Laura H

I use Permalean protein mix. It's really yummy. Do a search for Permalean on the internet; they'll send you samples free of charge. I don't know if it's good for diabetics but it doesn't have much sugar.

I used Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey. The price was $8000, including two nights in the guest house and one night at the very nice hospital he uses. The care was great and I had a very good experience overall. I spoke with the people at Inamed before deciding on Dr. Sanchez and did a lot of research. I e-mailed several people on this board and they were very helpful. I believe Dr. Sanchez includes a year of fills in the price but I go to a doctor in Dallas. Good luck in your search!

I live in Oklahoma City but use Dr. Fred Maese in Dallas for fills. He refers to several doctors in the area and he mentioned last time I was there that some do Medicare patients. If you haven't found a doc, their office might be able to help you. Good luck!

I paid $8,000 with Dr. Sanchez but of course had the additional price of the airplane ticket, about $400 from Oklahoma City. I was really happy with Dr. Sanchez and the wonderful hospital in Monterrey. Please feel free to IM me or e-mail me if you want to ask me anything.

Do a search for Permalean products ... the shakes are YUMMY. You mix them; I use a blender. I love the chocolate and add milk, bananas, whatever sounds good. The nice Permalean people will send you free samples too! They have meal replacement bars but I haven't tried them.

I had my surgery on July 1 with Rodolfo Sanchez in Monterrey; it was a very good experience. I'd done a lot of research, called Inamed, e-mailed his patients... The hospital is wonderful too and you can stay in his guest house before and after, where they take very good care of you. Please feel free to PM me if you have questions..

I have an appointment to get my first fill there on Monday. The name is Preston Cardiology Wellness Center. I don't know exactly where it is but the address is 6170 Sherry Lane, off of Preston, in north Dallas. I believe the phone number is 214-234-0330. The office told me to do a Yahoo search for driving directions! I live in Oklahoma City so it will take me about three hours to get there but it's worth it to me since Dr. Maese has had so much experience and uses flouroscopy.

I got one of these a few weeks ago and I looooove it too! I use it everyday and it's especially nice when I travel because it's so small. It fits easily in an overnight bag and I'm all ready to make a high protein shake wherever I am. Plus you can't beat the price.

Have you called the people at Inamed? I spoke with Don Mills at Inamed about a month ago and he said there's a doctor in Dallas who charges, I believe he said, under $12,000. Sadly, my brain is kinda dead today and I can't remember the doctor's name. Maybe it's the same one you've found and the price has gone up. I live in Oklahoma City and eventually decided to go to Mexico. I had a good experience there but it took me awhile to work up my nerve!! Good luck!

I'm not a nurse - or medical person - I'm a CPA! But my husband found out his testosterone level was low and has been taking shots for about six months. I encouraged him to get the first one but now I never have to remind him. He can really tell a big difference in his energy level and he enjoys his work a lot more too. The doctor said he could take a pill instead but he sees really quick results from the shots. My husband's 52 ... not as old as your dad ... but maybe this will encourage your dad to give it a try!

Thanks, everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers. The surgery went great and I'm feeling good ... no major pain and the the incisions are healing well. I'm getting a little hungry now, but protein shakes are helping. I'll be eating mushies soon and that should help a lot!

Hello, everyone. I'm pretty new here ... just posted a few times. But I've been reading every day since I found this site and really enjoyed all the information and the friendly attitudes! I'm going to Monterrey on Thursday to be banded Friday by Dr. Sanchez. The People Magazine article didn't put me off ... I've done lots of research and feel confident about my decision. Just a little about me ... I'm 52, live in Oklahoma City, married. I have three kids, all boys (men, I guess), ages 24, 26 and 28. My ex and I adopted them as a sibling group when they were 2, 4 and 6. Then I have two step-kids, ages 17 and 21. I've been married almost seven years to a really great guy that I knew in high school and connected with at a reunion when I was divorced (my ex and I were together almost 20 years). I'm an accountant but not currently working. Like most of you I've struggled with my weight all my life. I only became really heavy during the last few years ... my husband's a wonderful cook!! NOT that my food choices are his responsibility ... I gained the weight all on my own! I'm nervous ... but excited about this new chapter in my life. I would certainly appreciate all your kind thoughts and prayers for me on Friday.

Count me in , please!

Hi, Rachel - I'm going to Monterrey for banding on July 1, by Dr. Sanchez too. Just wanted to say good luck! Laura

I lived in Sherman for about seven years ... I live in Oklahoma City now. My guess is you'll have to go Dallas, less than an hour away (depending on traffic of course!). I'm going to be banded July 1 and intend to go to Dr. Maese in Dallas for fills. I know there are other fill doctors in Dallas that others on this board will tell you about. Good luck in Sherman!!

Congratulations on your weight loss and all that hard work!! I was married in my 20's - not a happy marriage - and divorced after almost 20 years. I'd been through lots of hard stuff and thought I'd probably never marry again. But I found the sweetest, most supportive man ... and we've been married almost seven years, very happily. I'm about 100 pounds overweight (I'm getting banded July 1) and he's supportive of my decision to have the surgery (but he says he loves me just the way I am). I'm betting you'll find a great man - I discovered there ARE some out there - who won't think you're a freak but WILL think you're a strong person who has worked hard to accomplish your goals. So go to that class ... and don't forget to congratulate yourself for all you've done!