LiveLoveLaugh

I have to say that both Posner, & Hoffman can do the RNY the difference in Carauna is he only does the "OPEN" surgery which is longer to heal, larger scar and longer recovery than the Laparoscopic surgery. Posner is also know to lean way towards the RNY. I have four tiny incisions less than 1/2 inch and one where the port is placed is about 1 1/2 inch long. I didn't need high end pain meds they gave me for when I got home. I only had to take Extra Strength Tylenol for the pain I had. Which was very manageable. I was in the pocess of going to Dr. Carauna's lap band doctor, but he left during the summer unexpectedly and that's when I started my research for the best Lap-Band doctor in Buffalo. I found that Dr. Hoffman was returning to Buffalo after studing Lap-Band @ Long Island Jewish, I found out after much research he has done over 450 I even asked him how many he's done and yes it's now around 480-490 which is really great. He also does surgery here at my hospital and Children's for general Laparoscopic surgery. I have found out he's a master at doing this type of surgery on patients with high scar tissue from prior proceedures. He aides in difficult surgeries. My research is that I can sit around and melt away in a chair and eat hardly anything, maybe have a few sweets to only to dump in my pants, have malnutrition side effects, much more floppy skin folds, and look greyish with RNY sure I might lose weight faster in the first year but do I really own that weight loss have I really changed by eating, thinking about food?????? Now I'm making sound choices, look great, feel awesome, have that small slice of cheese cake if I want with out dumping my pants, eat what I want, when I want as long as my smaller pouch allows me too...... I eat small meals and I choose high quality foods because I feel better and crave them more over junk foods. I now fuel my body not my temptations......My skin is forming to my newer size better as it's going down, I have high energy out the yahoo.. The best part is that own every pound I lose...it's mine to own... I know if I eat higher carbs, sweets, or fatty foods to often then the scale or my body will let me know by not losing as well.... So I own that weight, I learn what my body needs, wants and in the long run I want to know what it is so I can keep it off this time "FOREVER" My band is going to allow me to do that and I will never turn into a woman with a body shell of 411 lbs. Only you know what method will work for you once you have all the information by doctor's and patients feed back..... Just take your time and do a pro/con list on both procedures..... any way you decide your going to succeed. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask me.... Cynthia

Now we need to get FireDust and Lovingheart into the loop.... come join us at Buffalo General with Dr. Arron Hoffman.

OMG.... That's awesome, swesome, awesome.......... I so wish you the best... Tell Dr. Hoffman Cynthia Tatta sent ya a calling!! I just got back from talking to the head of surgery here and there looking into starting the bariatric Lap Banding here with our most skilled surgeon Hoffman, she asked me a ton of questions and I going to start working with them to help out in the program...... I'll be the example and help out when patient have questions. I'm excited

I next seminar is March 6th.... I asked when I was up in the office Tue. I see Dr. Hoffman on March 4th again. I talked with him about getting new patient in and he told me have them call Lisa since the main line is such a pain in the neck for quick service. Let her know your done with all your paperwork required by your insurance and that you have been to a seminar already and that could she help get you in for there's March 6th and also get an appointment set to see Dr. Hoffman ASAP just after that date if the seminar is required before hand. Let her know you have been waiting so long and need her help..........

That's funny I started looking at Dr. Caruana back over the summer. Then I found more info on Laperscopic and his Lap-Band doctor left his office. That turned into a little tail spin.... I just picked up everything and shifted into finding the best doctor in Buffalo for Lap-Band...... I had to wait for Dr. Hoffman to come on board and I booked with him when I found the right time....

Yes, I believe so also...... Sometimes you get good information, advice or just that push you need to get through a day, wek or just a meal!! LOL So where in the process are you now?? Just looking, PCP Okayed you and looking for doctor etc...?? How much are you looking at losing???

I posted 52 X 5 = 156 it's 52 X 3 = 156....LOL All in all Dr. Hoffman went to training in NY Long Island Jewish to train for Lap-Band for a couple of years and has returned to Buffalo in Late Aug. to perform this Surgery for Buffalo General. I went to the seminar in Oct. and he was Newly interduced as there new Lap-Band doctor....... The whole time they talked (Posner/Forbes) it was all about RNY and then down played Lap-Band as if it was the step child.

