odanielle

Hi all -- I was banded on August 29 - a week later (and 10 lbs less!) I'm so hungry I could eat my shoes. On past diets, I've been able to get away with a tablespoon of Peanut Butter - hits the spot without triggering overeating -- but I'm not sure that it would count as a "soft" food? Actually, I'm technically support to be on liquid Protein for another 2 weeks, but frankly, I'm hungry enough and feel sufficiently recovered that if PB falls under the mushie stage and people haven't had problems with it, then I'm willing to chance it! Thanks in advance for your advice! Danielle

Hi all! I just posted in the NJ thread as well for Southern NJ folks as well. I will be banded in Mexico in a few short days (8/29!) :whoo::omg: and the more I read, the more I realize how critical after care support is with others who've done this. Learning how to eat, what to eat, how to deal with emotions, what to do at work, social situations, etc. There are a few support groups I could join with clinicians present, but they're not close to my area (NYC is the closest I could fine) So...I am taking matters into my own hands! So far, I have someone else from Philly interested (she's from another board) and now someone from South NJ. Any others??? I don't think we have to be that close to each other -- if we could just meet once a month on the weekend, and combine it with something that I INTEND on becoming fun (e.g., mall shopping!!) then I think we could all meet somewhere. What do you think? Any thoughts appreciated -- those who want to join, let me know! Thanks, Danielle

HI that's great -- could we alternate? Two of us are from Philly, but I'm not sure where in Philly the other person comes from (she's from another board -- she's doing great!!) What I was thinking is to meet in Philly one month and in SJ the other. Where in SJ are you from? I go to SJ every week to get groceries from Wegman's, so I'm quite familiar with rt 73; I also go to the Cherry Hill mall sometimes (rt 38) so I know that. If you don't like taking a car into Philly, we could meet you at a train station and go from there? It seems that the key to success is good support after the fact, so I'm very anxious to get started with some support right after I return (so sometime in September!) Let me know what you think - if you're open to it, I"ll send you my cell/home email via message. Thanks!! Danielle

Hi all! It's very exciting to see that there is so much activity on this board! I am about 5 days from surgery (8/29) :omg: - will be doing it in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz - and I am very interested in joining/creating an in-person support group! My question to you Southern NJ"ites" -- is there a support group that one can join? The closest I've found is Manhattan with Dr. Fielding/Ren and that's a bit of a trek! If there isn't a support group, I would be happy to start one!! I'm thinking about a monthly thing - something easy and fun (heck, I was even thinking we could meet at a Wegman's and combine tea and groceries for family!!There are two of us so far, and it would just be great to wade through the experience with others and learn how to eat properly, deal well in social situations, etc. etc. You long timers are MORE THAN welcome -- of course!!! Don't know if you feel the same need for support though! Anyhow, if there are any hints, any interest -- let me know!! My thanks, Danielle

Good idea -- time permitting, I will ask him - if you are a Dr. Ortiz patient, does one have time to ask him questions like that? I know we meet him, but it sounds as though it's right before surgery, and my guess is that I"ll have other things on my mind!! Either Southeastern PA or South NJ would be possible for me - but the NYC option is definitely one that I'll take advantage of at least once! Thanks much, Danielle

Great - thanks! I'll call them and ask about details/costs. I know they accept patients from MX, but boy, those support groups being so large is a little overwhelming! Actually, what I'd love is to start a group in Philly - just to chat and compare notes - but I'm having troubles finding other people who've been banded around here! Kinda want a put an ad out in the paper or Craigs List-- can you imagine?? danielle

I have been looking and looking for a post I had seen a while back that said how much Dr. Fielding/Ren's fills are in NYC - can't find it anywhere, so I'm hoping someone on the Board can help. I will be banded in Mexico (Dr. Ortiz) and I can tell from this forum and others that post-surgical care is critical. I also wanted to know if it was possible to join that practice's support groups (Wednesdays once a month?) I'll happily pay a fee if that's possible. They sound great - including going to restaurants to see how to eat, and learning tons of new things. I am willing to come up from Philadelphia as often as I can, but would like to know if it's feasible. Thanks in advance for any help! Danielle

Thanks! I am trying to get reimbursed after the fact, so I will reach out to them for this too. I can tell you that even if they tell me they won't cover any complications/health issues that they deem related to this, I will fight it tooth and nail!! After all, I'm doing this to forestall health complications. It's so silly even to have to worry about this - I could have easily have done the surgery on a previous insurance policy a few months ago, then joined this insurance and have to deal with health issues related to this. Anyhow, just venting. Thank you for your experience! Danielle

Nilsa, I just wanted to wish you continued success on your post-band experience - I am going to be banded in Mexico on 8/28, but then hope to go to Drs Fielding/Ren for support and fills. I understand they do take other patients. I live in Philly so it's a trek, but I think that fills are key, and I would love the support of people who have been through the same journey. So maybe I'll see you at one of those meetings! I wish you success on your journey! Danielle 208/201/140

Hello! I am having my surgery in about 10 days in Mexico by Dr. Ortiz - as a self-pay. I have been trying to get some perspective by reading about complications - such as slippage, hernias, gall bladder issues, or anything related directly or indirectly to the band. My question is this: For complications, I would go to a hospital in the States for care. Would insurance cover, since it could well be related to the band? Has anyone gone through what I'm wondering about? If so, I'd really appreciate your perspective. I would imagine the insurance should reimburse me - what if I had had the band on a previous insurance policy - I have no "pre-existing" clause in my insurance (Aetna POS Choice in Pennsylvania). Just wondering -- because self-pay for any kind of hospital stay/procedure would be a horrendous financial burden to place on my family! Thanks, Danielle

Hi - I am going to Mexico to have my surgery on 8/28 (Dr. Ortiz) I'm planning to have my fills in Southern New Jersey - there is a fill center in Mount Laurel (look up fillcenter.com) -- it's about 10 miles from Philly. If you're in Northern NJ a few good fill doctors are mentioned somewhere here in Manhattan who will take Mexico patients. Danielle

It is somehow comforting for me to read this - I'm 10 days away from surgery and my single biggest fear is how much I will miss drinking my diet 7-up/diet coke while I eat. I'm having nightmares about it! I was too ashamed to post what seemed like such a "trivial" worry, but I see that it is hard, after all..... Danielle