Guest guest Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Chloe I dont get it either. But my husband and I were treated VERY POORLY by a Dr. Husted in San Francisco in spite of the fact that he said he accepted patients from Mexico for fills. So, I will never put myself in that position again. I have 2 fills now and am doing just fine, but if I ever need another one, I will return to Mexicalli. Deborah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Oh, I'll take a stab at this one. ;o) I just encountered this today. Gaby sent me a short list of potential doctors for fills. One, I've heard a couple of horror stories about so he was out automatically for me. I call one of the others and told them where I lived and that I was trying to find a fill doctor. The very first question was "where did you get your band." Now, I have to say, I thought about lying and saying something like Alaska or something but I didn't. I told the truth and got an absolute NO for an answer. When I asked why, I got (a bunch of hooey, IMO) the response that they "had too many patients coming out of Mexico with only a port or a badly implanted band." The continued reasoning was that even if *that* doctor wasn't the one who created the problem, if he corrected it, it counted as some sort of a black mark against him medically. While I was thinking "Huh?" I asked if I had all my documentation, including x-rays, barium swallows and all my labwork....and was told "Doesn't matter." The last reply was "We have all the patients we can handle." Riiighttt...since this is still a technique in it's infancy, it's hard to believe there's so many patients that this feller can't handle them all. Personally, I think it's mostly the almighty dollar. Sure, there are probably people coming out of Mexico with substandard care and even being bilked by having no band actually implanted. However, it shouldn't take much to find out if a particular surgeon in Mexico is legit or not--from a US doctor's point of view. But, for every person who goes to Mexico and has the procedure done for $8000, there's one less person who does it in the US for 2-3 times that much. Personally, I wish the US doctors would work with the Mexican doctors. Imagine the amount of money they *could* be getting if they would agree to take, say, Dr. A's patients for follow-up and fills if he would simply refer new bandsters to them. I mean...how much time does it really take to put a cc or two of saline into someone? A couple of minutes? Seems to me, fill money is pretty much frosting on the cake. And I'll return to my corner now. ;o) >> So I'm curious..??? [:-/] .Why are so many doctors in the US oppose > [[-(] to treating or giving fills to those who have lapband in> Mexico...I mean DR A. is a credible surgeon...it isn't like we having it> done in a back alley somewhere or illegally for that matter. This WLS> is a specialty, and docs in the US can't expect they can perform every> one of them. Don't we live in America? Can they really deny us the> treatment? especially if something goes wrong? And would it be any> different if we had the surgery somewhere else in the US and had to> relocate for other reasons and need a fill/treatment?> Cyrena? have you encountered this here in our area? Just wondering?> > Chloe> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 So then we should lie when asked where we got the band? hahah... or we could be sarcastic and say ..."a hospital... duh."I mean can they really tell where we got it unless we tell them? I fully intend on saving enough so that I can go back and get my fill in Mexicalli, but you never know if it will need to be unfilled or more filled a few weeks later....right? but yeah..I agree fills should be "frosting on the cake" for them. > >> > So I'm curious..??? [:-/] .Why are so many doctors in the US oppose> > [[-(] to treating or giving fills to those who have lapband in> > Mexico...I mean DR A. is a credible surgeon...it isn't like we having> it> > done in a back alley somewhere or illegally for that matter. This WLS> > is a specialty, and docs in the US can't expect they can perform every> > one of them. Don't we live in America? Can they really deny us the> > treatment? especially if something goes wrong? And would it be any> > different if we had the surgery somewhere else in the US and had to> > relocate for other reasons and need a fill/treatment?> > Cyrena? have you encountered this here in our area? Just wondering?> >> > Chloe> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Doctors don't make a lot of money from fills, they make it from the surgery. They are annoyed that we are going to Mexico and giving them the surgery business and giving the US docs the leftover fill business. It's an ego thing and a money thing. On Feb 8, 2008 5:16 PM, sunshyne1720 <cjc105sunshine@...