marketingdude

All in all, I'm going to tell my parents and (maybe) my pastor but that is it. Eventually people are going to know and talk about your weight loss. So eventually the truth will come out. One thing is my brother got the lapband and he went from 429lbs to 165lbs. It won't take people long to figure out that I got it too. The only thing about telling my brother...is he is the biggest blabber mouth there is and the whole state of Illinois will know 2 weeks after telling him.

I've wrestled with this also.... is I live in a small rural area and people GOSSIP all the time. Not to mention...my wife and I go to church (very small church of 15 people)and people can be "religious" when it comes to things like this and treat you as a second class citizen...like its UnGodly or you should lead "by example"....and what message are you sharing with other people if you get weight loss surgery.

Ducker: You seriously need to relax. You are the classic "extremism person" who probably exhibits this behavior in other areas of life. "All or nothing" as you say philosophy in one of your posts. In studying behavior, you are probably are a choleric personality type who tends to control things. Heck...you didn't either bother to verify that the original poster was 4 weeks post op instead of the 3 days. In moderation alcohol is fine...so please don't act like its not and treat people like they are second class citizens if they do. Yes...we all need to be careful (especially during the healing phase) but to be LEGALISTIC on alcohol (in moderation) is clearly wrong from a common sense point of view and medical point of view. I know you said you are fine with alcohol...but the words and spirit (in your posts) clearly says otherwise.

Dumb question...but what is PLICATION ???

One thing my brother told me was he MISSES TASTE. I think this is the equivalent of HEAD HUNGER....its the TASTE that you are actually missing. So what he did was just add more flavor to the soups he was having. Hope this helps you,

Yes...but which one of the following as their are only 3 generations of them. I believe its the first one as he said he hasn't dealt with the latest generation of bands...and he has said he has had great success with them. Three different generations with continual improvements 2001 - The 9.75/10 LAP-BAND System 2004 - The LAP-BAND VG System 2007 - The LAP-BAND AP System

In my online research and talk to my local Illinois LB Doctor, it is very clear that Mexican doctors do not use the new generation bands on their patients. Not saying this is bad...but just observing. But I have one question: What type of bands are they using down there and is there a concern of these early generation bands? Thanks, MD

In talking with Dr. Kuri several times....he said he doesn't use the latest or second generation lap band because they are not approved in Mexico yet. They are only available in the US. He mentioned that the original bands he has had a lot of success with.

Thank You for Looking At this Post - And Welcome as I would love to get your advice ! In a nutshell, my brother was 429lbs and is now down to 160lbs and he used the Alergan Lapband not the realize band. So I know gentically my brother responded well to the Allegan Band (but my brother is also very passive in terms of sports ect..) In terms of my doctor and cost ect...I've researched my doctor fully, TONS of experience, only $5000 cost for the surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, Hospital is immaculately clean (all good right....so far so good)(?) However, my only concern is after seeing the Allegan Band and Realize Bands first hand (at a local doctors office here), it appeared that Realize Band was alot less bulky and stable as it had an added "sleeve" feature which you can tell is more of a stable fit around the stomach. Plus...I'm very active, love working out...and am a classic guy that loves to play sports. So to me....the Realize Band would be a better fit for me given my nature and sports activities that I play. That said....should I not be paranoid about having the Allergan Band versus the Realize Band that appears to be the perfect fit for me? I mean...everything else is perfect outside of the doctor not being locally here in the US. My doctor said...absolutely he only does the Allegan Band as he has had much success using the Allergan Band ...so why change now. Am I too paranoid or should I be a little concerned? Thoughts?

Thanks for your response. Yes...he only does the Allergan Band. It's Dr. Kuri...he is an amazing doctor I know.....and he will not use the Realize band because he has had so much success with the Allergan....so "why change" was his response. He is not negative with the Realize....he just doesn't want to change bottom line(and I'm sure incorporate some level of risk from his point of view of success). Not to say there would be a risk with the Realize at all.....but from his point of view...I definately understand his position.

Any other thoughts out there? Again...perhaps its not a big deal to get the Allergan...but when I held the band and compared it to the Realize....the Realize was definately alot more forgiving and alot less combersome. For those that have actually seen and felt both bands...you know exactly what I mean. Thoughts?

