ShirleyBee

I called this morning and the lady who answered said that Dr. Debarris took BCBS of AZ and that they would call me next week since he is on vacation this week. I'm not sure how this is going to work since I was banded in Mexico. I can't afford a lot of out-of-pocket expenses.

What insurance did you have? I need to see Dr. Orris and I have BCBS of AZ.

WasA I called but you must have been busy. I went to Wendy Hall yesterday and got an unfill and now I'm waiting to see what happens. The acid refluc was killing me. Just a little better but not well by a long shot. Wendy said that she thought that if I had a slippage I wouldn't be able to eat anything and I'm not having a problem with eating although I'm not eating much (by choice) and I'm watching what I'm eating. I had the stomach flu 3 weeks ago and it really did a job on me. Give me a call if you get a chance.

I was banded by Dr. Aceves in April 2007 and so far I've lost 55 pounds. I started having problems about 3 weeks ago and I'm beginning to get scared. I'm having terrible heartburn and acid reflux. I've haven't had it since the surgery until now. Has anyone else experienced this and if so, how long did it last before it went away. It's been three weeks and I know it's not just the "stomach virus" I first thought it was. Starting to worry....

Does anyone know of any doctors in Phoenix, Arizona area who will do fills for banders who were banded in Mexico? Someone gave me the name of Wendy Hall but I haven't been able to reach her and thought maybe she doesn't do fills anymore. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. I need a fill very bad and was dreading driving to Mexico.

I had my surgery done in Mexicali, Mexico (3 hours from Phoenix) in April by Dr. Aceves. He and his staff are wonderful. The cost was $8200 which included hotel stay, all test, 2 nights in hospital (if needed), transportation from San Diego airport and free fills for life. I was very skeptical about going to Mexico but 2 friends who are nurses used Dr. Aceves and highly recommended him. I'm glad I used him!

I had surgery with Dr. Aceves in Mexico in April. He and his staff were wonderful and it cost $8200 (everything included). I was referred to him by a nurse from the Mayo clinic. All I can say is really do your homework. I haven't heard anything bad about the doctors you mentioned but you want to make sure you get the best treatment you can for your money. Good Luck!

Hi AZ Banders! I live in Avondale and I was banded on April 14th in Mexico. I'm thinking about having WLIAZ do my aftercare. I can relate to some of the things you guys are going through. About 4 weeks after my surgery I really got hungry. I had my first fill Memorial Day weekend (7 days) now and so far so good. I lost 4 pounds last week. Once you start getting your fills things will be better. I didn't know what real restriction was until I got my first fill (1.5cc in a 4cc band). Sounds like you are all doing good...hang in there!

Good Luck! I'm from Phoenix and I had my lapband surgery in April. It takes some getting use to but it's well worth it!

Congratulations! I had my surgery April 14th and I've lost 25 pounds. I thought the same thing about the after diet. However, I was never hungry. For the first 4 weeks I had to make myself eat and drink. You can do this!!!! You'll be so happy you did. Granted the first couple of weeks take some getting use to but it's worth it in the end. I'd do it all over again if need be.

I paid $8,200 which covered everything (even 2 nights in the hospital if needed). All you have to pay is transporation. I borrowed the money from my 401K.

I had mine band done on April 14th by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. I had no complications and very little discomfort afterwards. He works at a small private hospital (with an ICU if needed) and he and his staff were wonderful. It's been 3 weeks and someone from his staff has kept in touch with me throughout via phone to check on my progress. I don't think I would have received half the quality care/customer service that I received with Dr. Aceves anywhere else.

Has anyone experienced a vitamin deficiency with lapband surgery? I skipped my vitamins a couple of days and on Saturday I felt pins and needles in my feet and hands all day with blurred vision. I took my vitamins on Saturday night and Sunday felt better. Could this have been a vitamin deficiency? I see my doctor today.

Hi Bubble. Haven't spoken to you this week. I just order some of the crackers. Hope they are as good as u say they are. I'm sorry I'm going to miss the luncheon Saturday. Have fun!

Central vacs are great. They work really well on ceiling fans.

Please add me to the April Bandster list. I was banded on April 14th. You all seem so nice and good at sharing important info.

Hi all. I was banded on 4/14 by Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I've been doing really well these last couple of weeks but beginning to get hungry in the evening. Last night I was craving some green beans so I ate a cup. They felt like they got stuck in my throat. I sure hope I didn't hurt something. Is anyone else getting hungry? If so, what are you eating to help besides protein? I'm just about proteined out.

I'm almost 2 weeks post op and I'm losing very slowly. I was banded on April 14th and I've only lost 7 pounds. I think it's all the protein I'm having to drink to keep my energy up. Can't wait to start on the "mushies" so maybe I won't have to drink so much protein. We'll see what happens but I'm a little disappointed also.

Just thought I'd let you know that I was in Smart and Final yesterday and they carry all of the SF DeVinci syrups in all flavors and it wasn't very expensive.

Gosh, I must be doing something wrong! I was banded on April 14th and have only lost 7 pounds. I'm only getting about 500-600 calories a day but thought I'd be losing a little better. Maybe it's my age. I'm 53 and my BMI was 38.

Thanks Rebecca that helped! My doctor wanted me to do 14 days clear liquids, 14 days full liquids and then 14 days mushies. I cut it down to 7 days because I knew my body couldn't do the 14 days. Now I'm thinking that I should maybe add something mushie (once a day) to help me feel better. It's hell trying to work a full time job when you feel so weak and dizzy. I'm just kind of "out of it".

Five more days and I can go on mushies.

No. I've been caffeine free for 2 years. However, I did eat a lot of sugar before the surgery. I think that's why I'm having blood sugar problems. I think I was diabetic but never diagnosed. I started hitting the protein heavy this morning and just now (4 hours later) starting to feel a little better. I do have vitamins but I haven't been taking them regularly. Will work on that.

I have talked to my doctor and he said to watch the blood sugar and not let it go over 200 which it hasn't. During the first 7 days I had clear liquids (protein shake mixed with water (1 a day), 1/2 calorie apple juice, broth, sf jello). Day 8 (2 days ago) I started on full liquids eating (1 or 2 protein shakes a day mixed w/skim milk, campbells creamy tomato soup, popsicles and jello). However, I only eat about 1/2 of everything because I get full. Also I have been using immodian for the diarrhea. Today, I bought a bottle of Propel w/calcium and added a tube of New Whey orange flavored protein to see if that will help. I lost 7 pounds the first week. What can I add to my diet that will help?

I had lapband surgery on April 14th. The surgery went find but I'm having problems with my blood sugar, diarrhea, dizzy, and weak. I'm 53 and expected to have a few more problems than a 20 year old. Did anyone else feel this way after surgery?