> wrote: So I'm curious..???.Why are so many doctors in the US oppose to treating or giving fills to those who have lapband in Mexico...I mean DR A. is a credible surgeon...it isn't like we having it done in a back alley somewhere or illegally for that matter. This WLS is a specialty, and docs in the US can't expect they can perform every one of them. Don't we live in America? Can they really deny us the treatment? especially if something goes wrong? And would it be any different if we had the surgery somewhere else in the US and had to relocate for other reasons and need a fill/treatment? Cyrena? have you encountered this here in our area? Just wondering? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 You bet I have!!! Dr. Brueder - MedCenter, won't do Mexico band fills, Dr. Schmidt - St. ius, will as long as they are Inamed! I questioned Dr. B's staff and she said he is so busy taking care of his OWN patients, they don't have time for others. When you think about it, a Dr. makes, next to nothing, on a fill, the cost of the surgery is where they "get ya". So why take care of others if they are just there to make money. Man am I cynical tonight???? I cut my thumb a week before surgery and had to go to the ER, the Dr. wanted to give me a tetanus shot, I told him, that was fine if it didn't interfere with the surgery I was getting the next week in Mexico. He said, no it will help protect you in case they use a rusty knife! UGH What idiots!! Cyrena US vs. Mexico? ? ? So I'm curious..???.Why are so many doctors in the US oppose to treating or giving fills to those who have lapband in Mexico...I mean DR A. is a credible surgeon...it isn't like we having it done in a back alley somewhere or illegally for that matter. This WLS is a specialty, and docs in the US can't expect they can perform every one of them. Don't we live in America? Can they really deny us the treatment? especially if something goes wrong? And would it be any different if we had the surgery somewhere else in the US and had to relocate for other reasons and need a fill/treatment? Cyrena? have you encountered this here in our area? Just wondering?Chloe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Nope, you can not tell a lie, your documentation on your band info says - Dr. Alberto Aceves, Mexicali!! But I do like the "a hospital--duh" answer best!! Cyrena Weeks701-426-6180www.womenswealthandwellness.com/cyrenawww.saferforyourhome.com Re: US vs. Mexico? ? ? So then we should lie when asked where we got the band? hahah... or we could be sarcastic and say ..."a hospital... duh."I mean can they really tell where we got it unless we tell them? I fully intend on saving enough so that I can go back and get my fill in Mexicalli, but you never know if it will need to be unfilled or more filled a few weeks later....right? but yeah..I agree fills should be "frosting on the cake" for them. > >> > So I'm curious..??? [:-/] .Why are so many doctors in the US oppose> > [[-(] to treating or giving fills to those who have lapband in> > Mexico...I mean DR A. is a credible surgeon...it isn't like we having> it> > done in a back alley somewhere or illegally for that matter. This WLS> > is a specialty, and docs in the US can't expect they can perform every> > one of them. Don't we live in America? Can they really deny us the> > treatment? especially if something goes wrong? And would it be any> > different if we had the surgery somewhere else in the US and had to> > relocate for other reasons and need a fill/treatment?> > Cyrena? have you encountered this here in our area? Just wondering?> >> > Chloe> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Ya and check THIS out!!!! I got the and band. It's called Realize. I got a booklet from them (?) before my surgery and in it is mentioned a website. I went there in November when I was banded and it wasn't up yet. SOOOOOOO... I went back in January. The website was up. Looks pretty cool! There is a forum and info, but you need your doctor's 12- digit " physician number " . Huh? I tried to find it, called Yolanda, e-mailed ~nutn. Can't figure out what number they want. So I called and . The nice man on the phone said he would look into it for me. Next day I gets this e-mail, see. Turns out I can only access the Realize information and forum if I got my band IN THE US!!!!!! What kind of carp it that?! Sorry. Had to vent a little I guess. BUT WHAT A CROCK!!!!!! sheri > > > > > > So I'm curious..??? [:-/] .Why are so many doctors in the US oppose > > > [[-(] to treating or giving fills to those who have lapband in > > > Mexico...I mean DR A. is a credible surgeon...it isn't like we > having > > it > > > done in a back alley somewhere or illegally for that matter. This > WLS > > > is a specialty, and docs in the US can't expect they can perform > every > > > one of them. Don't we live in America? Can they really deny us the > > > treatment? especially if something goes wrong? And would it be any > > > different if we had the surgery somewhere else in the US and had to > > > relocate for other reasons and need a fill/treatment? > > > Cyrena? have you encountered this here in our area? Just wondering? > > > > > > Chloe > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "INAMED"??? AND HAVE YOU EVER CHECKED FOR DOCS IN FARGO, ND??? I THINK IT WOULD BE WORTH THE 3 HOUR DRIVE IF THERE IS ONE THERE???