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??

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

Hi Sufina and Portland neighbor!

Congrats on your upcoming banding with Dr. Ortiz. You will have a wonderful time and if you went to his lapbandforum.com you will find many people have the same date as you and you can look forward to meeting great people and possibly friends.

I was told before my banding(just had my one year bandiversary 5/21), that when I thought I had to load up on eating because I didn't think I was going to be able to eat like I used to after banding is totally wrong. You will be able to eat all or most foods that you know and love again but much less or not at all if they are unhealthy choices. You just have to listen to your band and the restriction you have and know what is good for you and know the difference between head hunger and real hunger. I lost 90lbs(not updated here), in my year of banding. I could have lost more, but only had two fills(with Dr. F), and made some bad choices in eating. I am very happy where I am right now and look forward to the continued shrinking me after a third fill soon. I so badly want to go back to TJ and have a fill, but financially that isn't going to happen yet.

Good luck and have fun!

Peace,

Judy

Yeah, We Oregonians need to stick together!

I have never gone to Kelly Fitzpatrick but I have heard wonderful things about her. I am lucky to live only 5 min from Dr. Tersigini and he charges the same price for fills. I am hoping to never need another one. I can eat whatever I want in small portions and I am happy with my weight loss. Every time I think I need a fill, I get something stuck

and remember to chew better. I am reminded that I really do have

restriction.

Oh thanks, Judy...

I'm doing kinda 1/2 ass on this pre-op thing but don't have an extremely high bmi so hopefully, I'll be ok for surgery. Yes, I noted there is about 7 of us scheduled for June 5 so hope to have a good visit with others. I'm looking forward to getting it started. Seems like the buildup is long but it is a very important transition for all of us. thanks, sufina

I am new to this process. I am currently scheduled to be banded by Dr. Kirschenbaum in Denver in August. I am self-pay and he charges $9950. OHSU is $25-30K; Oregon Weight Loss Legacy: $20-25k; Dr. T in Eugene and CoosBay: $21K now. It was good to hear about Dr. Fitzpatrick as going back to Denver would be difficult.

I am really looking forward to this new journey.:eek:

I didn't know Dr. Tersigni raised his prices. I am going to ask about that at support group. Last I heard, he was charging 12,500.00 for self pay.

Hi DebOregon, I'm leaving tomorrow morning for San Diego to be picked up for Dr. Ortiz at OBCT Clinic; charge is $8000. I live in Portland. Sufina

Hi Oregon guys! Thanks for your support; yeah, I leave tomorrow morning so I'm excited to know I'm going to get some real relief from what has begun to feel like I'm a prisoner in my own body to food. I notice how many times I just get a big charge out of cruising the grocery stores. Shit! But I've been in the worst of it for me so I am praying the procedure is going to give me a big boost at turning this around. By the way, it is not out of the question for me to return to TJ for a fill so if we ever need to go at the same time, we'll have to make it an occasion! sincerely, sufina

Hi, I just had my surgery through Oregon Weight Loss. I didn't spend much time with Dr. Patterson, but felt like the clinic folks were really supportive for the most part. I mainly connected with other folks in the lobby or in the preop class and found that to be a great support to me.

I talked to Robin, Dr. Tersigini's nurse at the last support group meeting. She said he is still charging 12, 500.

Hi, This is my first post. I'm considering a Dr Juan Lopez Corvala in Mexico. Anyone heard of him or have any experience with him? Thanks.

Go to 'how to research a mexican doctor. " It should tell you everything you need to know.