barbflorida

I can only feel my port, I've never been able to feel the band.

I flew from Florida, and had a stop (no change) in San Antonio. The flight was fine for me. I had surgery on Thursday and was back at my desk in Florida on Monday. I did a lot of walking on Friday in TJ and I think that was a big help because the only real discomfort I had was gas and walking helps with that. So I'm sure you'll be fine and just think, it's the beginning of your new life.

Congratulations! I was banded a year and a half ago and it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck on the new you!

It's great that you are thinking about this. You need to talk to your parents and find out if insurance will cover it and if not, find out if they are willing or able to make the investment in the surgery. There are a lot of places to get information as I'm sure you've found since you found this forum. Start by talking to your parents and good luck.

You are so right. So many people think this is a magic bullet, but it's a tool. We still need to make the right choices. It just made it a lot easier for me. I think partly because of the band and partly because I didn't want to throw away the money. I could have never looked at myself in the mirror if I didn't do everything I could to make the investment worthwhile.

You look great. Keep up the good work!

Thanks, I feel a lot better too! Dr. Ortiz is my hero!

I go to a Chiropractor regularly, but made sure he was aware of the band. He doesn't feel there is any problem, but I would check with your doctor to be sure. There are one of two forms of adjustment he doesn't use because of the band.

Mine is about half way between the bra line and belly button and I'm about one year post op and you can barely see it. It was never more than about a half inch long. Scarring was definitely not an issue.

Finally figured out how to post before and after pics. My after was taken 9 1/2 mo. post op. http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii3/bar...mediafilter=all

I'm so glad she's feeling better, now off to start a new life. Good luck!

Ditto on what Clynn said. I just make sure I get enough protein and my liquid vitamins daily and I feel great. When you are dragging 100+ lbs. extra with you it's amazing how much more energy you have.

Well, I guess and early HAPPY NEW YEAR (and new life) is in order. You will not be sorry. I was banded last November 30th. I started at 255 lbs. before my pre op diet and 9 1/2 months later I am at my goal weight of 150 lbs and am wearing a size 6. For me it was an early Christmas present and if I never get another Christmas present again, just looking at my closet full of stylish clothes and seeing who is looking back at me in the mirror is enough. the way I was going I probably wouldn't have lived to see my grandangel grow up - now I feel confident I'll dance at her wedding.

I agree, I made the decision the beginning of November but I waited till after Thanksgiving, but before Christmas and I was just fine. And yes, it is the best present you could give yourself.

If you are paying out of pocket, I would contact Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. He did my surgery November 30, 2006 - here I am 9-1/2 months later - 105 lbs. lighter and feel like a different person. I checked with my local doctors who had far less experience and want more the twice the money. I think you will find that most of the people on this forum went to Dr. Ortiz and I really haven't seen any negative experiences. After a year of research, I made the decision last November, was in Mexico by the end of November having surgery by one of the most experienced doctors in this field. Although I wouldn't have been comfortable without researching everything, my biggest regret is that I spent a year researching everything. I could have been where I am now a year ago. Good luck.