jude0426

You know, I really don't know. I had gone to the Ready 4 a Change site online and it said something about condolences. So, I tried to research it as much as possible. I figured he had a heart attack, he wasn't exactly taking his own medicine, kwim? lol But I finally stumbled on another discussion board and it said he was killed during a robbery!! That was all I could find. Very sad, he was a great surgeon and seemed to truely like what he was doing. Besides, his guest house was great!

I was banded by Dr. Sanchez as well last year, in Monterrey, MX. It was a very positive experience. I was shocked to hear what happen to him.

Oh, I wanted to add that it only cost me $299 for the first appointment, $150 for future fills. I have to use fill centers because I was banded in Mexico and no one would touch me that did not do my surgery.

I am down in san Bernardino county (had my surgery in Mexico) and went to a new doctor through Fill Centers USA, in Las vegas. He has only been doing fills for about 8 months, but he did mine a couple weeks ago, and he was great! He is very personable and there was no pain whatsoever! He talked to me about everything, even told me right up front he just had the training in April and though it was a rough start, he thinks he has it down now (the fills). He does, I would not have know he hadn't been doing them long. If you can't find one closer I recommend him.

I have a 4cc band with a 2cc fill.

Hi, I just had my first fill, 20 months post op! I was really nervous, afraid it would hurt, maybe he couldn't find the port since it has been so long. BUT, it went great. I have moved since my surgery and have to see a doctor in this area. He was great, put me right at ease and even without lidocaine I felt no more then a tug and pressure here and there. I am feeling some pretty good restriction now, but I think in a couple of months I will go back and see about having it filled a bit more. Good luck!

I am going in on the third for my first fill. The thing is, I have had the band for 19 months now. I lost 70 lbs right away and moved about 10 months ago. I have since gained about 20 lbs back. Any advice on getting that first fill after so long? Is it going to be harder for the doctor? Thanks! Heather

I am just over three weeks out. I don't plan on cutting anything from my diet (well, except fast food), just be very particular about my portions and choose healthier meals over empty calories. I have a 4cc band and am hoping I can go without a fill, at least for a while. When the word "diet" is brought into the picture it just doesn't work for me so I have to allow myself freedom of choice. I am also walking at least 6 miles a day right now.

I am three weeks out and doing great, I am down about 18 to 20 lbs. I am watching portion sizes and limiting my calories to 800 a day right now. I pop a piece of hard candy in about 3 times a day when I do feel I want something, out of boredom, not hunger. I add those calories into my 800. So, my question is, are fills really necessary if I continue to lose weight? I mean at this point I don't feel I would need it. Am I going to feel different in 3 more weeks when i am actually due for my first fill? Sorry, I know this question has probably been hashed and rehashed but just wanted to know. Thanks Heather

I am about three weeks out now and I had a small glass of wine on Tuesday. I was at my monthly Wives Coffee (its a military thing) and just couldn't resist! I deserved it, my husband has been deployed now for 6 months! lol I had no ill affects whatsoever.

I am going on three weeks banded now and just started eating some soft solids. I have not PBed at all. Heather

I suppose for me I want to be realistic. I grew up fairly thin, I was 136 the day I got married and I am 5' 6". BUT, I had to work at that by running 8 to 10 miles 4 days a week and 2 miles the remaining 3 (I was in the Army so that helped a lot). Now almost 11 years later I am about 50 or 60 lbs from my goal of 150 to 160. I have to take into account the fact I have had three very large babies, I am almost 36, and well, that nice tight tummy I had at 25 is gone forever (well, unless I have a TT). Also, I can no longer run. My ankles are shot other than the fact running is actually really bad for you. I guess I just don't want to set a goal that may not happen, 150 would be great and I could see that as a size 10 or 12. I won't be wearing that bikini, heck, I never wore one when I was skinny! lol

My port is on my right side, but only because I had a tattoo the doctor said he didn't want to cut into! lol That was nice of him. I can feel it there, now so I am wondering if it will really be "showing" when I lose more weight! lol Heck i don't care, no one but my husband will she that area!

I am only in week two, but I started drinking Carnation Instant Breakfasts adn they are great. They do have a low cal/carb one, but when I have tried the low cal/carb stuff before it really sucks, so I think I will stick with the CIB regular. It is definately workable into a 800 calorie diet! I look forward to eating salads for lunch and chicken for dinner.

I am 35 years old and have struggled just as much in the past 10 years with my extra 50 to 60 lbs as anyone who is or has struggled with an extra 100+! We are all different. You can be 40 over weight and have every comorbidity there is, but be 200 over and not have one, so that tells me there is no comparison. With this said, I did not qualify through my insurance to have this procedure done. So, I chose self pay and went to Mexico (reason, the best doctor for the job). My surgery was the 31st of March 06. The day I left for Mexico I was 217 by my scale at home. That put me at around 33 or 34 BMI. As of yesterday I was down to 198 on my home scale. I am not sure why so much, probably water weight etc. Of course this will fluctuate. Anyway, I am so glad I got this done, even if I do have to make payments on a loan for the next year!! It is well worth it to me. I certainly didn't want to wait until I was 100+ over weight to do anything about it. I am too young to miss out on my kids life and not be the one out there playing frisby or soccer with my them!