>> You bet I have!!! Dr. Brueder - MedCenter, won't do Mexico band fills, Dr. Schmidt - St. ius, will as long as they are Inamed! I questioned Dr. B's staff and she said he is so busy taking care of his OWN patients, they don't have time for others. When you think about it, a Dr. makes, next to nothing, on a fill, the cost of the surgery is where they "get ya". So why take care of others if they are just there to make money. Man am I cynical tonight???? I cut my thumb a week before surgery and had to go to the ER, the Dr. wanted to give me a tetanus shot, I told him, that was fine if it didn't interfere with the surgery I was getting the next week in Mexico. He said, no it will help protect you in case they use a rusty knife! UGH What idiots!! > > Cyrena > > > > US vs. Mexico? ? ?> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > So I'm curious..???.Why are so many doctors in the US oppose to treating or giving fills to those who have lapband in Mexico...I mean DR A. is a credible surgeon...it isn't like we having it done in a back alley somewhere or illegally for that matter. This WLS is a specialty, and docs in the US can't expect they can perform every one of them. Don't we live in America? Can they really deny us the treatment? especially if something goes wrong? And would it be any different if we had the surgery somewhere else in the US and had to relocate for other reasons and need a fill/treatment? > Cyrena? have you encountered this here in our area? Just wondering?> > Chloe> > > > > > > > > > > > > <!--> > #ygrp-mkp{> border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:14px 0px;padding:0px 14px;}> #ygrp-mkp hr{> border:1px solid #d8d8d8;}> #ygrp-mkp #hd{> color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:bold;line-height:122%;margin:10px 0px;}> #ygrp-mkp #ads{> margin-bottom:10px;}> #ygrp-mkp .ad{> padding:0 0;}> #ygrp-mkp .ad a{> color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;}> -->> > > > <!--> > #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc{> font-family:Arial;}> #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc #hd{> margin:10px 0px;font-weight:bold;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;}> #ygrp-sponsor #ygrp-lc .ad{> margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 0;}> -->> > > > <!--> > #ygrp-mlmsg {font-size:13px;font-family:arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;}> #ygrp-mlmsg table {font-size:inherit;font:100%;}> #ygrp-mlmsg select, input, textarea {font:99% arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;}> #ygrp-mlmsg pre, code {font:115% monospace;}> #ygrp-mlmsg * {line-height:1.22em;}> #ygrp-text{> font-family:Georgia;> }> #ygrp-text p{> margin:0 0 1em 0;}> #ygrp-tpmsgs{> font-family:Arial;> clear:both;}> #ygrp-vitnav{> padding-top:10px;font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;margin:0;}> #ygrp-vitnav a{> padding:0 1px;}> #ygrp-actbar{> clear:both;margin:25px 0;white-space:nowrap;color:#666;text-align:right;}> #ygrp-actbar .left{> float:left;white-space:nowrap;}> .bld{font-weight:bold;}> #ygrp-grft{> font-family:Verdana;font-size:77%;padding:15px 0;}> #ygrp-ft{> font-family:verdana;font-size:77%;border-top:1px solid #666;> padding:5px 0;> }> #ygrp-mlmsg #logo{> padding-bottom:10px;}> > #ygrp-vital{> background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:2px 0 8px 8px;}> #ygrp-vital #vithd{> font-size:77%;font-family:Verdana;font-weight:bold;color:#333;text-transform:uppercase;}> #ygrp-vital ul{> padding:0;margin:2px 0;}> #ygrp-vital ul li{> list-style-type:none;clear:both;border:1px solid #e0ecee;> }> #ygrp-vital ul li .ct{> font-weight:bold;color:#ff7900;float:right;width:2em;text-align:right;padding-right:.5em;}> #ygrp-vital ul li .cat{> font-weight:bold;}> #ygrp-vital a{> text-decoration:none;}> > #ygrp-vital a:hover{> text-decoration:underline;}> > #ygrp-sponsor #hd{> color:#999;font-size:77%;}> #ygrp-sponsor #ov{> padding:6px 13px;background-color:#e0ecee;margin-bottom:20px;}> #ygrp-sponsor #ov ul{> padding:0 0 0 8px;margin:0;}> #ygrp-sponsor #ov li{> list-style-type:square;padding:6px 0;font-size:77%;}> #ygrp-sponsor #ov li a{> text-decoration:none;font-size:130%;}> #ygrp-sponsor #nc{> background-color:#eee;margin-bottom:20px;padding:0 8px;}> #ygrp-sponsor .ad{> padding:8px 0;}> #ygrp-sponsor .ad #hd1{> font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:#628c2a;font-size:100%;line-height:122%;}> #ygrp-sponsor .ad a{> text-decoration:none;}> #ygrp-sponsor .ad a:hover{> text-decoration:underline;}> #ygrp-sponsor .ad p{> margin:0;}> o{font-size:0;}> .MsoNormal{> margin:0 0 0 0;}> #ygrp-text tt{> font-size:120%;}> blockquote{margin:0 0 0 4px;}> .replbq{margin:4;}> -->> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 It is the name brand of the band that is put in you. Last I checked, Dr. A was using Inamed or & . he might use other brands, I'm just not sure. No I haven't checked anywhere even close to us, only Bismarck. I do know that the PA that did my last fill at Dr. Schmidt's office is no longer there, that is for the good of the hospital that's for sure. She was horrible, just know that if you go to Dr. Schmidt's for a fill, you ask for the gal who has been there the longest and I believe she only works Monday afternoons. Like you said, plan to go back to Dr. Aceves!! It is worth the money for the plane ticket!!! Oh, Dr. Schmidt's office also, DOESN'T use fluro so they have no idea how much they are giving you or if they accidentally puncture your tubing or anything!! Cyrena Re: US vs. Mexico? ? ? WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "INAMED"??? AND HAVE YOU EVER CHECKED FOR DOCS IN FARGO, ND??? I THINK IT WOULD BE WORTH THE 3 HOUR DRIVE IF THERE IS ONE THERE??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 Another reason for me NOT to get a J & J band. Dawnacooladdict <cooladdict@...> wrote: Ya and check THIS out!!!!I got the and band. It's called Realize. I got a booklet from them (?) before my surgery and in it is mentioned a website. I went there in November when I was banded and it wasn't up yet. SOOOOOOO... I went back in January. The website was up. Looks pretty cool! There is a forum and info, but you need your doctor's 12-digit "physician number". Huh? I tried to find it, called Yolanda, e-mailed ~nutn. Can't figure out what number they want. So I called and . The nice man on the phone said he would look into it for me. Next day I gets this e-mail, see. Turns out I can only access the Realize information and forum if I got my band IN THE US!!!!!!What kind of carp it that?! Sorry. Had to vent a little I guess. BUT WHAT A CROCK!!!!!!sheri> > >> > > So I'm curious..??? [:-/] .Why are so many doctors in the US oppose> > > [[-(] to treating or giving fills to those who have lapband in> > > Mexico...I mean DR A. is a credible surgeon...it isn't like we> having> > it> > > done in a back alley somewhere or illegally for that matter. This> WLS> > > is a specialty, and docs in the US can't expect they can perform> every> > > one of them. Don't we live in America? Can they really deny us the> > > treatment? especially if something goes wrong? And would it be any> > > different if we had the surgery somewhere else in the US and had to> > > relocate for other reasons and need a fill/treatment?> > > Cyrena? have you encountered this here in our area? Just wondering?> > >> > > Chloe> > >> >> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 But wait~ I love my band! I have not had a single solitary problem with it. It is comfortable, the port is comfortable, and it has been a real blessing. I just wanted to get whatever info J & J had on their site. I am actually trying to find the right person to talk to to get that changed. I have an excellent booklet that I got before surgery, and with the Emmi Success followups for band care, I have been doing fine. I just don't like the whole " You-were-banded-in-Mexico " mentality. I actually live in the Pacific Northwest so I have all kinds of options available for aftercare. I still would rather go to Dr. A and Dr. C for followup. > > > > > > > > So I'm curious..??? [:-/] .Why are so many doctors in the US > oppose > > > > [[-(] to treating or giving fills to those who have lapband in > > > > Mexico...I mean DR A. is a credible surgeon...it isn't like we > > having > > > it > > > > done in a back alley somewhere or illegally for that matter. > This > > WLS > > > > is a specialty, and docs in the US can't expect they can perform > > every > > > > one of them. Don't we live in America? Can they really deny us > the > > > > treatment? especially if something goes wrong? And would it be > any > > > > different if we had the surgery somewhere else in the US and > had to > > > > relocate for other reasons and need a fill/treatment? > > > > Cyrena? have you encountered this here in our area? Just > wondering? > > > > > > > > Chloe > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 IS There a difference between bands? or are they pretty much the same? Does Dr. A choose which band is best for you? or is that another decision we have to make? Just curious?Chloe> > > >> > > > So I'm curious..??? [:-/] .Why are so many doctors in the US > oppose> > > > [[-(] to treating or giving fills to those who have lapband in> > > > Mexico...I mean DR A. is a credible surgeon...it isn't like we> > having> > > it> > > > done in a back alley somewhere or illegally for that matter. > This> > WLS> > > > is a specialty, and docs in the US can't expect they can perform> > every> > > > one of them. Don't we live in America? Can they really deny us > the> > > > treatment? especially if something goes wrong? And would it be > any> > > > different if we had the surgery somewhere else in the US and > had to> > > > relocate for other reasons and need a fill/treatment?