mica

Hi there, I was banded in Tijuana, Mexico jan 25/08. I had a bmi of around 35 and have since lost around 45 lbs! I have done everything that you mentioned. I eat what ever I want, just a bit of it, not the whole item. It is very freeing to eat "normally", to not have the guilt associated with overeating. To go out and having anything you want with enough leftovers for a few days! The band has been a life changing event for me one I wish I had done 25 years ago. Good luck in your new and improved life!

Hi, I'm a 46 yr old Canadian female, banded Jan 25, 08 in Tijuana, Mexico. So far I'm down about 40 or so lbs!!! I can't believe it! Drop me a line if you want to chat or swap experiences.

Hi there, I was a BMI of around 35 and was banded Jan 25/08 in Tijuana, Mexico at a cost of $7500.00 plus flight. Like you, I could never have been banded here in Canada at that low of a BMI. You know, this was the best decision regarding my health (physical and mental) that I have ever made! So far, I have lost around 40 lbs and feel great. My battle with weight has been most of my life, I am 46 and fat since age around 6. I have lost and gained a hundred times and was fed up! This band is my tool to keep me on track. I can no longer eat large amounts, it is physically impossible! I wish you all the best in your NEW life and keep us all posted on your journey. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Hi, I'm from Saskatoon, banded in Tijuana Mexico, jan 25/08. So far down 40+ lbs! I have had one fill so far from Michelle Wright excellent job, $75.00 a fill. You can reach her at 306-244-7004 or at fillcentresaskatoon@sasktel.net or www.fillcentresaskatoon.sasktelwebsite.net Getting banded was the best thing I ever did, with I had done it 25 yrs ago. Mica

Hi, I'm a Registered Psychiatric Nurse from Canada. I didn't think that they used Antabuse anymore. My experience with it professionally was that it was not really that effective in the long term. I've seen patients get it then go out on pass, only to return and be violently ill,(vomitting and wretching severely, not so good for anyone, but so much worse for someone who is banded), and often repeat that scenario over and over. The person I'm thinking about has long since died of liver disease. Alcoholism is such a brutal disease/condition! As a child of alcoholic parents, I would urge anyone to do what they can to stop! The damage done overall, to the alcoholic and the family and friends is so severe , widespread and long-lived that it is imperative that the alcoholic get the treatment they need........NOW! (but I'm certain that you already know that.) All the best to you!

Hi there, I'm from Saskatoon. Banded Jan 25,08 in Tijuana, Mexico. So far I'm down around 40+ lbs. Best thing I ever did. I look forward to hearing about your experience.

YEAH Angelica!!!!!!!!!!!! I agree wholeheartedly! Couldn't have said it better myself. Comments of that sort are akin to the "He treats me good! Have a good one!

Hi, I was banded Jan 25, 08 in Tijuana, Mexico. Best thing I ever did! My only regret is not having it done 20 years ago!!! So far I'm down about 40 lbs!! I told only my husband and kids (12 yr old girl and 15 yr old boy who I don't think really understand what their mom did for those 4 days back in Jan, and quite frankly, I think they have forgotten about the whole issue). I am glad I kept this to myself, because I think that I would have gotten the same "couldn't you do this on your own" spiel from family and friends as well as the "you spent $7500.00 on what?????????" Don't need that crap! So when people ask me what I'm doing to lose the weight, I say (truthfully I might add) "I'm eating less!" The only problem for me with not being open about it is that I want to share my success with other people in my situation. Maybe there will come a day when I feel confident enough to do this! I almost told a girl that I met at the dog park the other day who was telling me about weight watchers, maybe later. All the best!

Hi there, I can assure you that what you are experiencing is exactly what most bandsters go through after banding! I remember feeling depressed about what "I couldn't ever have again" and grieving that loss. It passed! Believe me, (you have made a life-altering (for the good) decision,) you're going to feel a bit out of sorts, that is normal. I lost about 15-20 lbs before my 1st fill at 6 weeks, now about 4 months out, I'm down about 43!!!!!!! What amazes me is how I am not craving the foods and amounts of foods I used to eat. I can now eat some of the "bad" stuff (like a person should) without gorging myself, and I don't feel like crap anymore physically or mentally)! I have CONTROL!!! You will get through this! You are not alone! Once you are healed (inside and out), and get your first fill, you will be encouraged to eat "chunky" type foods (well chewed of course), so that you can fill your little pouch and feel satisfied. This restricive diet will not last forever! All the best! Mica

I'm Canadian as well, and self pay in Tijuana, Mexico. From the time I made the decision to the day of surgery was also around 3 weeks. I could have had it quicker than that if I could have swung it. Good luck! It's the decision I ever made, wish I could have made it 25 years ago!!!

Don't take it out yet if the surgeon thinks this may work! I'm assuming here that you have achieved weight loss since being banded? I think that you should try anything (unless it is causing you severe pain or potential future problems etc...) to save the band. I have had mine since Jan 25, 08 and have so far lost about 35 lbs, and I really appreciate the help that this band has given me in my quest to be thinner. It is your decision though, and only you can gauge how much you are willing to risk to keep it. Take it slow, and don't make any quick decisions. All the best! Keep us posted.

