LoisinStA

Thanks for your answers...I guess I just have to be patient.

I had my first fill on Tuesday. The doctor did it without xray and it took 3 pricks for him to find my port. The fill was successful but I have developed a significant lump and bruise at the site of the final prick. Has anyone else had this and how long does it take for the lump to go down...or away. It is also very tender.

I am going to Dr. Beltre in Altamonte Springs - near Orlando. $500 for initial consultation and fill and $100 for each afterwards. I live in St. Augustine - it should take a little over an hour for me to get there. I am going there on Tuesday for my first fill.

I was also banded on April 9th in Mexico by Dr. Zapata - fabulous experience - never treated better by medical professionals. My trip home was pretty bad also because of American Airlines cancelling flights - took me 11 hours to get back to Florida. I am still pretty bloated but alot less than earlier in the week. Gas pains are pretty intense. I must say that I am still pretty sore where the port is but my bruising is getting better. I am very lumpy in the abdomen so it should be interesting finding something to wear to work tomorrow...I look like I have the alien trying to escape from my stomach!!:} lol.

No you don't go back there for fills...they help you find a fill center near where you live. I live in St. Augustine, FL and found a DR who will take care of me outside of Orlando which is about 1.5 hours away. The experience was fabulous. When we got home, my sister called her doctor here in the states for help with re-adjusting her insulin and they didn't call her back for 36 hours. We called the surgeon in Mexico to ask him a question and he called back in 5 minutes. That certainly speaks volumes to me!

Thanks for your adivice...it makes sense. I was afraid to go to full liquids but I will give it a shot.

I had my surgery on MOnday in Mexico and flew back to Jacksonville, FL on Wed. My American Airlines flights were cancelled so it took me over 12 hours to get home. I took pain pills as prescribed and did just fine.

I had my surgery on Monday and have been living on clear liquids. I am having a problem with diarrhea (sorry, couldn't think of a better word). Anyone else having or had this problem and any advise? I haven't started with full liquids yet and am afraid to do it because of the problem I am having with clear liquids.

Yes, that is where your port is - on the left side. I got banded on Monday also.

So funny you mention diet coke - my biggest concern about this surgery is having to give them up - I live on them and am trying to wean myself now in advance for my surgery on April 7th. I will miss them probably more than anything else I eat.

Thanks for the response. I have made my decision and will be heading to Mexico for my surgery on April 6th. Good luck with yours......

Where are u going in Mexico - I am going to Monterrey early April for my surgery. I found a dr in orlando who will do fills for patients who have surgery out of the country. He's in Altamonte Springs - Dr. Beltre. Here is a link to his website.... Gastric Bypass and Bariatric Surgery. Altamonte Springs, FL

I am considering surgery with Dr. Zapata in April. Where do you live and did you have trouble finding a place for fills. Also, how was your experience with the Dr, the surgery itself, and any problems post op....I am nervous but very excited. I have hear great things about the Dr...... Lois

Did you find one...I am planning on going to Mexico in April. What doctor did you use in Mexico.

I am seriously considering lap band surgery - I have type 2 diabetes that is not controlled and am heading for insulin. I have about 50 pounds to lose. There are studies that show that with that kind of weight loss, many diabetics go off of meds which is my goal. Anyone out there with diabetes? Also, I live in Jacksonville, FL. Anyone out there from Jax or St. Augustine? Lois