Shesha

Thanks for the wake up call. I have a little Maltese, Ozzy, that is home by himself sometimes. I would hate to come home to a tradegy. I also forwarded a link to the website to my pet loving friends. Thanks!

Hey Lisa, I called around to a few Dr's in WI. The cheapest I could find was Dean Care in Madison: $250.00 for initial visit, then $125.00 per fill thereafter... I did not try the Dr's in the Milwaukee area though...

Thanks everybody! Guess I'll just OD on the Gas X and hope for the best!

I saw the downloadable version of the card they speak of on the Inamed/allergan website and was wondering if any of you carry this? Is it necessary? Is there a Med ID bracelet available?

Yes it is awesome. I will try and keep up with my postings so that you know how it goes. Everyone else that has been banded by him seems pleased.

Just wondering if the gas problem after surgery is going to cause me an embarrasing moment on my fight home? How did you deal? Any suggestions?? Should I carry a toy duck with me??

foodstampchamp What flavor of isopure do you like??

Just another Dr. K update. His nutritionist, Paula contacted me today via email asking when I will be available for the phone consult. One more step toward bandland. I will let you know how it goes...

oh... now I wish my date was 1/16 too. That way my hubby and I could check up on you... =o)

Sorry, I had your date on my mind when I wrote that. No, I will not be there until 1/25. Good catch though. Luckily, I am home with my daughter these days, otherwise I am sure the 'internet police' at my old job would have fired me by now (or at least blocked this site)=o) yes, my husband has stopped trying to pull me away from this site. He sees it as a good time to catch up on Star Trek. tee hee...

Marjon - I was considering to go alone (save $$) but Dr. K insisted that you have someone stay with you the night after surgery. FYI.. incase he didn't tell you.

I, too am doing the no blizzard dance, with my surgery date being 1/16. I have to fly through O'Hare too, so two big airports I need to worry about. It's a good thing they and Denver are used to snow and can recover pretty quickly. Like drewslou said, these big blizzards are few and far between. Hopefully this will be it for them for the year! Marjon - thanks for the post op rundown. I just got an email yesterday from Paula requesting dates I would be available for my phone consult with her. You're right. This does seem like a more humane program where they treat you like competent adults capable of making informed decisions. Did Dr. K tell you what size band he would be using for you. He told me the 10cm, 4cc band. I think that's different from the Vanguard....

sherilynn- Which products have you tried? Which do you like? Did you buy single serving packets or the "Taster Package" that they offer?? Thanks, Sheila

I am so happy for you... I had my first baby in November of '05. I guess all I can say is... *try to keep your weight down (don't diet but don't use the pregnancy as an excuse for a free for all) *Stay active (it will keep you limber and you'll feel good too!) *Don't feel guilty about taking naps. You'll be tired and need the naps to stay healthy and "make that baby":) . * With this being your first, your hips and back may start to hurt as they widen. I went to the chiropractor through this stage and it did wonders. Massage was fabulous too! (btw.. I am not banded yet, so I can't offer any advice there) Sheila

Hey Kristin??? How's it going. We haven't heard from you in few days.... Sheila

laurigee - Regarding Dean Care. The lady on the phone at Dean Care seemed kind of irritated that they perform the procedure but don't cover it. It sounds like they are trying to get it approved, but it will be a while. Thanks for the encouragement. I can't wait for my band! Bubbyville - thanks for the info regarding Wisconsin classics. I'm not a huge fan, but I don't know what a tailgate party or summer bbq would be like with out a good ol' brat! tee hee...

Hey Krisitin, Thanks! How are you feeling. Is the pain going away?? Sheila

Hi there! Well I had my phone consult with Dr. Kirshenbaum last night. He seems like a very nice and intelligent man. He went through the whold procedure with me. He even told me where all my incisions will be ("Ok, now feel your ribs, then go down and over and that's where you will have a 10mm incision where I put this..." etc. I am sure I looked quite comical poking around on my belly). He answered all the questions that I had and thensome. When I asked about complications with any patients, he told me he has only had one... a patient that had a leaky port. I already knew that was Drews Lou from reading the boards, even though he obviously didn't mention names. I found his honesty quite reassuring...

Oh, how fun!! I am sooo glad it went well for you!! I agree with Barbara though... do be a tad cautious and don't be afraid to see what else is out there! If it's meant to be, it will happen, especially now that you got those initial jitters out of the way!! You go girl!!

Yes, the price in CO is really good. I got a great price on airfare too. Now, lets just hope the snow stays away until AFTER I get my band placed...=o)

Are there any BANDED Wisconsinites out there that have "indulged" in any of these Wisconsin delicacies? Can you still eat a tiny bit of a brat, cheese, or have an Old Fashioned after the band, or are Friday Nights over as I know it??? tee hee!!!

Hey!! Yes, I did inquire on UW's self pay program and received the $19,000 quote, which is $1,500.00 more than Midwest Bariatric in Neenah ($17,500). The thought of lifetime care is great, but I just can't afford it right now, and don't want to wait. =0) Dr. Kirshenbaum, www.lapbandrockies.com , in Denver only charges $9,950.00. He wants to offer people an option over Mexico. I've researched him, checked his credentials etc. and he is a very experienced laproscopic surgeon (38 years). He started the lapband two years ago and has only done about 60 of them,though. Which isn't a lot compared to Mexico, but comparable to the Neenah surgeons. (The two Neenah Dr.'s mainly do RNY's and said they have done a total of 100 bands since they started two years ago). Thanks for filling me in though on UW. I got the paperwork in the mail today from Dean Care, so I'll fill that out and I should be all set! Sheila :biggrin1:

Kristin, Glad to hear everythingis going well. Do tell how it was with Dr. K... I'll be in Denver in a little over a month!!! Thanks, Sheila

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)