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Blazn

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Everything posted by Blazn

  1. I, too, did a lot of research so there is probably nothing I wished I'd have know before the procedure. Only regret.....not asking Dr. Ortiz to sign my paper panties...LOL..other than that...I haven't lost a huge amount of weight but I already feel wonderful!!!!
  2. Hey Renee', I flew out of Jacksonville, FL and the cost was $315 (for my original surgery) but when I was thinking about going back for my fill the dates I picked...it was only $250. Not sure when you need to go..but you may want to check with JAX.
  3. No, fills are free.....however, fluoroscopy is not. OCC charges $100 for fluoro each visit - which is very cheap.
  4. I know exactly how you feel. When I found out how much I was going to be paying for my first fill I just about died.....not really but you know. I live in GA, so my plane ticket would be $250....transportation to OCC approximately $100....$100 for fluoro.....and then I would have to spend the night because there would not be a flight home in the same day plus who wants to fly 12 hours in one day. So I am looking at approximately $550 (at least) to return to the OCC. So.....I decided to use Fill Centers USA. As utahmom previously stated Fill Centers charges $349 initial fee and where I am going the NP charges $200 for fluoro (only for the first time). So I am still looking at $550. All subsequent visits will be a little cheaper as the Fill Centers appt. will decrease to $165 (its $85 if you do not get a fill and are just there for an office visit) and the fluoro charge decreases to $120 - making the total visit $285. Am I rich.....absolutely not, I am a nurse who only works 2 days a week because of nurse practitioner school but I am dedicated to this weight loss journey. So I won't buy those shoes I don't need.....nor will we go to the movies every weekend. I must save my money to pay for my fills. But keep in mind that some people only need 1 or 2 fills and some need more. I haven't even had my first fill yet so I don't know if I will be one of those fortunate ones to have 1 or 2 or one to have more. But just like Michelle posted you will be amazingly suprised at how much you are going to save on food. I cannot believe how much I used to eat that my body did not need. I can already see where I am saving on groceries. I think snowbird posted a good suggestion about the other forum that will give you an idea about what is in your area and what your options are. Keep us posted on what you find and what you decide to do. But really, we understand. Fills can be pricey and no one wants to pay 2-3Grand after paying 8 for the surgery.
  5. Of course it is going to vary by person. As Mackenzie said it does has a lot to do with what you put into it/activity/etc. Also a lot of it is pre-surgical weight. The more the person has to lose (usually) the faster it comes off if he/she is sticking to the diet. For example it is harder for someone who only weighs 170 to lose 5lbs. than it is for a person weighing 300lbs. to lose 5 lbs. I lost 8lbs. in the first (clear liquids) week and have lost 2lbs every week since then and that is with little/no restriction (but lots of will power). My first fill is scheduled for May 3rd.....and I can't wait.
  6. If the total package is $299 that sounds like a good deal. I do know fluoro is $100 and round trip transportation is $130.....so that leaves what....$69 for a night at the lucerna. Thats not bad. I am using Fill Centers USA for my first fill due to flight costs, travel time, etc and I am paying $550. But it would cost me $650 for flight and fill package at the OCC and I would eventually have to use the Fill Centers anyway.....so I am going there from the get go. I have requested my medical records from the OCC and will take them with me when I go.
  7. Hey Jena, I was banded on March 17th. Things are very good here! I lost 6lbs. pre-op and 13lbs since the surgery - 19lbs total. My swelling has went down so I don't have much restriction - but I do think my "real" stomach shrank some during the liquid phase. I lost 8lbs in the first week and have lost 2 lbs per week since. I am able to eat about 1/3-1/2 of what I ate before. Most of the time only 1/3. Tonight I went out to eat though and ate 1/2 of a turkey burger and I am miserable....physically and mentally. I am scheduled for my first fill on May 3rd. I can't wait. I am having to use a lot of self dicipline right now.....but I have much more will power now than before the band. I just bought me lots of lean cuisine type meals and eat those religiously. Never been big on the protein shakes. Only complaint - is when I eat too much I still have left shoulder pain......for more info see the post regarding left shoulder pain. But that is so bearable and that is my own fault for eating too much. I am very happy I am banded and would not change a thing if I had the chance. Good luck on your journey...You are in good hands with OCC.
  8. Way to go Mackenzie, I too am going to use Fill Centers USA. I will be going May 3rd. Thanks for making me feel a little better about my decision.
  9. Lots of people like to go back to the OCC just to make sure everything is okay, but I am going to use Fill Centers USA due to the cost of travel. Dr. Ortiz is on the advisory board there and they are very familiar with his patients. I have requested my medical records so that my aftercare provider will know exactly what, when, who, where, and why everything is like it is. I am very comfortable going there, although I would love to go back to OCC just to see everyone again. Anyway, hope all works out for you. Keep us posted.
  10. Wow, Lynn, what a bummer. I, too, took a few Adipex during pre-op diet. Thank God nothing happened to me. But you're right, it is a good thing they are looking out for your best interest. Sorry you are having to do the pre-op diet again. Good luck. Keep us posted.
  11. Kimmie you are looking great. You already look so much younger! Way to go.
  12. Nebsmom, hey I am a nurse and I had surgery on 3/17. I only work part-time but I went back to work 1 week later. I probably could have went back sooner but with you working in the ER I would not chance it. That is a very fast-paced unit and you never know what kind of day you will have. Good luck on your surgery and keep us posted.
  13. Wow Laurrie, Down 42lbs. Way to go. Keep us posted. =D>
  14. Hey Gina, I too am a nurse and was almost ashamed at how I treat my patients after being cared for at OCC. Did you feel that way? Not that I am mean to my patients or anything....I am a pediatric nurse....how can you be mean to kids....but those nurses and staff at OCC just took such good care of me. I was also the same way with all of the docs. I had so many questions and honestly spent at least 10-15 minutes with Dr. Martinez asking questions. Now I just love the panty idea. I so wish I had thought of that. That is absolutely the coolest. Yes, Dr. Ortiz was h-h-hot!! And I completely agree about the smile....he should be forbidden. Well great post of your experience. Keep us posted on your progress. Take care!
  15. Wow - do they really advise waiting 2 years before getting pregnant? I was hoping to have enough weight off by next summer to start trying. But I won't if it's not in good interest. I don't want to damage the band for sure. I did read on another forum that a woman got pregnant 3 months after receiving the band and she done fine....she only gained 4 lbs. her whole pregnancy and had a 7lb. healthy baby boy. But I am sure she was not trying to get pregnant.
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