tripi

I had to get totally unfilled a few weeks ago because I was having Gerd and stabbing pains in my ribs. It was like a gall bladder attack. Since then I've gained about 7 pounds, and I'm always hungry. That said, I'm still tight in the morning, though I'm supposedly empty. Should I get filled or leave myself alone?

(Put in both NYC and spelled it out for searching purposes.) I am scheduled for surgery December 29 in Juarez, Mexico with Dr. Jose Rodriguez. Provided my kidneys aren't taken and sold.... Who's out there from NYC? Have any of you had your surgery elsewhere and then had aftercare in NYC? Who did you use? Are there any doctors that offer a package for aftercare, or do you have to pay for each follow up visit / procedure / fill separately? I don't understand why I'm having trouble finding a package deal, when surgery is done like that and it'd give docs such a huge profit margin. I'd love to find a doc who uses the model I'm talking about. And I'd also just try to connect with some other NYers who have either gotten the band or are about to get the band.

Banded on December 29. Had a burger on Jan. 1, tortellini on January 3. In between I've had some very small, but healthy, but not clear liquid Snacks. I'm back on Clear liquids now, but I'm so afraid that I've ruined myself before I started. How badly have I messed up by eating so poorly? FYI, I've been really good about eating small portions.... But I know, I still suck.

I'm getting banded on Dec 29... in Mexico. Scared shitless. I started to get the voice in the back of my mind screaming, "run the other way". But I've also had that voice before things like marriage, and I know people here have had second thoughts, but not regrets. My thinking is that I just really want this to be the last time, and if that voice in the back of my head, (the one that's telling me 'no',) is right, I will feel like such a fool. I really hope that I get through the surgery ok and use the tools available to have a healthier, happier life. Ok, writing has made me come in off of the edge. Now let me just have a surgery sans complications....

PSJ71, the same thing happened to me. Employer switches to Aetna Jan. 1. There is a way to continue coverage through your current plan. There's a form you have to complete and get approved, and you should ask your HR department for it. All you need to tell them is that you're already being treated for a medical condition under your current plan, and you can't start over with a new doc. (If you don't have any co-morbid conditions, it probably won't work, but if your primary care can say that they've been working with you to get the surgery based on your overall health, you're probably in good shape.)

I'm getting my fill done in Mexico and having my post-maintenance done in New York City. You can ask your surgeon to provide you with a list of fill doctors in your destination city. Some docs won't perform fills on patients that aren't theirs, but unless you're moving to a small town, you shouldn't have too much of a problem finding a doc. I'd do that before surgery, though, and price it. Don't know if you're going through insurance, but some insurance co's will cover it and some won't. Good Luck!

I'm from Park Slope and I'm getting banded in Juarez, MX on Dec. 29. I'm a bit nervous about going there to do a surgery. The doctor has accreditations out the wazzoo, but I keep flashing forward to a Dateline special about me becoming a cautionary tale of organ theft. Assuming all goes as planned down there, I hope to meet some of you in the new year. I'd also love to find a good post-op place to have my fills. Ideally, I'd like my physician to do a post-op package in case anything (slippage) happens, or I need more fills. Do any docs do that? I don't want to deal with paying for things per visit. Yeah, not going through insurance. Grrr. But hey, at least I'll finally be in shape again!

(Put in both NYC and spelled it out for searching purposes.) I am scheduled for surgery December 29 in Juarez, Mexico with Dr. Jose Rodriguez. Provided my kidneys aren't taken and sold.... Who's out there from NYC? Have any of you had your surgery elsewhere and then had aftercare in NYC? Who did you use? Are there any doctors that offer a package for aftercare, or do you have to pay for each follow up visit / procedure / fill separately? I don't understand why I'm having trouble finding a package deal, when surgery is done like that and it'd give docs such a huge profit margin. I'd love to find a doc who uses the model I'm talking about. And I'd also just try to connect with some other NYers who have either gotten the band or are about to get the band. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer, and good luck to on your journey.

Does anyone in New York know of a place to get all post-operative treatment completed for 1 price? I'd rather pay everything up front, as I'm doing with surgery, and then be done with it. Also, if I end up needing more than just fills to maintain the band, I don't want to end up spending a lot more than I've budgeted.

As someone who is a medical professional (RN), all of you need to go to your physicians. If you delay, you could do irreparable damage to your body. Statistically speaking, most or all of you will be able to have a normal lapband performance once your physician has gotten the fill amount correct. There are numerous reasons why you could be having your reactions, but only your doctor can determine what those are. Those of you that had all of the saline removed - it's a precaution. Don't think you're not going to get it back. It might just take a little longer for you to get to your ideal saline amount. ie 7 fills instead of 4, or whatever. Be patient, b/c if you rush weight loss, your body will eventually react negatively. Best of luck to you all, and I hope you feel better soon.

I wonder how easily I'll be able to keep it a secret when I'm eating a quarter of what I normally eat? Office workers, family members and friends will all be curious. I live in New York City, and going out to eat is almost a nightly ritual. I'm really concerned about what people will say and what I'll say, etc.

Have you tried getting a recommendation for another fill doctor from another gastric surgeon? There are national networks that have been set up to service people who just need fills. I suggest you do a search on them and ask for patient recommendations and statistics. You can also follow up with the band brand that was used and get fill docters that way.

I totally understand your fears. I'm having my surgery done with Dr. Arturo Rodriguez after checking his credentials and contacting Inamed and ensuring he'd been certified by them. In case you aren't aware, Inamed is the only band that is approved by the FDA. That's not to say that other bands are inferior, it's just that Inamed has a pretty rigorous training program, from what I understand. Dr. Rodriguez has performed many surgeries, (1000 surgeries qualify most surgeons as more than experienced.) Dr. R. has also taught many seminars about placing the band, including seminars in the US. As far as cost, in addition to paying your airfare, you need to consider the price of your fills post surgery. Make sure that there is a physician near you that will give you fills even if they didn't operate on you. Many won't b/c of liability issues. Dr. R has a list of doctors who will perform fills, and there may be others in your area. You'll need to call them ahead of time, unless you're willing to travel for fills. (Inconvenient and costly if you travel for them.) The amount of fills people have can vary, but figure on 6, and you'll be prepared to have that amount of money saved. Fills can cost anywhere from $150 - 350. Stay with the same physician b/c they almost always charge for the first fill. Dr. R charges $7500, which includes all surgical / hospital costs, 2 nights in the hospital, and transportation to and from the airport. I'm flying in a day prior to surgery to be sure I don't have to worry about flight delays. I have the additional cost of one night in the hotel, $130), but to me, it's worth it. Depending on your tolerance for pain, you may want to stay an additional day. The reason I suggest that is that cuts to your abdomen can be quite uncomfortable, and being on a plane with turbulance, being in a car hitting potholes, wearing a seatbelt...all of these things will cause some pain. After you've gotten to your goal, you may want additional surgery to remove excess skin that will now be hanging from your body. Most likely a tummy tuck. Prices vary widely, so I can't even give a guess. If you have 100 or more pounds to lose, I have no doubt you'll be considering some extra surgery. Depending on your age and elasticity of your skin, you may or may not need surgery.

Hi all! I'm having my surgery on December 29 with Dr. Arturo Rodrguez. I wanted to find anyone who has had surgery with him and see if the experience was positive. Was there anything you wish they'd done or told you or arranged that they didn't do? In general, is there anything you wish you'd known either before or after the surgery? Thank you!