Has anyone found any support groups in the Portland area? I am having a hard time. I'm getting banded in 11 days! I'm scared, nervous, apprehensive, and would love to get together with some people that have had this done. Any suggestions??

Pam, I wonder if they are talking about the "class" that his nurse gives to teach you how to eat with the band. I didn't have to see any nutritionist. There was a nutritionist that came to our support group once, and talked about how much Protein we need, etc. If you are going to his office, I bet

it's not actually a nutritionist. The nutritionists are at the hospital, as far as know. I could be wrong, of course!

They should have given (or mailed you) a sheet with everything that you had to have done. They require a chest exray for some people. I think that depends on how much you have to lose and your age. They didn't make me get one. I asked in support group why they are quoting 11,000 instead of

10,000. She said it's because by the time you pay for the eating class, the lab work and the paych eval, it's closer to 11,000 but the actual surgery cost is 10,000. The swallow test the next day cost me $160.00. That is done at the hospital.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I could give you my phone # if you want!

Dina there is a support group at OHSU call the gastro intestinal clinic at CHH thats there new buiding down on the water front i believe they have ameeting somtime in the middle of this month i will try to be there to would love to meet you i have my sleep study left on the 9th after that it will be submited to the insurance company for approval just call 503-494-9000 and ask to be transferred this is the main operator

Hey, it looks like we have a little lap band group from LBT getting together in the Portland area. Anyone interested in joining in? Anyone want to do a NW lap band event of some kind?

RSBG1- I am from the Roseburg area. Do you know if there are any support groups in that area? Also I thought I read once that Jack was from the Roseburg area... correct me if I'm wrong. I was having my prescriptions filled at the Walmart in Roseburg and the girl that waited on me was also banded. She said she did not know of any support groups in the area...

Denise, how are you doing? I just made reservations at the Edgewater for Friday night. My surgery is at 10 AM. My husband will bring me over. I was hoping (if I felt okay) we could get together for a walk or chat on Friday afternoon. Let me know if you are free. It's so hard for me not to try to do the "last meal" thing but I haven't. I think I've just about got everything ready such as meds, drinks ect...

I am not sure what's going on Friday. It kind of depends on the weather. A friend of mine wants me to come to Portland for the weekend and help them get ready for a garage sale. They don't have AC so if it's really hot, I don't want to go.

If I am in town, I would love to get together with you!

I am officially banded! Surgery went well... started at 11:00 am was check out at 2pm. I did have a hernia and didn't even know it. My port is VERY sore. I'm feeling good otherwise. I appreciate all the information this site gave me. You guys are the best. A special thanks to Denise who took the time to answer my questions (stupied or not). Dr Tersigni and staff were the best.

I am officially banded! Surgery went well... started at 11:00 am was check out at 2pm. I did have a hernia and didn't even know it. My port is VERY sore. I'm feeling good otherwise. I appreciate all the information this site gave me. You guys are the best. A special thanks to Denise who took the time to answer my questions (stupied or not). Dr Tersigni and staff were the best.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I'm so happy for you! I'm right behind you and hope to join you in Bandland soon!!!

Wishing you a speedy recovery. God bless.

Thanks Kathy! The surgery went great yesterday. I am more sore today. I was hoping to see Denise on to ask a question maybe you know? Do you know if black coffee is allowed? I could not remember seeing it on my okay list, but it isn't on the no-no list either? Pam

Do you know if black coffee is allowed?

From what I've seen it depends on the Dr. Some bandsters have had coffe the next day and some say it's not allowed at all. My nutritionist says only decaf.

Here are a couple posts about it:

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f9/can-i-have-coffee-20163/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/coffee-band-28981/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/coffee-coffee-12213/

I don't want to give up my coffee either! Give up soda? No problem. Just keep my coffee!

I have just been wondering if anyone else from Oregon is having Dr.

Tersigni do their surgery. I was on Obesity Help just for kicks the other day, and couldn't believe not that many people know about him.

I'm so happy to hear about Dr. Fitzpatrick. I live in Springfield and will be going down to Dr. Ortiz for my band tomorrow. I'll be calling Dr. F's office today to set something up for a month from now. Thanks everyone, this website is sooooo helpful!

DrP

I had my surgery by Dr. Tersigni. He charges 10,000.00 and that is so close to the Mexico price that I didn't think it was worth it to buy a plane ticket and have to fly home right after having surgery. He charges 160.00 for fills but you get 3 with the price of surgery. When you add up having to go back to

Mexico for fills, or going to Kelly Fitzpatrick and having to pay for 3 fills, it seems me it evens out.

Dr. Tersigni has been great to me. I think he's a wonderful doctor.

Today is my first day home from TJ, banded by Dr. Gonzalez. I found Dr. G and his clinical doc, Dr. Valenzuela, delightful and very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, the nurse booted me out of bed at 5 am the next day. I understand now, however, that this is standard practice. You heal up in the hotel room instead for a while. It was not an easy trip, but I do believe I did the right thing.

I live in Eugene/Springfield. I'd like to connect with anyone who wants to work through a 12 step model of recovery while living with the lap band. If anyone knows of good GS or OA groups in this area, will you write to tell me? I could also use a phone chat if anyone is willing. Today is the first day of the rest of my life, right?

PS: How do I make a ticker thingy?

Hi fellow Portlanders (and others in OR as well!); I've been away for a month due to a family emergency. I had scheduled with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico for May 7 but now r/s for June 5 so in 2 days I start my "pre-op" diet; I'm afraid I've been "loading up" on food for the past month, thinking I'll never eat like this again! Jeez, this food thing is so hard but I'm really looking forward to taking this step. I have been a bit more active on the lapbandforum.com as it relates to those going to Dr. Ortiz since it is his website but I want to stay in touch with you guys since we have a common bond with our locale and some of us going to see Dr. Fitzpatrick. I spoke on the phone with her and she was really nice and helpful. I liked her right away; she is actually a Naturopath which is great in my book anyway.

One of the things I noticed is when I drifted away from "you guys in the support group", I went back to bad old habits so I feel this connection is super important to our health and success just like AA can be to the alcoholic. I proved it to myself for sure. So, stay tuned and let's keep in touch. thanks all, Sufina