Blueeyesinca95

I am from the Tulare Area and my doctor was actually located in Visalia. I had my surgery done at St Agnes in Fresno. I have heard and read the ads for Clovis weight loss but I really don't know a lot about them. My friend had surgery done by Dr. Higa and it was done at Fresno Heart Hospital. Good Luck and hope you get some good answers!

I have been able to get the kids discount prices at several restaraunts including Sizzler. I had the kids steak and had about 1/4 to 1/2 and then had some fresh veggies from the buffet. It was cheap and very filling. I have found out to just ask and most places wont give you a hard time about senior or childrens pricing.

Yes, I am from Tulare. I used Dr. Karen MacKenzie in Visalia for my surgery. I have enjoyed my experience with her and her office. I would reccomend her if you are looking to have the surgery done. She is on leave for the month of March as she is serving in Afganistan for the Air Force but will be back in April.

Welcome to the site! We all have made or are making the important decision to have the surgery done. I will tell you that I have had a great experience so far post-op. I am six weeks out and have had no complications. Weight loss has stabilized but I am still extremely happy with my results. Good luck on your journey and making your decision. :thumbup:

I was banded on 1/16/09 and went back to work 1/20/09. I was off 3 days but would have only been 2 if Monday had not been a holiday. I work at a desk all day and don't lift. I felt great a little tired at the end of a 10 hour shift but with very little protein I expected that. Everyone is different in this category for sure.

To me it doesn't sound like pain from the band. It would be interesting to know if you have gallbladder problems. That sounds like the pain I had with my gallbladder before it was removed. Also, gallbladder problems tend to be triggered by food. I would suggest checking with your PCP or surgeon. I was banded on 1/16/09 and back to work on 2/20/09.

I didn't have a choice either and my surgeon used the Lap-Band. All my paperwork from my seminars and the post op paperwork was all from the Lap-Band company. I am just over 2 weeks post-op and haven't had any problems. I tend to believe it is a surgeons preference.

Congrats on your date and congrats on doing so well post op. I am almost 2 weeks post op and love my new life!

None of us can really help you with those questions unfortunately. As all insurances have different policies and procedures on getting qualified for the surgery. I was very fortunate and didn't have the supervised diet plan or weigh-ins. My PCP referred me, my surgeon documented my problems, had the pysch and nutrtion exams and then off for insurance approval. 5 days later insurance approved and then 1/16/09 I had surgery. This all started 10/24/08. So in less than 3 months I had everything done. My advice to you would be to call your insurance company and ask what their requirements for approval for the lapband. I did this with my insurance and they told me everything I needed to do. I hope this information helps!

I too only take the Flinstones Complete chewables once a day. I am not on other vitamins. I do have sublingual vitamin B-12 that I got Vitamin World. I take that when I need a pick me up. I have my tired moments and other moments where I feel I can go for hours. I think it is all related to how our bodies are handling the new changes.

I agree with your post in so many ways. I am only 1 week post op and have lost a total of 20 lbs. It is a great feeling and already seeing the difference in clothes! I almost need a new part time job to pay for the new clothes I will have to buy. Congratulations on your success!

I would try and get the referral for the band. It is worth trying to be successful and be approved for the surgery. We all have our stories good and bad. I had a great story. Referred by PCP on 10/24/08 and surgery within 3 months on 1/16/09. I know my situation doesn't help you but I would still try and get approved if you can. Maybe you don't have the emotional eating the other person had. Hang in there and good luck!

I started my preop diet on 1/7 and I had my surgery on 1/16. I was allowed to have only 1000 calories a day. I didn't have to be on liquids or protein drinks. I did really well and never really made it over 900 calories. I lost 12 pounds before surgery and it worked great.

I was banded on Friday January 16 and have never been happier! Surgery was great and simple. I have had no complications and no pain. I was back to work by Tuesday since Monday was a holiday for my work. I am so happy for all of us who are on our way to a new "us"!! Good luck to all the up and coming bandsters.

My surgery was originally scheduled for 4pm on Jan 16. It was rescheduled 3 times the day before and day of surgery. I ended up having the first incision done at 2:10 as they called my family in the waiting room to let them know. Surgery was scheduled to last 45 min to an hour. By the time my family came back from lunch at 2:45 surgery was already complete and I was in recovery. I remember asking the nurse what time it was and she said 3:15. I woke up feeling a little nautious but not much pain. They gave me medication for the nausea and I was great after that. I didn't get any pain medications until they made me drink at 5:30. Once I could drink I was discharged by 6pm and home walking around Target by 7pm. I am very grateful to have had such a wonderful experience with my banding!!!!! I wish everyone else could have a nice easy process as well. I am doing well post op and have had to force liquids as I am not hungry. It feels weird to not be hungry but I am just glad the band is working already. Good luck to the rest of the people who are going to be banded!

I was banded on Jan 16 and was fortunate enough not to have the gas pains. When I had my gallbladder surgery I suferred with them for several days. I was relieved when I woke up in recovery without the pains. I have been there and know what you are all going through. Good luck and hope it relieves itself soon.

I was told I could walk but not strenously. I am just taking slow easy walks just to get the exercise but not really going to push myself until after the 6 week point. My doctor also told me I could swim 3 days out. This is only my surgeon and we all know they are different.

I just had my surgery on Friday January 16 and am on full liquids. I am also not hungry and am having to really push myself to drink liquids period. I worry about moving onto mushies but think that if I do move on and I am not hungry that maybe it will stay that way and will only need a few bites to satisfy myself. It is a great relief to finally not feel like I am hungry all the time!!

In my informational seminar I went to my doctor told us that after your surgery your estrogen levels fluctuate so much that your body will go through a lot of hormonal changes. This maybe one of them. She prescribes an estrogen patch in the beginning to help with mood swings that is a result of the sudden weight loss. When I went to research this I couldn't find it anywhere and had to ask the doctor about it. I hope this information helps.

If you are on the central coast in CA then you might be closer to finding a doctor in Fresno to possibly help with your fills. I am assuming it is closer since it only takes us about 2.5 hours to get to the coast from here. I have read about several support groups in the fresno area as well. You might want to check for those posts. I hope you find a solution soon for your problem.

I have finally received insurance approval and will be banded on 1/16/09! It is a day later than it was supposed to be but I am still happy about it! I can't wait!!!! Good luck to everyone else that is being banded this month!

I had gallbladder surgery 4/07 and I used a green tea scar minimizer and when I went to my surgeon for the lap-band she was impressed with the scars. They are very minimal and can hardly be seen. So I am sure the Mederma would work the same way. Good luck!

Good luck with surgery today! Here is to a speedy recovery! :thumbdown:

I am from Tulare but will be having my surgery by Dr. MacKenzie in Fresno at St Agnes. Nice to see the locals on here.

I am supposed to be banded 1/15/09 as long as everything at my surgeons office goes right! I am starting my pre-op diet and its pretty easy 1000 calories. No liquid only for me which I am learning to value very much from reading other peoples posts. Congrats and good luck to all the New Year Hotties!