carmelmom

I too am self pay and had the surgery done in Mexico. I went to two doctors who said they would give me fills in California, the first said he wasn't Internationally approved, the 2nd said he couldn't locate the port due to either scar tissue or flippage. I called me surgeon in Mexico flew down and in 2 minutes he accessed the port and gave me my first fill the cost was $95 for fluoro and about $115 for the flight plus two $6 cab fares and $5 for the bus and train. I will probably go to Mexico everytime I need a fill because I really only trust my surgeon Dr. Kuri he knows what he's doing and I believe he's the best. Good luck to you and perhaps you'll think of seeing my Dr. he is 5 minutes from TJ.

It could be that your Dr. is not that experienced. I had the same thing happen at my local doctors office, so I spent the day traveling back and forth to Mexico to see my surgeon, he gave me a fill and within 2 minutes I was done including fluoro.

These are all normal symptoms and will pass in another week or two. Gas X is suppose to help but I think walking is what really helped me and don't use a straw it can cause more gas and bloating.

What a bummer, but you got to get your head back on straight. I got really depressed after my cat was attacked and killed by raccoons so I understand the whole emotional eating thing but we have to learn how to deal with the issues without food. I would definitely keep focusing on your 45 lb weight loss that is awesome and you must feel better from it. Then just move a little, even standing burns calories. I stood at the airport last Saturday for about 4 hours and when I got home two days later I had lost 2 pounds. Good luck and think positively it works!

I was self pay so I didn't have to bother with the insurance but most doctors in the U.S. will require the nutrition class prior to performing the surgery.

I've been checking for alternative fill doctors and thought I'd found one but then when I showed up for my visit they told me they were not approved Internationally. This seems to be quite an issue when you have the lap band done in Mexico, the other fill doctors are several hours away from my home but I may have to do that anyway or I guess I'll be going back to Mexico.

I am 6 weeks post op and went for my first fill yesterday. The doc could not locate the port because he said it was too deep in a pocket or it had flipped. He said he was really sorry as I wrote out a check for $300.00 and no fill...I'm very disappointed and sad but I am hopeful that the darn thing didn't flip. My doc said he charges over $1,000 for floro plus the $300 for the doctor visit/fill. I can't believe my luck, I could really use some words of encouragement. I originally lost 9 pounds and have gained back 6 and I'm exercising 40 minutes a day 5 days a week vigorously however I have been eating to deal with a lot of emotions and I seem to be hungry all the time.

I live in Northern California and travelled to Tijuana Mexico by myself for the surgery. The one thing I would do differently is NOT bring a carry on bag. Remember to pack a really light rolling bag. One day in the hospital after the surgery is fine, they give you really good pain meds that didn't leave me nauseous. I was also given up to two nights free at a nearby hotel that was accustomed to having post bariatric patients so they had clear broth and jello on their menu just for us. Don't worry about the travelling just take it easy and make sure you have enough time to get from point A to point B in the airport. Good luck