Any March Banders out there

[chubbychecker 1]

Anyone getting banded this month?

I am going to schedule surgery hopefully for mid month. I have had some reservations, but now am convinced I need this to help me to do what it takes to get this weight off. I know the band itself doesn't help alone, but with the reduced eating and exercise it will work. I am so excited about my new lifestyle.

Also anyone reading New Earth?

[RoseCity Girl 0]

ChubbyChecker (cute)

I am scheduled for surgery March 7th and I am so excited! I know that this band will help me to regain the life I once had before I put on the weight. I can not wait for my surgery. I am somewhat nervous, but I am not changing my mind. I hope that you get a surgery date soon!!

[ssdown 0]

Count me in for March 4! I am on the fun liquid diet then will go to Clear Liquids the day before the surgery. I can't wait to be on my way!

[hopeinapril 1]

Hi Chubby:

Check the support group thread for all of us March bansters. They came up with a really cool name "Shrinking Shamrocks".

My date is 3/25 and I am excited that it is finally moving forward.

Welcome to the group.

I don't start the liquid diet until later this month, but I'm thinking of ya all! I am doing the pre-op 1600 calorie diet which is not bad. Especially when I see some of the requirements others have to go through.

[cheercoach08 0]

I am hoping for the end of March. I have to do my last weigh in on Monday, then they will send off to my insurance for approval. Good luck everyone!

[SpecialK 22]

Yep, here is the link:

March 08 Bandsters - Lap Band Talk Forum - The largest forum for Lap Band Surgery Discussion and Lap Band Surgery Support

[afbflf 0]

Just got it done and I felt compelled to write this testimonial after returning from Mexico where I received my lapband from Dr. Joya. I am a nurse from the USA, who has been dealing with weight loss issues for years. I tried many weight loss tactics which all resulted in failure, (lose 10 pounds, gain 15). I didn't have time for exercise, ( 2 jobs, kids, etc). and a million excuses for not being able to. Besides, with being overweight, I didn't have the energy and I lacked self-esteem, so there was no motivation for exercise. (I did try the gym for a short time, but that didn't seem to give me results. I seemed to eat more, since I was burning calories. Besides, I wasn't committed for the above reasons).

So, in desperation, I realized I wanted to do something about my weight. I didn't want gastric bypass. That is too permanent, I am not sure about long term consequences and I need to be able to reverse what I am doing for my weight loss, just in case , down the road, they find harmful side effects. And that is where the lapband seemed the best alternative. I spoke with nutritionists who have said the key to weight loss is small, frequent meals. My problem is Portion Control. When I really like something, I don't control my portion size. It is difficult, since I am considered an "emotional eater" or "stress eater" too. I find satisfaction and comfort in GOOD food. So, the lapband appears that it will fix my greatest downfall, and that is portion control.

Now, I had to decide how to go about getting the lapband done. Insurance wouldn't cover it. So, I had to pay cash. In the USA, cheapest was $11,000. In Mexico, it was $8,000. Now, my decision was, should I chance going to Mexico. I am dealing with a surgery and putting my life into the hands of someone in a country, that I am not familiar with. You know, you hear the stories, "substandard care, cockroaches, etc". Well, let me tell you. All of my fears were unnecessary. When I researched online MD's in Mexico, there didn't appear to be any negative comments on Dr. Joya. There is a lapband site not affiliated with Dr. Joya that adds comments on all lapband doctors and Dr. Joya was spoken of with all positive comments.

So, let me tell you of my experience. After two years of deliberating. When I decided I wanting to get the lapband, I called Dr. Joya and was able to schedule my surgery within 2 weeks. I paid the $8,000 and that included everything ( no hidden costs). They paid and arranged the airfare, transportation (except back to the airport from the hotel, that cost $5), and all surgical related expenses. Nothing else came out of my pocket.

