Carolml

Hi everyone. I am new to this forum, and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Carol, and I am from Sacramento. I am interested in lap band surgery, and have been looking at local doctor info. My insurance has Dr Machado as a referring physician. Has anyone here had Dr Machado? I'd be interested in feedback. Thanks! Carol

What a heartwarming sharing... You speak so clearly as to how the band can help change so much more than weight in our lives. To truly be present with our loved ones and to no longer feel left out.... to see the joy in their eyes. What greater gift could we possibly offer and receive? And to look forward to enjoying activities we would have previously felt too self conscious to be involved in... I look forward to being a part of this "movement". Future banding date: 1/8/09, Dr. Kuri, Mexico. Carol

Hi All, My name is Carol, and I am being banded 1/8/09 with Dr. Kuri in Mexico. Merry Christmas everyone!

Hello, I'm scheduled for 1/8/09 with Dr. Kuri in Mexico. I live in Sacramento. Let's keep in touch and compare notes! Carol

I'd like to share about my family's reactions to my announcement that I have scheduled band surgery in Mexico. My sister, a nurse, said nothing after I told her of my upcoming date. My older daughter, a nursing student, and my younger daughter were immediately afraid for my life. And can't imagine why I would even consider risking my life by going to Tijuana, of all places. Nope, not much sharing in my joy from my family. Expressed and unexpressed fear. My dog, Millie, is supportive of me no matter what I do. A little rub on her tummy and an occasional treat and she's good to go. Hmmmmmm. I wonder if I could bring my dog as my companion for surgery.

What a whirlwind. I have booked surgery with Dr. Kuri for 1/8/09, and am happy and excited and nervous and experiencing all kinds of emotions. I have read two books: Weight Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band, by Robert Sewell & Linda Rohrbough and Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies. I have read lots of threads on assorted forums. All point to lap band surgery being right for me. I attended a seminar by Dr. Machado in Sacramento and was impressed by her. My PCP, however, was discouraging, suggesting that I should do the South Beach Diet. After 30 years of countless diets I just don't think I'd stick with it. So, not wanting to go through a long drawn out hassle trying to get insurance coverage, I made a decision to research self pay options. Dr. Machado offers a $15,000 self pay option at a surgery center. If hospitalization is needed, the cost would be considerably more. Dr. Kuri and Dr. Ortiz both offer reasonable packages. I selected Dr. Kuri at $7500 plus airfare. Money is definitely a concern for me in this unstable economy, plus I feel safer knowing that I would be in a hospital for the night after surgery, as well as the night before. And I like knowing that I can be close by at a hotel the following night in case I need additional help. No, I can't sue if something goes wrong. And I will need to do fills somewhere else, or travel back to Tijuana. But Dr. Kuri is very respected and experienced, and I feel good about my choice. So..... Today is 12/23/08. And I am giving myself a wonderful Christmas present, and a new, more healthy lifestyle will be my 2009 reality as a result. Eeeeeeeeeek!

I'd like to share about my family's reactions to my announcement that I have scheduled band surgery in Mexico. My sister, a nurse, said nothing after I told her of my upcoming date. My older daughter, a nursing student, and my younger daughter were immediately afraid for my life. And can't imagine why I would even consider risking my life by going to Tijuana, of all places. Nope, not much sharing in my joy from my family. Expressed and unexpressed fear. My dog, Millie, is supportive of me no matter what I do. A little rub on her tummy and an occasional treat and she's good to go. Hmmmmmm. I wonder if I could bring my dog as my companion for surgery.

Wendytip, I appreciate your sharings. I'm feeling some of the emotional stuff as well. Where do you get the Special K protein powders? The tea one sounds like a great idea. Merry Christmas, Carol

mmnairn, Your surgery is Dec 29? Who & where? I'm looking forward to hearing all about it. Merry Christmas, Carol

BlooEyes, Thanks so much for your detailed description of your presurgery with Dr Kuri! I am scheduled for 1/8/09 and very much looking forward to it! Carol

I am scheduled for surgery 1/8/09 with Dr. Kuri. I am happy to hear positive feedback from those who have had him.

What a whirlwind. I have booked surgery with Dr. Kuri for 1/8/09, and am happy and excited and nervous and experiencing all kinds of emotions. I have read two books: Weight Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band, by Robert Sewell & Linda Rohrbough and Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies. I have read lots of threads on assorted forums. All point to lap band surgery being right for me. I attended a seminar by Dr. Machado in Sacramento and was impressed by her. My PCP, however, was discouraging, suggesting that I should do the South Beach Diet. After 30 years of countless diets I just don't think I'd stick with it. So, not wanting to go through a long drawn out hassle trying to get insurance coverage, I made a decision to research self pay options. Dr. Machado offers a $15,000 self pay option at a surgery center. If hospitalization is needed, the cost would be considerably more. Dr. Kuri and Dr. Ortiz both offer reasonable packages. I selected Dr. Kuri at $7500 plus airfare. Money is definitely a concern for me in this unstable economy, plus I feel safer knowing that I would be in a hospital for the night after surgery, as well as the night before. And I like knowing that I can be close by at a hotel the following night in case I need additional help. No, I can't sue if something goes wrong. And I will need to do fills somewhere else, or travel back to Tijuana. But Dr. Kuri is very respected and experienced, and I feel good about my choice. So..... Today is 12/23/08. And I am giving myself a wonderful Christmas present, and a new, more healthy lifestyle will be my 2009 reality as a result. Eeeeeeeeeek! :biggrin:

Thanks, Jack! My PCP advised me to go on South Beach rather than get lap band. Dr. Machado's fee for self pay is $15,000 if done at an outpatient surgery center. So I just booked surgery with Dr. Kuri for $7500. I'm excited!

Hi. I also am considering Dr. Machado. Will be attending December seminar. Anyone else out there still pre-op? Any recent cost updates?

Hi everyone, My name is Carol, and I am looking into Dr Machado for lap band surgery. My insurance has her on their list, and I've looked at her website. I'd appreciate any feedback from anyone who has her as their surgeon. Thanks! Carol