I don't know the amount... I know he has many more under his belt. I can say that both Posner and Forbes are some what anti Lap-Band... They will try their hardest to get RNY into the patients head.......Because the weight comes off faster & less work for them.... In MOA I would stick with Dr. Hoffman, Lap Band is why they brought him into the clinic as a new doctor (Hoffman is 100% for Lap Band) I would call Lisa @ 859-4024 and see him right away........ He is the best..... I just called and they told me he's (Posner) been doing this for 5 years and does about 3 a week (Lap Band)... That's 52 weeks X 5 = 156 plus or take with other issues........ They could not give me a ball park number....But you need to feel confortable with who you choose to do your surgery. Hoffamn was hired to perform Lap-band as his main surgery the other two are out to perform RNY. Dr. Hoffman is starting for his Lap-Band patients a support group to meet once a month in Delaware Park on Sat. mornings once the weather breaks. He wants to follow his patients and for us to get support and encouragement from each other. I think it's a great Idea and I told him I would help him get it started if he needs me.......

Your very welcome...... and thank you, It's funny but every time I go in to see the doctor he always asks me if I would meet one of his new patients and talk to them about my band... Gee me being shy (Not) I always tell him yes.... I always lift my shirt to let them see and feel my port, check out my other incision marks from the surgery. He laughs every time i do it..... I mean you can't see anything private just my tummy. Really it's good that others know what to see and expect it all to be like, how big, Small, shape, under the skin, etc..... Sometimes the location. It all helps to calm a persons fears or concerns....... I heard that the one man who was there 12/26 that I talked to and showed had his surgery and has since lost 25 pounds post-op........ I was so happy to hear this news. He had about 85-90 lbs to lose.... All in his what they call beer belly area.... I guess he's been so good that they dropped some of his meds already....... BRUBEAR - if you need any help or support please don't wait just let me know what I can do for you. I'm here if you need me in any way!! The more support the better the results........ Bandster Buddies in Buffalo P.S. and please avoid all the spelling errors I'm making.... Yikes

I'm back.... They called me and asked if I could come in early.... Guess what I said Yesssss...... Look I'm down 35 lbs. That's 8 weeks and I'm down 35 whole fat pounds......... That's a little over 17 a month!! Dr. Hoffman was so proud of me. We both agreed I didn't need a fill since I'm doing so well and I still have some restriction. I'm happy with that and I see him again in 4 weeks!! I don't know what all the pre-testing is but I did have to have a Psycho, Blood work, chest/Breathing, sleep study, and some counseling from the WL group at BGH. What you need to do is Contact Lisa his secretary @ 716 859-4024 and talk with her. If you go to the main line it will take you forever to get an appointment and all your paperwork together. I find the main hub is really not all that helpful for new patients..... Get the ball rolling and call Lisa ASAP..... You won't be sorry. Let me know if I can be of any help!! I also found out that Dr. Forbes has only done under 50 lap band surgeries she really is all out for RNY. Dr. Hoffman has done over 450 to 475 lap band. Hmm you do the math....... P.S. He also asked me to help in organize a support grou for his only patients. We would meet at Delware Park once a month!! Fun

Hello fellow Buffalo Bandsters & want-a-bees...... I wanted to let you know I go to weigh in tomorrow after 7 weeks Post-Op and I'm really excited since i know I'm down a hugh amount.... I take my measurements Friday 2/8 after one month and I can already tell in my belly, hips and arms I've got major inches gone!! I know some times the scale is not friendly or kind to me during my weight loss but just in my clothes and the way I look it's fat gone forever. I'll post Wed. what I find out after my appointment with Dr. Hoffman and if I decided on my first fill or not. Since I know I can eat more than what I have since being banded.... I still make really great choices in food with very little to no carbs at most meals....... I mean I really feel wonderful. No binges, no over stuffing myself, no hunger I can't control, best of all no depriving feeling of any kind....... It's truly a stunner for me to be living so good with-out my best friend junky crappy FOODs..... I feel freed...... Dr. Hoffman - I feel really strongly about his ability to provide the BEST care and surgical performance of the Lap Band. He is the only surgeon that I've spoke to that has so much passion and trust in this device that I know I've made the right choice for me in getting the band. My PCP was really against RNY or most of the other WLS except the band due to so many problems and risks....... If you know you can dedicate yourself to a life stye change of eating and want to lose the weight your going to with the band...... I lost so much weight in the past to only gain it back faster with-out this life saving ring of hope (the band) it's amazing how it helps you feel fuller longer on smaller amounts of food... The right foods stay with you and make you content and OMG feel so much better. My thinking process, my moods, my periods and my over all function is so much better I almost can't believe it and how fast it's taken over since surgery 7 weeks a go today!! I have three woman in my department already asking me all about the band and want to see about having it placed........ (o: My family is so supportive and know I've done the right thing to help quide me to the life I've always wanted since grade school. I've been big all my life and know I finally have so much trust in my doctor and my band that I'm goig to make it to goal and stay there for the rest of my life........ I'm truly the happest bandster alive!!!

