elmewco

I recently went through the process with Lovelace Westside and had an overall good experience. There were some annoying points, but for the most part it was just fine.

First, Dr. Smith was my surgeon. I went to his seminar and since Dr. Sanchez was going to be unavailable for a month or two that's ok. Smith is based out of Ft. Worth and comes in once or twice a month for surgeries. He has the most experience with somewhere around 1500 completed. He trained Dr. Sanchez and now that she's at the 150 mark she does most of the Albuquerque area surgeries now. For complicated patients with high BMI they both are there just in case.

Dr. Smith did an excellent job. I have never had a surgery (and unfortunately I've had more than I would like) with such a low amount of pain and quick recovery. His stitches are extremely well done too, which I appreciated. Overall the process on surgery day was over quickly and just as advertised.

The only issue I have was with one of the support staff. Specifically the social worker they have to do the mental health evaluations. She is rude, doesn't know what she's talking about, and makes a lot of threats to you while you're in the office. It's the "if you don't do such and such I'm not going to approve you for surgery" type comments that she makes over and over that get irritating. Waiting for other patients I've heard some more colorful complaining about her. If you just answer her questions and get it over with it's usually painful.

Everyone else from the front-office staff, to the dietician, to the post-op care PA are phenomenal to work with. They were very friendly and got every question of mine answered. Be prepared to be told everything about 6-10 times over the course of your "journey" with them. They have you look at a website that has everything, then for the next 3-4 months while you're going through the "journey" they will tell you it again, and again.

The process has been working. I've lost about 20 pounds since the surgery and it is very easy. I strongly recommend this process to anyone.

One thing to keep in mind is that they are now doing some form of bariatric surgery in Santa Fe at St. Vincent's now. I'm not sure if they do the lapbands or the gastric bypass, though.

I'm not a medical doctor, so don't base your health decisions on this:

One of the side-effects of the narcotics that may have been prescribed is itchy skin. You might try taking some benadryl to see if that helps with the itching.

Again, talk with your doctor first.

I just got banded a couple of days ago myself. I've found a similar thing: I can drink as much Water as I can handle. I usually have to drink it slow, but otherwise no problem.

I think we are in a similar situation. I just got banded a couple of days ago. After meeting with my doctor today, she said I could go to full liquids. I nearly hugged her. I swear pudding never tasted so good.