southms

Niki---I guess they do have to fill them up gradually. Then of course the bigger band you have the more fluid it will take. I did just hear this week though that the bigger the band the less likely your chance of slippage so that was good news for me. Of course reaching that magic fill again could take me a while I'm thinking!! HA!! I have an 11 cc band and have 8.8 in there now so maybe I am getting close, My dr doesn't make me wait for another fill thank goodness but I've heard of many that do. Good luck to you and maybe me and you both will be there soon!! Misti

Natural Beauty---I would love to talk to your friend that is at 8 something with no restriction. I was just filled to 8.8 last thursday and I am not feeling a thing!! Very frustrated!! I have been filled FOUR times since January 4th and I'm still not there. I am only 20 lbs from goal so I sure wish I could hit it!! Thanks---Misti

Hello---I have an 11cc band and I have 8.8 in mine. I also go to Dr. Maese in Dallas. I am having terrible time reaching the right spot. I have been FOUR times since Jan 4th and still not too restricted. Just thought I would say hi and put in my two cents. Would love to get to know some of you---Misti

Hey--His name is Dr Frederick Maese. He is at Preston Cardiology and Wellness center in Dallas. His number is 214-234-0330. I have been 4 times---3 times for a fill and once to get some OUT!! He is very good and knowledgable. Always kind of in a hurry but his PA is also very good. He is $150 for cash pay patients but the lady at the desk insisted that I just pay my insurances $25 copay and we could turn it in and see if they paid. My insurance did NOT pay for my surgery and I doubted they would pay for this. But anyway I received a letter from the billing department a month or so ago for Dr. Maese and it was a HUGE amount (keep in mind I have paid $25 each time I went in only) it was like $1400!! I panicked and called them. When I FINALLY found a person I could understand (speaking english that is!! HA) he told me to just send them $200 and he would call my account clear!! I was shocked and pleased. I sent the $200 quickly and thought that was good enough for 3 actual fills!! Long story sorry I hope it helps you!! Misti

Hey Lisa---Sorry about your husband. He will be eating his heart out soon!! But congratulations on your weight loss that is awesome!! misti

Hello---I went to Tijuana and they can schedule you really fast. All you have to have is a cashiers check and they will fix you right up!! HA!! I just called a few days before. Then I went in on a Thursday and had tests then surgery on Friday then flew home on Saturday, baseball tournament for my son all day on Sunday then work on Monday!!! Wow makes me tired now just thinking about it. Misti

Hey Apryl---I was banded on April 15th of this year and my hair has also fallen out a lot!! So much so that a few people have commented (close friends) about it. This is what I have done and it seems to have helped tremendously. I started taking a vitamin for hair, nails, and skin called Biotin. I had originally started with 1-800ml tablet each night then I went to Wal-Mart last week and was excited to see the Biotin Extreme and it is 1600mlg. I also started shampooing with Nioxin shampoo and conditioner. This you can get at your local Wal-Mart beauty shop. When I bought it I think I paid $35 for a big bottle of shampoo and conditioner and have only bought that one. I think you have to continue using this shampoo and if you stop the hair loss will start again (supposedly). I also tried the Rogain for a couple of months---I HATED this stuff and had to stop. It made my hair yucky feeling and made my scalp itch like crazy. But the first two things have worked well for me. Now for a little intro (i know you can't have an intro at the end but sorry i'm a little backwards that way!! HA!!) I had my surgery in Tijuana in April. I am 36 years old with 3 children and a husband. I have lost right at 75 lbs and am about 30 to 40 lbs from my goal weight (120--this may be a little unrealistic but I am short so I think I can pull it off). I have had three fills with my 'magic' one as they say being on June 23rd. I have slowed way down on my weight loss and just noticed that I have been within the same weight (4 or 5 lbs) since 11-5th so I am going to have to do something different. I have considered getting one last fill but I am still very restricted--somedays much more so than others. I have been reading all the posts and they have been great and very informative for me. I did go to Mexico for my surgery for money reasons--my insurance did not pay--but I have not been back there for any of my fills. I have went to a local dr in Dallas for all of those. I don't have a support system and would like to make some friends that I can discuss band stuff with on this page. Thanks for letting me ramble on and I can't wait to visit with some of you. Misti (please don't make fun of me but how do you get all the cute stuff at the bottom of your name?? I am new at this so please be patient!! HA!!)