HeatherGurl

I have not gone to any of his support group meetings, I would like to... but I live too far out of Houston to attend those.

I was banded by Spivak back in November of 2005. I have not been on this site in quite some time, but I am looking around again:)

Just checking in here all... I was completely unfilled because my pouch was slightly stretched on May 21st. I just went back in for a re-fill on June 28th. I had gained too much weight, and I was really disappointed... Got 1 cc put back in and I haven't weighed since. Got hubby to hide the scales... which is fine by me. I am back in my size 6 jeans, and that is all I wanted. :cool: The new gal did my fill, well, she tried to. My port was COMPLETELY upside down. She tried 2 times and then called good ole Brenda in there and she got it after another 3 times. They almost called Spivak in to do it. It was horrible! Not their fault though, just that dang port. Spivak poked his head in and said Hi. He just seems to care so much about his patients. I really am glad he is my Dr.

I had to do low carb until surgery... about 3-4 weeks.

Spivak is awesome! Good luck and hopefully you will get banded soon

Here is a picture from Sunday... L to R~ Heathergurl, A1ikou, Sallyjo, Barbara465, jucyc, and Pinkylee. It was great getting to finally meet all of you!!!

I was 24 when banded. Healthy as a horse, and about the same weight as one

My input: Tanning made my scars look better than before tanning. Mystic Tan can turn you orange just like the self tanning lotions. Best bet is to go to a tanning salon, purchase some really good lotion, and lay in a bed. It is relaxing and you will love the results. They will start you off tanning for only 3 minutes or so, but you want to start off slow. Lotion is VERY important though. It helps keep the tan longer and moisturizes your skin, which is number 1. Good luck on your tanning decision.

Are you still in El Campo TerriDoodle? I am from Wharton :youcandothis: There are a lot of Texans here!

As far as I know Spivak only does surgery in Houston. I have no idea of what Spiegel does.

Hi Rachel! Glad to see that you made a great choice in Spivak. Sorry I didn't see this sooner. I really have NO regrets at all with him. He is the best. I was 329 on surgery day 11/09/05, and I am currently 175. The lap band was the best thing I have ever done for myself.

I friend of mine had her stomach stapled over 5 years ago... the band last year and now just had the gastric bypass. Apparently Dr.'s can do anything these days....

I hardly ever sweat anymore. I am ALWAYS cold!!! I have a blanket on the couch at all times at home.

I agree with La_madam. You are too tight if you can't eat solid protein. You are only going to start gaining weight by eating all the junk food. I hope you discuss this with your Dr.

That is one of the silliest things I have heard. You are not going to choke to death from the band.

With any Dr. you are going to have to do a barium swallow. They have to make sure everything looks ok. I don't see that as a reason to not recommend a Dr.

I think the Womens sizes have more room in the stomach and butt areas. I bet a 14W would have been perfect for you.

Which Cosmo? The May issue?

Melissa it was very brave of you to post your story here. I am sad to hear that your surgeon offers no support to you. I hope that you can find the help you seek if you do. I do drink more regularly now than I used to... but not a bottle of wine every evening. If you want help, I really hope that you can get it. I know there are a lot of others out there with replacing addictions. I replaced my addiction for food with a shopping addiction. Going on Week 4 Shop Free right now. I know that does not sound as bad as alcoholism, but it can be when you shop beyond your means. Hugs to you and I hope you make it thru this and get back on track.

I am so glad to hear that you came out of surgery so well. I have been thinking of you. Best of luck to you in whatever path is in your future.

Sorry to hear that Alexandra!!! I am very glad to hear that it isn't eroded though. I hope and pray that you can keep your band or get a new one.

Dr. Spivak did my lap band also. He is the best and his staff is great. Good luck to you Josie!

HI Txbecca! I just wanted to wish you luck on your upcoming surgery and tell you my opinion of a few things... Like Renee said... you will savor every bite of food. You will still get to eat, and I hate that someone told you that your food will be cold before you finish it. Everyone is different and I do eat less, but I eat a lot better food. I do not eat cold food that should be hot... As for the liquid breakfast... I don't agree with that either. Some people can eat a solid breakfast, some can't. I have never been a breakfast person. With my current level of fill I do not get hungry until 11, so that is when I eat lunch. Good luck with your journey!

Candice, if you don't mind me asking... what kind of insurance do you have? Thanks

I chose Spivak because of a lot of reasons... I went to his seminar and was completely impressed with him. I have 4 friends that have used him from here at work. He was the first surgeon to perform the lap band in Texas. He won't operate on any Tom, Dick or Harry. He doesn't seem to want to just cut everyone open. I have met Spiegel and was not impressed with him. I am not trying to sway your decision... but I would not let him touch me with a 10 foot pole. That is just my opinion. I have a dear friend that he really screwed up and I am sorry, but I can't respect a surgeon that does the things that he does. A lot of people claim he is an excellent surgeon, but the one person that I know he operated on, would beg to differ. A lot of people say he doesn't have good bedside manner... well I wouldn't know personally, but again, my dear friend loathes the man. I sincerely wish your wife and you the best of luck in your decision. Just research as much as you can... and talk to some patients of his that have had it done.