ljones4521

Cogratulations! I haven't regretted my decision to be banded. In fact I think it iwas one of the best things I have ever done. See you at the meeting. Lisa

Ok..I know it well. The boys and I hang out there reading and talking. I will see you all next Sunday at 1:00pm. Lisa

12.12.05 Acuna, Mexico Dr. Jose Rodriguez

Hi Karen, I had no idea we had an area where we could mingle with others locally. This will be my first meeting, so will you please clarify the time of the meeting adn also is this the Borders at Capital Blvd? Thanks

I used a liquid Vitamin supplement called VIBE. It worked wonders for my mental clarity and I felt 100% better. In act I am now feeling far better than I ever have. Well, at least during the last 7-10 years. Also, I firmly believe a quality tea is essential. We have a Teavana in the area so I was able to go there and sniff all of the teas. I loaded up on several selections, this way I did become bored with just one flavor. The Mate Vana helped me to wean myself off of coffee. You can go to thier website, www.teavana.com. If you are familiar with fine teas, then their are several websites that sale fine loose tea a bit cheaper. The Teavana website offers excellent descriptions of their teas, as well as nutritional information (antioxidants, Vitamins, etc). Lemon grass soup without the spice. Good luck on your journey

found this on thw web. maybe it will help. insuranceinformation.pdf

Is this Doctor Jose Rodriguez in Acuna, Mexico? I am curious becasue I haven't had any pain since about the 10 days after surgery. Absolutely no discomfort. I don't even feel like I am banded. I have lost 15 lbs but seem to be stuck there. I guess I will be on my way for a flor....or whatever that procedure is I need to determine if the band was placed properly. Lisa

I felt normal within a week or so after surgery. It was truly an unbelievable experience. I woke up one morning and I dint' have any gas pains, discomfort ...nothing. I acutally thought something was terribly wrong. Sent my patient coordinator all sorts of emails because I was certian my band has slipped or something. Well, I have lost 15 lbs so far, all effortlessly.I just went to the gym for the first time since being banded yesterday. That was great Can't wait to get back because somehow I know this time will be different. I am capable of eating whatever I want. I often forget I am banded. The only good thing is I have been working on making conscious decisons about what I eat. This helped somewhat in making good choices, but bottom line is I feel as I did prior to the procedure. I have 1.5 cc placed at the time of surgery becuase there wasn't any fat around my stomach and the band would not fit. I don't plan to get a fill. My band has proven to be a great tool because I don't feel hungry as often. It has somehow addressed my cravings for carbs (chocolate, candy, bread, Pasta, rice and yuca).I figure if I just start the exercing I should continue to see good results. Lisa

I use boiled or deviled eggs to stop the cravings. 1-2 eggs fill me up in no time.

Illude, I have to jump on the band wagon and commend you on your courage. What an inspiration to others. It took great courage to undergo the surgery and commitment to lose the weight. I am with the other ladies. I actually had TEARS in my life...for a woman! Your transfomration is very emotional. But my goodness, what a beautiful woman you are and more what a journey surely have been through. Please tell us more about yourself. What new things are you involved in? Are you dancing now, kayaking, running marathons, etc? Tell us about the things you are now able to enjoy that were out of your reach before. Once again, CONGRATULATIONS on a healthier you. Lisa Jones 12.12.05 225/210/128 (can't seem to get off of 210. Yesterday registered 208 but this morning 210 :-() Acuna, Mexico It has been a year since I posted the original message on 2/10/06. This time when I opened the email and saw your beautiful face I put blinders on my husband as I just had a baby on Jan. 24, 2007 and he has wandering eyes :heh:. OK....just kidding, but of course you still look gorgeous and you continue to inspire. I am back on my bandwagon and looking forward to losing weight.

Sorry, I don't have any other suggestions, as I am uninsured and didn't have to even consider fighting the insurance companies. Have you tried reading the Insurance forum here? A doctor posted the insurance code for hte procedure. Not sure how that can help..but who knows. Hey, contact those people who have been approved. Maybe they can offer valuable insight into the process. Lisa

Try www.getinsuranceapproval.com. This person also posts on this site. Maybe you can do search. I have also attached a .pdf print out of her website. gettinginsuranceapproval.pdf

I paid about $7,300.00 for the entire surgery &hotel. Doesn't include $250.00 or so for my airline tickets. Lisa Acuna, Mexico Dr. Rodriguez Dec. 12 225/209/128

Unsweetned Soy Milk with a bag of Chai Tea (1/2 tsp of sugar) did wonders for me. I was only able to drink about 5 - 6 oz. I was fullfilled. In fact I last for several hours drinking this. Also, as it really does get better. I was having severe hunger pains but now 3 wks post op (surgery 12/12/05) I don't have any 'real' hunger. I average about 2 meals a day (mushies). I force myself to both eat and drink as I am neither hungry or thirsty. Tell her to hang in there! Lisa

I am approaching my second week on this Monday. I can then move to mushies. Every day I have soup, Water, Protein drinks or Jello. I have been eating aboutt 3 times a day. Often I have to force myself to eat because I forget. Not very hungry. My concern is recently (last two days) I have been able to drink more water and soup. Is this normal? Should I be alble to get so much down? I don't have the golf ball feeling my chest anymore. Bear in mind I have lost 10 lbs and for the most part am not hungry. Please share your opinions. Thanks Lisa 225/215/128 12/12/05 Acuna, Mexico

So happy for you! Congraaaaaaaaatulations. BTW no one knows I did the surgery other than my husband. I knew they wouldn't respond very well to Mexico.

can schedule your procedure? For instance can I have the procedure done as soon as this weekend? I want to try and get it done before the holidays. Thanks

Below is some information I have been collecting regarding fills. Maybe it will help. Many do not include the doctor's contact information so I am not sure how you will find them. Lisa Michael Schweitzer John Hopkins, Baltimore $110 ($50 paid by insurance leaves me responsible for $60) __________________ Try Dr. Michael Schweitzer in Baltimore, MD. He does lap band surgery so I'm sure he does fills. I believe that he works out of Johns Hopkins Hospital Bayview. Call that hospital to find out how to get in touch with him. Michelle "Pookie" Engelmann Donna Hi, If you need another option, Dr. Li and/or Dr. Gandsas does the lap band so you could check with them as well. Dr Schweitzer, my surgeon, does not fill folks that he has not done surgery on. How about Barry Greene in DC suburbs? Barbara