DesertDiva

I am considering having the Lap-Band procedure done in May and as I looked through the web I noticed this support site. What a great place to talk with other people who have had/or are going to have this surgery. I would love to talk with you and hear about your progress and experiences. I live in Mesa, AZ and moved here to AZ about 25 years ago. I have had weight problems my whole life and I know I need help. I have tried almost every type of diet and it works for a while...I've even gotten down to my goal a few times, but it never lasts. I need a permanent solution...a life change. I am about 5'4" and weigh nearly 230 lbs. (40 BMI). Hope to hear from you. Robin:clap2:

Love, hugs and blessings are sent your way. "This too, shall pass". Just give it time. Remember that you are not alone and that you are loved.

Toni, you might want to check out their web site for locations & 800 numbers. Doesn't sound like fillcentersusa is very "patient friendly" to me. Do you have any other options in your area? Robin in AZ:confused:

Congratulations on becoming a May Bandster!!! Sounds like you are doing really well. Welcome to LBT. Robin in AZ

Hi Christy, Yes, I have heard that Dr. Simpson is very good. Check with his office before you attend his seminar to see if he works with your ins. He chooses not to work with every company out there. My best friend was banded last Nov. and has lost about 80 lbs. so far. Dr. Blackstone is also good. Their center is one of the highest rated in the country for all types of GBS and they have a seminar in Scottsdale 2 times per month. Check out obesityhelp.com. They have a listing of ALL the doctors in our state, what types of surgery they perform, testimonials, locations etc. Good luck to you and God bless. Robin

Happy to hear that all of you May Bandsters are doing so well...Linda you must've felt so happy when you were able to go to the movies with your hubby and fit into that seat...what a moment:scared: Keep up the great success! Robin in AZ

Just wondering how you have been feeling since you have gotten banded? I will be attending a first timer's seminar this Sunday for Scottsdale Bariatric - Dr. Blackstone's office. I was planning to go to Mexico last month...but found out I might be eligible for insurance coverage...so here I go again.:faint: Are you still on liquids or mushies now? :hungry: Cross your fingers for me...thanks. Robin

Hi Alicia, In the US band surgery can run from $15,000 to $20,000 depending on the doctor. Fills can also run from $100 to $200 each adjustment. In Mexico the fees are from $8,500 to $12,000 with some doctors offering free fills for life, BUT you would have to pay your own way to get there and pay for the x-ray room in the hospital when they do the fill. Robin

So nice to meet you!!! Welcome back. Robin

Good Luck MissNiki!!! Today is your new birthday! Hope that all goes well with you. I know you will do just fine. Robin Desert Diva

Good Luck Stitchy, Hope that your surgery goes really well. Keep us posted on your progress.

Hey JQ, Good luck on your reaching your goal. I am hoping to be banded soon. I was going to go to mexico, but found out that my medical insurance might cover it....so i have mounds of paperwork to do. I am trying to maintain and not gain, but that is hard to do. I have a hard time exercizing because of an achilles tendon tear. Have a great weekend. Robin

Hi and Welcome. How is your surgery coming along? Everything ok with you? I hope so. This is a great place for support and information. I am hoping to be banded in the next few weeks. I was going to have it done in Mexico, but found out that I can probably use my ins. and save a bundle of cash. Robin

If my financing goes through my band will be in place by May 15th!!! yeah! My doc wants me on a very low carb diet to help shrink my liver...not necessarily to lose weight. I am so excited about this...I wish it was over already. Has anyone read any good books on Lap-Band procedure? I found a couple on Amazon last night and a cook book. Robin HUGS & Good Luck to all!

I am hoping to be banded in mid May by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. I am very excited about it. He wants me on a low carb pre-op diet because my BMI is under 40. Not to lose weight but to shrink my liver so it is easier to manager when they go in to place the band. Good Luck and God Bless you all!!! Robin in Arizona

I will be having my surgery in a few weeks in Mexico with Dr. Aceves. I was also concerned about having fills done after the surgery because I had read that I would need to be adjusted frequently if I wanted to be successful. I have found an RNP that comes to Phoenix once a month and all the people that recommended her say she is great! I, too, can have lifetime free fills in Mexico, but can't always afford the trip down there. Good luck, and God Bless you on your journey to health. Robin

I am new to this site and hope to have my band in a couple of weeks. I will be going to Mexico because I have such limited coverage with BCBS insurance. How are you doing? Feeling good? Weight loss so far? Robin:cool:

It is so nice to have the support of such a great group. Can you tell me how you are managing getting in enough Protein everyday. Seems like it will be difficult on a liquid diet for the first few weeks after the band is in place. Robin 2 weeks pre-op:hungry: 232 lbs. 5'4" 240 BMI

Hi Kelli Jo, I read your post today and I was so happy for you. In such a short time, you have lost so much weight!!! I am hoping to have my surgery in mid-May and I only wish I would have done it sooner. How are you doing otherwise? Any problems? Robin in Arizona

Good luck with your surgery! I am hoping to have mine done in May and I am excited also. I will be watching for your updates and progress reports. Robin

Hi Kelly Ann, I have not been banded yet. I hope to have mine done about mid-May. I can relate to your concerns, though. I am a compulsive food addict and I have not EVER had control over food. The best I ever did was in OA. For a year I was abstinent and had reached my goal. Then I went through some emotional junk and started eating...gained everything plus a whole lot more. One gal wrote that she sees a therapist on a regular basis to help stay on program since she's done the band. I may have to do that because of my cravings for sugar/sweets in general. After your surgery, did your cravings go away? I want you to know that I hope that I can do as well as you have done when I get my surgery. All I can do is hope for progress, not perfection. Take care, and write sometime. Robin:clap2:

Hi Seminole, I'm hoping to be scheduled for my band surgery by the 15th of May. I will go to Mexicali with Dr. Aceves. I am so excited to start this new journey in my life. Good luck to all of the other May Banders...and all of you out there that have come before us. You are "MY" inspiration. This forum is so informative. I hope one day I will be able to help others who also have questions or concerns. Robin