Hi,

My name is Lisa and I am looking for anyone that lives in Arkansas that has had LapBand surgery and did they have it done in the US or Mexico. I am looking at going to Mexico to Dr. Aceves. Has anyone had any experiences with this Dr? Where are you Arkansas's getting your after care , such as fills etc or if any complications have come up? Please get in touch with me at lgr00_00@yahoo.com. I would appreciate ANY information, good or bad with the lapband surgery, places, and prices of refills etc.

Thanks so much

LisaR

SG, I live in Maumelle. We're so close! I'm booked Nov 2 with Dr. Gibbs. He hasn't done many lap bands but has done MANY gastric bypass and actually teaches the gastric bypass procedure (which is much simpler than lapband). His staff seem very nice and approachable and all that. I haven't looked into any other doctors.

Linda

okay, I see two people lurking here. Will you post something so I can talk to someone other than myself?

ouachita, I am in the LR area, where do you get your fills at? In LR? I am considering Dr. Welborn. . . haven't met him yet though.

Thanks,

SGACX

Hey LINDATA, yeah we are pretty close! Are you excited about the band? What all did you have to do before the big surgery day?

Hey BANDSTER 1007, thank you so much for the reply you really have helped!! Here is what my policy says aboutmy insurance:

Exclusions & Limitations:

Obesity. Service primarily for weight loss reductions or the treatment of obesity. This exclusion doesn not apply to surgical treatment of morbid obesity as determined by us if we authorize the treatment in advance as medically necessary and appropriate

Hey so maybe I have a chance at getting it approved. . .

I was born in Montcello and lived in McGehee my growing up days. . we are all close

Hello, I am planning on being banded in December by Dr. Wellborn. I am just beginning this exciting journey. Just wanted to say hello.

SGAC - yes, I'm excited -but also dreading it if you know what I mean. It's going to be lifechanging and I only hope I don't screw it up. I didn't really have to do anything because I'm self-pay. I'm seeing Dr. Gibbs on Tues for a consult and the dietician and someone else (quite a whirlwind day), then two weeks of liquid diet, and then surgery on nov 2. I googled Dr. Gibbs and there's a lot of good feedback about him, so I think I picked a good one - but it seems down here (In the U.S.) there are a lot of good doctors to choose from.

Linda

SGACX-it sounds like you do have a good chance. i love dr. wellborn and his office so far. i go for my consult tomorrow, so i will let you know!!! my surgery is THURSDAY!!!!

MOMMATHANG-hello, i posted some information about Dr. Wellborn a little ealier in this thread, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. i'm scheduled for surgery this week.

Bandster, keep us posted. Can't wait to hear how it went!

Linda

Linda! You have a date! Congratulations on your decision, you're on your way. I'm nervous and scared for you, but also VERY excited for you. I'm into a size 11 pant now. Size 11???? I can't even believe I'm saying that. I was a size 24 before I started my pre-op diet. Just remember that no matter what happens, good or bad, you're doing everything in your power to be happy, healthy and full of life again. Not only for yourself, but for your family as well. I'll give you a call at some point before your surgery, I have a HUUGGGGEEEE favor to ask of you about a X-mas gift for Eva that's not available in Canada. It's a Littlest Pet Shop VIP stuffed animal or something, I'll find out and give you a call. I also would REALLY love it if you could bring me a couple of those awesome banana holders next time you come up! I'm so excited for you that I have butterflies!!! Take care, love you, we'll talk soon.

Buffie

Thank ya'll so much for the info. I go to my seminar tomorrow night. I am so pumped for this!!! I am also glad to know that I now have this forum as a tool to help me with this transformation!!

<p>I've been off the computer for a while (too much to do at work, and too pooped in the evening) but I am back now. i was banded July 2005, by Dr. Wellborn. I have had many ups and downs with it, but I would do it again in a heartbeat! In fact, I was having problems in July and August, so I had an unfill.

I went in on Saturday and got some put back in. Now, I feel great! No more problems and I had a great night's sleep. (Before the unfill, I was having awful reflux and regurg at night! Yuck!)

You are all right, Dr. Wellborn and his staff are GREAT! I have recommended him to several people who have noticed my weight loss and asked how I did it.

If anyone has any questions for an "old banster" please let me know. I am not an expert, but I can certainly tell you how it was for me. For those just starting the journey, remember the band is just a tool. You have to be ready to do the work so that it can do its job! Good luck to you all.

Terri:clap2:

Unless things have recently changed, Central AR doctors will not do fills for bands done in Mexico -- it's a liability thing. Good luck!

<p>I am so excited about tomorrow(my seminar). It may sound silly, but I can hardly wait. I have read on some of the messages that some doctors require a two week protein pre-op diet. Can anyone tell me if Dr. Wellborn requires this and if so what kind of protein shake is the best to go with? Thanks so much! I am just wanting to get a head start.</p>