> > > > Cyrena? have you encountered this here in our area? Just > wondering?> > > >> > > > Chloe> > > >> > >> >> > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 It was a couple of US docs that came up with the J & J website. Dr. Brad Wilcox was one of them. Dr. Wilcox charges his own patients $50 for a fill, he charges patients that were banded in the US but by a different doctor IN the US $150. If you were banded in Mexico he charges $1100 for the same non-fluro, blind fill. He is one of the docs that came up with the J & J website. Doctors used to charge between $30K and $50K for banding. Think of the profit! Then Mexican surgeons started advertising that they exist and do banding and suddenly the US docs had to lower their prices to something a little more reasonable. Well, they still are not reasonable, one patient does not need to pay for their new swimming pool by themselves, it's okay that doctors have to bust their butt earning a living like the rest of us working folks. Banding is easy money to US docs, they earn a huge profit for a verrry short surgery. Now, don't misunderstand, I totally get it that they are in a business to make money and that's totally fair. I didn't become a nurse for my health, I chose it because I could earn a living doing it. But greedy is greedy is greedy. They don't like that US folks are going to Mexico for surgery. Well, too bad. The gov't outsources US jobs, I outsourced my medical care. ;o)The brand of band one chooses is a bit like which brand of ketchup one prefers. It's personal preference. I prefer one brand, another will prefer different brand. There are pros and cons to each band. On Feb 9, 2008 1:55 PM, cooladdict <cooladdict@...> wrote: But wait~ I love my band! I have not had a single solitary problem with it. It is comfortable, the port is comfortable, and it has been a real blessing. I just wanted to get whatever info J & J had on their site. I am actually trying to find the right person to talk to to get that changed. I have an excellent booklet that I got before surgery, and with the Emmi Success followups for band care, I have been doing fine. I just don't like the whole " You-were-banded-in-Mexico " mentality. I actually live in the Pacific Northwest so I have all kinds of options available for aftercare. I still would rather go to Dr. A and Dr. C for followup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 You choose the brand, Dr. A chooses the size of that brand. With J & J everyone gets the big band because that is the only size they have, big. If you choose Inamed then he won't know which size of Inamed he will give you until he is actually in surgery looking at your stomach. On Feb 9, 2008 4:08 PM, sunshyne1720 <cjc105sunshine@...> wrote: IS There a difference between bands? or are they pretty much the same? Does Dr. A choose which band is best for you? or is that another decision we have to make? Just curious? Chloe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 Bipley~ This is the first time I have actually seen this in writing! I knew that there weren't sizes of the Realize band, but I don't know how it compares to the sizes of the Inamed band, except that it is taller. I guess there is less chance of slippage with its design. There is very little information comparing the two bands. I just kinda winged it. I am very happy with it, though! Do you know if there is a difference in the fill process between the two bands? I am getting my first fill Friday (yayayayayay!!!!). I am getting it from a local doctor who does fills for those of us lucky enough to have been banded in Mexico, and whoever took my appointment assured me that he has experience with lots of different band types. I wasn;t even aware that there WERE other types! Just the two I already know about. Anyway, I have been nervous about it because the Realize is so new here in the states. It seems that they would fill about the same way, but I would like to hear that from someone who knows. thanks~ Sheri > > > IS There a difference between bands? or are they pretty much the same? > > Does Dr. A choose which band is best for you? or is that another decision we > > have to make? Just curious? > > > > Chloe > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 There is a difference here.The Realize