hi,

I am getting my band on 4/27/06 in Mexico. Is there anyone else on this site from Arizona. What have your experiences been where do you go for fills etc.. thanks, tina

Hey AZ Bandster's! I live in Maricopa and I'm scheduled for surgery 10/9. I am new to the site so I'm just getting the hang of posting replys and all so if you can offer some feedback that would be great! I feel this is a great way to connect and stay abreast of band info.

Oh, can anyone help with some coping ideas for pre-op anxiety? I tend to eat anxiety away but I don't want to hurt my chances and gain weight so I'm losing my mind!

lots2luv where are you getting surgery done? I will be banded 10/10 by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana :clap2: i am so nervous

cyndi-n-az

:welcome: :welcomeB: :welcomeB: :welcome2:

I just wanted to say HI to all the new AZ bandsters!

There seems to be quite a few of us now!!:clap2: :clap2:

Good luck to those that are to be banded in Oct.

:gluck: :rofl: :rofl:

:confused: :rofl: :rofl: :eek: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Thanks! Coyotegirl that is sweet. Cyndiwilson I'm having surgery at Scottsdale Healthcare Hospital. I too am nervous and excited and elated.... It just depends on the hour. I wish you, all AZ Bandsters and Oct. Newbie Bandsters all the best!

Officially a Bandster! :clap2:

Hey all just got home from the hospital and I feel good, way too sleepy due to meds but very minimal pain. It feels very surreal to me right now but I'm sure as the time passes it will sink in.

I want to thank all of you for the kind words and support I feel that all that good energy came in there with me today and all went REALLY SMOOTH.

HUGS AND KISSES TO ALL!!!!

:hug:

How are you feeling now that you are a couple days after?

Hey AZ Bandsters! Since my last post I wanted to say that I did jump the gun on how minimal the pain was. The next day I woke up in much pain so I'm assuming the good stuff they give you at the hospital wore off. The gas that has often been talked about is sooo annoying and painful but I got some gas x and have been able to manage. Now I'm recovering well and have been able to eat some soft proteins.

Thanks Julie for asking and good luck to you!:clap2:

Hi, this is my first post. I have an appt tomorrow with Dr Nirmul in Scottsdale. Has anyone used him yet? Also has anyone used CIGNA open access insurance to pay for their surgery?

I used Dr.Nirmul and really liked him. I was self pay.

Check Scottsdale Bariatric - Dr. Robin Blackstone. They are awesome, one of the top in the country.

I had my lap-band done by TrueResults in Scottsdale. My surgery was in Phoenix by Dr. Gowen Nirmul. I got in on a special price because they were just opening or something like that. Mine was $14,500. I think it is $16,500 now and financing is available. I financed mine and got approval very quickly. Whenever anyone asks about how much it costs I tell them "It's like buying a small economy car"! My payment for 5 years is about $325 a month, but I just send them $350. I have lost 40 lbs. since being banded on Sept. 13, '07.

I live in NW Glendale. It seems like we should be able to get a big group together in Phoenix.

I also live in Phoenix. I was banded on December 13, 2007 by Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver Colorado, self-pay of $9950 and will be receiving after-care and fills from Dr. Berger in Flagstaff.

Does anyone on this board use Dr. Berger and if so, do you like him?

There is a group of bandsters that get together once a month in Phoenix. Our monthly meeting is coming up very soon, so if you want to be added to the e-mail list, please PM me and I will have the person that coordinates it to add you to the list.

Hi Tina! I'm in N.Glendale. I will be banded in Mexico the end of February. I'll be going to Mexicali for my fills. How about you? Who's your doc? There's a large group of people here that were banded in Mexico and go to Mexicali together for fills. We are also meeting over here on the west side on the 27th. You can meet with us regardless of who bands you. Congrats on your decision! I think we are all nervous pre-op...I know I am. I'm afraid of erosion as well and slippage but I decided I'm going to follow doctor's orders and band rules to a tee. That and stay positive.

Keep in touch.

I know that most of you probably know me, but I figured that I'd throw in my stats too.

I'm John. I was banded 3/28/07. I'm down 70lbs so far. I'm 23. I'm pre-med at U of A.

Anything else you want to know, ask me!

Hi, I live in west Phoenix. I was banded in Mexico - Dr. Corvala. Wendy Hall also does my fills. Everything has been good so far!