msbrookins

Hello. I'm here to guage the cost of the LapBand since it's looking like I'm not going to make it down to Mexico.... If you could please....tell me the following: -Where you got your procedure done? -How much did it cost you? -What was included in the price? Thanks for your help! Courtney

Okay, well I'm off for surgery with Dr. Sanchez on Monday at 7:15A. I can tell that I'm really nervous..so much it's caused Aunt flow to run late this month-sigh! I believe I'm starting my journey at 265lbs, but I don't have a scale at home to confirm..I thinks now's the time to get one. A little about my background....I'm 28, no kids, not married-have a very supportive boyfriend that I live with, have two dogs (Italian Mastiff and a Pitbull), 5 horses (one I show-showjumping), and have been heavy all my life. I've always been very active in sports and have never been hindered by my weight until these past couple of years. Reason being, in Sept of 2004, I had major spinal surgery that included: bone graphs to reconstruct my spine, fusion to keep it from slipping, and bolts to hold it all in place. From there, my weight has just sky rocketed (went into surgery at 220lbs) and I can now see and feel the added pressure/weight. Long story short, I ready to reclaim my life and get back in the saddle..literally! So, that leads me to now and Monday...I start my new walk into a new me! Funny thing is, I don't care what the doctor's say about my ideal weight...I know that I only want to be at 175-180lbs...I love my thick body and don't want to go any lower! I'll have to post pictures soon.....just as soon as I learn how! =)

Okay...I'm really bad, but I do every day..no matter how much or little I eat. The funny thing is that I'm not uncomfortable at all, I just can't keep anything down.

This is a picture of my horse and I, a couple of months back..right before she passed. We were able to get in one last feaux-fox hunt. Just some random pictures....

<p>I was banded on August 1st...down 40#s.....</p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p></p>[/img]

Well, I was banded in August (3rd to be exact), and it's now 7 months later and I'm down 40 pounds to 225#. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to now have my life back! A couple of things have happened to me since banding...my horse died (Feb 3rd), my aunt died (march 14th), and i bought a new horse (march 15th). The band has helped me in MANY ways, the most important was to get back into the saddle and showing again...I have a horse show this weekend in Tacoma, WA! I feel great; however, there are some frustrating parts...since loosing 40#, I haven't had the want to get a fill...but, I'm finding that I'm throwing up daily, no matter how little or much I eat. I know that my band hasn't slipped, I feel no discomfort but I'm wondering if it adjusted to a smaller size since I've lost a good amount of weight.... Here are some pictures of me now......

Well, I was banded in August (3rd to be exact), and it's now 7 months later and I'm down 40 pounds to 225#. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to now have my life back! A couple of things have happened to me since banding...my horse died (Feb 3rd), my aunt died (march 14th), and i bought a new horse (march 15th). The band has helped me in MANY ways, the most important was to get back into the saddle and showing again...I have a horse show this weekend in Tacoma, WA! I feel great; however, there are some frustrating parts...since loosing 40#, I haven't had the want to get a fill...but, I'm finding that I'm throwing up daily, no matter how little or much I eat. I know that my band hasn't slipped, I feel no discomfort but I'm wondering if it adjusted to a smaller size since I've lost a good amount of weight.... Here are some pictures of me now......

Well, it's been a good minute since I've last updated my journal...what a two weeks! I have to say there's been some good and bad, I'll start from the beginning.. 1. I found out that I was pregnant a week ago...I know, how is that going to work with my band??? That's the million dollar question! I just went to the Dr. this morning and I'm estimated to be about 10 weeks, won't know the exact time until my ultrasound on Monday. 2. I don't think I've done any damage, but I couldn't stomach anymore broth, jello, pudding, etc. So, I've already started eating solids, just very carefully. I've learned to listen to my body and feel when my food passes through the band. I have to say, I haven't eaten anything terrible..I just started out early since I obviously was pregnant and hungry! lol. For example, this afternoon I had lunch with my boyfriend (aka: baby daddy, lol) and I had a very small ceasar salad with half a slab of smoked salmon. Last night, I made tacos but I only ate meat, beans, lettuce, tomatoe, etc...no shell. My friends yell at me all the time for eating too soon, but they don't want to see me get angry and let my hormones kick in! lol. 3. After surgery, I decided to let my body heal before working out..now that I know I'm pregnant..the tiredness is kicking in and I'm having an extremely hard time hitting the gym and/or pool! Dayum! 4. IN TWO WEEKS, and as of today at the Dr.'s office..I'VE LOST 23LBS! I'M SOO HAPPY considering I haven't seen the inside of my gym yet! lol. My scars are very minimal right now, thank goodness. I was kinda worried since the Dr. didn't use any surgical tape. I'll have to attach pictures when I get home. The pictures that I did attach are one from today (on the left) and one from a week ago (on the right).

