barbflorida

The only thing I wish I had known was how awesome the experience would be. I started researching in January 2006 and when I saw Mexico my first reaction was NO WAY! I kept checking and researching, found that a couple of doctors in Daytona that would do the lap band (for $18,000) but one had done 3 and they other was "trained" and needed three patients scheduled to have a Proctor come, needless to say I went for the experience and on November 30, 2006 I was banded by Dr. Ortiz. I flew home on Dec. 2 and was back at work on December 4. I never missed a beat and most of my clients didn't even know I had left because I had internet access and could log on to my remote desktop and kept up with everything I needed to be doing. I basically had no pain and no problems with what I was supposed to be eating. I'm going for my first fill in two weeks and can't wait. The staff is the absolute best, the facilities are awesome and I just can't say enough good things - when I talk to people I'm starting to sound like and Evangelist for Lap-bands.

I'm going to to TJ on the 13th of January. Got a pretty good fare out of Orlando. After that I will probably go to Fill Centers USA. There are I think 5 in Florida, but the closest to me is Tampa/St. Pete. Still about a 4 hour drive, but I can't do those round trips too often - too old for a 25 hour day, plus the driving time to and from the airport, so closer to 28.

Hi Steph, yes I will be there on the 13th. I arrive at 10:38 so I guess I'll meet you at the airport. I'm flying out the same day also, I will be leaving at 6 p.m. but since I am flying to Florida, it will be an all night flight and I'll arrive home at 6:25 a.m. Sunday morning. So I'm right there with you on the full day. Where are you coming from? Look forward to meeting you and have a great holiday!

I guess I'm really lucky, I was banded on 11/30 and my incision is almost completely healed. I was amazed that I was able to fly home on 12/2 (6.5 hours and 1.5 from the airport). Went grocery shopping on 12/3 and was back to work on 12/4. Guess I'm doing okay for an old broad!

Wow! How lucky to have your insurance pay. I have Florida Health Care and I think they are the last to approve anything new, so if I waited for them I'd probably be 80 years old before they would pay for it. I even checked local doctors and found a few, but none with any real experience and they charged a LOT more, so I was really happy that I was able to go to Mexico. I was so impressed with everyone there, but if I could have saved that much money - I'd have had to give some serious thought to the experience issue. Good luck with your surgery, I know you're going to love it.

Wow- everyone is down south. I'm about 25 miles south of Daytona Beach. Yes that is me on the 13th so I'll see you then. I was just down in the Ft. Myers area for work a few weeks ago, I end up all over the place so next time I'll have to get in touch before. It would be nice to have a break before the drive back. It's about 4 hours.

Hi sweetie, I don't know what's up with our email, but try my work address barbara@myworldmortgage.com maybe that one will work. I'm feeling really good and so far I'm losing, of course I want it to go faster, but that's me - I want that instant gratification. Say hi to Rob for me.

I was just wondering if there are any bandsters out there in Florida. I met some great people when I was in TJ, but it would be nice if there were someone around that we could occasionally get together for support and maybe socialize with someone that understands what we are dealing with. It would be very cool to be able to get together.

Kevin, You are so awesome. You're right there with support for anyone with a question. I think you are as excited as I am with this diving into a new life. I'm so tired of looking in the mirror and hating what I see. This is such an awesome site, because of people like you. Everyone seems to be absolutely great and I love hearing everyone elses experiences. Keep up the good work, you're almost like a cheerleader (no offense) to help everyone keep going. Barbara Edgewater, FL

I got the massage, but no pics. I guess they didn't want to break the camera. lol

I've found the same thing. The larger pills I have to break up and take a piece at a time, but have definitely not had a problem with it. I find that it's better though if I am standing when I take them. I learned that the hard way, I am used to rolling over and taking a pain pill for my back in the a.m. and then rolling over and waiting for it to work - so a minor drawback, I have to get up and take it in two pieces, but that works I get them down, make sure I feel okay then relax and wait for them to work. Maybe once all this weight it off, I won't need them to get out of bed in the a.m. I'm sure it will do my back a lot of good to have about 100 less pounds hanging off of it.

Hi Susan, I was banded on November 30th and was nervous and didn't even want to tell anyone I was going to TJ to have surgery. I have to say how wonderful the staff was and the clinic was cleaner than any hospital I have been in here in the states, I've had experience on that end in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida. Everyone is so nice over there, I am still raving to anyone who will listen what a positive experience it was. The staff is awesome and Dr. Ortiz has every right to be extremely proud of both his facility and his staff. Relax, it's going to be a great experience.

I was previously able to claim a jacuzzi as a medical expense, I just needed my doctor to write that I had degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spinal arthritis and that it would give me relief. Went right through. I can't imagine that if a jacuzzi would qualify that this wouldn't. I plan to see an accountant soon as I am a 1099 employee, I will see what I can find out and will post an answer if I can get one.

I was also banded on Nov. 30 in TJ by Dr. Ortiz. I can't believe how good I feel. I flew back to Florida on Saturday and was back at work ready to go today (Monday). The clear liquids haven't been a problem so far, I'm not hungry and my energy level is really good. I am looking forward to finally having control over my weight.