Vera

WOW Audrey Congratulations:banana:banana :banana

Hi Kathy and Welcome to Lapbandtalk I was banded in Monterrey MX and have had 3 fills. First by Dr. Lim under flouroscope (Penn. hospital, San Bruno, CA) via Dr. Pamela Foster. The other 2 (blind) fills by Dr. Robert Mckeen, San Jose CA www.southbaybariatrics.com I also know of Dr. Helmuth Billy of Ventra and Truckee (2 offices). What part of CA are you from? Just South of the border there are fine Doctors that I don't know details on, but I'm sure Sue or Donali do.

CONGRATULATIONS Hugs to you!~ Good luck this friday

:mad: Neicy Welcome to Lapbandtalk Congratulations on your decision to be banded. I researched for 2 months and decided the band was for me. 2 months later I was banded. My insurance wouldn't cover it either, and I'm still paying for it but its worth it. I've lost 55lbs so far. Is this AnnMarie Tesei? If so yes she's very nice and I met her while I had my band placed in Mexico with Dr. Sanchez. So she's now with Rumbaut or did she recommend both doctors? I know she's an avocet for the AMI swedish band, her husband Eric, who also has an AMI band does fills in Las Vegas. I have an AMI also and am doing very well with it (possible kinked hose but other then that) I love my band. The reason I bring up the AMI band is follow up care and fills. Make sure you find a doctor near you who will fill any type of band or else demand an Inamed band. There are many of us that went to Mexico to have our bands placed. Will you be bringing someone with you? Do pack lite. Keep us posted

My-goodness Hiccups are every day to me, Just reading this thread made me hungry! these are all the foods I eat in small Qty's, eventhou cottage-cheese is my staple most mornings and the only-thing I don't hiccup on. When eating with others , I think slow down. Isn't it amazing how fast people can eat. I have the same Burp-nosie-gurgle stuff going on Ginger. Even drinking water....

Kombat My thoughts are with you on a healthy, healing recovery. You have had a ordeal. You will feal better soon!

I'm throwing all of you, This is how I compare, not in volume but in performance. I have the swedish band and I don't respond to most surveys cause theres no comparesion. What I've notice is Europeon Bands at placement... they get at-least 1'cc fill, now I'm watching the "VG". It's how they work. Thanks for the details N2BF2L I'm at 5.7cc (AMI)and for the last 3 monthes I've learned to live very comfortable. There will be more larger bands as the FDA trails proceed. Its very good to know all the details of YOUR own BAND.:mad:

Funny you should mention aspartame, about a your ago I was having hip pain and knew it wasn't my siatic nerve acting up and cut out all diet coke and was reading labels avoiding anything with it in it. Hip is fine now. Since then I heard it was a bunch of hog-wash that there is nothing wrong with aspartame(I still avoid it). Now theirs splenda which I haven't researched but use in small amounts and I do put very little sugar in my tea. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who's effected by aspartame. Jell-O wasn't something I ate but have heard that it was a good food for others post fluid stage. Gatorade is something I was "Prescribe" by my Doctor when I had my Gallbladder remover and when I had my Colon removed and believe it has electrolytes and keeps you hydrated, its my thing.

I just love your enthusiasm! Congratulations! Sound like your on your way. I had my band placed in Mexico and went by-my-self. Travel light you shouldn't lift anything heavy, bring some Gatorade, "flip-flops and a book. Be aware of some gas you will suffer besides port pain (chewable gas-x has helped some). Walk as soon as you are able. Do a lot of reading on this forum, do some searches located at the top bar next to "home" Stock up on Protein drinks, broth's, sugar-free Jell-O...(another thing to search) Start thinking of how and what you'll be eating from now on. This is life changing. Keep us posted Peace:cool:

Becky Thanks for informing us. Personally I don't know anyone that this has happen to, I'm glad that its fixed. What an aggravating situation to ordeal. Could you disclose the manufacture of your band? and Yes I would file a claim as well with your insurance. I'm self pay as well and am aware of problems that may occur. Please inform us on the outcome. Hope your feeling better. Good luck

Congratulation again! Heres to many pounds lost Glad to hear your doing good.

Amen! I love all of you!!! Thanks for so Much Support

Hi Barb I know you worked so hard to find a fill doctor and hes a long drive away. Just when you think you finaly have restriction, but your too tight. I have to agree with Donali and Alexandra. Get a slight un-fill for starters. Til then you may want to stick to fluilds, keep up your protein. Keep up us posted....Been thinking bout U

Thanks Jeanie Keep up the good work and have your bro-in-law keep taking these pics. In the future you'll appreciate the documented loss.

Hi Jeanie Welcome and Congratulations on such a wonderfull weight-loss. Lets see some of those pics

Yes... Of course after healing time. I'm about 8 mo's out and have a small salad every day. Mine are chopped small so I don't have to chew alot and I throw in alot of beans...garbonzo's and kidney for protien. It's also a great source of fiber! The only time I had trouble with salads was when I was very tight after a fill. Even today I take a few bites(get hiccups)wait, then continue slowly. Dressing is a lubricant, helps it go down. Salad is the one thing I have to have. Start with small amounts.

Congratulation Sheila Soooo Happy for you. Worth the wait. Now to start your new journey. Take it easy. Glad to hear your doing so well. :banana

Congratulation Bob Travel light, bring a couple of bottles of gatoraid, walk alot. Read alot of old posts!!! Everything will be just fine.

Thanks for letting us know whats going on.... You know I've been watching your journey as well as may others and we're concerned. I'm glad your not struggling with a big fill. Congrats on getting into size 16's! Don't buy too many new clothes. Before you know they'll be too big. Mark my words....3 monthes ago I was in 16's and last week I got 2 pairs of stretch 12 Lee Capris(tight but fit)....I believe the body compacts. It seem like alot of us get platues, 2 weeks not 1 lb down then boom 3 lbs down in 2 days. Even every day is different. Last week I had ribs, last night they wouldn't go down. Slow but steady is going to be my motto. Go out and strut them pants:D

Wow Mary I'm just seeing these pictures. Have fun in NY? I see a huge difference, I'm sure your friends will too.:banana

I saw the commercial on another forum and believe its ok to post it here. Elma and Dr. Grossbard are in it also. Congrataulations Robin you look great and your kids are adorable. To view it, you need to download Quicktime and the latest version MP4. I hope this link works. http://www.caudill4production.com/inamedlapband.html

*To live longer. *To be able to chase my kids. *To be healthy! YOUR SO WORTH IT:D Thanks MOM I want to go to Belize...

Your sooo cute! I'm 5' 5&1/2" started at 244...we're about the same starting. Its a great idea to start your websight now. I wouldn't let anyone take pic of me before surgery, I wish I would have. Good luck with all you pre-op stuff.

Congratulations Thanks for your knowledge and insights.

Chantel It was over a year ago when my PCP decided to test me for diabetes and the test result showed borderline thyroid. I had more blood tests done and went to a specialist who said I had to lose weight and wouldn't put be on meds. That's about the time I learned about the Band. Thyroid should be watched closely, and I'm glad you are doing so. Hopefully you should see a change in you weight soon. Good luck with your new fill.