sassye

I was a self-pay, but from what I understand if you are insurance, once the endoscopy is done, you should be getting an appointment in a few weeks to schedule, once everything comes back clear. I was banded 2.13.09, and Dr. Sal was great, I have had no complications and have nearly lost 30 pounds in 3 months. It was a fairly easy procedure, I had it on a Friday, went back to work on a Tuesday...I would recommend a week off, but I did it. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Good luck!

Juana, It is hard, and you are hungry...unfortunately there is still no quick fix for obesity, but this is the one thing that is a VERY effective tool for you to lose weight, improve eating and lifestyle habits, and keep it off. You will feel hungry until you get the right amount of fills, and as you lose weight you will gradually lose some of your fat pad around your stomach where a fill that you felt a lot of restriction for maybe 2 weeks, you will be able to feel hunger and need another fill to get you back to that same feeling of restriction so you continually lose weight. As many people have said, this is about a year-long process, that most will lose around 100 pounds in a year. I have lost nearly 30 in 3 months, but I have completely changed the way I eat, what I eat, and how much I exercise. It is a tool, it will help you lose weight gradually and healthy, most won't even know you have done it, until you lose about 30 pounds because it looks like you have just been working really really hard at it, because you have, and you will have to. I will say that the band does empower you to pass up certain foods, and to be healthy, because if you are now resulting to surgery, what other choice do you have, for most of us this is our last resort, and it has to work, but it also takes YOU to want to do it, and make it work. Good luck, and if you need help send me a message, and we can talk or you can get my number and you can ask me anything you like. :thumbup:

Juana, I had the same experience with his staff not being professional. He is a very good doctor, very concerned with the patient's well-being, and very helpful when the staff is not. You will be fine with him doing your surgery. I was banded on 2/13/09, and have had no complications, the staff is trying at times, but he always makes up for it with his helpfulness, willingness to make things right, and compassion.

I had mine in Beverly Hills, and I am pretty sure that is the only place they the lapband surgeries.