lisa0522

Hi Jackie! Congratulations on getting your surgery date! June 11th is my Mom's birthday. That should bring you good luck, because my mom (Like yours!) is absolutely wonderful! So is my mother-in-law, who will go to some of my pre-surgery appts. with me. My diet is not going very well. . . I hope it doesn't cause my surgery to be delayed! I've probably lost 3-4 pounds, but not sticking to 1200 calories and not exercising enough. Tomorrow is another day, I guess . . . When will you be finished with your exams? I bet you can't wait! My husband is taking an online graduate course, and the professor is horrible. Constant writing assignments of unbelievable length. I'm so glad I'm done with all that, I don't think I could manage. Good luck & take care!! -Lisa

I'm scheduled for banding on May 14th. During my initial meeting with the dietitian, she told me to begin a 1200 calorie diet for the 3-4 weeks prior to surgery. (only liquids the 5 days immediately before surgery) I did OK during the first week when I just had to eat 3 meals, small portions, extra chewing, and no liquids with meals. But as soon as I was supposed to drop to 1200 cals, I felt ravenous and unable to stick to it! I'm kind of panicking because if I can't do this for a few weeks, how will I be able to eat the right stuff after being banded?? I'm not worried about the healing period, because I really believe the fear of messing up the band will keep me in line, but its the long-term that concerns me. Did anyone else have this kind of trouble? I have plenty of diet pills on hand, but when I take them I don't really feel well . . . I would appreciate any advice!! Thanks, Lisa

Hi there, Jackie, I will have my pre-op consult with Dr. Oweis on May 4. The first time I met with him was October '05. I was denied by insurance and working on approval since then . . . I'm feeling better about the 'competence issue' since the last time we talked/typed! I figure they've been doing it for over 5 years, like you mentioned about your seminar, they really seem to be knowledgeable about band placement to avoid complications, etc. I also figure St. Luke's would pull the program if it was a liability to them! I start some of the pre-op testing next Monday, 4/23. I'm getting excited again (more than nervous like I was before). I've been having dreams about it . . . One was that my husband wanted to take another job, maybe I got that from you! Tomorrow I have to start the 1200 calorie diet, in addition to the extra chewing, and not drinking with the meals. I've done surprisingly well with it so far! I have two children, my son is 10 and my daughter will be 9 on May 12. We're going to have her party a week early so I don't have to worry about it so close to surgery. Yes, I've battled weight most of my life. It had been just the later years that I passed the 200lb. mark. I weighed about 135 when I was married 12 years ago, but I had lost 20 - 30 lbs to get there. Within the year, I was in the 160's, constantly yo-yo-ing. I got up to 200 during my pregnancies, but got back down to the 140's with phen-fen after each one. Of course, the weight loss never lasted long. After each loss came a bigger regain. I feel so tired, ache all the time, and so ashamed of my appearance. Not to mention taking a ton of ibuprofen to deal with the joint pain. Congratulations on going back to school for your RN! I've always thought I'd enjoy being a nurse, but the science scares me! I got my Bachelor's degree in business, and avoided science classes like the plague. My sister-in-law is an RN and makes great money and has a great schedule. She works for Macgruder Hospital in Port Clinton. Have a great week, 'type' to you later!! -Lisa

Hi again, Jackie! I had my meeting with the dietitian today, it did last over 2 hours. Nothing that really surprised me . . . I've learned a lot through various internet sites, especially this one. I asked the question about Dr. Duckett "always messing up surgeries" and she didn't deny it. She said something like, "Wow, talk about putting me on the spot . . ." She mentioned that there was only one serious complication, very early in their lap-band history. But the patient is fine now, and they've since learned how to recognize things during the final barium swallows. She says that they always do the surgeries together, but there is a new lady dr. who is trying to get certified in lap-bands and maybe join their practice? She said that while dr. Oweis was on vacation, it was just Duckett and the new doc. The fact that she didn't say 'He's a wonderful surgeon and I've never heard anything like that before' leads me to believe there could be some truth to the rumor you heard. I did call the nurse, Jo Lyn, and ask to have my surgeon switched to Oweis, and she said that they both do all the surgeries, it doesn't matter who's on your paperwork! I feel a little uneasy about it . . . but not enough to change to another center. The dietitian claims she would not have concerns about herself or a family member having the lap-band done by Duckett. So, my surgery is scheduled for May 14th. I meet with Jo-Lyn on May 1st, and sometime between now and then all the pre-op tests. I have to get busy stocking up on Protein supplements, etc. Have you seen the checklist for suggested items in this site? It seems like a good idea! Did you have your visit with the surgeon today, or was that the seminar? I'm sorry I can't keep them straight!! Hope you had a nice Easter weekend, -Lisa

Hi again, Jackie! When I went to the seminar in '05, there were two ladies there who had preiously had the lap-band surgery. I didn't wait around to ask them questions because I thought my insurance wasn't going to cover it- I was very disappointed! I wonder if there are past patients present at all the seminars? Although if they come, I would assume they are SATISFIED patients. It probably wouldn't be too good for business if someone said their surgeon was a screw-up!!:nervous I know you're husband is supportive, but how does the rest of your family feel? Do you have children? My husband is understanding but nervous about it, my Mom & Dad are against it, my sister & one of my friends think I should not do it. But the rest of my friends, neighbors & co-workers are excited for me. I still can hardly believe it's going to happen!!!! "Type" to you later (that was a good one!) -Lisa

