~Jules~

MIchelle, If you are a bulk eater, the band will work for you. It keeps you from overeating. It won't let you eat too much. It may take a few adjustments to get to the right point for you, but it really keeps you from being hungry. In the beginning of my decision, I didn't want to tell anyone. I have gradually told a few and now, I don't care who knows. At first I thought I was a failure because I couldn't do it on my own, but I don't look at it like that anymore. The band is a tool and you have to work with it. It won't be easy, but it will certainly work. Keep reading the posts on this website. It is amazing what you will learn. My insurance didn't cover it, but it was because of a clause excluding weight loss surgery that my employer added to our coverage. I went to Mexico after extensive research and am very happy with the decision. I saved A LOT of money going there and the doc I used (as well as many others in Mexico) have a lot more experience than the U.S. docs do because it has been approved in Mexico for many more years than it has been in the U.S. Good Luck in your journey. Believe me, it is VERY worth it.

I went to Dr. Rodriguez in Acuna which is just on the other side of the border from Del Rio. It is about 2.5 hours from San Antonio. I flew to San Antonio from Dallas and his patient coordinator picked me up at the airport and took us across the border to the hospital. It was a wonderful experience. They treated us so nice. I would do it again in a heartbeat. My sister went with me and had a blast. We enjoyed the patient coordinator, Barbara and the other two patients that had surgery that day.

No problem Mandy, Just thought I'd tell ya.

Is the mini port and the low profile port the same thing?

Mandy, This doesn't work.

QUOTE]Believe me I would never imply that teachers are stupid, getting an easy degree, etc. I am one of the few that think educators should make more money then even they dream. This to me is one of the most important jobs in our society. Why am I the only one? Teachers making $40,000 are at the top of their game. They should be making $100,000 + in my opinion. Why is it that so many of our educators leave their field? Because they have families they have to support as well. No one gives them hazzard pay either for what they have to endure each day. That should be worth another $25,000/yr. I want politicians that put education first. Education is the ONLY thing that will save us. This is my opinion. Barbara, I agree with this post. Teachers should be paid more. But I also don't think that is what Carlene is saying.

Butch, Try going to Inamed's website. They are the company that makes the band. They have a doc locator on the site. Maybe you can find someone that way. It sure has to be cheaper than flying to NY. Be proud of what you have done. You might not have gotten to the goal that you want, but you sure have come a long way. I am proud of you and I don't even know you. lol. Good luck.

Sonia, I went back to work last Monday. :-(

Mandy, Isn't it funny how kids look at things different. It is a great victory for you but not necessarily for her. lol

I am so hungry. I am tired of liquids and have 6 more days. Lord help me.

I was checking out the pics that Joy Joy and qbanita75 posted. I only have 3 incisions. Since I don't have a spleen or a gall bladder, my liver was retracted enough that I didn't have to have but the three. I am so happy. I think it has helped my rehab as well. Maybe just mentally, but I'll take it either way. Has anyone else heard of this? Just curious.

The tape will also keep something from getting caught on it. Like a piece of equipment or something.

It means productive burp. Or productive burping. It really isn't quite like vomiting because you don't have the stomach acid with it. The food just doesn't go all the way down. I hope this helps.

Christine, I have been without my spleen for about 3 years now. I have Spherocytocis (sp) which basically means my red blood cells are round. Literally round, not flat kind of like a frisbee. My spleen was being prejudice against them and I was having a vicious cycle going on. Anyway...... I haven't had any problems being without it. Maybe your doc will feel better about it after it has been a while for you without the spleen. I hope so for your sake, because I am so happy to finally be banded. I know this is what I needed to help me get the excess weight off of me. If you have any questions that I might can answer, I will be more than happy to answer. Take care.

Hello everyone, I am back at work and in front of my computer. I had my surgery on Thursday and feel great. I have had other surgeries so that probably helps. I don't have a spleen or a gallbladder so when I got into the surgery he only had to make 3 incisions. How cool is that?! That probably helps my rehab as well. I haven't had any shoulder pain like I expected from the gas. I do feel like I am starving all of the time, but I will get past that. I know some of it is just air moving around in my belly. I hope to experiment in the kitchen this afternoon and fix me up a few things to drink this week. I am wanting a smoothie too so I will probably work something up along that line too. I am glad to hear everyone is doing well. I am so glad to have joined the "banded" side. Take care.

I can't sleep. I should be because I have to be up in 5 hours to get ready. Today is the day. I guess I should at least try and sleep and quit reading posts on the computer. Good luck to everyone. I will post when I get back.

Jessica, I am getting banded on Thursday as well. Woo Hoo!!!! It is just right around the corner. I am ready to start healing and get on this journey. Good Luck!!!!

She should know better than to eat pizza. At least the bread part is not smart. But you can always just eat the topping. That is certainly what I am going to do. I think that will passify my craving for pizza. I am counting down the days. The 26th is just around the corner. Woo Hoo.

Irish Dancers, Try increasing your protein; via either protein drinks or adding protein powder in your broth/soups. Are you getting around 50 grams of protein in per day? Maybe that will help.

Carrie, Thanks for taking the time to update us. I hope with a little saline out and a little more time, it will get better for you.

Sherrie, I have been reading these posts for several weeks now. I feel like I know some of the people that post often. It is kind of funny that I have read so many posts, but have only posted a few myself. I will post after I get back and let you know how it goes. Only 8 more days.......... Woo Hoo!!! I have lost 7-8 pounds already on the pre-op diet. I would never have thought that. lol

Telly, You look amazing. You are so beautiful. You are so helpful to so many of us on this website. Thank you for sharing your journey. You are truly an inspiration!!!!

Mindy, Where in Texas are you?

Carrie, Hopefully a little unfill will be enough. Let us know how you are doing. Take care.

One more (soon to be banded) Texan here. I am just north of Dallas. I have 8 more days to go. I am so ready to begin my journey. I think this is going to be the help that I need. I do realize it will be work and the band won't do it all by itself, but it will certainly help me along the way. Good luck to you all!!!