Barb

She is a precious gift.

My first goal is to be able to fit into my scuba gear and as soon as I do I am off on an awesome scuba diving trip. I have been certified for 18 years but haven't been diving in 3 1/2 years because I am to big to fit into my gear. I can't wait, I love diving so much that I think getting back to going will be all the reward I need or want.

Leatha, you're beautiful. Congratulations on your success and happy birthday!

Congratulations Cindy!! They say it gets better everyday.

Hi Micki, I am still 2 weeks out before banding and I don't know if I will have to go on the liquid diet but I know it will be tough. Do the best you can to stick with it, remembering that it is only for a short time. Try and keep yourself busy. I too worry about the big life change and I try to just think about it like this. Currently, without the band, I don't eat foods that for whatever reason don't set well with me and I don't miss them because I don't have the desire to eat them. While I know the foods that I eat vs. the foods that I don't eat will change but I am thinking it will be the same result. When I don't do well with them I won't enjoy eating them so I won't have the desire to eat them. I also keep in mind that there aren't any foods that I can't eat, it will just be much smaller portions, but I will be satisfied with the smaller portion. I know some of the experience bandsters will chime in here and give you some good support. Best wishes on your upcoming big day.

I have been trying some things to get ready for eating onece I am banded. One thing that seems to be working for me is putting my food on a small plate and eating with a small crab fork. It takes me as long to finish the meal (which is a much smaller portion) but since it takes as long my head seems to think I have eaten a "normal" meal. Glad to know about the cold stuff and band restriction. That information might just save me from one of those dreded PB's.

Congratulations, great things are happening in your life.

Leatha is correct on Dr. Maese. I cut and pasted an e-mail form his office below for information on his fills. "Dr. Maese is not a surgeon, he provides post op care and adjustments of the band. His cost for fills of band placed in Mexico is $200, done under flouro in his Dallas office (214) 234-0330."

Congratulation Susan!

Oh my, I had no idea the needle was that big! Somehow through all this research I never got that before, I thought it was a normal needle. I have a hard time with regular needles. I am going to have to really think about this. Terri, thanks for posting the pics. I would have passed out cold if the Dr. had walked in with that needle when I wasn't at all prepared for that. Gives me more to think about. I am a big woos when it comes to needles don't know why I just am.

Cute puppy's Teresa. Jodie, no pics. Looking forward to seeing them.

Congratulations Landry's Dad. Mousecrazy, I figure my PCP was thinking to himself "It's about time!" when I told him I was getting the Lap-Band because I never remember to take the blood pressure medicine he gives me and always ask what else I can do to keep from having to take medicine and he says.....loose some weight and stop smoking would be a good start.

Good question.

I will try an remember to call again tomorrow. I waited and got transferred to the operator but no hold music played before it started ringing. I can just see them getting all these calls tomorrow from people just asking to be put on hold........oh well, a little fun never hurt anyone.

Bubbame, That is to funny! I already shed, I find my hair everywhere. I am glad my husband doesn't mind! Trish, I love my pets, and my husband just loves animals, he is always bringing home lost animals. If he sees a sign posted for a lost pet he will go driving around to see if he can find it so he can take it home.

I will see if we have that brand here and if so, I will give it a try. Thanks

Congratulations on getting your date! I can relate to being both excited and nervous, I feel the same way.

I came to see the picture of the nose ring!?!

Lisa, Beautiful scenery and a good time too! Sounds like a great trip. Thanks for sharing.

I am also self pay since BCBS won't cover. I am going to Monterrey, Mexico.

Mae, I found your website a few months ago when I started researching the band. You have a very nice site. Thanks for sharing your success with others. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery.

Bubbame, Wow, someone did some very nice work. It looks great, enjoy, you well deserve some rewards for yourself you have done an incredible job.

Karen, Glad your husband is home. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Welcome, I have found this to be the best place to learn about the band. Everyone is so willing to share information.

Yes, you are correct. You will need to check the specifics of you plan, but all I have to do is fax a copy of the paid receipt showing what procedure or medication was purchased and I get reimbursed. When I don't use the debit card they reimburse me electronically by depositing it directly into my designated bank account.