Hi Jackie, I went to a seminar about 2 yrs. ago. I had my initial visit with dr. oweis in October 2005. I was denied November 2005 because my bmi hadn't been at 40 for long enough. So I waited a year, only to find out I needed to have the 6 month dr. supervised diet. I just finished that and submitted to Medical Mutual early in March. I called last week to check on the claim, and it was approved! I nearly fainted. I'm so relieved, excited, and a little nervous. Have you watched the video of the lap-band surgery done in Tampa FL? It's pretty neat. My plan about our Dr. Duckett dilemma is to talk to the dietician next monday and see what the response is. If I find out anything, I'll be sure to reply to you. Have a great week, Lisa

Hi Jackie, No need to apologize!! :confused: Even though it scared me, I'd MUCH rather be informed of ANYTHING having to do with the band. Have you heard any information about his partner, Dr. Oweiss? I'm trying to remember back to 2 years ago, when I first tried to get approved for the band. I know I spoke with Beth at the office, and she asked me which doctor I wanted the initial appointment with. I'm pretty sure I said to her something like "I don't really know either of the doctors, would one be better than another for me?" She didn't really say anything specific, but she ended up scheduling me with Dr. Oweiss. He is younger, seemed fine and energetic during the appointment. The only reason I had chanaged my mind to go w/Duckett was because the psychologist, Dr. Doane, mentioned the good beside manner and his opinion that Duckett is a good surgeon. This was February of this year. I wish he had been more specific, now that I hear the other 'report'. I'm wondering if it would be a good idea for me to call the psychologist and simply mention what we've heard and ask for his opinion? I'd also be tempted to simply mention it to Beth at the office, and see what her reply is. Also, I'm scheduled to meet with the nutritionist on April 9th. Maybe the best bet would be to ask then. Surely, if there's a real issue, someone working that closely with the lap-band procedures would have heard something! (I hope!) Beth, at the surgeon's office, told me I could expect to have my surgery sometime mid to late May. My daughter's 9th birthday is May 12, and she was really upset to hear about that. I guess I'll have to try for an early birthday party!! Is this your first attempt to get the band? I think it's great that you and your husband are doing it together. I hope that after I get banded and hopefully lose weight and feel great, that my husband will decide to go for it as well. Have a great Sunday, Lisa

Hi, your post scares me to death!!! I just got approved and I'm planning to have him do my surgery mid to late May 2007. I live about an hour away from Maumee, so I don't hear much about docs in that area. During my psych consult, though, the Ph.D. said he had always heard good things about Dr. Duckett and also felt he had a good bedside manner. This was just Feb. of 2007. PLEASE let me know if you hear anything else! Also, how knowledgeable is your source, any chance they got confused with some other doctor? Thanks, Lisa

Hi Sue, I wondered about taking pills after getting banded. I have been taking an antidepressant for several years. . . Is it possible to take them during the liquid stages? Also, do you think I'll need to wean off of them before undergoing anesthesia? You mentioned that you had a problem where you became dehydrated. Was that due to vomiting, or just being unable to take in enough liquid? Thanks again, Lisa

I'm glad you're feeling well now! I live about an hour east of Toledo in Norwalk, Ohio. I worry a little bit about being that far from the surgeons in case of a problem. How far do you live from where you were banded in Michigan? I have a ton of questions/worries! Do you know how often people have problems with slipped bands? How common is erosion and why do they think it happens? Did you ask if any part of the band system has metal (in case you need an MRI or similar testing later in life)? Did anyone mention a mortality rate for the surgery? Those are just a few that I can think of now! I'm 37 and have a BMI of 41. I've been at this weight for about a year and a half, kind of waiting since I was denied in '05 due to being at a 40 BMI for less than a year. I've struggled with my weight all my life, every time I lost weight I would regain with a little extra. I got the worst during the last 4 years. Some of my family members think I should be able to just 'try harder' to eat right and exercise on my own to lose the weight- mainly because they're afraid of the surgery. But I'm so sick of losing it just to gain it back, often quickly. I'm living on Advil for pain in my knees and feet, and I know that can't be good for me long term. I have about 100 lbs to lose to get back to my marriage/pre-pregnancy weights. But it's more about feeling better than about looks at this point. I just don't feel well, I have pre-diabetes, and I don't have enough energy to keep up with my two kids. Thanks for 'listening'!! -Lisa

I'm hoping to be banded sometime during the summer of 2007. I would appreciate any advice. I will be having Dr. Oweis from Toledo Ohio. Any comments or suggestions about my dr. choice? Thanks!

Hi TracyinKS,Congrats on your approval! Yes, there is a mandatory 6 mos. diet, I'm ready to start my 4th month next week. I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to submit during my 5th month. . . In case Medical Mutual might accept me since I'm still in progress but ALMOST there!

Congratulations on finally getting your band! How are you doing? It looks like you've only had it for about 2 weeks? I'm a little worried about the pain . . . Was there anything that happened that was unexpected? Thanks for your reply, Lisa

Wow, 41 lbs. in 3 mos. That's wonderful! I'm glad to hear you feel getting the band is worthwhile. Did you ask before you had the surgery about slippage or erosion? I've had a hard time finding much information on these, or any other possible complications. The only surgery I've ever had was having my tonsils out in 2nd grade- about 30 years ago. I think I have a pretty low tolerance for pain, so I'm a little afraid of the pain after surgery. Thanks for the message! -Lisa

Right now I'm doing the 6 mos. mandatory diet. What a laugh!! If I could successfully stay on a diet 6 months during a 12 month period, I wouldn't need this surgery! Anyway, I'm on month 3 of 6, hopefully I'll get banded this summer (2007) I hope to go to St. Luke's in Toledo with Dr. Oweis. Where did you go, and what kind of experience have you had? -Lisa