monk

Monk here...I have not been a very good poster girl, I really didn't start losing until Jan/2007. I had a hernia operation, got the flu and then pnumonia. I found a great guy for fills right around the corner for 100 bucks a shot.I gave away my scale so I really don't know my weight, but I've gone from a 22/20 size to a loose 16.I was really feeling sorry for myself but then after getting the right fills and not feeling like poop I have been on track. I still have restriction but I'm going for a fill next week because I still can eat too much in the evenings (if this makes sense)and I've slowed down in my weight loss.I still don't have much tolerence for much more than vitamin water and fluids until I'm really awake.Nice to see so many July banders! Did I meet any of you at Dr. Ortiz's last summer?

<p>I told my husband and kids and one of my brothers, a few select friends. If my mother knew she would get out her roladex and call everyone she knows...</p>

Hi there Ginger, He hit it just right the first time! I had water and it was fine and I left. Good restriction today and I just had a MUCH smaller meal than I've been having, had to stop eating and it feels good! Let me know how it goes! Monk

Hi there, I used Dr. Ortiz in Mexico and it was terrific. Everything included for 8500.00. Go to his website and check him out or just look at the other posts on this forum. I asked Dr.Beltre and he gets $5000, but that does not include the hospital charges that run close to $12,000!!! If you are self-pay and have to worry about cost, you can't go wrong going to Mexico to the Obesity Control Center. I had my consult in Celebration Florida at the bariatric center, but I found out my job (not Cigna) denies any gastric surgery.Out the 250.00 consult fee! Hope this helps, Monk

:clap2: Went for my first fill today with Dr. Wiljon Beltre on Palm Springs Rd. Altamonte Springs. VERY nice experience. Full check up before, lots of questions by him and had 2cc's. The cost was $180.00 for the office visit and fill. Any fill after this will be $80.00. No fluro but he does the procedure himself and he also performs lapband surgery in his practice. I can't tell you what a relief it is to have had it done after NO restriction and back to exactly my pre-sx weight.He had no attitude about my having my surgery in Mexico. Highly recommended:scared:

:clap2: Went for my first fill today with Dr. Wiljon Beltre on Palm Springs Rd. Altamonte Springs. VERY nice experience. Full check up before, lots of questions by him and had 2cc's. The cost was $180.00 for the office visit and fill. Any fill after this will be $80.00. No fluro but he does the procedure himself and he also performs lapband surgery in his practice. I can't tell you what a relief it is to have had it done after NO restriction and back to exactly my pre-sx weight.He had no attitude about my having my surgery in Mexico. Highly recommended:scared: !!!

Hey Steve I just made an appointment in Altamonte Springs with Dr. Beltre on Palm Springs Drive. I go next tuesday, I found out about him here in the Central Florida Bansters link. Ginger there called and he quoted her at $180.00 for consult and first fill and $80.00 for each fill after that. No floro. I have my port real close to the surface and don't have any worries. I'll let you know how it goes. Monk

Hi Telly and Ginger, I called Dr. Beltre's office and have an appointment on tuesday of next week. She asked for my insurance card ID said to bring my insurance card with an ID. I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks for all your help! Monk

I'd love the name and number of the doctors in Dade City, I really have to get this fill yesterday! Thanks in advance Sara! Eve

Hey there, I live in Sweetwater and I REALLY need a fill. Do you know if the guy on Palm Springs will do fills from patients he didn't operate on? Does he use floro? I went to Celebration and paid the initial consult fee after checking if Cigna would cover my sx. I met the criteria and my job was changing to them on July 1st. After they sent in my request they told me that Cigna did not have a problem with the coverage but the company I work for put a stipulation in that they would not cover gastric surgery..bye bye 250 bucks. I went to Ortiz for sx and had a great experience but NOW I have no restriction at all and have regained my initial weight. AAAAHHHH!!!! Please post and let me know what happened when you called! Thanks!

