mdlitchick

I had Dr. Averbach do my surgery 18 months ago at St. Agnes and I am down 150 lbs and in a size 16 (I am 6 feet tall), where before I was a 28/30. Dr. Averbach is a great surgeon, a bit more reserved than Dr. Singh. But I like that he's a straight shooter. Heard good things about Hopkins, but that the waiting list is pretty long. I follow the rules about 80-90 percent of the time and I have had success. It is the best thing I've done for myself and I believe that this surgery saved my life. You have to follow the rules, exercise, and get to a good fill level, which in my case happened on the 4th fill. You have to be an advocate for proper fills and adjustments for the band, because unless a doctor or someone on staff has had a band themselves they might not get it.

Hello, I was banded in late January 2006 by Dr. Averbach and I have lost 130 lbs. to date. St. Agnes is a terrific facility and Dr. Averbach is a wonderful surgeon and a sweetheart, to boot. The Lapband is the best thing I've ever done for myself. I was an overeater--what fat person isn't?--and it helps you eat far less (I eat about a fourth of what I used to) and to stay full for 4-6 hours between meals. You have to be patient, you have to experiment with what you can and cannot eat, it is all trial and error and the Lapband can be a fickle bitch. I still throw up when I eat too fast, take too big bites, or eat something dry in texture. But I feel I have this tool for a lifetime and it makes me feel relatively in control and I now eat normally (actually, less than normal) whereas before I never really felt "full" unless I was stuffed to the gills. And even then, I wondered whether I was truly sated or whether a huge portion was going to be enough food. I still over-order in restaurants and cook too much food at one time--old habits are hard to break. The good news is, I always have leftovers for one or two more meals. I never regretted not getting gastric bypass--sure, I could have lost 150 lbs. in 6 months or so. But the mortality rate, the complications, and the long term effects of vitamin/mineral malabsorption concerned me. The lapband is slower, you have to think more and make healthy choices more often, but I couldn't be more pleased with the result.

I am back at water aerobics and taking Ho'Robics (an exercise class taught by exotic dancers, check it out at www.xposefitness.com) once a week. Am going to a personal trainer later in January to get a personalized routine and a much-needed kick in the butt.

105 lbs in less than a year here! I am hiring a personal trainer in January so I can get exercise on track.

If you need aftercare, you might want to try Dr. Susan Brinkley in Frederick, Md. She was banded herself in Mexico and charges a $200 flat fee for fills and lapband aftercare. Many doctors will not do aftercare if they did not perform the surgery, but Dr. Brinkley has no problem with that. Her number is 301-668-2800.

A Baltimore girl here and I've lost 100 lbs in 10 months! Wooohooo! Teresita, I saw your numbers and you are doing wonderfully!

Yes! I am 299 this morning! Boo Boo Kitty, that is so cool--you are doing beautifully. Wish they had the Band when I was pushing 30!

Wonderful, Teresita! You are moving right along! I have three more pounds to go and I will be in the 200s! I am so amazed, haven't been in the 200s since 1993.

That's wonderful, Teresita! I am down 90 lbs as of Tuesday.

Thanks for the information, everyone. It seems as though New Mexico lapbanders travel to Scottsdale, Texas and Colorado for fills. I may be relocating to Albuquerque and wanted to find out about aftercare.

That's great! A proper fill makes all the difference, doesn't it? I had a fill on August 30 and I think I am at my sweet spot, not too tight or too loose. And I am down 86 lbs! How's your Mom doing?

Does anyone know of Lapband friendly docs in the New Mexico area? Thanks!

No, not yet. I am heading to the beach on Friday and am going to hit the outlets in Rehoboth for some new duds. Also gotta buy some new undies and bras--the girls deserve some great (and pretty) support.

Your numbers are great, Boo-Boo Kitty! I got a fill on Wednesday and the scale is moving downwards--I am -86 lbs as of today! Woohoo! My summer clothes make me look like a bag lady, but since I need a whole new fall wardrobe I am just making do with what I have.