jengraz

Kage, Do some research on the boards... you must follow diet guidelines and eating behavior guidelines to keep the band in optimal condition. Vomiting can cause the band to slip out of place, not chewing properly can cause your food to get stuck. Plus there are erosions , productive burping.... a total lifestyle change is necessary for success. Stuck food is one of the worst feelings in the world...

Sounds like you have a great attitude!! I'm sure you'll do great!! Use this time to reflect on your committment, plan your exercise regimen and read the boards for tips! We are all here to help each other! Try one of those packets of Crystal Light to go Lemonade in some hot water for a drink, Miralax daily to prevent constipation, and make some chicken noodle soup (ala Campbell's) and just drain it through the strainer and drink the broth--it's pretty tasty!! Best of luck to you!

Oops, I needed to clear something up.. I didn't mean to say little or no restriction post op.. you will have post op swelling and the mere presence of the band around your stomach will provide some "restriction"-- however, when you get a fill in 5-8 weeks, that will be the beginnings of restriction. It's actually not uncommon for bandsters to not lose weight or even gain a few pounds until the first fill... Just use the time to heal and to prepare your mind for the challenges! Hope that clears up my ramblings!

Hi Rabbitt, I think depending on which band you got, you will receive little or no restriction until your first fill. The act of having surgery and a band placed around your stomach usually causes some swelling, kind of a "natural" band restriction. I think a lot of surgeons put no fluid or very little fluid in the band at the time of surgery, due to that swelling. As you heal and the swelling goes down, you may find your hunger returning. That is totally normal, I believe they call that "bandster hell"..being hungry but only able to have clear/full liquids or soft foods. When you get your first fill, you'll see a difference. Follow the diet rules strictly, no matter what, to keep your band in good shape!

My surgery was done by Dr. Zapata. I have nothing but great things to say about him. The whole experience was a positive one. I just had a fill this weekend by him in Monterrey, and he was wonderful as always.

He charges $7000 for the procedure; he was having a special at the time for $6600. They still might be having it! That includes 2 nights in a hotel, your airport transportation and your postop liquids (you won't need that much). The flights to Monterrey certainly aren't cheap, but I was very satisfied with my whole experience. I am flying back in February for my check up and first fill.

Hi Monica, Many people here have been right where you are. I was banded on 12/13 in Monterrey, Mexico. I was very very apprehensive until I made the decision for surgery, then it was a great feeling, a relief. Sure I was nervous, but committed in my heart. I actually told NO ONE that I was going to Mexico for surgery, because I knew I would not get the support I needed. It was scary, going to Mexico for the first time, alone, and having surgery. I am a nurse (and BTW, my coordinator said that 35% of their clients are doctors and nurses and other health care professionals from the US!) , I constantly struggled with the thoughts of feeling I had to "resort" to banding because I was lazy or a loser. It's easy, right? Just eat less and exercise more, right? Well, it's more complicated than that, and any person of weight will tell you that. Obese people are experts on weight loss--after all, we have been on diets over half our lives! I knew I wouldn't be covered with my health insurance (my BMI wasn't quite high enough and I didn't have enough comorbid complications yet) , but to be honest, I went to Mexico because I trusted the doctor I went to. AND I do not regret my choice. The doctors in Mexico have performed more lapband surgeries than the doctors in Mexico, and some of the surgeons in Mexico have proctored US physicians! Just do your research on Mexican doctors--there are many excellent people on here to be a resource for you. Review the forums, as probably any question you have has no doubt been asked already. Once you research, make your decision, and commit, you will find your apprehension will turn into excited anticipation! Jenny