Central Florida Lapbandsters?

[Iulizbug 0]

I was banded on 03/10/06 and also went to Mexico for my surgery. I had lots of problems trying to get good aftercare here in Florida. I did try going to Dr.Grossard but like you mentioned, he is very picky about who he takes so I couldn't go there. I tried FillCenterUSA but had really lousy service and didn't feel comfortable having the nurse practicioner filling me. She didn't have any idea where my port was so that was the end of that. I eventually found Dr.Jessee in Largo, Florida and am pleased. She isn't cheap--$400 for a fill in her office plus your initial visit must be done with fluro for $550 but I believe it is worth it for a competent surgeon. I live in Tampa so it isn't that far for me to drive. It may be a stretch for you. Good luck with what you decide on. Just stay away from FillCentersUSA--it is cheaper but not worth the bad service.

~Liz~

banded 03/10/06

Dr.Ortiz

237/205/150

5'7''

[Jarquin 0]

Thanks Melody, that helps me a lot. I'm actually going up to North Georgia in July and I like the Outpatient idea, so I think I'll look into that. Did they do all your pre-op tests there too ? Or did you need to get those done seperately ?

The Mexican docs all sound very competent, but I think I'd prefer somewhere closer to home !

Jarquin.

[Telly 4]

I need to call Dr. Grossbard. I want to check and see if one day in a few weeks or so, when I am ready, if he will take me in as a follow up patient. I'd prefer to go back to Monterrey Mexico for Dr. Rumbaut to follow up.

[MelodyJ 0]

Jarquin--

I don't doubt the Mexican docs are VERY competent....but aftercare is SO important!!!!

I did my pre-op tests w/ my own physician and my insurance would cover those!!! If you code them correctly you can do anything!! For the UGI (upper GI) you need to have reflux (530.81--that's the code) then they have you do your Thyroid (fatigue will work...most overweight people are tired).....lipids are 272.2; Your doctor should know....then I had to have an EKG---I did have a history of palpitations...so that worked!! Then I went and got copies of EVERYTHING and took it myself to the doc....I'm medical so I know how bloopers happen!! I even hand-carried them w/ me to surgery....just in case!!

Hope this helps....I truly LOVE being banded!!!! I feel such control and feel like this was the answer to prayer!!!!!

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

[Jarquin 0]

Thanks again Melody. I'm waiting to hear back from Dalton and I think I'm going to contact Dr.Grossbard about my after care. All depends on the cost, but I'm pleased to say that my husband is 100 % behind me ~ he may not understand why this is important to me, but he's supporting me !

Jarquin.

[MelodyJ 0]

Jarquin--

That is WONDERFUL that your husband is supportive....mine too!! He is my biggest champion daily!!!!!!!!! And he is enjoying less of me lately

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

[Lisa2403 0]

Has anyone ever heard of or used Dr Vaughn in Jupiter Fl for aftercare.

The website is: http://www.surgicalweightcontrol.com/swcs/aboutus.html

I haven't been yet, but the office did tell me he would see me (I am a Mexico pt). They are trying to help me get an insurance referral too.

I would appreciate any info.

Lisa

[MelodyJ 0]

Sorry Lisa have not heard of him....give me details....he's actually closer than my going to Zephyrhills!! Might be good!?!?

God BLess,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -47lbs

[blk_bandit 0]

Hey Florida Peeps, I'm new and I'm not banded yet. I'm in the waiting period. I submitted all my paperwork to US bariatrics and I'm going to my PCP to get a referal in a couple of days. Hoping insurance will pick it up. They have picked it up for other people in the company so I'm sure they will with me. I was/still am a little very nervous but my nerves have calmed down. I prayed and was waiting on God to see if this was a good move and I'm slowly getting my answer. I'm hoping to get Dr. K. Kim and was wanting to know how it went for you Telly or anyone else who's used him. I'm getting married in 3 weeks so I can't schedule any classes or anything until I come back from my honeymoon. At first I was upset with myself because I abandoned all thoughts and planning of my wedding and started concentrating soley on getting banded and now I'm coming around to being normal. I'm not going to worry about it until I get back and I see this as the next chapter of my life. My Fiance is not really happy about the surgery but he knows it is what I want so He's dealing with it but he is starting to say little things like, You really don't look that big, I think your beautiful which is wonderful but since he has never been overweight he doesn't know how it feels. I am a very girly girl and love to do womanly things and just can't do it. I can't cross my legs. I can't bend over to buckle my shoes, all my sexy shoes don't fit anymore, (I'm a shoe whore) and it seems like I'm wearing flats, flip flops or sneakers only and it's killing me. I don't feel sexy at all, I have to have my inhaler all the time and get short of breath walking short distances. On top of that I'm diabetic and on high blood pressure meds. So I know I'm going thru this and he'll be there with me all the way. I'm not interested in being the ideal weight any longer, at one point I was but every body is different, when I weighed 150 lbs I was a size 8. Right now I want to lose about 80 lbs at first to put me at 200lb and then work on losing another 20. So my IDEAL weight is 180.

I can't wait to get the process started and make new friends in the area. My ultimate goal for myself is to enter some sort of triatholon and just finish it and have pictures.

Can't wait to hear from all the central florida banders. Sorry for such a long post but it is my first one and I just had to get all these words out.

Peace

[DOC 0]

Hey Fellow Floridians..........

Southeast Florida here. Palm Beach County. I am always up for a drive so If you get together on a weekend... I'll come. I haven't hooked up with anyone down here...

[MelodyJ 0]

Blk Bandit--

Welcome!!

I had my surgery in Dalton, GA---I lived there....moved here about 2 mos ago and am following up w/ Dr Grossbard in Zephyrhills, FL (near Tampa). I only know that Dr. Kim requires $1000 to "join" if you don't have your surgery w/ him for follow up care....I don't think Telly did hers w/ him.....but she'll let ya know I'm sure.

Just reassure your fiance....show him statistics and answer his questions... don't poo-poo his fear...it's all in love I'm sure!!! My husband said NO at first...then I came back w/ answers and statistics and he has been totally supportive!!

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

[MelodyJ 0]

Doc---

Welcome!!!! It might be fun to work out a get together.....

Let's see who else jumps in!!!!

God Bless,

MElody

Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs

[DOC 0]

Where is telly... she is can ride her bike and meet me half way! LOL

[Telly 4]

Where is telly... she is can ride her bike and meet me half way! LOL

Hey Doc, if it's all paved then I can meet you on my bike no problem. You'll probably die if I did huh? I rode my bike 35.1 miles last Sunday, never stopped once and never drank Water the whole time. I feel really really good! You should join me.

[MelodyJ 0]

Telly and Doc----GO FOR IT.....I'll be in the a/c right now!!

That is WONDERFUL Telly....I wish I had your stamina right now....still walking about 2.5 mi---getting ready to add aerobics too it...soon!!

How's the weight loss going woman???? Have you passed me yet??!?!?

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -49lbs :Banane35: