happygirlinca

Laura, I've done the shuttle and I've done the trolley. The trolley was not a pleasant experience. We usually go up and back in one day - live in No. Cal. Last time I went I used the trolley and it took over an hour to get there (you take a bus from the airport to the trolley). Than took a taxi to the doctor for $5. Did the reverse on the way home except it took us about 3 hours to stand in line to get through the border. Than the trolley and all the stops - since we had already missed our flight, we took a Taxi from the bus stop to the airport. Barely made the last flight home. We arrived at 11:30 am and our flight left at 7:20pm (we missed the 5:30 pm flight). We also went on a weekend - but it was cold so we thought it would be easier - wrong! A shuttle would have gone a little faster and we would have been protected from the chilly wind. Personally, I feel safer and more confident I will make my flight by using the shuttle. It is a little more expensive but I feel it's worth it - but it's not cheap. I know people that do the trolley that had a good experience. Again, I think the weekend played a part in it. Either way - make sure you get those fills and check ups! After all - it's your health! Good Luck

I had a fill done by Dr. Martinez(?) on 1/13. My husband and I were discussing the fill centers with the doctor as we travel from Northern Cal. We too were worried about the flouro or xray. He said there was a conference not too long ago and the fill centers attended. The Fill Centers USA have agreed and understand their business will not pick up until they purchase the flouro machine. They have committed to doing this - so, hopefully, we will soon have good options available to us. Yeah!

Hi. I was banded in November 2006 and had the same fear - here's the deal.... You actually ENJOY food more because it doens't rule your life! I can eat WHATEVER I want, so rich foods that were off limits are no longer. I used to pour crap food down my throat. Now I am pickier and I can eat whatever I want! Good luck Can't wait to hear back from you.

Hi Greg. I have a friend that used Nutri Systems to loose about 25 pds. She did not have a lap band. I personally think if you use it to loose weight (which is the most important thing) than go off it, you will be ok. I worry because I believe it is food. If's I remember correctly she was required to eat a salad at every meal - so that's good! Good luck - happy girl in CA

Mary, I am due to have surgery on 11/1 w/Dr Ortiz. I'm 5'7" and 235. I am on the liquid diet right now and really having trouble loosing weight. I'm afraid they won't take me if I can't loose 12 pds before surgery. Any ideas?