Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum and just wanted to say hello to everyone. I haven't been banded yet, but will be on April 27 with Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere in Mexico at the Obesity Control Center. I know, you're probably saying, Mexico? Yes, Mexico. He comes highly recommended and the cost is fairly reasonable considering the cost in the U.S.

Thank God I don't have far to travel. I am very eager and excited about it. Can anyone tell me briefly, how their experience was getting banded? I'd really like to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

There are several people on here banded in Mexico with great results, so good luck!

I was just banded Thursday and I'm still sore, but I'm already feeling like I have some hope for the first time!

Welcome to the forum, you'll find some great advice and support here!

Bev, I have been banded for 10 months. For me, the surgery was pretty easy. I had a little gas afterwards and took gasx to help. I also just had a sore port area which is normal. I was back to work in 5 days. I am considered an average loser at 1 lb per week. I'm down 52 lbs in 10 months. The say that average person loses 30-50% of their excess body weight the first year. That would put me at an average weight since I have lost 50%. I plan on taking this next year to get to goal. I have ramped up the exercise. The first 50 lbs I hardly exercised at all. That is probably why I didn't lose very rapidly. Just know the lapband is a tool. I hear that Dr. Ortiz is wonderful. If My memory serves me correctly he is an author of Lapband for Life. Its a great book. You can order it from Amazon.com. Julie