band is made a little different from the Inamed band.I have the Inamed 9.75cm/4cc band. My friend as the 10cm/4cc band. Another friend has the VG band.You have a band that holds more, it's designed to hold more fluid. Some saline is placed at the time of surgery but not for restriction but to make it fit better to your stomach. Dr. A wouldn't have placed that band if it wasn't going to work for you. I'm talking about doctors that place the Inamed VG band regardless of stomach size. It would be like a clothing manufacturer making a size 30 and just assuming everyone can wear a belt if need be. That is what doesn't work with bands. You can't put an Inamed VG on a person with a small stomach wall, they will never get the right restriction. Your band is a little wider but the problem is that although the company is claiming fewer slips, etc., it's really sales pitch and theory at this point. There are no long term studies on that particular band to defend those theories. J & J bought it from Sweden and the old Swedish band was tried and true, there were long term studies. But after J & J made a few changes it started out all over again and that is why there are no long term studies. The makers believe it will lead to fewer slips and erosion, but it's really theory since there are no studies yet. No large, long term studies. The one down side of larger bands is that they tend to take a few more fills to get to a sweet spot and that is not brand related, that is size related. But they all work about the same. On Feb 10, 2008 2:14 PM, cooladdict <cooladdict@...> wrote: Bipley~ This is the first time I have actually seen this in writing! I knew that there weren't sizes of the Realize band, but I don't know how it compares to the sizes of the Inamed band, except that it is taller. I guess there is less chance of slippage with its design. There is very little information comparing the two bands. I just kinda winged it. I am very happy with it, though! Do you know if there is a difference in the fill process between the two bands? I am getting my first fill Friday (yayayayayay!!!!). I am getting it from a local doctor who does fills for those of us lucky enough to have been banded in Mexico, and whoever took my appointment assured me that he has experience with lots of different band types. I wasn;t even aware that there WERE other types! Just the two I already know about. Anyway, I have been nervous about it because the Realize is so new here in the states. It seems that they would fill about the same way, but I would like to hear that from someone who knows. thanks~ Sheri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 Oh I so get the greed thing! I am so fed up with the cost of healthcare in this country!!!! That is my soapbox cause. My family just rolls thier collective eyes when I get going. I work FOR A HOSPITAL, whose insurance does not cover anything related to obesity. No surgery, no couseling, no NOTHING. Yet, we all have to join a Wellness program this year or we have to pay our own insurance deductible, or the part the hospital currently pays for us, anyway, and it gets worse from there. Needless to say there are a couple two or three (or more. many, many more) employees who are pretty disgusted with the whole thing. It should be an interesting year. One weird thing, though, is that the CEO loves the fact that I (and quite a few others) went to Mexico to be banded. I think in time my hospital could actually begin to see that wls DOES work and obesity IS a life-threatening, but treatable, condition. K now we all know where Sheri stands on the issue. Thank you and good night! > > > But wait~ > > > > I love my band! I have not had a single solitary problem with it. > > It is comfortable, the port is comfortable, and it has been a real > > blessing. I just wanted to get whatever info J & J had on their site. > > I am actually trying to find the right person to talk to to get that > > changed. I have an excellent booklet that I got before surgery, and > > with the Emmi Success followups for band care, I have been doing > > fine. I just don't like the whole " You-were-banded-in-Mexico " > > mentality. I actually live in the Pacific Northwest so I have all > > kinds of options available for aftercare. I still would rather go to > > Dr. A and Dr. C for followup. