jude0426

You know, I really don't know. I had gone to the Ready 4 a Change site online and it said something about condolences. So, I tried to research it as much as possible. I figured he had a heart attack, he wasn't exactly taking his own medicine, kwim? lol But I finally stumbled on another discussion board and it said he was killed during a robbery!! That was all I could find. Very sad, he was a great surgeon and seemed to truely like what he was doing. Besides, his guest house was great!

I was banded by Dr. Sanchez as well last year, in Monterrey, MX. It was a very positive experience. I was shocked to hear what happen to him.

Oh, I wanted to add that it only cost me $299 for the first appointment, $150 for future fills. I have to use fill centers because I was banded in Mexico and no one would touch me that did not do my surgery.

I am down in san Bernardino county (had my surgery in Mexico) and went to a new doctor through Fill Centers USA, in Las vegas. He has only been doing fills for about 8 months, but he did mine a couple weeks ago, and he was great! He is very personable and there was no pain whatsoever! He talked to me about everything, even told me right up front he just had the training in April and though it was a rough start, he thinks he has it down now (the fills). He does, I would not have know he hadn't been doing them long. If you can't find one closer I recommend him.

I have a 4cc band with a 2cc fill.

Hi, I just had my first fill, 20 months post op! I was really nervous, afraid it would hurt, maybe he couldn't find the port since it has been so long. BUT, it went great. I have moved since my surgery and have to see a doctor in this area. He was great, put me right at ease and even without lidocaine I felt no more then a tug and pressure here and there. I am feeling some pretty good restriction now, but I think in a couple of months I will go back and see about having it filled a bit more. Good luck!

I am going in on the third for my first fill. The thing is, I have had the band for 19 months now. I lost 70 lbs right away and moved about 10 months ago. I have since gained about 20 lbs back. Any advice on getting that first fill after so long? Is it going to be harder for the doctor? Thanks! Heather

I am just over three weeks out. I don't plan on cutting anything from my diet (well, except fast food), just be very particular about my portions and choose healthier meals over empty calories. I have a 4cc band and am hoping I can go without a fill, at least for a while. When the word "diet" is brought into the picture it just doesn't work for me so I have to allow myself freedom of choice. I am also walking at least 6 miles a day right now.

I am three weeks out and doing great, I am down about 18 to 20 lbs. I am watching portion sizes and limiting my calories to 800 a day right now. I pop a piece of hard candy in about 3 times a day when I do feel I want something, out of boredom, not hunger. I add those calories into my 800. So, my question is, are fills really necessary if I continue to lose weight? I mean at this point I don't feel I would need it. Am I going to feel different in 3 more weeks when i am actually due for my first fill? Sorry, I know this question has probably been hashed and rehashed but just wanted to know. Thanks Heather

I am about three weeks out now and I had a small glass of wine on Tuesday. I was at my monthly Wives Coffee (its a military thing) and just couldn't resist! I deserved it, my husband has been deployed now for 6 months! lol I had no ill affects whatsoever.

I am going on three weeks banded now and just started eating some soft solids. I have not PBed at all. Heather

I suppose for me I want to be realistic. I grew up fairly thin, I was 136 the day I got married and I am 5' 6". BUT, I had to work at that by running 8 to 10 miles 4 days a week and 2 miles the remaining 3 (I was in the Army so that helped a lot). Now almost 11 years later I am about 50 or 60 lbs from my goal of 150 to 160. I have to take into account the fact I have had three very large babies, I am almost 36, and well, that nice tight tummy I had at 25 is gone forever (well, unless I have a TT). Also, I can no longer run. My ankles are shot other than the fact running is actually really bad for you. I guess I just don't want to set a goal that may not happen, 150 would be great and I could see that as a size 10 or 12. I won't be wearing that bikini, heck, I never wore one when I was skinny! lol

My port is on my right side, but only because I had a tattoo the doctor said he didn't want to cut into! lol That was nice of him. I can feel it there, now so I am wondering if it will really be "showing" when I lose more weight! lol Heck i don't care, no one but my husband will she that area!

I am only in week two, but I started drinking Carnation Instant Breakfasts adn they are great. They do have a low cal/carb one, but when I have tried the low cal/carb stuff before it really sucks, so I think I will stick with the CIB regular. It is definately workable into a 800 calorie diet! I look forward to eating salads for lunch and chicken for dinner.

I am 35 years old and have struggled just as much in the past 10 years with my extra 50 to 60 lbs as anyone who is or has struggled with an extra 100+! We are all different. You can be 40 over weight and have every comorbidity there is, but be 200 over and not have one, so that tells me there is no comparison. With this said, I did not qualify through my insurance to have this procedure done. So, I chose self pay and went to Mexico (reason, the best doctor for the job). My surgery was the 31st of March 06. The day I left for Mexico I was 217 by my scale at home. That put me at around 33 or 34 BMI. As of yesterday I was down to 198 on my home scale. I am not sure why so much, probably water weight etc. Of course this will fluctuate. Anyway, I am so glad I got this done, even if I do have to make payments on a loan for the next year!! It is well worth it to me. I certainly didn't want to wait until I was 100+ over weight to do anything about it. I am too young to miss out on my kids life and not be the one out there playing frisby or soccer with my them!

I was just coming on here to ask basically the same thing. I am also a week out from surgery and have a burning or sharp pain in the port area. :scared: It is worse now then just a few days ago. I am going to give it a week and then go in to the doctor if it doesn't fade. Like I said, I was better 3 days ago. Heather

Ok, let's see... 1. I will shop at the Gap again and wear clothes that fit my age, or at least how old I feel! 2. I will buy a really expensive ball gown and shoes to wear to the next military ball my husbands unit has. 3. Go to the mall where my parents live and NOT run through hoping I don't see anyone who knew me before I got fat. 4. Actually take my kids to the public pool and wear a bathing suit. 5. Have family pictures taken that include me. 6. Buy all panties and bras at victoria secret 7. I will start wearing shorts again and tank tops. 8. Buy some nice work out clothes and actually WORKOUT!

Hi, I know TriCare does cover RNY and Banding, however the qualifications are pretty strict. You have to be 100 lbs AND have comorbidities. OR 200% over your ideal weight. This is for either procedure. I went one last time to the doctor last month to see what he said. No go for insurance so I am self pay going to Mexico on Thursday! I also looked up the requirements on the TriCare site. Also, if you do not hear anything within a week, call TriCare to see that it was processed and what the answer is. Good luck!

Naw, you didn't mess up. I go in on Friday for banding and have had no preop diet to follow. Just can't eat after midnight the night before.

I leave Thursday and surgery is Friday! :clap2: Very excited and anxious. Heather

I do read on here many are still eating fast food. What you listed does seem like a lot of food. I will be banded on Friday and my plan is to cut out ALL fast food. In fact our once a week dinner out is going to be cut to once a month or less. This is not only for my own health, but my kids too. We began eating way too much junk in our home when my husband deployed. It was a way of filing in the loneliness of him being gone. Well, since he has gone (and I had a baby in Nov) I have actually gained 10 lbs. This cycle had to stop. So, in order to show my kids how to make healthy food choices I have to make them as well. I no longer buy chips and cookies. I buy fruit, veggies, and they love cheese and crackers. So, in my opinion fast food has to be something that is omitted from our diets once banded.

Thanks everyone! I think I will call Continental Charlene, thanks. Heather

I know the Houston airport is huge and wondering if they have those electric carts that can take people from one gate to the next if requested. I change planes there on my way home from Mexico after surgery. I have been told to request a wheel chair but, uh, well, that would be kind of embarassing, I would think. I wouldn't feel so bad on a cart. KWIM? So, if anyone has any idea about this I would really appreciate it. :help: Thanks, Heather

Well, I was 26 and 29 with my first two and just had my third 4 months ago at 35. I don't feel old if that is what you are worrying about. In fact, I don't really feel much different then the day I had my first. My sister is due with her first in July and she turns 31 in June. Really, today more and more women are having kids in their 30's and even 40s. You are only as old as you feel! Finish school and enjoy your husband now and when the time is right you will be a fantastic mom who has all her priorities in order!

I will bite on the sex talk since I am not getting any!:faint:Anyway, it had to be the last time. Which was Dec 1 becasue Bill left for Iraq the next day! I don't know if it is a weird thought, but our newborn was only two weeks old so we were kind of pushing it with the sex thing to begin with. My thought was "I sure hope this lasts HIM for the next 9 months!" LOL