sweetrepose

Hi there! I was banded by Dr. Tersigni too. We stayed at the Mill Casino - I think it's about the same rate. Reminder, if you a self pay, save all your receipts for milage and hotel and of course ALL your medical receipts for taxes. My surgery was a wonderful experience, no complications. Wonderful staff - AJ is awesome and can tell you anything about Protein and fitness. I highly recommend them. I am down 70lbs. I am on my 4th fill. I think one more fill and I will fine the perfect spot. I am so much happier being 70lbs lighter and could not do it without the band. People keep calling me skinny even at 225 lbs. I would say about about 55 more lbs to go, my doctor says 180 would be good for me, but I kind of want to get down to 160. I am running out of clothes. Good luck with your sucess!

I too was in a lot of pain. The recommendations that were given to me and help relieve the pain for awhile is: Take some Gas-X and go for a walk.. Also put a warm WET town between you and the heating pad. Mine lasted for about two weeks, I promise you it will go away. Good luck!

I totally understand. I think most people are not educated on the Lap Band yet and so they give their opinions on what they know about other weight loss surgeries that we all know may not be as safe or effective. The one I love, that came from a skinny person was, "why don't you just eat less?" Luckily I have had many supportive family and friends. It helps to educate them. Good Luck!

I have currently located one doctor in Coos Bay, Dr. Tersigni (Bay Bariatrics) who is reasonable priced. Does anyone know of any other doctors in Oregon or Washington that only charges $10,000 to $12,000 for the Lap Band? I am not interested in going to Mexico!!! I live in Newberg which is about 20 minutes from Portland. I am unfortunantly going to be a self pay. I don't mind going to Coos Bay, but If there are any doctors that would preform the surgery for that cost and is closer to me that would be outstanding. Has anyone negotiated the price with the doctor? If, so, how did you do it who is the best person to talk to.. Kathy

I have that exact pain on the left side of my belly button. I am fine laying down, but when I get up, It feels as if someone is pulling on my muscles, or should I say somthing (port). It is so uncomfortable and burns. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to ease the pain, (heat, cold ?). I do push on my stomach when I get up and that seems to help a little bit. I have to go to work on Monday and I am scared I wont be able to sit at my desk all day.

I was banded on Monday and I am still having the terrible shoulder pain. I have been laying on a heating pad and an ice pack, taken gas stips, walked and had my husband massage that area. It seems to feel better at times, but always comes back. I sure hope this will pass.

I was banded June 23rd and have lost 8 lbs. I am ONLY drinking 3 oz of broth, protein drinks, etc inbetween the sips of water, tea, etc... I am taking in about 90-100 grams of protein which helps burn fat and also gives me energy. I am having a hard time getting 64 ounces of fluid inbetween though. I have all the suger free jello, popsicles, but have not wanted them, so maybe my intake on sugar is low and that is why I am losing more, not sure if that is good or not.

Does anyone know of a good fitness website to keep track of weight loss?

It is 7.5 % of your AGI. Also, you can add mileage to ALL your doctor visits, copays, prescriptions. No protein drinks because that is just replacing your other food intake.. Good luck

I find that I am too insecure and feel like a big fat cow on top. I will feel much better after weight loss.:smile2:

Thanks for the list. It will be helpful on getting prepared for my big day - June 23rd.

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I am going to be banded on June 23rd in Coos Bay.. Yeah! I cannot wait. It has been a long wait and saving my money. Wish me luck and pray for a healthy surgery. I am a self pay! Kathy

Or are you making excuses because you are scared? I know I have, I am going to be a self pay if my "new" insurance doesn't cover it.

Does anyone know when the support group meets in McMinnville and where? I tried to contact someone through obesityhelp.com and they never replied. Getting banded 5-2-08. Kathy

I too am scared and have had second thoughts. I am a self pay and I keep thinking what I could do with the money if I didn't get the band. Reside our house, save the money for a nice down payment on our next house, pay off my car, pay towards my school loan, etc.... If I don't do this, I will be paying alot more money in my future for medications, I will be miserably overweight and unhappy. Go for it, I tell myself. They have to put a list of complications or posisble side effects on EVERYTHING! They even tell you to take the plastic off of a frozen pizza before you put it in the oven. It is for their protection as well as ours. Hang in there! Like someone else said earlier, that there could be 10 pages of complications of just being overweight! Good Luck!

I have felt guilty too, but I am moving forward with this. Just think of it as a "tool" to your weight loss. You still have to work at it!