My only regret is that since my surgery took place out of state, finding a fill dr. in an area close to home has been a hassle. I have made calls and left messages with no return calls, emailed others including Dr Jessee with no replies. I made the trip to Mexico alone and I don't want to have to travel like that for fills.Anyone have a suggestion for me? I live right outside of Orlando and have not had a fill yet. Thanks in advance! Eve

Could you please give me the name of your Dr. in Dade City? I live 15 miles norht of Orlando and I really need a fill. I have no restriction and have already regained almost all of my initial weight loss! Arrhhh! Eve

I've had the WORST case of the farts I've ever had besides my first trimester with my son 21 years ago! Constant, annoying and embarrassing if caught unaware. I also have it when I've had nothing but water. I teach at risk teens so you can imagine the scene if I let something "slip". So far I've been lucky in class, but my hubby and dogs are another story all together...

Hey there Scott, Your band buddy here. Thanks for being such a pal in Mexico, you guys made the trip so much better. I agree, liquid is getting old.I'm back at work and thats fine but the at home time is a challange. Had some people asking about the fills, what do you want me to tell them? I think you guys have my phone and home email, let me know. Oh yeah, Pino grigio is a clear liquid....xxooEve

Hi Kutia, I was banded on July 13th with Dr. Ortiz and I made the trip alone. I was feeling aprehensive and then the girl next to me on the plane started talking about the fact that she was 300 lbs. the year before and had gastric bypass sx. She looked great, but the weird thing is I had just woken up and had not confided to her the reason for my trip. When I got to my hotel room I turned on the TV and there was a commercial on for gastric surgery. I always say that there are no coincidences. I then met and had a great time with other new bandsters at the hotel and clinic. I actually had a great time! I felt I was at the right place at the right time to make a positive change in my life.Best of luck and I'm sure you will find pals when you arrive. Eve

Hey Boo, We left the hotel at 7:15am and there was alot of cars, we arrived at the airport at about 8:50. We were asked why we weren't in the van lane but Francisco doesn't have a pass for that.I think all days are bad but Saturday has to be one of the worst. Eve PS Thanks for showing me the correct spelling for license! My bad!!!:faint:

Hi fellow Florida, I just was banded this thursday the 13th at Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I met two nurses, one getting the band and one training with Dr. Romeriz for fills. They live in Ormand Beach and she is going to do housecalls! I have contact info so let me know. Eve

Hi there, Just came back from Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana yesterday and they only looked a my drivers liscense and never checked a bag.We were in a van provided by the clinic and most cars were being waved right through with a glance at their liscense. Pretty weird...Eve P.S: Doesn't make you feel real secure about the border, eh?

Hi there, Just a quick plug for Dr. Ortiz. When I was banded this Thursday there were 4 nurses and a doctor there getting the procedure. I had a wonderful experience and would take my own family there. Best of luck to you with whoever you choose, Eve

Hi there, I was all set to go and met the criteria for Cigna. My company had switched insurance companies this summer from United and at the same time put a condition in not to cover any gastric surgery. Of course they said nothing to the employees and now I am out 300 dollars for my initial consult.Eve

Dear Sylvie! Congrats about your insurance. I know you must feel so relieved! Just had my band done on July 13th. I was also nervous and traveled to Tijuana by myself. Great experience. I am pleasantly surprised to tell you that I had a great time and made some wonderful new friends! This forum is a godsend! Good luck and no worries, Eve

Hey Lory! I was banded on the 13th also. Have not hit the scale but on my 4th day of no food I FEEL thinner. I have always hated getting on the scale even when I was dieting and doing well. If I lost weight I seemed to want to sabatoge myself with more food.I was down 4 1/2 pounds just the week before surgery from nerves.Congrats to you both. It is nice to have someone to share the experience with. I found my partners here at LBT! Eve

I get mine on Thursday with Dr. Ortiz.How are you feeling?

Congrats!!! What a great job!

Hi Stella, Thanks for the heads up. Just finished packing and I feel better knowing there are going to be others there when I am. I'm getting so nervous that I am not hungry. Alert the media! Eve