I hope all goes well for you Buffie! Mica

Sorry to hear this! What were your symptoms? When were u banded? That is something that I was always worried about. Good luck! Will they take the band out at the same time?

HI, Where are you getting it for $5,000.??? All my research showed was Toronto for around $21,000.??? Maybe 5 grand will be your share after insurance pays theirs? I would check if I were you. I have never heard of it that cheap, even in Mexico. If it is, let everyone know cuz that is very inexpensive. As far as the diet, that is basically what is prescribed. You will know not to eat too much cuz your body will tell you, either with pain or regurgitation or "pb'ing"(productive burping). If you consistently ignore these signs you will stretch your pouch and defeat the purpose of the band. A cup and a half is alot, most people are told to eat only 2-4 ounces at a time. Carefull of the high calorie liquids, cuz you can drink alot of this without feeling full. Good luck! Keep us posted. Continue to read this website, there is alot of info you can glean from others' experiences.

Contact me if you need the name of a fill nurse in Saskatoon. I had a fill with her and it was excellent!

DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!! I was banded Jan 25, 08 in Tijuana, Mexico, I'm from Saskatchewan. So far am down 35 lbs!!!! The surgery went well, no complications whatsoever. The hardest part was the trip home (many plane changes and delays!) My only regret is that I could have done this 25 years ago! Good on you for doing your research and prepping yourself. For me, the band is the tool that I have always needed to control the amount that I eat as well as controlling the appetite itself. Good luck in your decision. Keep us posted.

Don't be scared!!! I had my first fill about a month ago! No biggie!!! The nurse numbed the skin first so I really didn't feel a thing. I got 4cc and this is doing me good so far.

Congrats! I was banded Jan 25, 08 in Tijuana, Mexico and so far am down about 35 lbs. I told only my Hubby and kids and am happy about that! People are commenting now and it's great! When they ask me what I'm doing I say "eating less" which is true! Good luck! I only wish I could have done this 25 years ago!!!!!!!!!

Hi there, I am a Registered Psychiatric Nurse with a degree in Education. Currently working in the Blood donation business. I have worked in acute and chronic Psychiatry, with Sexually Transmitted Disease, and as a Nursing Instructor. I was banded Jan 25,08 in Tijuana, Mexico. So far I'm down around 35 lbs. I have had one fill so far and have had few complications or problems overall. I would do it again in a heartbeat and only wish I could have had it done 25 years ago! As with everyone else here, my weight has been a problem most of my life! Finally, I have found the tool that I needed to control my eating! I'm self-pay, at $7500.00 plus travel costs to Tijuana, still cheap considering all the cash I have wasted over the years on fad diets, food, clothes etc............ As a health-care professional, I was concerned about going to a foreign country for surgery, but I have no concerns now!

I Had My Surgery Done In Tijuana By Dr. Ramos-kelly Jan 25,08. So Far I'm Down 32 Lbs. Cost Was $7500. And I Get My Fills From A Fill Nurse Here In Saskatoon. I Have Never Regretted My Decision Once! Wish I Had Made It Sooner. Good Luck!

I don't believe a word! If your condition in so "life threatening" and that death is a "very real possibility", why are you not recovering in ICU instead of typing such long-winded entries on this forum? If I had a plastic tube burrowing into my colon, I would insist on getting it the hell out of there ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!. I think maybe something went wrong with your band but I doubt that it is what you said.

I was banded in Tijuana, Mexico by Dr. Ramos Kelly Jan 25, 08. $7500.00 plus cost of flight. My surgery went fine, no complications, home in 3 days. Don't worry about the language barrier as there is always someone there who speaks English. The care was excellent and I get my fills here in Saskatoon. The director of the clinic is coming to Saskatoon May 3, 08 to do information sessions and fills, might be worth your while to come this way for more info. Contact me for more info.

Hi, I am using "Johnnys great caesar! Garlic spread and seasonings". It is awesome! I buy it at costco (I'm from Canada), hopefully it is available where you are. It is a powder, come in a 510 g jar for about $5.99. Hope you like it. If you like garlic and caeser stuff, you'll love this.

It could be that they use a cautery scalpel (which burns instead of cuts tissue) and maybe the smoke smell/taste is that being slowly released via the lungs. Or..........you could be a sleep walker who just took up a nasty habit!

I hear ya Bandvirgin! It is beneficial to be aware of some of the problems that can occur with the band you can't be stupid or naive, you need to be informed and to make an intelligent decision, but I think it is as important or maybe even more important to hear of the positives! It is so encouraging to hear the good stuff, it makes me feel like "I can Too!!!" I was banded in Mexico, so really have no follow-up here, but I was aware of that and accepted that before I set out to get banded. I have a fill-nurse here which I will see for the 1st time on saturday. I'm certain that I will have down days, problems etc... but am confident that the good will out weigh the bad! The outlook often predicts the future! sometimes, I read postings that are so negative about the surgery, the Dr. etc... that had I discovered them before the surgery, I would not have done it, and feeling how I feel now, that would be tragic! Cuz it is going well for ME! And I'm sure that it is going well for a whole lot of other folks out there too. Lets be positive! We've all enlisted on this life-changing, life-giving (in some cases), and lifetime journey, lets make it a good and fun one!