Banded14yr

Betty 54 Paula 43 Kelly 65 Becky 77 Carol 102 Alex 110 Nana~49 Rich 20 Larae 22 Maureen 73 Marie 56 Wyld Blu 73 Penni 54 Vera 60 Darcy 59 Kelly 39 michelle 135 mary 65.4 greg 77 Sharon 35 Tricia 60 Total 1416.40

I'm confused..... Was there a band placed at all? Did it "break off"? Was it just laying there next to your stomach? Did he band something else? This is incredible! I'm sorry that you're having to go through this fiasco....but once you get a band placed properly, you'll start living a new life and enjoy the benefits that the band provides. Good luck to you!

Michelle, You look absolutely fantastic! Wow!!!

Good luck Brenda! Sending thoughts and prayers for you today. A friend of mine was banded by Dr. Rose. You're in good hands.

Thanks everyone! It's amazing what a mere 55-60 pound weight loss will do to a person's face ..... I can't wait until I drop another 55-60 pounds, maybe I'll lose that second and third chin by then. I agree with everyone else who said that the before and after thread is very inspiring.

Oh wow~ ! Way to go girl~! Now get some rest and take it easy! Congrats!!!!

OK ... here it goes. As you can see, I don't do below the waist shots. I'm actually surprised that I found some "before" photos since the camera and I haven't gotten along for many years now. (btw: That's Laserjock in the other 89 jersey. He has been my support rock throughout this whole journey) I'm still a work in progress but I love my band!! 12/17/07 - I wanted to update my after photo....I'm now down 130 pounds and feel wonderful!

Vera, I'm also glad that you're going back to Mexico to see Dr. Sanchez. It sounds like Dr. Sanchez will take care of you and anything that's going on with your band. It looks like we'll just miss each other in Monterrey. I'll be there the 18th and returning on the 21st. Good luck to you on your trip, it sounds like you'll be well taken care of!

Teresa, I'm glad you went to see your fill doc. Hopefully the pains you have been experiencing will subside. I like the fact that he will use flouro in the future, it will give him a look at your band to make sure that everything looks O.K. Be sure to take it easy for a few days and keep us updated on how you're doing Tricia

Donali, I don't know what to say..... I'm speechless.... Really that was an incredible post. All I can do is thank you and I hope that people that are faced with an ignorant doctor that requires someone to lose weight before performing weight loss surgery to prove that they are "serious" about losing weight will print this off and give it to him/her. Bravo!

Chanting..... "Go Penni.....Go Penni......Go Penni!" :Bunny

It's like a soap opera! Wowza....

Good luck Rachel! We'll be thinking about you! Here's to a speedy recovery and a new beginning. Just take it easy after surgery and try not to overdue too fast! Tricia

You have proven that it can be done! You're an inspiration. Way to go and congratulations!

I have spoken with someone who was banded in Mexico and wanted Dr. Ponce to perform her fills. He's changed his policy recently. He now charges $2000.00 a year for fills, no limits. I think that's a little extreme. I've never heard of Dr. Caylor, but would be interested to know if he would fill someone who was banded in Mexico. I know of a doctor in Nashville that will take on patients that were banded in Mexico. He will even see you in an emergency situation, but Nashville is a pretty long haul from Birmingham.

I agree with gagirl, get your surgical papers before leaving Mexico. I'm fortunate that my aftercare doc here in the states didn't require them, but I want a copy nevertheless. I'm going back to Monterrey with two ladies that will be banded on the 19th of this month, so I'm going to get a copy of my surgical paperwork then. I'm going to make sure that the two ladies with me get their paperwork before we leave.

Wow... Good info Donali! Thanks!

Darcy, Good post. I agree whole heartedly! And I'm thankful every single day for my band. You hear so many people say that it's a tool, that it's not the "solve all" of every eating problem out there, but it helps me so much in controlling my obvious obsession with food. Now when I drive by a Wendys and crave a single cheese burger with fries, I just keep driving because I know I physically CAN'T eat it. There's no more, "Well, I'll start my diet tomorrow, so Wendy's here I come!" I absolutely love it but I do realize that my brain needs a lot of help also :clap: Do they make a brain band?

Ryan, Phenomenal success! Way to go and it will only get better from here! Congrats on your weight loss and upcoming fill. Take care! Tricia

Nice to see you here Emmy and congratulations on your recent banding. I'm in Nashville

Lisa, I'm truly sorry that you have gone through so much with your band. You are a SUPER Trooper in my opinion and always seem to maintain a positive attitude. After everything you've been through, you always seem to make the rest of us smile and laugh. I truly hope that everything works out for you, take care of yourself! Tricia

Blossom, I have the Swedish Band that also holds 10 or 11cc's. My first fill was 5cc's. I was a bit worried that it would be too much, but I was filled under flouro and Dr. Rodriguez said that I was tight, but not too tight at 5cc's. Well my restriction didn't last long, so a month later I got another fill. This time it was only 1.44cc's but it did the trick. So I'm filled to 6.44cc's and fill that my restriction level is perfect. I don't understand doctors that use flouro but use a "standard" fill schedule and volume. Why use flouro then? Everyone is different, shouldn't a doctor use the flouro to see how much is going through the band then make his decision about fill amount based on that? During my first fill, Dr. Rod kept adding some, then had me drink barrium, then added more ect... then eventually he took some out because he saw that I was filled too much. That's the beauty of flouro in my opinion. I'm sorry that you're having such a hard time, I would be just as frustrated as you are about having to pay for fills and having your doctor not fill you enough. I would also call Inamed, maybe they have some recommendations for you. Hang in there!! Tricia

The money actually was taken out of my account. I was in the bank filling out the fraud report when I got a call from a Keith Terry. He read me the little "We're sorry" letter that he later emailed me. I told him that "I'm sorry" didn't put the $378.50 back into my bank account. I also told him that I would be contacting Dr. Ortiz about this situation. He said that it wasn't Dr. Ortiz' fault. I told him that in a way it was, that Dr. Ortiz needs to know how the company he chose to market his book is doing business. Regardless if Dr. Ortiz had nothing to do with this major faupaux, which is not the first mind you, several people were over charged $164.50 a month ago, I think his reputation is taking a pounding, so I don't blame Dr. Ortiz for being upset, I'm sure he is and he should be. So far I love the book, Dr. Ortiz is not my surgeon, but as I read the book, I'm gaining more respect for him, he obviously is a very skilled surgeon and very well respected. I just hope I can get this situation resolved sooner than later. It really took a bite out of my Christmas "cheer"

My bank is requiring that I come in and fill out an affidavit and have it notarized (sp?). They said this process will take 7-10 days. Looks like I won't be seeing my money anytime soon. I have called 3 numbers, all of which I get an answering machine 949-715-7924 949-786-2552 949-394-8741 My bank also mentioned that I might need to fill out a police report. I hope it doesn't get to that point, but I will do it if I need to. I just emailed Randy Lutz at the email Leatha listed above. I'll let you know if I hear anything back. Thanks for all of your help everyone!

Unbelievable!! I called and left a message also. If anyone has any luck getting through to someone that might be able to help, please pass along the info. I will do the same if I have any luck.