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 Thank you so much Bipley! You are such a wonderful wealth of information. It is great to have you our team, that is for sure!! > > > Bipley~ > > This is the first time I have actually seen this in writing! I knew > > that there weren't sizes of the Realize band, but I don't know how it > > compares to the sizes of the Inamed band, except that it is taller. > > I guess there is less chance of slippage with its design. There is > > very little information comparing the two bands. I just kinda winged > > it. I am very happy with it, though! > > > > Do you know if there is a difference in the fill process between the > > two bands? I am getting my first fill Friday (yayayayayay!!!!). I > > am getting it from a local doctor who does fills for those of us > > lucky enough to have been banded in Mexico, and whoever took my > > appointment assured me that he has experience with lots of different > > band types. I wasn;t even aware that there WERE other types! Just > > the two I already know about. Anyway, I have been nervous about it > > because the Realize is so new here in the states. It seems that they > > would fill about the same way, but I would like to hear that from > > someone who knows. > > > > thanks~ > > Sheri > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 This is why I had no problem outsourcing my medical care to Mexico and I have every intention of outsourcing more medical care such as plastic surgery and dental work. I like the care I receive in Mexico. Matter of fact, I have a GP in Nogales, Mexico I go to. I have one in the US locally in case I can't get to Nogales, but I usually go to my Nogales MD. He spends an hour with me even for something like a sore throat where my GP spends about 3 minutes. And my Nogales doctor is $30 for an hour, my Phoenix GP is $80 for 3 minutes. It's a no brainer for me.On Feb 10, 2008 3:11 PM, cooladdict <cooladdict@...> wrote: Oh I so get the greed thing! I am so fed up with the cost of healthcare in this country!!!! That is my soapbox cause. My family just rolls thier collective eyes when I get going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 you are so right. So let's all vote for universal healthcare like the Europeans have.I, for one love the healthcare other countries provide for their citizens, and us, if we utilize it. Viva! Christa --- Bipley <Bipley@...> wrote: > This is why I had no problem outsourcing my medical > care to Mexico and I > have every intention of outsourcing more medical > care such as plastic > surgery and dental work. I like the care I receive > in Mexico. Matter of > fact, I have a GP in Nogales, Mexico I go to. I > have one in the US locally > in case I can't get to Nogales, but I usually go to > my Nogales MD. He > spends an hour with me even for something like a > sore throat where my GP > spends about 3 minutes. And my Nogales doctor is > $30 for an hour, my > Phoenix GP is $80 for 3 minutes. > > It's a no brainer for me. > > On Feb 10, 2008 3:11 PM, cooladdict > <cooladdict@...> wrote: > > > Oh I so get the greed thing! I am so fed up with > the cost of > > healthcare in this country!!!! That is my soapbox > cause. My family > > just rolls thier collective eyes when I get going. > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. http://tools.search./newsearch/category.php?category=shopping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 bipley, I love this remark!! ) SNORK!! Next time I get any flack or comments about going to Mexico, I'm going to use this. in AR 297/281/200 for now >>snip<< > They don't like that US folks are going to Mexico for surgery. Well, too > bad. The gov't outsources US jobs, I outsourced my medical care. ;o) >>snip<< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 Isn't that disgusting about companies? >:-[ Technically, I work for a state agency (the University) and our insurance, which is a self- insured setup, also covers absolutely nothing about obesity. So far they're not *making* us joing any kind of wellness crapola but they push it all the time. Most of it is fine but there's no motivation to speak of behind it, especially anything for obese employees. Oh, but get this... We now have a program with our prescription insurance that will cover 100% of the most common diabetes drugs. Being no *total* fool, I've signed up for it but really, I see this more as an incentive to eat more and simply take more drugs than doing anything to help reduce or reverse diabetes. I don't know all the details yet but I know it's going to involve some periodic " counseling " ---mostly online and via phone---to keep qualified. There is no way yet that I'm going to tell them that I'm banded. I'm going to let things going swimmingly for a very long time before 'fessing up about that and hopefully, it'll be some ammunition to cover WLS too. I do believe I'm on a mission, even if it might be a suicide one. ;o) in AR DOB 1/28/08 297/281/200 for now > > Oh I so get the greed thing! I am so fed up with the cost of > healthcare in this country!!!! That is my soapbox cause. My family > just rolls thier collective eyes when I get going. I work FOR A > HOSPITAL, whose insurance does not cover anything related to > obesity. No surgery, no couseling, no NOTHING. Yet, we all have to > join a Wellness program this year or we have to pay our own insurance > deductible, or the part the hospital currently pays for us, anyway, > and it gets worse from there. Needless to say there are a couple two > or three (or more. many, many more) employees who are pretty > disgusted with the whole thing. It should be an interesting year. > One weird thing, though, is that the CEO loves the fact that I (and > quite a few others) went to Mexico to be banded. I think in time my > hospital could actually begin to see that wls DOES work and obesity > IS a life-threatening, but treatable, condition. > > K now we all know where Sheri stands on the issue. Thank you and > good night! