I am in AZ Phx/Tempe area. I will be getting banded on 11/24. I am a young 54 M female with a 6 yr old guardian child and 3 grown children. I work with children. I have spinal disease needing surgery and severe arthritis in my knees. This will make exercise a challenge. I have completed the multitude of pre-op testing required by WLCA and I started the pre-op diet yesterday. My starting weight is 248 with a BMI of 37. I hope (plan) to lose 70 pounds. I would like to find a lap band buddy/mentor either in my area or other areas for emailing. It would be great to find a buddy/mentor who has the same challenges with exercise so I could get some ideas for success and maybe to motivate each other. I really need the support!!

Hi I am set to be banded Nov 24th as well by Dr. Ortiz, where are you going?

Oh, Wow! I'm going to 19th Ave North of Bethany Home. What time are you scheduled? What part of the valley do you live in? How's the pre-op diet going?? I'm getting nervous and excited!!!

Hi, I live in tucson, and I have changed my appointment to December 7, because I have to be off my meds, so who are you going to again?

I'm going through the WLCA center in Tempe with Dr DeBarros and Dr Orris. Are you getting done in Tucson or up here?

I'm going through the WLCA center in Tempe with Dr DeBarros and Dr Orris. Are you getting done in Tucson or up here?

What did the surgery cost there? I live on the eastside of tucson and want to look into options in phx and tucson for surgery.

What did the surgery cost there? I live on the eastside of tucson and want to look into options in phx and tucson for surgery.

Total including 2 year follow-up care and support is around 17K. Insurance will cover all the tests required beforehand. They have a very good finance plan with options for payment plans. I had my surgery at Surgical Hospital of AZ. The center has moved and they are building a surgical center on the property where they will be doing it sometime in the future.

Total including 2 year follow-up care and support is around 17K. Insurance will cover all the tests required beforehand. They have a very good finance plan with options for payment plans. I had my surgery at Surgical Hospital of AZ. The center has moved and they are building a surgical center on the property where they will be doing it sometime in the future.

Thank you for the quick reply. I thought they might be a little less expensive since it was AZ.