Central Florida Lapbandsters?

[Iulizbug 0]

I am from Tampa FL and visit Orlando and Jacksonville frequently. I love to bike *(used to when I was thinner....) but right now I know I wouldn't make it very far!!!:faint:Give me a few more months though and I will be all for it!!

~Liz~

banded 03/10/06

Dr. Ariel Ortiz

237/210/150

5'7''

[JenWillwin 0]

Thanks Melody!

$995??? wELL GEEZ wHen I went to Dr. Ferguson for my psych eval there who works alongside Dr. Kim she said I can go to the support groups but she never mentioned this fee. I think one of his support groups is tonight but count me out b/c I am still paying for the actual surgery! Thanks anyways for the info!

[MelodyJ 0]

Jenwillwin--

Double check....I was checking more on them doing the fills.....maybe you can attend the support?!? Double check...hate to give you the wrong info!!

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -37lbs:)

[Telly 4]

MelodyJ you are right. I called Dr. Kim first for the lapband surgery but his prices were nuts. Also the follow up, support group and fills, you are correct. That's the price I got around April 6th.

[Telly 4]

Support Group and Meeting Central Florida or Florida bandsters. Anyone interested in helping start one?

[JenWillwin 0]

I wonder if we can just go to the support group for Dr. Kim b/c I really need to speak with people about this and I cant afford $1000

[MelodyJ 0]

Jenwillwin-

Did

[MelodyJ 0]

Jenwillwin-

I keep hitting the tab button....this sends my message!! I"ll figure this out!! Anyway....did you find out if you can join Dr. Kim's support group w/o paying the fee????

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -43lbs

[Teachntots 0]

I'm not in Central Florida, but Tampa. Glad to hear your stories. My doctor has a support group at Memorial Hospital in Tampa. I didn't go to the one last month because of the hockey playoffs, but look forward to going to the one in May. Let me know if you're interested...I'll get you the info.

[Telly 4]

Is Dr. Kim's free?

[MelodyJ 0]

How's everyone doing in FL????? Updates on your weight loss and how you feel?!?!?!?

I feel GREAT!!!! I have went from almost NO activity (lazy) and up to 2.3mi/day walking!! YAY!!!!

I've lost 44lbs....but weigh in Thursday for my weekly...hoping for MORE!!!

I am drinking my Water.....making healthy food choices (most days ) I am so happy w/ this choice in my life!! The Band is the best choice I've made!!!

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -44lbs

[Telly 4]

YAY MELODYJ!!! You are doing it right. I'm happy and proud of you. You are a success and continue to be a positive influence on the community. Keep on keepin on.

I lost 41lbs to date, banded on 04/11/2006, drink madd amounts of Water, exercise twice per day at times. Only missed 2 days of workouts since my return home from surgery. Love my food choices and I am happy with the band too. Where are you in Florida? I'm in Central Florida, Kissimmee area. Would love to meet up with someone locally on Sunday's for long bike rides or runs/jogs.

[MelodyJ 0]

WOW!!! TellyMelly you are going to pass me up soon....and you got it after me!!! GOOD JOB!!!!!!!!!!

I live in Orange CIty....but I'm not ready for your killer long bike rides yet!!! I am just now somewhat getting in shape!!!!!!!!!!!!

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -44lbs

[Jarquin 0]

Hi everyone. I've just joined this forum as I'm looking to be Lap Banded too. I'm so pleased to find others in or near Kissimmee ~ I have so many questions to ask you !

I'm going to be self-pay, and so far it looks like I'll be going to Mexico. Did anyone go to Dalton GA for this ? Any idea of the price there ?

Also where you do get your fills done locally ? Are they expensive ?

I'd really appreciate any help/advice you ladies can give me, I'm nervous about doing this, but I think it's probably going to be the best thing for me. You all sound so happy and positive ~ I can't wait to join you !

[MelodyJ 0]

Jarquin--

This is so cool....I lived in TN when I had my band 3/20/06....Actually did it w/ www.lapbandinstitute.com w/ Dr. Ponce and he did it in Dalton, GA as an outpatient surgery...I was self-pay so outpatient was SO MUCH CHEAPER than a hospital!!! I paid $13,000 in TN....now I do my f/ups in Zephyrhills w/ Dr Grossbard who LOVES Dr. Ponce....good friends and so he scooped me right up! Dr. Ponce is about 1 of 10 (according to Grossbard) that have done in the 1000's of these surgeries. Make sure if you get your surgery done in Mexico you have a f/up doc....those are the most important visits after the surgery to keep you losing!! My fills w/ Dr Grossbard was $200....that's w/ flouro....so pretty reasonable...but he's picky and doesn't take just anybody. Dr. Kim in Orlando wants you to pay $995 to "join" if you weren't banded by him...this includes the first fill but then they are around $200 after that. Dr. Jawad won't take anyone that wasn't banded by him....if anything goes wrong in Mexico...what will you do way over here?? I"m a medical person and that's the things you have to question....most docs that do the surgery include the first year f/up in their price......

Hope this helps!!

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs