ginger

I had mine done with Dr. de la Garza on 8/22/06. I think he is very experienced in the lap band procedure and everything went very well. I highly recommend him, his hospital and his staff.

I got my first fill last week and so far, it is going well. However, I was poked four times before the doctor got the needle in the right place (no flouro). Has anyone ever developed a "leak" from the fill needle being inserted in the wrong place? I don't suspect a leak at this point, and am probably just being paranoid. Please share your experiences.

I had my first fill with Dr. Beltre's office in Altamonte Springs yesterday. They are very nice there, but extremely busy. Dr. Beltre is awesome!! It did take him 4 tries to hit my port, but it was not painful, so all is good. One thing I must warn you about is that they raised their prices. Originally, I was quoted $180.00 for the first visit/consultation/fill, then $80.00 per fill after that. When I went to my appointment yesterday, they told me they realized that they were under charging based on other doctors in the area, so now the price is $500.00 for the intial visit/fill and then $100.00 for each fill thereafter. But, it is still cheaper and way less time consuming than going back to Mexico.

Monk....how are you doing after your fill with Dr. Beltre? I am going this Thursday for my 1st fill with Dr. Beltre and was just curious to know how you were doing.

Monk...I am so glad to hear you had a good experience with Dr. Beltre. I will be seeing him for the first time too on 10/12, so it's good to know what to expect. Thanks for letting me know how it went. Did he hit the port the 1st time?

Hi all. I would like to join the August bandster club. I was banded on August 21st. Have only lost 10 lbs, but I'm not complaining. Anxiously awaiting my first fill on October 12th.

I was a self pay too. I had mine done with Dr. de la Garza in Monterrey, Mexico. Cost was $8000.00 plus airfare. Don't be nervous about having it done in Mexico. I found they are way more experienced down there anyway. It was a pleasure going there for my surgery!!

Monk...definately let me know how it goes, since your appointment is before mine.

I went to Monterrey, Mexico alone. It was really no big deal. I met lots of nice people there. The only issue was the language barrier, no one spoke english except for the doctor and his program director. You will be fine!!

I was at 205 when I got my band, so I think you will be fine. Especially if you choose to have your surgery in Mexico...I don't think they are as strict with the rules. If you have what they call "co-morbidities", that will also qualify you quicker, ie. reflux, sleep apnea, etc. Good luck

Since my surgery one month ago, I have been soooo tired! I get enough sleep and I am now eating more Protein, drinking Protein drinks and taking Vitamins. What else can I do. I can barely stay awake at work :notagree

I have just begun the "soft food" stage, but I find that I am eating basically the same thing as when I was on Mushies. What should I be eating that is considered "soft" food, that is different than the mushie stage?

I have just begun my phase of "soft foods", but find that my diet is very similar to the "mushie" stage. What should I be eating that is considered "soft" food, but not mushies?

How did you know it was broken? Did you have pain?

My doctor permits all exercise after 3 weeks except stomach crunches. He said I have to wait at least 6 weeks to do any kind of stomach exercises.

I say "who cares" if it is an "easy way out" or not. We are doing what we need to do and that is all that matters. I was banded almost a month ago and I can tell you that "it is not easy", but I would do it again a hundred times over because I feel that I've gained control. Hang in there...you will feel better soon

I had my surgery in Monterrey, Mexico with Dr. de la Garza and would do it again in a heartbeat. Very experienced and immaculate facilities.

Ever since I've been able to eat mushies (about a week now) I've been addicted to Sugar Free Pudding. I buy the Jello pre-made, which appear to be about 1/2 cup each. I usually have 2-3 of these per day. Am I being bad?

Monk...I was banded in Monterrey, Mexico. When I called Dr. Beltre's office, they were more than happy to do my fills, even though I did not have my surgery there. They do not, however, use Fluoroscopy. The price is right, $180.00 for initial consultation and fill and then $80.00 per fill thereafter. The doctor states that he has several years experience in the lap band fills. My first appointment is October 12th, and it will be my first fill. I was dreading going all the way to Celebration and paying $995.00 just for the priviledge of going there, so I am thrilled to find a doctor that is close to my home/work. Give them a call. Good luck

Yes, I have been able to take showers since the day after my surgery. I am referring to a good, long, hot, soaking bubble bath

I am a little over 3 weeks post op and I am dying for a HOT bath. Does anyone know when it is safe to soak in water. Stitches are doing well, and the smaller incisions are pretty much healed, but the larger incisions are not quite healed yet.

My doctor recommended I wait 2 weeks. Which I did and everything went fine

Hi. I am also in the Altamonte Springs area. However, I went to Dr. de la Garza in Monterrey, Mexico for my surgery. I just found a name of a doctor yesterday who I am considering doing my fills with. He is in Altamonte on Palm Springs. His name is Dr. Beltre, phone # 407-830-6868. You can give them a call. I don't know anything about him except that he is listed as a band doctor on the Inamed website. They also do it in Celebration, however, it is about twice as much as I paid in Mexico. Feel free to email me directly if you have any questions about the surgery or anything else. Good Luck.

I was banded on August 22nd. First few days you will be a little sore, but nothing major. I was nervous too, but I feel great now. Good luck

Hi everyone. I'm from Longwood, which is about 10 miles north of Orlando. I was banded on August 22nd in Monterrey, Mexico by Dr. de la Garza. Where do you guys go for your follow up and fills? I was thinking about going to Celebration. Anyone had any experience there?