A Awesome Cazzy .... Any other opinions and thoughts out there? Blessings to you, MD

That is too funny...having peace and making sure I have no regrets...yeah...that is overthinking...SUREEEE . But I see past that comment and thankyou for your input

Actually...in everything in life...I've had an attitude of not having regrets on ANTHING. Although the Alergan Band has been very successful with so many people (including my own brother), when I saw and touched both bands personally, in my spirit the Realize Band seemed so much better FOR ME. However, I am open to the Allergan Band...but wanted to get other people's thoughts. After all....this decision (to get a foreign object in you), IS NOT a milk and Cookies issue here...especially when your a person like me that guards against regretting any MAJOR DECISION in life... The idea of getting a major lapband device in me is one thing....regretting afterwords (if complications would occur..... unexpectantly of course) that the band I really wanted wasn't in there, IS A WHOLE NOTHER BALL OF WAX....that I really would really like to avoid (again...if something were to occur). Post Purchased Pistoffness would then likely to occur and I don't like to be mad Elcee Thoughts ?

Awesome Colin...I really appreciate your thoughts. I told my wife of my post...which she laughts and smiles...as she knows I love her so much. P.S. I've noticed Dr. Kuri doesn't do his surgeries at Hospital LosAngeles ...and now does his surgeries at small health center. Also noticed, he ran a special (apparently cheaper over head) for $5000 the surgery last month. Blessings,

There is no way my life will let me go by myself. We are very close and plus she is a nurse so naturally wants to be there to monitor as well. But I hear what you saying... P.S. I like your creative idea and thanks again for sharing !

Please don't throw stones at me with my concern but here is my dilema. I'm looking to get my surgery with Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Kuri (done my research). My wife is originally from the Philippines (only been in the US for about 2 years now), about 90 lbs, very pretty and very "non aware" type of personality when it comes to danger and suspicious people. Because I love her so much, I don't want to go to another country, and put her at risk because of my surgery. If something were to happen to (while I"m recovering for 1-2 days)....I don't know if I could live with myself....my job as a man is to protect her... Although I know they pick you up at the airport, and you will be in the hospital the whole time. But what if some employee (who had ties to some local gang) tipped off some people and took her to be in the sex slave industry or something. I know this may sound crazy...but my wise great-grandfather once said...."always be prepared for the what ifs" . (and what...for a surgery that I wanted/and needed because I've gain 80lbs in 6 years due to stress (e.g. from 207-287). Again...I realize you can't prepare for everything....and you can't be afraid to go outside of your house because LIGHTENING DOES STRIKE SOMETHING....but the fact still remains...I'm putting her at risk. If my wife was an A Type personality, not fragile in built, wasn't so pretty (and innocently a little nieve), I wouldn't be as concerned as I am. I love her so much...and couldn't bare anything to happen to her (I'm even getting a little teary eyed as I type this). Moving forward, I know my options is that I could have someone come with us to Tijuiana but this is not an option for many reasons. The only other option is to play it safe and have the surgery here for twice as much. Any thoughts or opinions? Again...please understand my sincere concern. I want to be wise in the finances the good Lord has given us and get out of debt as soon as possible given what the world economy is going through. Saving $5,000 is alot of money.....but I don't think I could live with myself if something happen to my precious flower. Maybe...after typing this...my decision is becoming more clear. Many thanks for your sincere imputs !

Thanks Denise !!!

' What kind of advice is this?

What is Dr. Weaver's experience level. Seems like he is somewhat young but am curious on his experience level. Thank you !

Thanks for your response KittyForet!

Dr. Kuri ( a well respected LB Doctor in Tijiuana) had a special rate of $5,000 which is quite attractive given his experience level.

