Adri2

Hi, I"m thinking of going to Dr. Aceves. How much does he charge? Do you have any follow up care here in AZ? If so, where? Thank you!

How much did you pay and do you have anybody to do follow ups for you here in the States?

Thank you so much for the inspiration. It does help me a lot. A week ago I saw some new pictures of me from a trip with my teenagers at school (I'm a High School teacher) and I felt desolated to see how big I have gotten. Scared, really. Upset, frustrated. Yesterday I went to the doctor and the scale is at 220. I tried to lose weight when I was at 190. Now it's so higher and all I can do is cry. Tomorrow I'll have a consultation with a doctor here in Arizona. I'm hoping maybe my insurance will pay for the lap since I've reached BMI 40. I'm going to Brazil in July and my family has never seen me this big. I'm very depressed.

This is awesome! How much have you lost? I bet you must be feeling like a zillion bucks! As to me, I'm to the point where I can't delay the band anymore. I'm 43 and weighing 220 pounds. I have never been this heavy before. Dieting all my life along, like everybody here, but it seems that in this country it's more difficult since we drive everywhere. I'd love to know more about your weight loss, how you feel with the band now, how you felt in the beginning. I look at the pictures of myself 5 years ago and I don't recognize me anymore...

Hi! I am Brazilian and know a wonderful plastic surgeon there. He does an amazing job. Both my sisters have had lipo and breast implants with him. I myself had a tummy tuck before coming to the States and gaining so much weight that now I need a band... but well, I felt great for a while... if you're still interested, I can give you his information in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Dear Ajoneen, I've been thinking about getting a band but also scared of doing it. I wonder why can't I do it by myself, how well I'd hold to the died and lifestyle change... at the same time, I don't know what else to do. I'm 5'3" and 210 pounds right now. I feel depressed and have no energy. Please, keep me posted about you. Good luck! Adri

Ok. I don't want to sound pessimistic or anything but it seems to me that if I can stay on protein shakes for 2 weeks I should be able to lose all the weight by myself? How did you guys beat these two weeks? Thanks!

Hi everybody! I'm about to send my papers for the financing of my band. I have a lower BMI, (37) with no health issues (so far). My mother has diabetes and I'm afraid I'm going that way since I'm 43 now. I've lost about 50 pounds twice, with diet pills, only to regain it all. I'm to a point where it just doesn't seem to be an answer. So, here is my question: is lap band the answer? How do you all feel about having the band? Any regrets? Do you feel as satisfied as the diet pills will give you the feeling in the first days of it? Please, send me some answers! Thank you!

I'm getting banded on March 17th, a day before you, Dr. Ortiz. Gee, I'm equally nervous and excited!

Hey, that is a great idea! Antivicky, you rock! ;o)

Again and again... stay strong! ;o) Of course there are those f moments when we want to f..ing tell the f..ing world to f... stop... lol But it will keep on revolving! And the teeth pain will stop too.... ;o)

Stay strong! You can do it! You WILL do it! See how far you've come! Good luck!