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2008 Report Share Posted February 11, 2008 , Hi there....How much fill does the VG band hold? I am at 5cc and have very little, if any, restriction.... JaneBipley <Bipley@...> wrote: There is a difference here.The Realize band is made a little different from the Inamed band.I have the Inamed 9.75cm/4cc band. My friend as the 10cm/4cc band. Another friend has the VG band.You have a band that holds more, it's designed to hold more fluid. Some saline is placed at the time of surgery but not for restriction but to make it fit better to your stomach.Dr. A wouldn't have placed that band if it wasn't going to work for you. I'm talking about doctors that place the Inamed VG band regardless of stomach size. It would be like a clothing manufacturer making a size 30 and just assuming everyone can wear a belt if need be. That is what doesn't work with bands. You can't put an Inamed VG on a person with a small stomach wall, they will never get the right restriction.Your band is a little wider but the problem is that although the company is claiming fewer slips, etc., it's really sales pitch and theory at this point. There are no long term studies on that particular band to defend those theories. J & J bought it from Sweden and the old Swedish band was tried and true, there were long term studies. But after J & J made a few changes it started out all over again and that is why there are no long term studies. The makers believe it will lead to fewer slips and erosion, but it's really theory since there are no studies yet. No large, long term studies.The one down side of larger bands is that they tend to take a few more fills to get to a sweet spot and that is not brand related, that is size related. But they all work about the same. On Feb 10, 2008 2:14 PM, cooladdict <cooladdict > wrote: Bipley~This is the first time I have actually seen this in writing! I knew that there weren't sizes of the Realize band, but I don't know how it compares to the sizes of the Inamed band, except that it is taller. I guess there is less chance of slippage with its design. There is very little information comparing the two bands. I just kinda winged it. I am very happy with it, though!Do you know if there is a difference in the fill process between the two bands? I am getting my first fill Friday (yayayayayay!!!!). I am getting it from a local doctor who does fills for those of us lucky enough to have been banded in Mexico, and whoever took my appointment assured me that he has experience with lots of different band types. I wasn;t even aware that there WERE other types! Just the two I already know about. Anyway, I have been nervous about it because the Realize is so new here in the states. It seems that they would fill about the same way, but I would like to hear that from someone who knows. thanks~Sheri Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2008 Report Share Posted February 11, 2008 In a message dated 2/11/2008 9:22:05 AM Pacific Standard Time, Bipley@... writes: Are you going the week of the 22nd? I'll be there with a friend getting banded and I'd love to see you! Bipley - are you going to be there the 23rd by any chance? Heidi and I will be there getting our first fill. I have a VG band as well and while I haven't gained, I haven't lost in almost 2 weeks so I'm SO ready for a fill. TrishThe year's hottest artists on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards. AOL Music takes you there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2008 Report Share Posted February 11, 2008 Hi Jane....It holds 10cc. With the bigger bands it does tend to take more fills to get to your sweet spot. You really have to work at staying on top of fills for weight loss, especially with the bigger bands. I'm not really sure why the VG and J & J bands usually need more fill but for some reason they do.Are you going the week of the 22nd? I'll be there with a friend getting banded and I'd love to see you! On Feb 11, 2008 1:00 AM, Jane Moss <joy4jane66@...> wrote: , Hi there....How much fill does the VG band hold? I am at 5cc and have very little, if any, restriction.... Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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