I want to know something about this band. When I am properly restricted, I am still going to want to eat all the time? I can eat whatever I want if I chew really well. I can eat as much as I want too. NOT GOOD. I am at 3.8 cc's in a 4 cc band. I also want to know from all you guys that are close or at goal.......did you lose your weight by constant dieting? I know the band is a tool.....but I am not getting much of a benefit yet. help.

Welcome Wallygirl! You must be new. Introduce yourself. What's your history?

but most going outside the US do so because of insurance problems we have here and self pay.

I had assumed this to be the case. I'm guessing that about 99 percent of the business that goes to Mexico = self-pays who can't get insurance coverage in the U.S. So to hear that 55 percent of bandsters here went to Mexico also tells that almost 55 percent of bandsters here are also self pays.

Not a slam on going to Mexico for the surgery – I may have done so myself, if that was my only option.

I would have gone to Mexico either way. I chose Dr. Ortiz on his credentials not price. He is way more experienced than most doctors in the United States.

what was the original question and discussion?

I go back in for third fill in Houston tomorrow (i leave here tomorrow, my appt is the 23rd) and ive wondered about proper restriction myself, as i guess most of us have.

Im not sure what it means.

I do occassionally get stuck. and i definitely cant eat too much dim sum, but i can eat a 12 oz steak (yum) and some baked potato.

i often eat around two cups at a sitting. i know its a lot.

Its less if i start the day with a shake. I make protien shakes in the mornings that really help.

still though, i think its a lot.

my nutritionalist says i shouldnt be able to eat a 12 oz steak.

can anyone else? how can you tell your restricted right?

I'm guessing you are in the minority though, Stacy, and that most people who travel to Mexico do so sheerly for cost reasons.

Many of us don't have the resources to travel to another country for a surgery that we can have done nearby, assuming insurance covers the treatment. I live in a rural state and there are at least five Bariatric Centers of Excellence in my state -- two of them within an hour's drive. This isn't the rarest, most specialized and delicate surgery in the world. It becomes more common every day. So I don't undestand the desire to travel for any reason other than cost. But this is simply my opinion and I mean absolutely no offense to you -- to each her own!! I'm very glad it has worked for you.

Lizrbit, I haven't tried any beef. I am too afraid! So far I've had chicken, salmon and a bit of turkey. I think that fear alone has kept me on the straight and narrow, to some degree.

Can't edit!

Actually there is a Bariatric Center of Excellence in my own town, but they only do RNY.

I'm guessing you are in the minority though, Stacy, and that most people who travel to Mexico do so sheerly for cost reasons.

Many of us don't have the resources to travel to another country for a surgery that we can have done nearby, assuming insurance covers the treatment. I live in a rural state and there are at least five Bariatric Centers of Excellence in my state -- two of them within an hour's drive. This isn't the rarest, most specialized and delicate surgery in the world. It becomes more common every day. So I don't undestand the desire to travel for any reason other than cost. But this is simply my opinion and I mean absolutely no offense to you -- to each her own!! I'm very glad it has worked for you.

I guess I must be in the minority also. I traveled because I could stay in the US, pay less and have someone who had, at the most, 1000+ lapbands performed, or I could go to MX, pay more, and get someone with 4000+ lapbands performed. The fact of the matter is that they have been performing lapbands in MX for longer than they have in the US.

I'm sure at least 95% of ALL the posters here picked their doctors based on what they thought was a good doctor, not price

And even longer in Europe, so why not go there?

And even longer in Europe, so why not go there?

Had I found good information about a doctor there I would have! I can't put a price on my health - I'll go where the best is. Right now my personal doctor is a 2 hour drive away. It's worth my piece of mind.

im RIGHT HERE too.

I JUST got my second fill and im carrying 2.5cc total in a band that only holds 4cc's. I feel NO real restriction and if i chew well i can eat about two cups of food at a sitting.

Not sure what to make of it. I have been dieting, and keeping track of my food on fitday.com religiously until i went for second fill and im supposed to again...but i just thought it would be different. I KNOW excercise makes a huge difference with weight loss but when i read jachuts results i get a little jealous. Her journey has appeared very smooth, while others have been working out a bit, limiting intake and find they can still GAIN with the band.

Its different for different people, and i understand that...but man sometimes its tough. I go back for next fill in seven weeks.

I was banded Feb 15 2007, had only one fill, not sure when to do my next filled? I threw-up when I eat to fast and swallow to much at one time. I do get full sometimes sooner then others times when i'm eating. Help Thanks

FurEllie, I am not criticizing your actions or comments but I do hope you realize that you are in the minority in this country (and likely on this board), if personal finances are absolutely no obstacle to you in obtaining healthcare.

I was banded Feb 15 2007, had only one fill, not sure when to do my next filled? I through-up when I eat to fast and swallow to much at one time. I do get full sometimes sooner then others times when I'm eating. Help Thanks

ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT!!!!

Wallygirl, what is your doctor telling you regarding another fill? Taht should be a discussion between you and your doctor.

Have you tried to eat less and to chew your food really well?

Lizrbit - which band do you have?

FurEllie, I am not criticizing your actions or comments but I do hope you realize that you are in the minority in this country (and likely on this board), if personal finances are absolutely no obstacle to you in obtaining healthcare.

There are a LOT of people going to MX. From what I've read and experienced, it's really not "cheaper" to go to MX unless your insurance covers everything. Heck, even if your insurance DOES cover everything, I know at least 3 people in the medical profession who chose to go to MX instead of getting a LB in the US when their insurance covered it.

I don't agree that paying for good healthcare is in as much the minority as you might think. If it was, you wouldn't see as many self pays in the US or MX - these people would just save their $$$.