I scheduled an appointment for my first fill today. Dr. Lavin in Mandeville, LA. will do adjustments if you get an upper GI and bring the films. He charges $250. cash for the first fill and I think

150. for subsequent fills. He doesn't do fluoroscope, but he is well experienced, as are his associates in his practice. His staff seems to be very agreeable to deal with, I'll let you know after the fill how it went!

Dr. Lavin was very nice. He did keep asking about the Mexican healthcare experience. He seemed rather upset that people would travel there to get their bands. He said that he has instigated a new policy to accomodate self payers. He will place the band for $12,900. package deal. Includes his fee, hospital, anesthesia, and free lifetime adjustments. Said he was the cheapest in the states! I would have gone to him, if this was available at the time. Fill went very well, he saw me again on the following week to tighten it a bit. Didn't recharge, that was nice.