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

Thank you...how is it going for you SElaine? We will be about a year apart!

Woot! Congrats Amsderb! I know you're psyched now. Glad to hear the insurance it taking care of it for you. That's always such a huge concern. Do you have a pre-op diet? I was on clear sugar free liquids plus 3 protein shakes a day for two weeks. It was so hard but in the long run I'm so glad I did it. Shrunk my liver up well so they had an easier time with the surgery plus I know I lost a good bit of weight before they even put the band in. Keep us all informed on how your journey is going.

I'm so excited that I have my 6 week post op appointment on the 1st. Can't wait to see how much more I've lost.

Hey Scorpioqt! Welcome to the group. Who's your doctor? Mine was in Mesa too. I went thru Banner Gateway Bariatric and I had Dr. Schuster. Loved him and the whole office.

Woot! Congrats Amsderb! I know you're psyched now. Glad to hear the insurance it taking care of it for you. That's always such a huge concern. Do you have a pre-op diet? I was on clear sugar free liquids plus 3 Protein shakes a day for two weeks. It was so hard but in the long run I'm so glad I did it. Shrunk my liver up well so they had an easier time with the surgery plus I know I lost a good bit of weight before they even put the band in. Keep us all informed on how your journey is going.

I'm so excited that I have my 6 week post op appointment on the 1st. Can't wait to see how much more I've lost.

Thanks...I don't know about the diet yet...I go Wednesday for a "class" all day and I guess learn all that...I've heard no...but maybe I will do a modified one just so my liver is good etc....??

Good Luck with your 6 week post op!!!

Edited April 7, 200818 yr by amsderb

Way to go! That day is coming up very fast. What are your plans for your next two months before the operation? Do you have any plans for anything before your date?

Hi! My plans are to keep exercising, follow the plan I have for eating...and not have last suppers...OK...I've blown that a few times so enough is enough!

I am a teacher so it will be crazy between now and then...and now

I just woke up with the dreaded allergy chest congestion...so I need to get HEALTHY!!! I have to practice my breathing in the funny blow spirometer and also they gave us a cd to practice relaxation...I could use some of that!

I know this list is all about me...of course I still have all my other duties as a Mom and wife...

Thanks for asking.....

Edited April 12, 200818 yr by amsderb

Hello veterans,

Just a first timer browsing the pages. I have decided to have the surgery after endless research and pondering. I have met with two different offices and have decided to go with WLIA in Tempe. Does anyone have any experience with Dr. Orris and DeBarros?

Thanks

Hey Boston1

This is the first post I have ever done here. I had my surgery with WLIAZ on 2/11/08 and they have been nothing but great. They are with you every step of the way. Dr. Debarros performed my surgery and Dr. Orris was assisting on the surgery. From 2 weeks of pre-op diet to current date I am down 70 lbs. Still a lot more to go but WLIAZ will help you every step of the way. Dr. Debarros also has had the lap-band surgery done last year so he really knows what he is talking about.

Hello veterans,

Just a first timer browsing the pages. I have decided to have the surgery after endless research and pondering. I have met with two different offices and have decided to go with WLIA in Tempe. Does anyone have any experience with Dr. Orris and DeBarros?

Thanks

Hello,

I have been with WLIA for about 2 months and everything I have evperienced is top notch. You are going to pay more. But they are wonderful. My insurance is CIgna-Health Partners. They are requireing that I go through a class to prepare me for Life after surgery. They ask me to do something or want to discuss something and I usually have already experienced it or considered due to the extensive program at WLIA. My phone coach said she is going to write their name down and if she gets az clients she will refer them. I really like Debarros. Great guy. I like his manner. Kind of tongue and check. Shoot from the hip. A real person. He had the lap May 07. Good Luck and let me know how things go.

Way to go Woogs93!!! 70 pounds so fast???? WOW

trying to get a support group in flagstaff.

You can e-mail me at

L3dewitt@msn.com

Hey bandsters! It is so exciting to see that people are getting banded and losing weight. I was banded 2/22/08 and got my first fill on 4/3/08. I have lost 23 lbs so far (without a pre-op diet). The doctors seem pleased but I know I need to up my workouts. I am going on a cruise in 3 weeks and haven't met my first goal. I wanted to hit onederland by that date. I have only lost 2 pounds in the last 3 1/2 weeks. I have been told to come back in for another fill asap so I will do that soon. Hopefully that will get me back on track. Anyway, I wanted to share something. I have been a major choco-holic for years. Yesterday I was cleaning out my pantry and found some Ghirardelli chocolate chips. I ate a couple and they just didn't taste the same!!! Yippee!! I have been praying for this! I know chocolate goes down just fine and that concerned me so you can imagine my elation when it was no big deal. Normally, I would have eaten half a bag or the whole thing. I would definitely call that a non-scale victory. Also, I seem to be motivated by the fact that word got out about my WLS and I feel that I need to prove to everyone that this was worth it and the most wonderful thing I could have ever done. I don't want to disappoint my husband or myself either. My carpel tunnel has already gotten better, hey, so have my knees! Now if I can just get to my sweet spot, I will be even more in love with my band.

I don't know about you but I could use a Phx Bandsters Meeting soon.

I can't wait to hear your motivation or NSV's.

Thanks!

Hey bandsters! It is so exciting to see that people are getting banded and losing weight. I was banded 2/22/08 and got my first fill on 4/3/08. I have lost 23 lbs so far (without a pre-op diet). The doctors seem pleased but I know I need to up my workouts. I am going on a cruise in 3 weeks and haven't met my first goal. I wanted to hit onederland by that date. I have only lost 2 pounds in the last 3 1/2 weeks. I have been told to come back in for another fill asap so I will do that soon. Hopefully that will get me back on track. Anyway, I wanted to share something. I have been a major choco-holic for years. Yesterday I was cleaning out my pantry and found some Ghirardelli chocolate chips. I ate a couple and they just didn't taste the same!!! Yippee!! I have been praying for this! I know chocolate goes down just fine and that concerned me so you can imagine my elation when it was no big deal. Normally, I would have eaten half a bag or the whole thing. I would definitely call that a non-scale victory. Also, I seem to be motivated by the fact that word got out about my WLS and I feel that I need to prove to everyone that this was worth it and the most wonderful thing I could have ever done. I don't want to disappoint my husband or myself either. My carpel tunnel has already gotten better, hey, so have my knees! Now if I can just get to my sweet spot, I will be even more in love with my band.

I don't know about you but I could use a Phx Bandsters Meeting soon.

I can't wait to hear your motivation or NSV's.

Thanks!

Oh my goodness, if you need a fill go get one! You don't have to wait for fill day, they do them Mon-Sat! Dr. Campos does them, soon Dr. Lopez will be doing them.

I don't know if anyone else that is going for a fill but I can ask around if you wish.

Hi there, Just putting in my experience. I had my band done March 19 by Dr. Terry Simpson. So far my exprience has been very good. He is incredibally accessible. He makes himself available though his personal email at all times. I called the office with a concern the other day and was put through immediately to the Dr. Himself. He is also a very nice man. Just my thoughts.

Just found the AZ bandsters on the forum. Can't beieve I hadn't seen it. I have my surgery date of May 23. It seems unreal that it is finally happening. Right now I have no pre-op diet but that may change. Any suggestions that you would suggest for after surgery? Anything you wish you had known? Count down time.:welldoneclap:

SueAZ...welcome...also you are a May Flower like me! My day is just behind you at 5/28...

Who is your surgeon?