Hi,

Just wondering if anyone was still out there from Montana. I go for surgery on the 16th in Mexico. I will need to get aftercare services here in-state and would appreciate any new thoughts or referrals for that.

Sula

Found out they do a teleconference type support group, but only "central" montana qualifies. I think that is a shame. But I guess as more and more people get banded, each area can start a group.

We will be moving to Great Falls, Mt this summer! I am so excited about it! Anyway, I've seen some of you mention Dr. Roher(sp?). Does he do the lap band surgery and if so has anyone had it done by him and what was your experience? Any info on bariatric surgeons in that area would be great, thanks!

I had Dr. Roher. I have no complaints. I live in Helena and have only had one fill to date. I think I have seen him a total of maybe 30 minutes (not counting surgery when he saw me but I was in lala land). My advice is to read up on the lap band as much as possible and be a regular visitor to this site. It's the best way to know what to expect.

The staff at Benefis were very nice when I had my surgery. I stayed overnight, since I was from out of town. I haven't gotten much use from the nutritionist at Benefis, and the psych evaluation took just 3 minutes - so I think it was just a formality rather than a real evaluation.

Good luck.

Hello,

Well we finally have it. A support group has begun in Kalispell, MT for anyone who has had a gastric surgery or thinking about it. The first meeting is March 7th at 2:00 pm at the Summit. Hope to see everyone there. Sharon

Hi!!! I go in for the procedure March 17, 2008 with Dr. Rohrer and just started my pre-op diet. Looking for a few fellow Montanan's out there!!

Hi!!! I go in for the procedure March 17, 2008 with Dr. Rohrer and just started my pre-op diet. Looking for a few fellow Montanan's out there!!

I am 3 weeks out from mine. Im sure you will do great. I found it all to be very easy and pretty painless. Good luck from Helena.

Hi everyone. We had our first support group meeting. It was small but very nice. We are meeting the first Friday of each month from 2-3:30 at the Summit. I hope everyone is doing great. Sharon

Hi, I live in Great Falls, MT, Had my Lap Band done by Dr. Rohrer Feb 4th. Excellent Dr. (he's been my surgeon of choice for 4 other surgeries) and he's GREAT! People come here from all over the state to have their Lap Bands done by him. No problems, no complications.

Pam

Hi all,

I just read this entire thread. I'm positively green with envy. I used to ride way back in my younger and much thinner days. My horse was an Arabian. I have balance issues now (I have enough trouble keeping myself vertical without being up on a horse) so riding, even if I could haul myself into the saddle, is out of the question. Maybe I should get just an old horse who just likes to stand around and eat, be groomed, petted, and loved.

Anyway, I was banded 2/4/08 by Dr. Rohrer. No problems except the ones I create for myself. I've taken that "one bite too many" about four times. I should be getting the picture by now wouldn't you think. I've lost 40lbs but a lot of that was mostly from the pre-op phase.

I hate those powdered protein mixes. Yuk, shudder shudder. I do like the Slim Fast-low carb . It's 20g of protein per can, so I have 4 per day and try to eat lots of protiens like eggs and cottage cheese and meats.

I try to get enough liquid, but sometimes I think it'd be just like my one swallow toooooo much.

Golly, I do go on! But that's where I am right now. I feel pretty much ashamed of myself for going over that line, I hope I haven't made my band slip. As of today I started to really try and follow the rules. Good luck to us all!

Pam

I am 63, on Medicare, and They paid, well, they and my Sterling Option 1.

Hello,

Our support group is small but doing good. We are thinking about changing the times to 4-5p or 4:30-5:30 Would this time work for people? Sharon

Has anyone found a way to get Montana Medicaid to pay for the surgery?

Hi! I'm about six weeks out from surgery, and doing fantastic. I had my first fill about a week ago, and was surprised what so little fluid could do. To this point I've lost about 30 lbs in the last 6wks, and am just walking as of now for excerise. Although I am excited that Dr. Rohrer cleared me to exercise last Wednesday!! YaY! So I think I'm going to pick back up doing the gazelle and just adding to my daily walks for a few weeks.

How's everyone doing thus far? I notice quite a few from Lewistown, myself I work in Harlowton so hi ya neighbors!! I hope everything is well with all.. and have a fantastic week!

I am from the small town of Plains and I'm heading to Mexico on the 12th to get banded by Dr. Juan Lopez Corvala. I am looking forward to it but am very anxious about it all.

Hello,

Our support group is small but doing good. We are thinking about changing the times to 4-5p or 4:30-5:30 Would this time work for people? Sharon

Hi Sharon

I was also banded in Mexico back in March and have been looking for someone local to do fills. I finally found someone in Kalispell who does fills on MX patients. His name is Dr. Chris Rost at the "Back to Health" bldg. His number is 756-5985. You might want to mention it at your next group mtg. if anyone is interested. Take care, Judy

Judy,

What does the doc charge for fills? Shawn

Well, I'm four months out since surgery and down almost 60lbs!! I have never felt better. Granted I still chose to continue my protien shakes for breakfast(Syntrax makes awesome flavors and no chalky taste at all) and rarely eat anything but fish and chicken with a small salad. On occasion I'll splurge on that piece of pizza. I love cooking from the cookbook I got at Dr. Rohrer's Office, "Eating Well After Weightloss by [ame=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/002-3142992-8492827?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=Patt%20Levine]Patt Levine[/ame]", the recipes are simple and very family friendly. My three kids eat what I do 95% of the time.

Dr. Rohrer did my surgery, and I know he does patients that had surgery in Mexico, and the costs of my fills had I not had surgery through him would be about $100.00 if that helps at all.

I wish you all well, and God Bless!!!! :biggrin: