Hi everybody,

I just got banded 5/2/06 and I am moving to New Orleans 7/15/06. I was a self-pay patient in Kansas City. My fills are free for the first year in KC, so obviously if I can do that I'd like to. My first fill is next week, so hopefully I should be able to have 2-3 before I move, just to get a head start (especially because I have the VG Band).

However, I am looking for an alternate doctor in the New Orleans/neighboring area for fills when I can't see my regular surgeon. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

So anyway, there's that, and also HELLO! I'm excited to be moving to your fair state.

Hi cate! Welcome to LBT!! I had my surgery in Covington, LA, which is on the northshore of Lake Pontchartrain, but my surgeon also has offices in New Orleans. His name is Dr. Thomas Lavin and he's wonderful! Of course, I'm a bit biased!! Anyway, his web site is www.whyweight.com if you wish to check out your options.

Good luck with your first fill.

Thanks, that looks great. As the date gets closer, I'll contact the office to see if they do fills for external programs and how much fills are. I just want to make sure I have options down there, in case I need a little fill, or unfill especially. And support group meetings too - woohoo!!

Thanks again :eek:

Hi Pfunkem.....LaPlace, Louisiana here I was banded June 5th 2006.....i am always looking for people to talk to that live here in louisiana that i could possibly meet up with one day...always good to have as much support as you can dealing with the band. You seem to be doing awesome...congrats on the weightloss....i havent had a fill yet so i am roughing it right now....well just wanted to say hi ......have a safe trip getting here.

We should plan a get-together soon. I would love to meet you both!

Hey Everyone.... Pfunkem, I am in Mississippi, about 1 1/2 hrs. from New Orleans. My Doctor is in Oceans Springs, Ms. http://www.smsurgeons.com, this is his website. His name is Dr. Avery. They might be able to help you if something else doesn't work out. I think all of you look great and have done a wonderful job. If y'all plan a get together let me know. I might be able to drive over if y'all want some other "Band" company!

Keep up the good work!

Thanks!

Yeah I will be down around July 15 (if not on the day). I can probably set up a meetup any time from like a week after that.

I'm totally game for a get-together. Just let me know when and where!

Oh FYI - I'll be out of town the first weekend of August.

I would enjoy meeting all of you also..... I pretty much available all the time.

COOL! Y'all keep me posted! I am excited about getting to meet some new people who are going through the same thing I am. Just give me a couple days notice for work and all! I think your all doing a great job!

Hi To Everyone Here. I Too, Am Also From The N.o. Area, Temporarily Relocated To Georgia (well It Was Perminent) Only To Find Husband Hates It. Anyway I Am Also Moving Back To N.o. Area Between July 1st And 15th. Looking Forward To Keeping In Touch With Fellow Bandsters Too. Banded In Mx On May 27, 2006, Will Be Needed Fill Soon Also. I Will Also Be In Search Of A More Local Dr. Anyways Great To Meet All Of You!

Hi Everyone,

I'm from the New Orleans area also and I was banded on 11-07-05 by a wonderful Dr. named Colleen Kennedy at Ochsner Medical Center.She is great and really encourages her patients. I like meeting other people who have been banded to learn more. Congrats to all who have been banded and to those who haven't it will be the best day of your life when u do.et me know if ya'll want some company when ya'll meet up because I would love to join.

Gwen

Hello Louisianians!! It has been a while since anyone has posted on here...just wanted to see if anyone has any ideas on when we can all meet.

Pfunkem and Cathup did yall make to new orleans? Hope yall arrived safely and are getting settled in.

Hope to hear from any of you soon!!

I'm here! I'm here!

Hey girl,

My name is Jennifer and I live in good old new orleans. Im 23 and having my band friday. Send me a msg and we can chat. My doc does not charge much for fills i think.

my aim is jennifermehrgut

hope to talk later!

jen

Hi All, I was banded 8/5/03. Yes..it's been a while for me. I'm a veteran..I live in River Ridge, Louisiana and I'm looking for some local support..which seems almost non-existent since the storm..anyone need a friend?

I've lost 90lbs. total..and overtime. But recently needed to have a complete unfill due to severe anemia and GERDS..I'm gaining quickly again which is SO very upsetting and frustrating. I've returned to my dr. for one re-fill so far and headed back for more on Aug. 11th..though I'm not sure how much I can take as not to cause the same trouble and still lose weight.UGH!

I know I'm OLD in more than one way compared to the lot of you..at 42 and 3 yrs in...I'm certainly not the norm..but, maybe there is still someone here willing share and help..I'd appreciate knowing you're out there.

I don't check the boards much. But you can email me at JDPFYI@yahoo.com.

Thanks for listening....JoAnn