rebncor

I got back from a fill in TJ last week-my first. I have no restriction. Dr. So told me I shouldn't come back for 5 weeks. I am feeling very frustrated. I feel like my husband is looking at me thinking "wow, we sure did waste a lot of money". Besides having no restriction from this fill, my trip to TJ that was supposed to take 1 day took 2. There was an accident on the way to the airport and so everyone was arriving 4-5 hrs late as the freeway was completely shut down in both directions. I had to stay the night in San Diego and then go to Dr. O's the next morning. Then I waited 1 1/2 hrs to be picked up at the airport and going back they took everyone back just before I had my fill and so I had to wait another hour when I was finished when I could have just went with the first bus if they had waited 10 minutes. I don't mean this to be insulting but sometimes there tends to be a different view of time in Mexico so I really cannot blame OCC as I do believe it is cultural. Having to stay an extra day really was inconvenient, not to mention a lot more expensive. That of course was not the OCC's fault, but this whole experience has made me realize that I need to find a place closer to get my fills. While I was at the OCC, I met a woman from the Sac area who said that her sister was getting fills in Sacramento and that I could find the info at FillCenter.com. There's nothing there about a place in Sac. I called them and they said they are hoping to open a center soon. Does anyone know what place she was talking about? Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't mind having to drive but I would rather not have to fly. I live in Napa which is pretty much between Sacramento and SF. I know there are places in SoCal but I might as well go to TJ if I'm going to go down there. Does anyone know if the five weeks thing after your first fill is a hard and fast rule. Thanks for your help.

I use Dr Helmuth Billy who is based in Ventura but goes to Truckee once a month - I live in Tracy so it is a bit of a haul but worth it - and no, I have never heard of the 5 week thing - I have lost 70 pounds - had my surgery with Dr Kuri in TJ - love him but it is expensive to go to Mexico so I just leave early in the morning and go to Truckee - long day but not too expensive - coffee in morning, a fill - stick around a little while and I ususally have something real light to make sure it will go down and then drive back down the mountain - like I said, it is a long day but worth it -Ventura office phone number is 8056482227 - they will give you the Truckee number to make an appointment if you are interested

Reb

I would be glad to discuss this if you would like to email me personally and then talk on the phone - it is too involved to type - I will say the best decision I ever made was to get my band and I used Dr Kuri in TJ - great experience, great doctor, fills have worked both in TJ and in California - I love it - have lost about 65 lbs and feel great! write me - rebncor@caldsl.com

Dr Kuri was wonderful, the hospital was beautiful and everything went really well. My sister also used Dr Kuri about a year and a half ago - she has done extremely well also. both of my girlfriends are using Dr Kuri too. I loved him and his team - for surgery, it was a wonderful experience. I am doing great - at 6 weeks I am about 22 pounds down. I have a little restriction - if i forget and take too big a bite or don't chew enough, it lets me know. I have not pb'd but have been uncomfortable for a short while. I am excited about having a fill since my weight loss has slowed - very slow, i am hitting around a 1/2 to 1 # a week - I want it a bit faster and i don't want to feel like i am dieting as i do now. I have been told this is the most difficult part - between the surgery and the fills - anyway, if i can help in any way or answer any other questions, feel free to write. Good luck

Reb

So how was your experience with Dr. Kuri? Are your friends going to him or Ortiz?

I was debating on whether to go to him or Dr. Ortiz, but it looked to me like Dr. Ortiz

is cheaper and looks better on paper. How are you doing?

---Karen 35.1 bmi

Does anyone know of any Dr. who performs fill/adjustments to international lap band patients? I'm in the Central San Joaquin Valley of California. Thanks

Hi, I live in Tracy and you are the first person I have heard from that lives in San Joaquin county - I have heard of a doctor in Truckee and also one in San Jose. If you are interested in either of these - write me and I will see if I can find the info on them. Also, I have 2 friends also in Tracy that are being banded on July 6th - we are going to form our own support group and wondered if you would be interested or know of any other San Joaquin County people that may also be interested. When were you banded? I had mine done on may 11th in TJ with Dr Kuri and am going down again on the 5th to get my first fill (and to hold my 2 girlfriend's hands during their surgery) am a little nervous about what will happen after the fill but hopeful that it will speed things up!