That's awesome.... I do know the gal who sets up the the appoinments for the seminar so if you need me just ask...... I believe it maybe hard for this month Feb. since it might be next week Tue. already..... Some times it's so booked and not a single seat left.... LOL we have a large following!! Bad I know...... Oh my if you choose Dr. Hoffman you will be in great care....He's soooooooooo nice and makes you feel like your his only patient. Walks you through every step!! Also very charming with a good sense of humor........ He also does surgery at Children's on tuff cases.. Now that alone had me hooked!! (o:

Oh and by the way I'm almost seven weeks out from surgery and I have lost a hugh amount of weight so far... I have not weighed myself, only at the doctors and that was 1/3/08.... Next weigh in will be 2/05/08 only since it's my choice to do that.... I'm already out of all my pants, most of my 4x shirts etc..... Inches are coming off like crazy. I feel great and I don't feel hungery or deprived.... I LOVE MY BAND!!! It's the best thing I have ever done for myself!!! What a Christmas gift. I have never PBed, or had any other complcations even with my larger size......... Just wanted you to know I'm doing awesome since being banded. By the way what Health Insurance do you have... Independent Health was a breeze to work with for this procedure. Started the beginning of Sept. and asked to be banded 12/17 since I wanted two weeks off for Christmas/New Years from work........... Could have been banded in Nov. now that's fast!!!

Hello all I'm from Buffalo as well and I can tell you from my research and experience that the Group at Buffalo General is the best of Buffalo for Laparoscopic surgery, they have a new doctor who has joined Dr. Posner’s group (Dr. Hoffman) who is a surgeon at my hospital as well. He is the best of Buffalo. He has come back to Buffalo after training at Long Island Jewish for the Lap Band since Sept.07. from my long homework and checking with a field of many doctors in Buffalo he’s the man you want!! Posner & Forbes really don’t believe that strongly in the Lap-Band and Hoffman feels that this is the best WLS to have to help in a life long battle with weight issues…..He also specializes in gastrointestinal diseases so he should know what works best!! One thing also is that Caruana only does the open RNY, sleeve etc… no laparoscopic!! Which is more stressful all around!! But still a great surgeon from my research!! If you need any information here are a few numbers to call. Dr. Hoffman asst. 716 859-4024 Baratric Center BGH – 716 859-3196 or 716 859-2067 My next appointment with Hoffman is 2/05/08 and I may get my first fill. If you call and can’t get in for the seminar let me know I can talk with some people I know there, plus If you want I’d even meet you at the seminar and sit with you etc……… Feel free to ask me anything. Cynthia Here is Dr. Hoffman's link Buffalo General Hospital - News: Hometown surgeon joins BGH

Oh my gosh you guys can eat way more than I can and I'm 6 weeks Post-op. I have a 6oz. protein shake for breakfast Unjury since I'm more tight. Lunch is a South Beach wrap kit or even home made food 1 cup or less (chili, split pea soup, or meat ball w/sauce) one snack which is an once or two of hummus a few tiny pretzels or pudding cup/4oz yogurt. Dinner is about 2-3 oz protein and 2-3 oz carb. before bed herbal tea or sugar free hot cocoa. I could never ever eat a bagel or some of the other items you have listed... I have never had a PB was stuck once for a slight momment over eating three baked bagel chips after 5 weeks Post-op. I have the AP 10cc band and I get full or satisfied very early into my meals. Most of the food you list also is really not plan by my doctors rules..... Be careful not to over do it or start out of the gate eating unhealthy higher carb foods. Best to all in our journey of weigh loss!!!