Well, it's been a good minute since I've last updated my journal...what a two weeks! I have to say there's been some good and bad, I'll start from the beginning.. 1. I found out that I was pregnant a week ago...I know, how is that going to work with my band??? That's the million dollar question! I just went to the Dr. this morning and I'm estimated to be about 10 weeks, won't know the exact time until my ultrasound on Monday. 2. I don't think I've done any damage, but I couldn't stomach anymore broth, jello, pudding, etc. So, I've already started eating solids, just very carefully. I've learned to listen to my body and feel when my food passes through the band. I have to say, I haven't eaten anything terrible..I just started out early since I obviously was pregnant and hungry! lol. For example, this afternoon I had lunch with my boyfriend (aka: baby daddy, lol) and I had a very small ceasar salad with half a slab of smoked salmon. Last night, I made tacos but I only ate meat, beans, lettuce, tomatoe, etc...no shell. My friends yell at me all the time for eating too soon, but they don't want to see me get angry and let my hormones kick in! lol. 3. After surgery, I decided to let my body heal before working out..now that I know I'm pregnant..the tiredness is kicking in and I'm having an extremely hard time hitting the gym and/or pool! Dayum! 4. IN TWO WEEKS, and as of today at the Dr.'s office..I'VE LOST 23LBS! I'M SOO HAPPY considering I haven't seen the inside of my gym yet! lol. My scars are very minimal right now, thank goodness. I was kinda worried since the Dr. didn't use any surgical tape. I'll have to attach pictures when I get home. The pictures that I did attach are one from today (on the left) and one from a week ago (on the right).

Hey Everyone, I'm now back home from being banded by Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey! I have to say, I don't know if I can handle the week of broth....I've already slipped and had oatmeal! =) I figure this, as long as I can suck it down and it's soft to watery...I'm going to eat it! I didn't get fat by eating broth and it's hard to just stop food to go to broth for a week!-Just my opinion. As far as pain, I have some port pain, luckly no gas pain, and slight bruising. Already, I'm down 10lbs from being banded on the 1st and I'm looking forward to what the future holds! Good luck to eveyone who has yet to pass over...it's a mind blowing experience to know that you're actually going to loose weight! Courtney

Okay, I'm sure that this question has been asked a million times;however, I'm not able to find the thread that addresses it...so, here's the million and one time... How do I post pictures on here? I have pictures that are on my computer, but I don't know how to post them on LBT... Can anyone of you picture posting geru's tell me how you do it??? Thank you.

Okay, now that I'm here..I can say that from the time you step off the plane, you'll feel like family! It's hot, the room is nice (jetted tub), wonderful chinese down the street, and alma won't leave you alone until you leave-she's soo cute! I'll tell you more tomorrow!

Kmwwmk...I'm on the same boat as you! I'm now down in Monterray, MX to be banded by Dr. Sanchez at 10A tomorrow morning. My last meal...a little bit of chinese food, I wasn't hungry at all...more tired! Thankfully, the hospital has wireless in the rooms; so, I'm sure I'll be on later on tomorrow...after the drugs wear off! Good Luck to all, especially Kmwwmk!

Gonna..(maybe you can post your real name if you're comfortable), I'm off to be banded by Dr. Sanchez this Monday! I stay in Seattle, WA, so I opted for the diamond package since it includes my airfare for the surgery and the follow-up. I feel you on the financial issue...I plan on taking another job to make sure that surgery loan bill is paid. I will have to side with Funny and Sherri...not only did I do my research on him and it proved positive, but everyone that has been banded by him has all good things to say about the experience. Good luck and keep up posted.

