Chapamar

Karen, how in the world do you resist weighing in between visits? I would be bonkers. I'm still checking ever day or every other day......compuslive, I know.

8 week check in...would love to hear from Karen or Deb-my surgery mates. I've just hit 32 lbs. lost. YEAH!

The mummy or scarecrow from Wizard of Oz?

Is it Ernie ?

Phyllis Diller?

Hi All. I got banded in September overseas in Europe (Belgium). It was a great experience and only a third of the cost. I live in Daphne, AL......just across from Mobile and I'm receiving follow-up from a center in Pensacola. I am loving the band so far and it's great to see so many people from our state here.

Dr. Fiedman is providing my aftercare and I couldn't be more pleased. It's great. (Hi Amy)

I was self pay. You hear a lot of people who are self pay that go to Mexico. I went to Europe and the total cost of everything, including airfare, was about $6500. The surgeon who did my procedure has done over 6,000 since the early '90s and they use the newest type band. I would do it again in a second.

I'm able to swallow mine fine.

IF you can eat asparagus (yes, it fibrous), you can get a lot of protein from that as well as tuna.

Hey, Sherry, there's another, bigger thread "Anyone heard of ..?". It's very active and full of lots of members.

Hi! I am also from Alabama (lower near Gulf Shores). Like you I was self pay. I chose to go to Europe to have my band done. There is a thread for Dr. Chris De Bruyne in the doctor/surgeon forum. He has been doing this procedure for 20 years and he's done over 6,000 surgeries in that time. He uses the newest type of band. From what I hear, Mexico uses the older band that was previously used in the US. He is located in Belgium and my total cost with airfare was around $6,200. The price is in Euros so, if exchange rates change, your's may differ. He has a complete package including hotel, surgery, hospital stay and all transportation from the airport, to the hotel, to and from the hospital, medications, etc. Also, for fills....Dr. Dewitt in Birmingham accepts patients who have had their procedure out of the country.

Am I the only one thinking Lien is giving off a pervy vibe? And I don't mean because of the piercings.

I have a 7cc band and my surgeon said it would hold up to 8.5 cc's. So, you may have more room than you think.

WHEE! Today is a great day. I had my first 2cc fill last week. And despite eating my way through Nashville on holiday this weekend, I had a THREE pound weight loss today. HOORAY!!!!

I'm surprised you already gave up your car lease and are basing a decision to move because of this bill that is obviously inflated. I would advise you to discuss it with them and if you can't reach a satisfactory agreement, then pursue legal alternatives to dispute the bill. Also, I would get in to see another physician who can do fills for you. Otherwise, you're right, the piece of plastic isn't going to do you any good.

Hi Dan, I was banded the week after you, on 09/23/2009 and I'm right there with you in bandster hell. No restriction and more hunger but still kicking along. I have a fill next week and am anxiously awaiting. Good luck to you.

Hi Jerseybean. The injections are part of it. You get one the day of surgery, one the day after (Discharge day) and then you are given 5 syringes (prefilled) to do yourself--one daily for the next five days. I think we all were a little nervous about that but, believe me when I say it was not a problem at all. It's heparin and does not sting going in. Giving the shot is as easy as pulling up a bit of stomach fat and sticking the needle in. If you have someone who will do it, that's fine too. But, I assure you, it was absolutely no problem to do.

Hello to everyone. It's been three weeks since my surgery and I couldn't be more thrilled. I've had a wonderful recovery and have started losing the weight. I love the band and am so thankful for Dr. DeBruyne and Frederik for all they did. First fill in two or three weeks but still getting enough preliminary restriction to keep me from getting too hungry. Hooray!

Hi, I was banded outside the country last month and will be going to Dr. Friedman in a couple of weeks to be evaluated for follow up. I would love to hear anything you can tell me. I've got price info. already but would welcome any insight on the visits or his staff. Thanks in advance.

Also, Hope you're feeling better Debbie...

Hello all from the U.S. I am happy to report that after my Sept. 23 banding, things are great. I took my stitches out yesterday and have been healing wonderfully. No problems. Still on liquids and mushies. Thus far I am down 16 lbs. Woohoo.

Let me clarify. The Surgical Associates in Mobile told me (after I got banded and called them for post care) that they will NOT see anyone who had their surgery out of the country. Bad information from them up front.

Karen, I'm glad to hear you are doing well. I have also found myself turning in earlier this week but, overall, feel great. We get to start mushies in a few days. I'm kind of excited about that! Just called and have my follow-up and first fill scheduled for November 5. So, I'm on my way to working this band. I'm really happy I went with Dr. Chris and so happy that I've got hope for weight loss with this band.