RLE

Hi Terry B, at this point I think the band is ineffective until we get our fills. Mine still helps me not to feel hungry all the time, otherwise I can eat without any restriction. The whole point of the band comes to life when it is filled and restricts how much we can eat, and not feel hungry all the time. Up to now we are just waiting for our stomachs to heal.

Hi again Kirsten, I took your advise and just scheduled an appointmen with Dr. Ortiz for 9/27. That takes care of that problem. Thanks.

Hi HK, go on over to the ABC September Crew to find most of the August Band Crew ( ABC) people and how we are doing, sure good to have you and your husband on board.

Hi Kirstin, RLE here, you are really doing good. I can eat anything I want and as much as before the band without any restriction at all. I even take my meds whole. I am definately in need of a fill. I don't eat as much as before and have lost 17 lbs. since our date with DR. Ortiz. I tried to get appointments for a fill locally here in Idaho today and they won't even talk to an Ortiz patient. I think they are really jeolous of his business. Keep up your good progress.

Hi everyone I would like to sign up on the August Band Crew. I was banded 8/16/06 by Dr. Ortiz in TJ Mexico. So far I am doing very well with the band and am about ready for my first fill. When I made my appointment to be banded I weighed 385. I had to loose 20lbs. before surgery and have lost 17 more since I was banded. I am glad to be on your crew...Richard Evans

Thanks once again Patti for your info. I really enjoy lapbandtalk. Bye now.

Thank you so much, I am wanting to say good bye to 300 but have aways to go yet. Congradulation on your progress.

Once again Patti I am not sure how to post on the August Band Crew. Thanks for the info on the others. I hope all is well with you guys.

You will really like Dr. Ortiz I am sure. Good luck to you.

Thank you Elisabeth, I can see you are doing fabulous at this loosing weight business. Good luck to you.

Hi this is RLE, check with Dr. Ortiz in TJ. He has put in over 3700 lapbands, that is all they do. Cost is $9,500, I got in on a deal they were having for $8,500. My insurance wouldn't cover me so I borrowed the money from my credit union. Good luck

Hi everyone I am new to this site. I was banded 8/16/06 By Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana. The whole experiance was a very possitive one and I am so glad I picked Dr. Ortiz. His people pick you up at the airport in San Diego and took my wife and I to a very nice hotel in TJ. After it is all over they returned us to the airport. I lost 20 lbs. as instructed before the implant and 10 lbs since.