GregNE
I inititally sought out WLS in Spring of 2000. I had a bad experience with my consult appt., and within a year lost insurance coverage for Bariatric Surgery. I began pondering WLS again in 2006, but my insurance specifically excluded it. I then learned of the Lap-Band, and discovered that top-notch docs were doing this procedure in Mexico, and for less than half or even a third of the price of the procedure in the US.
I did my research, and decided to have a Lap-Band placed by Dr. Ortiz, in Tijuana, MX. The facilities, and staff at the Obesity Control Center (OCC) meet US standards, and perhaps exceed them. Dr. Ortiz is among the most experienced Lap-Band surgeons in the world, having placed over 5000 bands, and actually serves as a proctor for the band manufacter, Inamed, and has trained many doctors in the US in the procedure.
So, in Nov. of '06, I went to Tijuana, funded the surgery out-of pocket, had the procedure (Inamed VG Band), and everything went terrific.
I lost about 25 lbs the first month post-op. The weight loss stopped shortly after. I have lost about 50 lbs since the start of my journey, but the band just is not working for me right now. I still have over 100 lbs to lose. I have not gained back any weight, which is a victory by itself. I am diabetic, and my blood sugar levels are significantly improved since my band placement, and continue to improve. My overall health is improved since surgery, and I have more energy and feel better than I have in 10 years. And yes, I eat much less because of the band. The band restricts my food intake, but not as much as it should.
I have since learned that the VG band (one of three models of the Lap-Band) can be very difficult to work with. I have had 5 fills (adjustments to the tightness of the band), and they seem to only remain highly restrictive for a couple of weeks after a fill. It feels as if the stomach somehow adjusts to the tightness within a short time frame. Many other patients with the VG band have similar experiences.
So, I am now going to have the DS done on Oct 13th, 2008, and my band will be removed.
