Losing 2

I drove nearly four hours to get banded at the location you chose in Detroit. I used care credit for a portion of my self pay. Best of luck to you.

Nazzy... Best of luck to you!!

I have had two fills by two different docs; one was my surgeon, the other was my new band doc. Each have different approaches - no numbing by either and I didn't feel a thing by either. I finally do have pretty good restriction and can tell the difference. This is soooo worth it! Good Luck to everyone.

CONGRATS!! :thumbup: You have a date! You will find so much helpful info on pre-op/post-op and answers to just about every question imaginable!!!

Mollyjo.. CONGRATS!!! And... Welcome to Onderland!:thumbup: Awwwwww isn't this just great!!:eek::tt2: Everyone is doing so very great... and the encouragement on these boards have helped me so much!

Yep, so far... I have not regretted a penny of it!! I feel like a million bucks - I know I am way much healthier and have a much better attitude!

---------- CONGRATS TO YOU!!:sneaky: Everyone is doing so well... this thread is very encouraging!!

**Anne... Happy Birthday!!** Hello everyone... its so great to review and catch up on everyone. Aren't those NSV's just THE BEST!! I have been having several lately and they are a true boost to my encouragement level. My 2nd fill was last week and it has made a huge difference. This is a great boost as well. Best of Luck and Continued Success to All!

CONGRATS Cindie! I remember the feeling of being extremely excited a couple of days prior... and the time flew! Best of Luck to you on your newest journey.

CONGRATS TINA!! Don't forget to walk, walk & walk... even while in the house. That was great advise I received from this site. ----- Best of luck to you, JimmieLou

I found two places in Chicago (well, I got the info from this board); Where do you live?

Yes! They are flopping off in the back.:tongue:

Thanks everyone; I went with the personal care from the doc who is about 10 minutes or so away. So far, it's well worth it. I liked his explanations, he provided me with his email and let me know he likes updates and insists on corresponding. The fill went great!

That's just a brand name... I have a regular lap band. Yep, I traveled - I was self-pay and this was affordable, vs the $19,000 to $24,000 self-pay options in Chicago.

I have the Allegran(sp) band. I live in Chicago.

I was banded at Harper Hospital by Dr. Laker of Great Lakes Weight Loss Center. Their webpage has loads of questions and answers. As far as telling others... I am usually a very vocal person about what's going on with me - especially whenever I'm excited about a issue (such as lap band surgery); however, in the past, I've heard the worst responses to WLS from those who really don't know the facts. So, thus far - I've only told two folks at the job. I've decided I'll tell when I feel like it, or maybe I might not ever tell. My family knows and that is what counts. Best of luck to you

I have only had 1 fill (2nd one is scheduled for Tuesday); Not even five minutes after my first fill - I began gagging and spit up a couple of times. Doc immediately removed all saline and very slowly inserted less. I don't know alot about the process, but do know that you are NOT whining and that you should make the call as stated, ASAP. Good Luck

Also google: SurgeryLoans.com CareCredit.com You can obtain instant responses Best of luck.... if you really want it - don't give up.

:huh2:Julie Ann, your photo is awesome! I am checking out everyones #'s and this is so encouraging! :tt2:Wow!:glare:

I appreciate this sound advice... needed to hear it.

Yep, I agree - only the doc can tell you what to do about the IUD. However, I would never tell an 11 y/o all about this procedure and I'm sorry, but I'd get a sitter while I attend my seminars (never know what sort of questions & answers might come up there). Best of luck!

My insurance Aetna HMO doesn't cover my fills; however the $500 explained that they submit the first claim for fills just to make sure. If the insurance denies, I'll need to pay the $130 for fills. I can really understand the answers about the $95. center; and for the most part, I'd take it and run . But, I've been a bit worried about not having a doc to help if I didn't feel good about something with the band, so I am leaning towards the $500 doc. Both places are highly recommended her on and obesityhelp. I really, really appreciate everyone's honesty. I need this to make a decision.

Thank you so much for your thoughts - I really the idea of knowing I have aftercare right at my back door. I have made the appointment and believe yt's the best choice. Thank you

"4. Physically set your utensil down between bites. Sounds silly 'cause we've never done that before but it really does help. If we're holding our fork/spoon while waiting to finish chewing, we're already thinking about the next bite instead of concentrating on the current bite. Again, here comes the pain if I swallow too soon." So far, this is one of my biggest problems. I think I eat even faster than I did before I was banded. I appreciate reading this advice.. especially the one above - I really am going to try this.