I was on vacation in Beirut Lebanon on September of 2004 when I had my surgery, I met a few people that had the lap band done and they looked great. My 3rd day there I visited with Dr. Biagini, 9th day I got the lap band installed I was his 876th patient by 10 am surgery day. 3 more people were scheduled For surgery that day also. I didn’t even know what lap band was until I went to Lebanon and met those who had it done.

I was out of the hospital the next morning and it took me 3 days to recover. I got my first fill 10 days after surgery; 1 day befor leaving to the states. I was suppose to go back in February 2005 for my 2nd fill but things got shaky, the former Prime Minister of Lebanon got assasinated, so forget about going back home for the time being I said. I called a few clinics around my area but none are willing to accept me.

I weighted at 298 lbs prior to surgery now I’m at 257 lbs my first fill didn’t really do much tightening I had trouble with the food that I did not chew thoroughly, I had never heaved or gagged yet or even induced it. My eating portion is cut down in half; I have been going to the gym for at least 4 days a week since November and that is helping me shed the additional weight since I got no additional fills for the time being.

Having the lap-band encouraged me and gave me the strength and motivation to re-route my health habit I know I got a device installed that is fail proof if I maintained my self. If I keep doing what i’m doing now I don’t think I will be needing an additional fill, but still I want to be on the safe side, I want to feel stress free knowing that their is some one that can assist me (A doctor) in my region as far as check ups, medical advice and future fills if necessary.

I think this forum is a wonderful asset to have I already feel the extra drive to keep up what I am doing and more.

I hope this story reaches lots of you because it has definitely reset my clock of strength.

B.E

Brian, wow! You didn't learn about the Band from anyone here in the States? I think it's by far safer than gastric bypass, but the word is just starting to spread.

Even without another fill you're doing an awesome job!! Keep up the hard work.

I would suggest you go to the Inamed website and search for a Dr in your area... http://www.inamed.com/products/obesity/us/patient/patient.html

(click on surgeon locator)

* also, at the bottom of the LBT home page look for Local Lap-Band Support forum at the bottom and click on your state.. if you start a thread there I'm sure you'll get lots of support.

good luck and keep us posted on your success,

Thanks for the additional info Karla i think my next step is to contact the Wish Center in Washington State, the Docs in my state will not take outsiders especially without the proper medical release of information from my Doctor back home it is tough to get it.

www.wishcenter.org has a fill program for bandsters that were banded out of the country and have trouble finding fill doctors. Also, I would imagine that you can get fills in Mexico as well. What type of band do you have?

keep up the good work and the good attitude!!

Thanks a bunch Jenna, I will be giving wish center a call on Monday/ now for your 2nd question: "What type of band do you have?"; are you asking me about size or brand? Size I don’t know off hand I have to check my companion card that I take with me when I travel incase I beep going through the airport metal detectors. The Brand it is the Lap-band from www.inamedhealth.com corp.

www.inamedhealth.com

Welcome to LBT!!!

What a GREAT story! BW, where are you from??

Welcome! It sounds like you are doing great!

Hello,

Did you say you live in Washington State? I got my band in Mexico and use a wonderful fill doctor in Portland Oregon for my fills and aftercare. What part of Washington do you live in? Anyway my docs name and number is Thomas Eubanks at 503-353-3005. If you can't find anything closer to home, he will take out of country patients. Hope that helps. Best wishes, Teresa