts. I have only had one fill since being banded. Feel free to contact me should you have any questions. Good luck with everything, sounds like you have a great Dr.!

Hi, I was banded Jan 25/08 in Tijuana Mexico. I started at about 185 (I'm 5'1") with a bmi of around 35. So far I'm down about 40ish lbs and am very happy with my decision to get banded. I'de be happy to communicate with you re:our journeys. I'm 46 yr old Canadian, with 2 kids and 4 dogs. I'm a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and have been married for 17 yrs. I look forward to talking to you.

Hello, I was also considered a low bmi at about 35. I'm 5'1" and started out at 185 or so lbs. I have had weight issues my entire life and at 46 yrs old, finally found hope! I was banded in Tijuana, mexico jan 25/08 and so far am down about 40-45 lbs! I can eat anything in small amounts, I have very good appetite control and couldn't be happier. I have had one fill at about 6 weeks post-op and have no need as of yet for another. I went to Mexico cuz the Canadian health care system will not pay for it unless you are near death. You can get the surgery done here privately, but it costs nearly 3x the amount ($7500.00 in Mexico). I get fills here from a trained nurse for $75.00 each. My only regret is that this surgery was not available 25 years ago. I'm off to the lake for the Canada Day long weekend! I look forward to hearing from you all soon.

Hi, I was banded in Tijuana, mexico jan 25, 08 and so far am down around 45 lbs. I would also love to get together with other Saskatchewan bandsters (I live in Saskatoon).

Hi, I was banded Jan 25,08 in tijuana, mexico. I am around the same height and was around 185 lbs at the time. I have since lost around 45 lbs and couldn't be happier. I chose Mexico because the cost was a third of what it would have cost in Canada ($7500.00) and there was no wait time. From the time I made my decision to have the surgery to the actual surgery date was about 3-4 wks! My only regret is not having this done 25 years ago! I am able to eat anything in small quantities and I have excellent appetite control. i have had only 1 fill at about 6 wks post-op and have no need as yet to go for another! Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

Hi, Regarding getting fills in Canada, I would recommend putting a thread out on this site requesting names of fill Dr.s or Nurses. I have a fill nurse here in Saskatoon that charges $75.00 each. I've had one so far (at about 6 wks post op) with good results. I'm sure that there are fill personnel out your way! Let me know how you make out.

Hi, Michelle Wright is actually an RN in S'toon. What clinic does Dr. Corvala work out of? Mica

Hi, I chose Mexico because of the cost 7500.00 vs 20,000.00 in Toronto. I had a lower bmi so I would have never been considered for surgery here in Canada . My surgeon was Dr. Ramos-Kelly.

HI, I was banded in Tijuana, Mexico Jan 25/08. So far I'm down around 40 lbs. I was a bmi of around 35 and have a total of about 75 lbs to lose as well. I wish I could have done this 25 yrs ago! I am so happy with my results and with the power of having control over my eating for once without the hopelessness of dieting. good luck with your decision.

Sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied with the band. I am on the other side of the spectrum as I am very happy with what the band has done for me. Let us know a few more details and maybe we can help you get through this bad patch and onto better times.

Sorry to hear about your problem. My port incision took alot longer to heal, and when it looked like it was healed, it openned up slightly and continued to drain for awhile. It took a good 4-5 weeks. As i understand it, because they don't use drains there is always drainage that will occur. Good luck

I am Canadian, so had a fill nurse here in Saskatoon do it for $75.00. I was a self-pay (as I'm assuming you are too).