Hello - I'm 5 weeks Post-Op and just last week I decided on having a slice of diet whole wheat bread toasted with egg salad and let me tell you it was delish I took very tiny bites and chewed it very, very well.... Not one problem at all. I was full and it lasted me hours (3-5) before I could eat dinner that evening. Just be careful when eating it and you should be ok. I did have some baked pita chips the other evening and that was a bad idea... Why??? because I didn't slow down to know I had enough of them since they tasted so darn good!!! I must have eatten about 7-8 of them and let me tell you they must have swelled fast with the water I had drank 30 minutes prior. I didn't have pain bit I knew I was full, way overly full... So be careful what items you eat and how fast!! Hope this helps you out. Cynthia

Well I weighed myself at my mothers house last night and I'm up 2lbs since 1/3/08. I just ended TOM and I knew I was able to eat more solid food now that I'm 4 weeks post OP. I'm just shocked a little since I'm really, really watching everything. I think this is just me going from such a small liquid diet to a more solid one and my body needs to adjust. But still I'm disapointed yet I know I'm losing by my clothes, body curves, and softness or dimples forming........ I just HATE scales and I need to remember a scale will not control me or my emotions EVER during this new life of mine... I feel great since my banding and that scale is not going to keep me from feeling like a failure at this point!!! I JUST WON"T

That's UnJury Protein

I still drink my shake. I have it everyday for breakfast to start the day. 1 cup Skim milk mixed with a large scoop of Unjuy protein powder (28-30 protein). I then have a snack about 9:30 - 10:00 Banana, hummus with a couple of small pretzels, or nuts. Nothing high in calories about 100-120. I think the shake for me in very helpful to get all my protein in and keep me snacking. How are you doing so far??? How much lost since surgery?? Cynthia

Hi all-wanted to know what Tricare requires to obtain approval and what else may be needed for coverage. My girl friend has Tricare and she wants the band also. please any help would be great. What has your experience been like so far??? Cynthia

Traci - Wow that's wonderful Congrats new Auntie!! So you're from the WNY area... Cheektowaga for me!!! Well bad news is a front is coming in with some really cold air this weekend!! Him sure she wants to stay here, could have them down to FL. LOL I love FL. come down twice a year to Disney. Love it!!! I see were the same age as well....... It would be great being buddies on our journey........ I weigh in tomorrow after almost three weeks of not knowing what I've lost since Post-Op check -up.... But my clothes are really getting bigger and I feel great. I noticed I can eat more and a tiny bit of hunger before some meals.... I can get my first fill on Feb.5th when I see my surgeon next. Not yet sure if I need one yet, should be interesting. I eat betwwen 850-1300 calories, 80-100 protein and 30-48 fat grams a day....... So I feel awesome and I know I'm losing...... The waiting game of when I'll fall into bandster Hell...... LOL LOL Cynthia

Hey Tralynn wow were in the same boat together as far as weight loss numbers. How much did you loose Pre-Op and since banding? Your doing wonderful... I love seeing your numbers. I was banded one month after you. I weigh in tomorrow after two weeks time of the last weigh in. So I'll see what I've done since my Post-Op since 12/28/07. I feel great and hope to have a banster friendship with you. Thanks, Cynthia

Well Ladies and Gents I wanted to let all know I baked last night and never dipped in any of it!! It's exciting. I baked for a school bake sale for my two children. Lemon cake w/ butter frosting and banana cake with the same frosting. The kids picked out the cake mixes. We made them all last night with out not one taste of anything on my part. Past I would have set all left over frosting dishes to the side to finish the left over scrappings once we were done..... All was sent out of the house this morning. So now no fears of returning from work with cake on the counter at all!! This is a major mile stone for me!! It may seem small to some but for me this is a major start to the future for me baking for others with out me getting off the beaten path and starting a binge of all sorts by just tasting the sugary high fat calorie baked goodies!! I'm a bit high on cloud nine..... I just love how I feel with my band........ I'm so happy I have/had all of you to help me make my life better. I've been viewing this board for a year now and decided to explore a surgeon for the band in Aug/07. Banded 12/17/07. What a Christmas gift to myself....... Loving every moment so far!!! Cynthia

Hey I have 250lbs to lose. I wish to join in and make this a family affair......... In the past 5 years I've lost 300lbs so would that count lol, lol First time in 2001/2002 162lbs lost gained back and lost 167lbs 2004/2006 and gained back. Now I'm going to lose it forever and never find any of it!! No returns on that fat EVER..... Thanks guys, Cynthia

That's awesome.... I'm losing right now like crazy with doing almost the same as you are. I weigh in tomorrow. Only once a month on my bandster date each month. I can tell by my clothes things have really shaken up. Everything is sooooooo lose and big etc..... It feels GREAT!! Thanks for your response. Cynthia By the way your looking so healthy and Hot!! Awesome!