Rab607

HI, I was banded 07/18/03 by Dr. Valin after a lot of research and after attending 2 other info sessions one with Dr. Barba and the other with Dr. Aranow in Middletown, and I am quite satisfied with the choice I made. Dr. Valin is affiliated with St. Ray's in New Haven, and my hospital course was uneventful. Once I decided to go with Dr. Valin it was about a 3-4 month process. His office staff is very helpful, they did all the paperwork for insurance. I would highly suggest you check with the state of CT re/the records of the doctors you are considering in regards not only to the Lap band procedure, but also what there track record is for other surgery they do (RNY, general surgery etc). As far as fills are concerned they are tailored to the individual. I would highly reccommend Dr. Valin. Good luck. Joann 310/279.5/170 Dr. Valin 07/18/03

I was banded Friday 07/18/03 and have been doing the liquid diet since. I am starving! My stomach is growling constantly. Can I add low fat yougurt, cream based soup (low fat milk) fat/sugar free pudding to my diet? My MD office closed on Tuesdays......I dont want to go to pureed foods just yet....I do get the golf ball sensation when drinking liquids occasionally but dont feel full when that happens. I havent felt full. Any advice.....I dont want to push it. Have I mentioned I am starving???????????

Hi, My port is low right ab....kind of on my roll line if you know what I mean.....havent felt it even once since surgery and if there wasnt a healing incision there, I wouldnt know it was there. Joann 07/18/03 307/281.5/170 Dr. Valin New Haven, CT

Tangerine, That is the funniest thing I ever read! I would have killed to be able to burp in the first 3 days let alone in post-op!! Thanks for making me smile...... Alexandria......I think we all worried, thats what we do. You are a smart, bright woman, and you have done your homework. What I did was look at the other options (continue my other weight loss options....you know the ones that all failed) or take a chance at life. I knew where I would be if I didnt have this surgery. Just keep breathing.......Good Luck! Joann 07/18/03 307/281.5/170

Hi, I am Tricare Region 1....and it could not have been easier. MD submitted paperwork.....approved 2 weeks later. I was 100 + pounds over weight, BMI of 49. Good luck Joann 07/18/03 307/283.5/175

Hi Roxanne, I did have second thoughts....its a big step, surgery of any kind should never be undertaken lightly. For me....the bennys outweighed the risks. I was banded on 07/18/03.....and I am down 15 pounds since surgery, 26 pounds since my psych/dietary consult in my Md's office. Did I make the right choice..........absolutly....hands down, no doubt. Try and relax....remember to breath....bring a good pal, partner someone who loves you with you for support. My husband stayed over night with me....refused to leave. Everyone recovers in different ways. If you can take the time off.....do it. Your body needs time to heal, and regain its strength. Listen to your body! Good luck you you......we'll see you in band-land!

Yes, I was having problems earlier.....but its back.

It is a 5 stage diet starting with stage 1 being Water only 30cc/hr....stage 2 clear liquids....stage 3 low fat full liquids where I am now. I came home on stage two, started stage 3 the very next day. Stage four is mushy/pureed food....stage 5 regular diet. I basically have been living on water, Jello, chix broth and carnation instant Breakfast. In the diet it says if you have problems, nausea, vomitting to move back a stage. I guess If I am tolerating it well I should move on/add on....or just add those few items I listed previously. I want to follow the program to maximize my weight loss......but dang! My stomach has never growled like this. I am taking in less than 300 calories/day right now. I am taking in plenty of fluids....I am peeing 5-6 times a day good amounts, clear yellow urine, so hydrations is not an issue. I think I do have some restriction....as when I am drinking carnation instant breakfast I do get that golf ball in my throat occasionally, and I stop dringking for a few minutes. Actually that sensation occurs at times when I am not drinking too. Any insight would be helpful. Joann

Hi, My name is Joann I am 38 yrs old, was banded 4 days ago on 07/18/03 in New Haven , CT with Dr. Valin. At my first appoinment in his office to see the dietician and psych I weighed in at 307lbs bmi of 49.5. on the day of surgery I was down to 293lbs. I am currently on day 4 of liquids......ugh! I am trying to do liquids as long as I can, but I am hungry. My surgery was textbook, no complications and my recovery has been about the same. My goal is to healthier, more active and become an active participant in life! 175lbs is my goal, so I have along way to go, but I am ready.