Now here is my story of my journey. I arrived Mexico on Tuesday, (by myself). The prearranged taxi, by Dr. Joya was waiting for me. They brought me to the Cornerstone Hospital (nice, clean hospital, NO signs of filth. JCHACO, Department of Health would not have any environmental issues). They performed tests on me. They got my blood work and IV with one needle stick. After 4 hours and meeting key players dealing with my healthcare, I went to the OR. I was awake as I was transferred to the OR table and they applied monitoring equipment on me. I was thinking OK, where is anesthesia, I am ready for the good stuff that will knock me out. I was thinking, OK, I saw enough of the OR, when are they going to knock me out. And, before you know it, I am opening my eyes and the procedure is over. It only lasted 30 minutes. Pain was minimal, the staff was great at giving pain medicine in the IV. Don't refuse it, just keep asking for it. There is no need to be uncomfortable. I was able to walk to the bathroom that night, without any problems. I slept on and off through the night. Not because of pain, but because I couldn't believe I did it. The next morning I showered and packed for the Hotel. I didn't have any problems with any valuables missing. The key people spoke English. (the only thing I would suggest is bring a small translation book for Spanish when you speak to ancillary help). Just in case there is something you want. I wanted chicken broth, but the dietary staff didn't understand. So then they transferred me to the Hotel. It was a beach front hotel and under other circumstances, I would have had a blast at that hotel. But, since I just had surgery, I wasn't exactly up to "partying it up". I felt good, but not that good.

I recovered that 2nd night in the hotel, taking my pain meds and antibiotics that Dr. Joya provided. The next day, Thursday, I was on my way home. I went to the shops next to the hotel for mementos, but found Puerto Varlet to be commercialized with Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Outback’s, etc. Hey, I thought I was in Mexico, but, I almost felt like I was back home. Except in Mexico, it was 79 degrees, not 20. There was a beautiful ocean, it was nice. So, I took a taxi back to the airport (10 minutes away) and I was on my way home. I got in Philly at 2am and drove straight to work at 5am. Yes, I felt that okay, that I went to work. I wouldn't advise you to do that, you should pamper yourself for a day or two. But, for me, it was unavoidable. Bottom line though, is that I was actually okay enough to do it.

So, for anyone that is skeptical and wants to know if they should do it. I say go for it. You will not be disappointed. I received care that was comparable to care that you would receive in the USA. I was safe. The price was awesome and there were no extra expenses. I definitely would recommend Dr. Joya. He is professional. He has staff like Natalie, that "hold your hand" and walk you through the whole experience. And once you return to the United States, there are Doctors in your area that will monitor and fill your band as needed so that you don't have to travel back to Mexico. Not that I wouldn't love to travel back there, because I definitely would have Dr. Joya follow up with me. But, because of the cost of travel, it makes it difficult.

I hope this information helps anyone considerin

[zetagal 0]

I am getting banded on Friday, March 07, 2008. Nervous but, excited.

[mrodr41 0]

I go in for my pat on the 5th and I am scheduled to be banded on the 26th

[mrodr41 0]

where is the calendar on the home page? I wanted to add my surgery date but am not sure where to go on the home page to get to it.

[ronwifey 0]

afbflf~ thank you so much for your story. I love reading all the details of peoples' experiences.

My surgery is Monday March 3rd :tongue:. Today I plan to pig out :w00t:, lol. Tormorrow I have to eat light Breakfast and then at noon I drink that Citrate stuff and another bottle at 4 and then that's it :cheers2:. I go in to the hospital at 8:30 a.m. Am I scared........HECK YA! :huggie:

[Sweet_pea_2 0]

I'm also a nurse and from Louisiana. I'm scheduled for the lap band on March 17th. My cost is appoximately $15,000 and I'm having it done here in Shreveport about 15 minutes from where I live. I like the idea of having the same doctor for both the surgery and the follow up. What I'm paying includes all follow up with him as well. I understand that it was less expensive in Mexico and I hope that you find someone who follows you who doesn't charge a lot and who is good at what they do. My doctor is awesome. Best of luck!

[innertube 0]

Hi, march bandsters. Is anyone as excited as I am..... a little nervous, but I eased some of my nerves by "research" when I first started this process and found out how this thing works in "mexico" I was shocked at the some of the information I found out there.

Then I came accross the thread "How to search for Dr. in Mexico 101" Thanks to "wasabubblebut" I did my research and thank God I did........ I started with each Dr. and went down the list until I found the one with the best credentials, and experiance to not only do "lapbands" but also the one who can do "everything" in case of an emergency. I didn't choose my Dr. because he was nice, his eyes, beside manner, or because someone referred me, nor did I go with my gut instinct. I feel good about all the research I have done, and for those of you who are newbies, please please do your research before making your decision.

Any of you March bandsters be in Mexicali March 7th, would love to see you there.

[tenten 0]

Hello.. I will be banded on March 19th. I can't wait. I go on the liquid diet on the 5th. Good luck to everyone this month!

[k_podski 2]

Hi Chubby Checker:) I go in March 19! Best of luck to you.. Make sure to check out the March 08 bandsters link:)

Best of luck Ronwifey!! I can't wait to be in your shoes.. Only 18 more days to go.. GOOD LUCK!!:w00t:

~Kerri