Hi Everyone::confused:

I am getting banded on August 11, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

I have met my doctor via my best friend whom is a cardiologist and whom know what I have gone through all my life with my overweight, the issues of been overweight, the depression, health issues and lately the lack of self esteme.

My doctor will give me a letter resuming procedure done and follow up instructions when I return to the United

States, my only concern is, Will there be any doctor in the area of North Jersey (Passaic County) whom can take care of my fills and post operation follow ups?, if any one can give me suggestions, I am open to them.

On the other hand, I have decided to have my surgery overseas, first because I am from Dominican Republic, Second because the Doctor was highly recommended to me, and third, because I have no Health Insurance and would not be able to afford it in the US (the cost out of pocket in US is between $20,000 and 35,000), my doctor is only charging me $7,000 as a package and includes everything from surgery, to one of the most known and professional hospitals in my country, I mean everything. Then I decided to go for it.

I am actually 230 pounds, which I have accumulate during the last 4 years, been 5'2" it put me with a BMI of over 40, plus High Cholesterol, High Tryglicerids, High Blood Pressure and High Glucosse levels. I just want to be able to improve my health and self esteme. Believe me I have always been a chubby girl, my weight was always fluctuating between 140 and 165 pounds, but never this high.

I need as much information as possible about this type of surgery, and if anyone knows a support group or seminar I can attend before my surgery date, I will really appreciate if you can give me the information.

I have lots of expectatives about this new journey, and I know I will make it, but I need lots of support and information from people whom have already gone through this, and I am open to suggestions.

I thank all of you for reading this thread and thank you in advance for any comments and suggestions you might give me.:blushing:

Belkys

Dear Belkys,

Congrats on your decision to get healthy!

One thing you can do to get informed, esp. if your surgeon or hospital doesn't offer it, is go to an information seminar on lapbanding and weight loss surgery. Any hospital in your area that performs lapband surgery will have this and it is free. You can just call them up and say you'd like to attend the free lapband intro seminar. And they can register you. This will at least give you some ideas about what you are getting yourself into. :blushing: You might want to see if there are also any support group meetings in your area. Pre-banded and post-banded attend and they usually are also free. You can ask when you go to the hospital for the seminar.

This website is also a great resource.

Good luck!

Thank you Isaviolinist for your response.

I will take your suggestions in consideration.

Thanks again.

Belkys:thumbup: