rajva

Hi Jen, I live in Richmond and had the surgery done 12/16/09. BUT I went to mexico to get it done, insurance wouldnt pay and could not afford US prices. I have to go to Virginia Beach for my fills. Let me know if you have any questions, I am here. Ruth

I had to go to Mexico and pay for my surgery all on my own. So I followed all the Doctor's rules to the letter since I did not want to go back to Mexico with complications and do not have insurance that will pay for them either. He said they are guidelines also and that I really need to listen to my body and just pay attention. One reason why I got so big was not doing that. Yes I have cheated in the past and right now during the summer months I am craving a big juicy hamburger...but know it will not stay down so I know it is all head cravings.. As far as pop is concerned I had an 8 pack a day diet dr. pepper habit I gave up a few days before surgery and have not had one since. I have drooled while watching a lady drink one in the airport once but do not really want one and I am amazed at what I thought was "needed" to keep me awake and going is not right. Please find out why you are trying not to follow the rules or just set your own guidelines based your body and its needs, not wants. Hope you work it out because the band is a great tool if you use it. Good luck.

I just got back from vacation and it was one of the best vacations I had due to the fact that I did not spend alot of time worrying about meals or spending alot of time eating. We had small quick meals which left more time for friends, shopping, and site seeing...AND more money to do that with. I did not come home feeling guilty about all the food I had eaten which I did in the past and it would take away the pleasure of the trip. I had a few small drinks, ice cream AND still lost 2 pounds while on vacation. A first for me. The food will always be there and it is what got me here in the first place, now I have enjoyed my vacation like others do...NOT the food. Good luck and hope you do not decide to take the step backwards but look forward and enjoy other things on the vacation.

One way I get my chocolate and butterscotch fix is to take greek vanilla yogurt and mix in the sugar free instant pudding mix dry of either chocolate or butterscotch or any other flavor. Just mix up some (it does not take alot) of the dry mix and you have great chocolate yogurt with little calories.

I went to Mexico because my insurance would not pay and I did not know about appeals and did not want to wait anylonger. I paid 5500.00 for everything except airfare. I would do it again in a hear beat. I have had 2 fills with the Dr. in Virginia Beach with FillCentersUSA and it was great. She is a real Dr. and has special training in doing the fills. She numbed me up until I felt nothing, was slow and talked, answered all my questions and had me hang around locally for awhile in case I had issues so I would not have to drive back another 2 hours one way again. I would recommend her to anyone. Please let me know if you have anyother questions or concerns and I will help if I can. Sorry too so long but not on this site everyday. Take care and God bless, Ruth

I was banded 12/16/09 and have lost 23 pounds so far. I am starting my exercise program today, have not done any yet. So far so good, yes periods screwed up but that is normal after surgery. Need to find more things to eat..eating the same thing over and over. Live alone so do not like to cook for one but need some ideas...

Mandy, I too got my surgery done in Mexico. I am going to Virginia Beach to get my fill done and I live in Richmond. Contact fillcenterusa.com and they will tell you the closest place to you. I am going tomorrow for first fill so will let you know how it goes. Ruth