jahinokc

Does anyone know of a support forum called Mexican bandsters for those who have gone to Mexico for their lap band procedure? If so could you let me know how to connect to the registration locale. I did come across such a site but could not find any login or registration on the page. I would appreciate any help. Thanks, jahinokc :tt2:

Hi JK, I too was banded by Dr. Rodriquez in Juarez. You have the best prices in and around the DFW area of any that I have seen (accepting mexico patients) and I have done extensive searches. I am due to have my first fill on 10/17 with Dr. David Kim who is located in your area. He charges $200 with fluoroscopy. No other up front charges. I live in Oklahoma City and the docs in this state want $2000 up front if you can even get an appt. Another alternative would be USA Fills there is one in the Houston and Austin area. I think they quoted a price of $165 or $185 without fluoroscopy.

Hi Pat, I am 59 and was banded on 9/4/08 in Mexico because my insurance would not cover the procedure and the cost was a major factor in my decision. I am doing great and have not had any problems. I have already lost 18 lbs. I am looking forward to my first fill in mid October. I know exactly what you mean by wanting to be able to keep up with the family and can't. For me it was hard to walk and I would get short of breath. I think one of my most painful moments was when my grandson wanted me to ride the roller coaster with him and I could not get the safety belt buckled. Therefore, I had to get off the ride. Even though he said he was okay with it. I know it had to be embarrasing for him to hear the giggles of the people watching. On my surgery date I weighed in at 227 and I am 5'2". I opted to go with the band because I felt it was a safer procedure. I try to think positively and keep telling myself that if it works for others then I know it can work for me. Best of luck to you in what ever you decide. Remember every one is different and just because your friend hasn't had good results with her band does not mean you won't. jahinokc :teeth_smile:

Hello out there in band land. I am fairly new to this. Banded on 9/4/08 in Mexico and I am doing great. I have lost 18 lbs to date. I can not have my first fill until mid October. My doc says I have to wait a full 6 weeks. I am at a point where I need help to stay on track. I find I am getting hungry alot of the time and desperately want to go back to my old eating habits. I hope that after my first fill I will get that full feeling after eating. I live in Oklahoma and will have to go to Dallas for my fills. This is the closest affordable place I can find. I am an Oncology RN and do both patient care as well as administrative work. This is a rather stressful but rewarding field of nursing. I am currently taking a couple of months off work to get adjusted to my new banded life style. I would really like to have someone to communicate with who is going through the weight loss journey. There are so many things I feel I need to know and hopefully I can get some answers and support from someone who can say been there, done that. Thanks jahinokc :teeth_smile:

Hi Pam, I had my band on 9/4/08 in Juarez by Dr. Jose Rodriquez. I had an excellent experience and have had no post op problems at all. My daughter and I went in for surgery together and have each other + my hubby for support. I have lost 18 lbs to date and will go for my 1st fill Oct 16th. Good luck to you and all those who are planning to get started on a new way of life. Judy in OKC, OK

I am very new to this banding thing. I have only had my band for 1 week. What do you mean by reaching your sweet spot? What exactly is that?

No you do not have to go back to Mexico for your fills. You can go to Fills USA which I think has a location in Las Vegas. For me I am not close to one of the centers and have to drive to Dallas but did find a doctor that will take me and rates are reasonable at $150 for a fill and that is with fluoroscopy. Again best of luck to you. So far I am extremely happy with my results.

Thanks, I did not think about the ketosis but it could very well be the problem. It helps knowing this, for this too shall pass. Best of luck in your weight loss journey.

Hi, I to am a self pay. I do not know how much you are having to pay in Las Vegas but I just had my surgery on 9-4-08 in Mexico for 7,000. I went through the Belite weight loss center located in Los Angeles not that far from you. The hospital is in Tjuana and very nice. I was told that this price will be good through the end of 2008. I made my decision on 8/30 and had my surgery 5 days later. If interested go to Beliteweight.com. I have had no problems to date and very minimal post op pain from the surgery. My daughter & I went together and both of us are doing great. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

Had my surgery on 9-4-08. Am still on a clear liquid diet and have a constant bad taste in my mouth. I am frequently brushing my teeth for fear of having bad breath due to this problem. Does anyone else have this problem and is it realated to the banding? Does it go away and if so how long before it does? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :smile:

Had my band in Juarez on 9-4-08 and my post op instructions were for clear liquids only x 2weeks and full liquids for 2 additional weeks. I am having a really hard time and want so badly to eat real food. When does the hunger subside? Also, can anyone recommend a fill site (that charges a reasonable price) near the Oklahoma City area or within 300 miles. Insurance would not cover the surgery or the fills and I can not afford to return to Juarez which is over 700 miles away. Gas prices are way to high. Please, if there is anyone that can help I need all the support I can get because right now I am wondering if I made the right choice to have this procedure. I should have researched the follow up care better. Thanks.