I have an appointment for next week to get my first fill. He charges $150 for a fill + $125 if you want fluoro. I want fluoro for sure the first time, so I'm shelling out $275. He's the only one near me that will accept MX patients.

Has anyone used this doctor? Any input?

Thanks,

Donna

Hi Sparkette!

I was considering Dr. Vitello also. My main concern that kept me from going to him is that when I called Inamed (the people who make our bands) and asked they said that he has not taken the proctored training with them. Only doctors who have had that training can place the bands, but it does not prevent (by Inamed) doctors not certified by Inamed from doing fills.

I guess my thinking is that I paid a lot of cash to have this band placed, no one is going to touch it who has not been properly trained in the placement and filling of it!

Just my opinion... Let me know how it goes!

I am not fimiliar with Dr Vitello. However my surgeons office is talking about having "fill clinics". He had told me initially that fills are $100 in his office, since before surgery I knew I would be losing my job. With them doing "fill clinics" it may even be cheaper. He works out of Evanston Hospital and Vernon Hills, IL. I know it maybe be a drive but it maybe cheaper. Also I know there are a few folks in Aurora that is closer to you and maybe fimiliar with some Dr's that are closer.

If you have not posted on the Il Chicago link I would try posting there as well you may find more folks closer to your area. Also we try to meet once a month for support. The last 3 times have been at Panera Bread in Oakbrook and it would be great if both of you could join us.

Hope all is going well for you. Take Care.

My surgeon Dr Lahmann at Silver Cross took me as a patient and he didn't do my band. I know that they do take outside patients. Might be worth a call. I got his name and number from Inamed so I know he is properly trained with Inamed bands. If you want more info I'll be happy to get it for you. ~Mandy

Actually Downers Grove is not CLOSE to me either. It will be about a 3 1/2 hour drive for me. I'm in Iowa City, Iowa. Just happens to be the NEAREST one who will do fills for MX banded patients.

There is one in Waterloo that will do fills, but the first visit is $700 or more. Then each visit after that is $405.

Lynn,

I find it strange that Inamed told you that. I think sometimes they get their own wires crossed. I spoke with Dr. Vitello, and he does lap band surgery, and uses the Inamed band. I also found him on Obesity Help, and there were a few on there who talked about getting fills, and siad he was GREAT. I guess I'll find out for sure this Friday.

Talk to you all later!

Donna

Hello Sparkette....I am also considering this doc.. I wanted to know how was your expirence with him. Any info you can give would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bigtime

Hello Sparkette....I am also considering this doc.. I wanted to know how was your expirence with him. Any info you can give would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bigtime

Hi Bigtime,

I LOVED Dr. Vitello. I got 1.2cc's for my first fill. (he started with 2, and I couldn't handle it) Watched it all on fluoro, and had a great experience. One clarification...You pay him $150 up front, and the hospital bills your INSURANCE for the remaining $125. I don't know if it will pay or not, but to my knowledge, I think they try to word it, so that the ins. will pay.

I go back this coming Friday for my 2nd fill. He was very nice, and seems to really know what he is doing. If you'd like to know more, just let me know!

Donna

Thanks for the quick response.....I talked to the Dr. today and I'm

waiting to schedule a appt. Can I expect to go for fills on a regular

basis. How long did it take before you knew you were ready for a second

fill, and how did you know you were ready at all for that matter? I

thank you for your help.

Bigtime

Thanks for the quick response.....I talked to the Dr. today and I'm

waiting to schedule a appt. Can I expect to go for fills on a regular

basis. How long did it take before you knew you were ready for a second

fill, and how did you know you were ready at all for that matter? I

thank you for your help.

Bigtime

After I started on solids, I had a "little" restriction, not much though. As time went by, I noticed I was able to eat whatever I wanted. Nothing stopping me! And, I wasn't losing any weight. Wasn't gaining, but wasn't losing. So, I decided it was time.

I went for my first fill at about 7 weeks post-op, if I remember correctly. I had REALLY good restriction after that fill, but he told me that most people come back 2-4 weeks after the first fill. This is because, even though he purges the band, there is STILL a little bit of air in it. The saline causes the air to seep out, and the band loosens a bit.

Also, I didn't realize this at the time, but I was bloated from PMS (I hope you are a female! :doh: LOL) so I think I was a little tighter then because of that. Then after that went away, AND the extra air was gone from the band, I wasn't as tight anymore. Still have a little restriction, but not enough.

I'm back to eating pretty much whatever I want, and the weight loss has slowed again, so I know it's time. I'm hoping to get to that "sweet spot" this time. How far out are you looking to schedule your first fill? If you were ready for one by Friday, maybe we could meet, if he has another opening. I think he only does them from 6:30-7:30. My appt. is at 6:30.

Good Luck!

Donna

Hi I just wondered what your experience was like with dr. ortiz. I am thinking of getting the lap band in Mexico and just wondered if you had any info. Also I am from around Moline, Il. so I will be needing a fill dr. Is this Dr. Vitello the only one around here?

I can't answer about Dr. Ortiz (do a search on here there are tons of posts about him) but I see Dr. Lahman at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, not sure about mexico band patients but he sees me and he didn't do my band. ~Mandy