Lapband Talk Members: I'll try to condense the situation as much as I can. The following are the facts with my (about to retire & skinny) filipino doctor and my 6 Month Diet Program. Although I didn't know this beforehand, I found out that my doctor has a prideful attitude about weightloss thinking you can do anything if you put your mind through ect....even though he knows my families history of obesity and my brothers successful lapband surgery where he was 429 lbs and now down to 160lbs. * 12/14/10 - 1ST DOCTOR VISIT - given phentermine to help with weight loss (Weighed in at 284lbs at 5'9) * 1/18/11 - wife works for the state and we now have lapband coverage through our insurance. * 2/1/11 - found out that the lap band is covered through our health insurance with a 6 month weight assistant diet plan * 2/23/11 -2ND DOCTOR VISIT (lossed 6 pounds - now at 278) TOLD DOCTOR ABOUT HOW I WANT THE LABPAND PROCEDURE and how my insurance will cover it with a 6 month diet program. Told him the insurance company will take the 6 month diet program and make it retroactive when I first started seeing him back in December. I originally wanted to go with him because he is familiar with my families obesity (we lived right behind him growing up) and HE KNOWS ABOUT MY BROTHERS SUCCESSFUL LAPBAND SURGERY * 4/14/11 - 3RD DOCTOR VISIT (lossed 4 more pounds - now at 274) Re-emphasized the insurance program requirements for lapband. Again the doctor was kind of negative again....HE HAS THE MOCHO ATTITUDE saying its not a big deal....just lose the weight even though he knows my families history of obesity. *5/25/11 - 4TH DOCTOR VISIT (gained 2 lbs - now at 276). Doctor got mad that I gained 2 lbs. I told him hey...I lossed every other visit...stop giving me a hard time. Again...he was kind of arrogant and prideful when it comes to losing weight. * 6/14/11 - 5TH DOCTOR VISIT (lost 6.5 lbs - now at 269.5) Told the doctor that we needed to submit the paperwork and have him fill out a sheet that my lapband surgeon's office told the doctor to fill out. The form was documenting each visit and documenting if I followed the behavioral modifications and dietary modifications ect... I just got off the phone with my insurance company and they said they denied me because I did not conform to the behavioral and dietary modifications based on what the doctor submitted. She said however, I can dispute and appeal this denial. So the question is....NOW WHAT DO I DO? Please note that my doctor never asked me if I did certain behavioral modification of diet even though I did. I just think he was turned off that I wanted the surgery and how I was trying to get it approved through insurance. To me...you can't blame me for wanting to get the surgery. ANY ADVICE ON WHAT I SHOULD DO? PLEASE NOTE MY WIFE'S HEALTH INSURANCE IS ONLY GOING TO BE AVAILABLE FOR ANOTHER 100 DAYS (UNTIL AUGUST 31ST).I really want this surgery and to not have to go to Mexico to get it. It would only cost me $175 out of pocket with my current insurance provider and wouldn't have the added risk of traveling to Mexico. The option of going to another doctor is not a valid choice since I my insurance coverage is only valid for another 100 days. Discouraged, MD

Thanks for responding Corize. Part of the policy for approval is that YOU MUST ADHERE TO BEHAVIORAL MODIFICATIONS AND ADHERE TO THE DOCTORS DIETARY PROGRAM. SO THEY WON'T ACCEPT MY DOCTORS RESPONSE. THE ONLY WAY THEY WILL ACCEPT THIS IS IF HE CLARIFIES WHAT HE WROTE AND HE WRITES THAT HE DID NOT MEAN TO SAY I DIDN'T ADHERE TO THE WHOLE DIETARY PROGRAM AND BEHAVIORAL MODIFICATION PROGRAM. At least...this is what it seems...that the only way they will cover it now. I am getting my doctor records from 2005-2009 from my other doctor to show my weight then and how I was stressed ect...and my foot doctor records to show how this increase in weight gain even now effects the arches in my foot which causes even more pain and stress.

I didn't find out he was negative about this until after 2 months when I actually found out this surgery was approved. Theoretically, I could have start over but would have never dreamed he would be like he is now. It can't hurt to confront him and tell him...look...I want this surgery....here is a letter that I want you to sign and fax over to the doctor (they denied me because of your FALSE STATEMENTS). The only way they will approve this surgery now is if you clarify what you actually meant. P.S. Retail surgery for this is around $22,000 and I'll tell the doctor...look I got $22,000 reasons why I'm pissed off right now.