deb4339

I was banded May 31, 2007, am 51, banded in Mexico, and I too have had two bouts with chest pain and pain in my jaw. Looked up on WebMD and came up with esopageal spasm. It seems that may have been my problem. What does drinking through a straw have to do with the pain? I drink through a straw all the time. I have lost 36 lbs. so far and am going for my first fill on Wednesday. Also, can I drive myself after a fill?

Hi All, Had my lap-band surgery done in Mexico by Dr.Alvarez on May 31. I have to say I had a great experience there. I though Dr. Alvarez was a very thoughtful and friendly doctor. His coordinators, Susan and Rosie are absolutely great. I had to have a 2 week preop liquid diet. Started at 324 and am now down to 296. I am healing very well. Before I scheduled, I did find a doctor to do follow-up in Superior, WI. Am scheduled for my first fill on July 18. Just wanted to let you know if you want it bad enough, there is always a way to get it done.

I was banded in Mexico, because I was self-pay. I have a follow up doctor upin Superior, WI., about an hour and a half from me. I am very glad Ihad the band. Iwas on a two week liquid preop diet. Started at 324. Went into surgery at 309, and am now down to 298. My first fill is scheduled for July 18. I was really surprised at how small the incisions are. Still have a little soreness in the middle, but nothing bad. Currently trying out different things to eat. Sometimes certain foods don't work yet, and I guess I'm pushing some things too soon, but I figure I shouldn't be trying that stuff yet anyway. Just wanted to let you know, I feel it was well worth it.

I was banded last Thursday by Dr. Guillermo Alvarez in Piedras Negras, Mexico, just a mile from Eagle Pass, Texas and am back home up in northwestern Wisconsin after my husband driving me home. I was very happy with the doctor and his staff. He does a good job of making you feel special. I also made sure that I was set up with a fill doctor before I schedule this surgery. I was on a two week liquid diet before surgery and one week of liquids after and have lost 25 lbs. A wonderful jump start to the band. I would recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone.

Just thought I'd let you know I'm finally set for May 31. Wondering how you are doing MistyD. I have to do liquids for 2 weeks preop, but that's OK, (at least I say that now), just want to start that new road ahead.

Hi Misty, Still waiting for my husband to come around, hoping for the end of April, May at the latest. The info you sent to Marcello was very helpful. Thanks again for all your help. Deb

Thank-you so very much for the referral, I will contact his gal who handles the surgeries. I hope I can get in for April. I will let you know. Deb

HI MistyD Can't wait to hear from you. Hope everything is going well.

I would appreciate it MistyD. I've been hoping to hear from somebody about this doctor. I really want this procedure done, but now it looks it won't happen until at least April. Thanks, again. deb4339

thanks Renebean, I'll check into those sites.

Hi there, I am looking into getting the lap band and somebody told me today that she was told by a doctor that in 5 - 10 years there are complications of the band growing into the stomach. Has anyone heard of this?:faint:

I am so glad to find this thread. I am new to all this, but I just wanted to say I've been looking at this site for awhile. I'm hoping to be banded this spring sometime, probably in Mexico because I am a self-pay. I'm 51 and about 320 at 5'6". I have so much foot pain that I can hardly walk at times, and unable to get insurance because of my weight so I'm hoping lap-band will help me feel better all around. I just wanted to let everyone know how glad I am to be able to hear your stories. Thanks alot. Deb4339

Hi, I would like to find out if anyone has gone to Dr. Guillermo Alvarez in Mexico. I have been talking to a gal from his office who is very nice. I am a self-pay, who has been checking around and looks like Mexico is the way to go for me, even though my husband is not real keen on the idea. Any info will be helpful.

Thanks all for the info. I will post a question in the doctor's section of the forum. Julie, sounds like you were exactly where I am now. You are doing great. Hope I can do as well.

I am a 51 year old female who wants to live a long life, Been studying up on lap band for a while. I will have to probably be a self-pay since nobody will insure me at my weight (about 320). Been checking on going to Mexico, although my husband is not to keen on the idea. Has anyone had Dr. Alvarez? I have been in contact with that office, and they seem very helpful. I'm new to this talk forum thing so bear with me. Thanks, Deb

Looking for people who had Dr. Guillermo Alvarez in Mexico and how their lap band surgery went? I am a self-pay and looks like Mexico is the way to go for me. Any info would be helpful. I also have a husband who is not very keen on the Mexico idea.

Thanks for the info, I thought I wasn't doing something right here because of no responses. I go for a first seminar on Thursday up in Duluth. Is there any specific questions I should ask?

:)I have been studying up on the lap band procedure. I am 51 years old and fairly healthy except for the weight. I am concerned because I am unable to get health insurance because of my weight. Hanging around 300 at 5 ft 6 Inches. I am looking for a reasonably priced lap band procedure. Found some in Mexico, but am wondering about fills. From what I've been reading they are very expensive. I live in northern Wisconsin. Looking for some insight.:faint: