Banded for two and a half years

My name is James. I've gained weight over the past year (just another hiccup, I hope) and am ready to try filling my own band. That is how I've come across this board.

I did my surgery in Feb. or March 2004. I live in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. I went to St. Luke's Med. Ctr. in Manila for the surgery. No waiting. I came across the procedure while alone in the Chiang Mai condo and when I heard back from Dr. Dineros and asked about the next opening, the reply was something like two or three days. The surgical team (which included a psychiatrist) was USD 7,500 and the hospital fees were about $2,000 more. With airfare, it came to about ten grand. (I understand that the procedure is now available in Bangkok.)

Dr. D has The Healing Hands Clinic in an adjacent bldg. He was able to meet me at the airport (I was a little paranoid after being drugged and kidnapped a couple of years earlier.). Staff was nice. I have no complaints.

Starting weight was about 355 lbs. (Remember, scales are only accurate to 3% or so at that weight.) I dropped to between 215 and 210 last fall before gaining and losing and have hit a new peak at 235. My last fill (last November) didn't seem to "take." One of my surgeons came to the office from home to do it, and I could feel the band tighten and verified that it was tighter by chugging a glass of Water and then throwing up. Soon, I was able to eat the same as before the fill, however.

The band is still doing its guardian angel thing. I eat more slowly, and the gain is due to the wrong foods at the wrong time. Still, I wouldn't mind having it tighter again, at least for a while.

My goal is between 80 kg. or 175 lb.