Oh yeah, Teresita (by the way, that's my cousin's name as well)... I'm limited in the fact that I can't ride my horses or comfortably work out in my step aerobics or running. My thoughts are this....the band will help to drop some pounds so that I can get it in gear and be productive in my excercise and riding....somewhat using it as a crutch until I can stand on my own.

Well, now that I've learned how to post pictures..I think I'll become a picture bandit! My surgery date is set for August 1st with Dr. Sanchez in Mexico..I head out of Seattle on the 31st! .jpg] .jpg] .jpg] I took these pictures about 15 minutes ago in the bathroom at work!

Yeah...I did it!!!!! I feel soo special right now, and yet soo elementary! Thank you PhotoNut

Thank you PhotoNut, What about when you'd like to post in your journal...all I see is the add image and you need a URL for that.....

Okay, well I'm off for surgery with Dr. Sanchez on Monday at 7:15A. I can tell that I'm really nervous..so much it's caused Aunt flow to run late this month-sigh! I believe I'm starting my journey at 265lbs, but I don't have a scale at home to confirm..I thinks now's the time to get one. A little about my background....I'm 28, no kids, not married-have a very supportive boyfriend that I live with, have two dogs (Italian Mastiff and a Pitbull), 5 horses (one I show-showjumping), and have been heavy all my life. I've always been very active in sports and have never been hindered by my weight until these past couple of years. Reason being, in Sept of 2004, I had major spinal surgery that included: bone graphs to reconstruct my spine, fusion to keep it from slipping, and bolts to hold it all in place. From there, my weight has just sky rocketed (went into surgery at 220lbs) and I can now see and feel the added pressure/weight. Long story short, I ready to reclaim my life and get back in the saddle..literally! So, that leads me to now and Monday...I start my new walk into a new me! Funny thing is, I don't care what the doctor's say about my ideal weight...I know that I only want to be at 175-180lbs...I love my thick body and don't want to go any lower! I'll have to post pictures soon.....just as soon as I learn how! =)

OMG...I'm now down to one week before heading off to be banded!!! I'm now over the last supper syndrome and my nerves are kicking in so much that my appetite is now gone!!!! I think it's time to start taking my "before" pictures so that I can marvel at my sexiness coming through! I'm not sure if I asked, but is there anyone being banded by Dr. Sanchez around the 1st? I'll be there on the 31st and departing on the 3rd.

I applied with CapOne; however, they only finance Dr.'s that have a US medical license...just something to be aware of..they don't tell you that when you apply with them, only when you've chosen your MX doctor do they tell you that they won't finance for outside the US. As an alternative, I went through SurgeryLoans (surgeryloans.com) and there's another called medicredit.com. Good luck!

Hello. I recently decided to switch doctors from Ortiz to Sanchez...my date is set for August 1st with the Diamond Package. I'd like to hear your opinion, good or bad, regarding Dr. Sanchez. I believe that all Dr.s, even the good ones, have some sort of conflict/criticism and I'd like to see what's out there with Dr. Sanchez. Thanks for your help! Courtney

Hi Bird, they do have Dr. Ortiz in their system; however, they will verify his US Medical license..which he doesn't have. Even though he's in the system as California, which I think was my doing when I was trying to rig up financing, the fact of the matter is that their Dr.'s have to have a US medical license and Dr. Ortiz doesn't. If you want Dr. Ortiz, go through SurgeryLoans.com....the will provide you the flexibility to search for Dr.'s in Mexico and allow you to make a well informed, not as expensive as the US, decision. Feel free to PM me if you'd like to talk further.... Good Luck!

I just wanted to gauge how many of you had to do the pre-op diet before surgery and those that didn't. I was told yesterday, by my surgery consultant, that since my BMI was 45..I didn't have to worry about the pre-op diet.. Does that sound right to you?:help:

Thanks Everyone, I just wanted to make sure that what I was told is what should happen. I still don't get the BMI issue since some with lower BMI's have had to do the pre-op diet. I think I'll just do liquids the day before, which I'm sure won't be a problem since I'm sure I'll be a nervous wreck.