Shesha

Hey Bill, I was at a seminar for Midwest Bariatrics in Green Bay. They seemed like really great people and surgeons. I wanted to have my band done by them but the self-pay rate was just too high. Let me know how it goes with them... I asked A LOT of questions (much to the sighs and groans of the other people, especially the RNYers in the room) at the seminar and took notes, so if you have any unanswered questions, let me know. Sheila

Hi Cheeseheads! Well, I am now an official January bandster. I will be banded by Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver on January 25th! He offers 3 months follow up care with his price, so I will probably fly to him (depending on airfare costs) for my first fill or two ( and just to make sure everything is going right with the Dr. that did the surgery) Then, I'll need a local Dr. for fills/adjustments and care incase of complications.... I've made a few phone calls regarding fills if you do not have your surgery with the resident Dr... Midwest Bariatric in Neenah offers a $2000.00 annual package that includes 12 fills/adjustments/Dr.visits and 12 support group meetings. UW in Madison: $2000.00 "member fee"! - just to join their clinic, then it's around $200.00 or so per fill. Dean Care in Madison: $250.00 for initial visit, then $125.00 per fill thereafter... I am still waiting to hear from some other groups, but guess where I will be going based on what information I have so far... Dean. =o)

Hi All!! I will be banded on 01/25/2007 by Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver. I booked our airfare yesterday, so it's a done deal. I am excited, yet nervous.... I haven't had my phone consult with the Dr. yet. That is scheduled for 12/19. I'll find out about pre-op diets then and when I talk to the nutritionist. I will probably be doing my fills with one of the Dr.'s at Dean Care in Madison. Talked to them the other day and am just waiting for the paperwork to come in the mail so I can be established as their patient for follow up. I'll probably fly to Denver for the first or second fill with Dr. K, but after that use the Dr's closer to home. Woo hoo!!

Hey Kristin! I can't wait to hear about it either!

I too am 5'9. I am not banded yet, but will be soon and hope to be doing the same thing you are when I reach my goal weight...lipo, tummy tuck, and boob lift.Whew! I am a small D right now, but when I weighed in the 175-180 zone, and exercised a lot more, a few years ago, I was a C. Yes, the girls do move a bit when you run, - C or D - but it's nothing a good sports bra (or two, as some woman I know do) can't handle. Plus, I think yours will move even less since they are implants. The few woman I've known that have got implants did the C thing... ("I don't want to be huge") but when they were done and the swelling subsided, they wish they would have went bigger. The bird seed thing seems like a good idea. See what you feel comfortable with, talk with girls that are D's, C's, that have had implants...etc, and see what they think. Good luck! Personally, I'd go with D's

Hey Kristin! Thanks for the info. I wish you well. Yes, please tell me how it goes. I have a consult with him on 12/19 and my banding is (right now) scheduled for 2/8. Let's just hope the weather cooperates!

To those that are already banded: I have a one year old daughter and a 7 lb Maltese (dog) that are always climbing on me. Sometimes, they can be quite brutal =o) Is it possible they could damage the port somehow, or is it placed deep enough inside you not to worry??? On that same line... are your activities restricted in anyway?? I would like to play league volleyball again after I get banded and lose a few pounds. Will I be able to do that?? (diving for ball, possible contact with other players) Thanks!!

If the port can survive kickboxing and karate, I think I will be ok. Thank you all for your input!

Hi ladies, I am just starting my band journey too. I am self pay though, and am currently in the "shop around" stage. I will probably end up flying to denver to have my band done by Dr. Kirshenbaum. I will need a fill Dr. in Wisconsin though. Any suggestions??? I checked with Midwest Bariatric in Neenah already, but they are a tad high in their followup costs. Hoping to find someone a bit more reasonable... btw.. I am in central Wi...

Hi there, I am just starting the process. :success1: I have been researching the band for a few months now and will be attending a seminar on 11/13/06. I am excited, yet a little nervous. Still unsure I want to have this done. :phanvan All of the benefits seem almost too good to be true and the complications,though rare I guess, are all too real. The journey continues... Sheila

Hi there, I will probably be a self pay in WI. I am wondering if anyone else was a self pay in WI and can give me an idea of what they paid. Also, if you could include the name of your surgeon, that would be great too! Thanks!

Is there anyone out there that was a self pay in Wisconsin? Who was your surgeon and can you give me an idea what you paid?? I am just starting the process and wish I had a better idea of the cost in my area. Thanks much! Sheila

KariWI, WI? Are you in Wisconsin? If so, who will be your surgeon? I am not banded yet, but will probably be banded in WI. Thanks! Sheila

Hi Stacey! I just read about the spitting and replied to the thread. I am wondering what the Dr's say causes the spitting. Yikes! My biggest fear is erosion. Beyond making sure I am healthy, I am probably going to be self pay and would hate to spend all that money just to have it removed!

I have not been banded yet and find this a little alarming? Is this common?