LAD

nodumblonnd, Opposed to the problems being overwight causes, Yes, it is well worth it. First of all, the pain goes away, the port is not on the outside of your body and the sliming is something that may or may not happen. And when it does happen it is easy to take care of. It can be from not chewing well enough or eating too fast. Don't get discouraged over these things. Banding is well worth it. But you have to know how to make the best use of your band. It is a tool to help you lose weight, not the answer. Your doctor will help you understand all this and this board has great help and advice. I have always been a slow loser and my weightloss is still slow but it has been steady. I am down 35 lbs. with very little change in what I eat, I just eat way less of it because of the band.:clap2:

I found a great fill doctor on Oxford, Mississippi who takes Mexico pts. In fact, he has taken his staff to Tjuana for seminars given by Band docs there. His name is Dr. king. E-mail me if you need more info. I just got my 1st fill and he did a great job.:clap2:

Has anyone used Fill Centers USA for their fills? What was your experience?

QuakerGirl, Where did you have your surgery done? Did insurance pay?

Elicena - a terrific product but has to be purchased on the web. Just google it and you will find sites and info.

I think you will be surprised how little you are able to eat at a time when you start solids. I didn't really feel any restriction until then. But be sure to chew really well or you will be miserable.

I, too would check with your doctor on the hot issue. The pain in your shoulder may be coming from the nerve near your left diaphram that they manipuilate around. This nerve sends a pain straight to your left shoulder. I used heating pad and heat patches. It does eventually subside but may return if you over-eat or eat too fast.. Try to relax and not overdo it.

For me it was not only financial. I truly believe tthe Mexican docs have more experience than the US docs do. I did alot of research before deciding on Dr. Kuri. He and his team are experts in this. My daughter-in-law just had a fill from hell by a US doc who supposedly knew what he was doing -NOT. Now she not only has an empty band but a huge hospital bill to go with it. You can not convince me he knew what he was doing. I have been in the medical field for over 25 years. The US is superior in many areas - not this one!

Being in the medical field I have seen numerous patients with long term health problems after GB. Yes, the weightloss is fast but that in itself can be a problem. I chose banding because it is less evasive and weightloss is slow but consistant if you work your band correctly. This allows your body as a whole to adjust to the change and you remain healthy.

NJChick, thanks. It's good to know I'm not alone

How many Mexico bandsters have returned there for fills and how many have them done in US? What was your experience? I am trying to decide the best way to go for my 1st fill. My daughter-in-law just had a fill from hell in Nashville!

My instructions post-op are to not drink anything with meals or for 2 hours after eating. Since I eat very little but 4 times a day I am having a hard time getting in 64 oz. of water. Any suggestions?

I was not given any restrictions pre-op except nothing to eat or drink after 10pm the night before (standard for any surgery) Post-op was clear liguids for 2 weeks, then full liguids 7-10 days, then soft mussy food for 7-10 days and then introducing regular well chewed foods. This was to help the healing etc. Be sure to eat/drink lots of protien and water. I have done well but really missed chewing (crazy I know). I had some hair loss 1-2 weeks post-op but that went away when I increased the protien. You will have to find out by trial and error what you can eat and what you can not since everyone is different. I don't think you are going to find any one food list that works for everybody. Your band will let you know, just eat slowly and chew, chew, chew. Hope all goes well for you.