Vera

Where was it leeking? the band, port? how did they fix it? did you go back to Mexico to get it fixed? Do you know exactly which band you have? Vera:straight

Leo Thanks for the pics. It must be a good feeling to see your band! Vera

Hi Megan My lap procedure cost 10,850 plus 580. airflight from San Jose CA to Monterrey Mexico RT. The price includes everything from airport pick-up/drop off, hotel 2 nights, Santa Engracia Hospital 1 day, staff/surgery and meds. This is with Dr. Sanchez. I have my first fill scheduled for 9/24 about 30 miles from home, for estimated 300. FYI Dr Sanchez will give free fills there in Mexico if your his patient. Vera

Thanks I'm feeling better and yes I went out for the first time to a fish restaurant and had a small cup of chowder when here came the hiccups really load, I'll have to remember what Spring said "My Band is talking to me" thats great. Vera

Cindy, Michelle Congratulations I put off my Wedding 2 years because of my weight, now I'm starting to plan it. Maybe in Hawaii? My sister would tell me "you'll never lose weight just do the wedding" Im 2 weeks post-op and 20 lbs down, I haven't even told her about the band yet lol. Vera:)

I'm 2 weeks post-op and down 20 lbs. I thought I'd try some mush foods. I'v been drinking more than enough fluids. So I had about 4 tlbs of mashed potatoes slowly...got the Hiccups, I thought "I'm not suppose-to drink with meals", finally they passed. Then the next day I tried some cream-chicken soup, got the hiccups again this time I drank some water. The part thats wierd is the hiccups feel deep down my throat, I guess I'm alittle scared. As you guess I'm not going to eat today. But I'm wondering how normal is this. Thought I'd ask this forum before calling the doc. Vera

Hi Janie I'm in Morgan Hill, personally I don't know anyone around here who has a band. soon I will have my first Fill with Dr. Pamela Foster in Burligame, hope to meet some people there. I use to live on Boulder brook dr back in the 80s, nice place. Now I live on Lake Anderson and I love it here. Just planted 2 10 ft redwoods to start my forest lol. Vera

cncnutt I too have a 2 year old, hes 30 lbs. Yes you should'nt lift post surgery but I didn't have much of a choose, hes very active and a climber, even with child-proofing. My hardest problem was bending down, even at the knees. Its been about 2 weeks post-op and everythings fine, but I still try not to lift him. Vera:)

Hey Barb, I asked Dr Sanchez before leaving Mexico, "no more than 4cc max 1st fill" for both AMI or Lap 11. Vera

Hey August banders, I got banded last week, before the surgery I was trying not to eat then gave in 3 days before, and munched out but didn't feel good about it. Remember not to eat 12+ hours before surgery. What made my surgery calm was the doctor had some low music on and I kept jokeing with the pre-op staff and I felt very ready. Now I'm not hungry at all, food isn't applealing, I'v droped 7 lbs. I'm Jazzed. Good luck and my thoughts are with you. Vera

I know Dr. Sanchez uses 2 difforant bands, The Lap11 and the AMI. They are not bad bands But the AMI "which I have" is not US FDA approved. It dosen't have a Buckle and is a bit wider than the "Lap 11". I have not received my first Fill yet, but I have no pain and feel great. I trully believe he is a Great Doctor. Sorry to hear of your grief and good luck with your wieght loss. Vera:rolleyes:

Veras banded, Just got Banded 8/14/03 in Monterrey Mexico by Dr. Sanchez. It was an eventful trip, Airflight to Houston then Mexico and back plus the surgery all in 4 days. The staff there is great but I truly Love Dr.Sanchez he is a very warm and loving man. Its been 4 days since my surgery and I don't have much pain mostly gas and thanks to all the reading on this websight I've identified it like shoulder pain which I've never had before and am doing a lot of walking. I was walking 2 hours post-op all over the place with my IV. Jeanette, Barb, Wayne, Libby, Rosemarie and Sheryle the gang in Mexico Say Hi! Thanks for this Forum and all the personal information of your experiences. Alexandra I thought of you a lot, I believe you've only have few more days. I hope your Surgery is as calm and painless as mine. You'll be on my mind and I'm sure you'll let us know how it went. Robin and Wednesday your my inspiration I know its been a lot of work, look at you now! Alex, Leo, Dawn, Alexis, Annette... thanks for your insights and knowledge. This my official introduction. My name is Vera I'm 44, live in Caif. I too was 180 at 13, struggled all my life up and down the scale. I had Ulcerative Colitis and had my colon removed at 40, lots of predisone and meds prior to surgery (if anyone needs info on this, E-mail me...) I Have a 6 year old girl, 245 at birth and a 2 year old boy 265 at birth, I don't recommend having children in your 40s its hard on the body. I actually told people I was eating for 5. I Still have baby fat lol. I do work full time as an Antenna Test Engineer. O ya the Insurance game, basically nothing wrong with me just fat, opt not to fight the Insurance battle. My husbands been my best supporter, He believe your Health comes first. Now for new goals! I've learned its not just achieving goals, but enjoy the process of getting there. Enjoy each day. Vera:rolleyes:

Oops Thats Capital One not citibank Vera

Thanks Jeanette I'm glad to hear of another Dr. Sanchez patient! I fly out on 8/13 for mexico!! I talked to AnnMarie this morning and to Rosemarie who I guess was there at the same time as Barb? I'm so excited. FYI I got 2 low % credit cards Pulanski Bank 5.9 and the no hassle Citibank 4.9. I Can't Wait! It's taken me 2 mo.s to pull this together. The only worry I'v got is I'm going alone, but from everything I'v read I'll be fine. Vera

I'm glad we're discusing this. I too have had other sugeries, on 3/8/00 gull bladder removed (no biggie), on 5/8/00 Colon removed and recum replumbed (8 inch scar from my bellybutton down) and 2 c-sections. I was told that it might take longer to do the procedure, but shouldn't be a problem. My Lap is sceduled for 8/14/03. I'll keep you posted on the outcome. Vera

Hey Nicole, Barb and Alexandra too I'm also going to have Dr. Sanchez do my band on 8-14-03. Too cool! I'm getting so excited. Barb did you meet AnnMarie? she seems so nice, did you go by yourself? was it done at the ODC in Garza Garcia, or the new hospital? Is there anything you can think of to bring besides pjs, toothbrush....? Vera

Mae Thats a Great price, I'm sure his prices have gone up since then. I'm just glad I'm going to do it, and in my research I'v found that the docs in the US haven't been doing the procedure as long as in other counties because of FDA approval... I did start battleing my insurance co but didn't have any medical necessity, just a BMI of 39.7. So I got a 5.9% credit card and I'm off to Monterrey Mexico next week. I'v talked to other patients who had it done by Dr. Sanchez and they're very very happy and had nothing but good things to say about there Mexico experience. I'm now tring to find a good Fill Doc without traveling 3 hrs, I'v been told of Dr. Billy in Truckee Ca, Who asks for $300 for the first fill and the rest are free. Since your near Mexico I'm sure you get your Fills there right? A nurse that I'v talk to does here own Fills but she won't show me or advice me to do so. I understand, she knows her own body. Anyway 1 more week, I'm putting down alot more fluids with smaller meals.. Its my way of preping for the event. Vera

Good Luck, I'm having my Lap-band surgery in Mexico on Aug. 14, Its costing me $10,850, plus airfare $560 rt. Vera