VABandster

Ok gang...need some advice. I had surgery yesterday and feel pretty good with the exception of the gas and the stomach pains. I know I can address the gas pains w/the gas X, but I have to fly home tomorrow and am not sure what I should do since I'll likely still be having problems standing up and sitting down. Should I request a wheelchair at the airport? I was already planning on checking my bag so I don't have to lug it around the airport, but I could also probably just walk the gate (walking is supposed to be good for me, right?) and then ask if I can preboard to get myself into a set before everyone else piles on... Thoughts suggestions? Thanks!

I am having my surgery tomorrow and can't Wait!!! Congrats on getting through it so easily...hope mine goes just as smooth!!

Hey Gang, I am about to be banded on Friday! I had orginially gone to see Dr. Pinnar, and also the guy in Fairfax (Dr. Mozzaez or something like that), but couldn't get insurance to cover it and the out of pocket cost was a bit too much for me. So I found a Dr. in Colorado who does it for $10k (same as the Mexican Docs but you get to stay in the US!) and it includes 3 mos of follow up and fills. After the 3 mos, fills are only $15! Fortunately for me, my sister lives about 20 min. from him so I'll be recovering at her place and will have her there for moral support, but figured I'd throw this out to some of you who look like you're going to be self-payers like me. His name is Dr. Kirshenbaum (www.lapbandrockies.com), and he has a great bedside manner and his staff is great!

Phenry, I can see what you mean about mexican dr.s, although I have heard about people who go there having problems getting any problems actually fixed in the US b/c most US drs., so just be aware about that too. That was another reason I wanted to stay in the US. I am scheduled to have my band placed on 12/15 w/Dr. K in CO...I can't wait!!

Drew, I'd be curious to know about why you had to have port replacement too, and did you have to pay for it to get fixed?? I Think I know the answers to all the rest of Sweets questions

MarySue, I hadn't even though of that aspect of it, but good point! i've heard most people bounce back pretty quickly after the surgery, and hope that i am one of them!

Thanks Phenry! It has taken me a while to get to the point of actually doing this, but I've been overweight pretty much my entire life and just turned 36 and am sick and tired of it so I finally made the decision to go for it. Good luck to you too with whatever you decide to do!

I am in VA, but am going to CO to Dr. K (www.lapbandrockies) and am paying $10K and that includes 3 mos followup and fills. My sister lives in CO only 15 min. away, so I'll be recovering at her house, which is almost as good as mine! Good luck to you!

Hey Gang....I was referred to Dr. K by DrewsLou too and although I live in VA, my sister lives only 20 min. from his office, so I am scheduled to have my lapband w/him on Dec.15th (it was the soonest my sister and I could get our schedules in synch). I'm really looking forward to this and would love to hear a blow by blow from anyone who has already been banded by him on what to expect. Where does he put the port? has anyone had any troubles w/it? Thanks...looking forward to finally being banded!!!

Thanks for the info MySherriJo.....I did look at Dr. Sanchez, but as I mentioned before, would prefer to stay in the US if possible. I found a Dr. in CO that will do the surgery for only $1k more than what Dr. Sanchez charges, so I think that's worth being able to stay in the US. Looks like you're doing well....Congrats!

REALLY??? My Sister lives in Denver, CO....so I could easily have a place to stay to recover for a few days! Did the $9500 cover all the preop testing and all that?? If so, I"d love to get the Drs. name and number! Thanks!!

I'm probably going to be a self-pay b/c my insurance won't cover it. Am considering going to Mexico, obviously, but can already hear the groans and objections from my family and friends. Does anyone know of any Drs. in the US that do the surgery for a similar cost to Mexico (i.e. $10k) preferably near or in VA, but I'm willing to travel. Thanks!