allymb22282

hey everyone... I am glad I found this thread... I was banded Nov 08 and have had moderate success. I am pleased with my results and my surgeon is as well. I went in last month for my yearly female check up and my dr had some concerns with my irregular periods, and a couple other symptoms... he suggested I go through some testing for PCOS. I go in day after tomorrow for an ultrsound. (not thrilled) and some bloodwork. I don't know much about PCOS... but have tried to do a little research. I am 27 and have no children yet. I am getting married in January and I know my fiance and I are wanting to start a family soon. I am glad to know there are others here that I can relate to. Good luck to you all who have not been banded yet. it was the greatest decision of my life!

I feel very encouraged by reading your posts. I had my first fill 12-31-08 6 cc's in a 14 cc band. I have had absolutely no restriction... I go in Next week for my 2nd fill... maybe I will be closer to that sweet spot!

well that is an option... Dr. K gives you several months of free fills with the surgery... but with my job schedule that is simply not an option. I found a dr near by who does the fills. It worked out to be a better option for me. She charges 175. But since I dont have too go all too often, I figure it is well worth the money. Let me know if you have any other questions :laugh:

I know that this information has been passed around on the site, but I thought it may be helpful to post it on the LA site incase anyone needs fills. Rita Zubar is a Nurse Practitioner on Calhoun, LA. She is a lap band patient herself. She does fills, even for patients banded in Mexico. I was banded in Denver, but recently relocated to Alexandria, LA. I went to day to have my first fill with Rita, and she was amazing! SOOOO nice, and easy to talk to. It helps that she has the band and can relate to what you are telling her, not just on a medical stance, but a personal one. Her office staff is very nice and helpful. They will file your insurance for you. They even offer a cash discount. The cost of the fill is $215 (credit or debit card) or $200 with cash in hand. She only does fills on Wednesdays and does then under Flouro. Which was nice, because I actually was able to see my band for the first time. Here is her info: Dr. Rita Zuber 202 Highway 80 E Calhoun Family Care Clinic LLC Calhoun, LA 71225 318-644-2573

hey there! I can relate to the insurance hassel... I was denied... and I could not handle that heartbreak again. So I went the cash pay route. However, i did not go to Mexico. I had mine done in Denver with Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum... and I have to tell you, the entire experience start to finish was AMAZING! He only does Cash Pay... his price is $9,950 which was considerably less than most other doctors. He was such a great doctor and his staff was outstanding. I live in Louisiana... but the closest I could get to his price was 13,000 in Dallas. So for me, it was worth the trip up to see him. I am 6 weeks out from surgery today, and today I had my first fill. Everything has been great. I wish you the best of luck with your decision!!! And I would be happy to answer any questions you may have! Take Care! Happy New year!!!

Well, I took everyone's advice and I called Rita Zubars office. I have an appointment tomorrow (12/31) at 10:15 for my first ever fill. I had surgery 6 weeks ago, and I am very ready to keep this thing going! Thanks for the referral!

rrachel, I can relate with the hunger pains... the first time i felt it... i was like... whoa! that actually hurts! im still trying to get this food thing sorted out... but usually if i take a few sips of liquid the pain subsides... let me know what your dr says about it!

Hi All!!! 3 days post banding and I am feeling fine! I too feel I got off easy... I am sleeping well and have not even felt sick once. My pain is VERY manageable and I only took my pain meds for a day and a half. I feel awesome... so I know in another day or so I should feel 100%. Hope everyone else is doing great too!!!

We finally made it to our 1 week countdown!!! where did the time go?!?! How is everyone holding up?

welcome ebony!!! we are glad to have you!!! congrats on your band date!

Kerri, We are so glad to have you! Yeah the clear liquid diet doesn't sound fun to me either!!! I have 2 days of clears following surgery... but not prior. I have already started a high protien, low carb diet which is what my dr. requires 2 weeks before surgery... I have lost 12 lbs so far! It's like I told my Dr. I have NO problem losing weight! Its the keeping it off that is my problem!!! Good luck with everything. It will be great to keep contact with everyone being banded the same week!

Congrats!!! How exciting!!! I know you must be thrilled... it always seems like such a long wait for insurance and all to come back... anyways... good luck with everything!

Tammie... let me be the first to welcome you to LBT. I have been logging on and reading everyone's posts for a while now... I am FINALLY scheduled for surgery Nov. 19th (so excited!) So this week is the big week for you! How exciting!!! Im sure you will find lots of helpful advice and encouragement from everyone on here!!!