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I realize it has been several months since your original post and hope by now you've gotten to the bottom of things. However, when I needed my gallbladder removed the only symptom I had was being nauseated. I had an ultrasound that didn't show any sludge or any signs. Finally had a hida scan that showed my gallbladder needed to be removed.

As you will see in my previous post, I would not recommend the Missoula doctors. Dr.Pickhardt removed my gallbladder in '05 which didn't need to be removed. Dr.Swannack was supposed to perform my lap-band surgery but never did. Long story short, I ended up traveling out-of-state for my lap-band and am so grateful I did. Needless to say, I did not have a great experience with either one of these docs.

I had the exact same thing happen to me right after surgery. I had an extemely uncomfortable feeling in my chest/throat and my surgeon removed about 2 cc's from my band. If you are uncomfortable and think you may be getting dehydrated I would have it removed. You can always have it replaced at a later date.

Hi! I am looking for a aftercare/fill doctor in the Missoula or Kalispell area.

I know Dr.Pickhardt and Dr.Swannack are the bariatric surgeons in Msla but I've had a TERRIBLE experience with their office and would not recommend them to anyone.

Please let me know if you are aware of any other doctors in the area. Thanks so much!

How long did the whole process take? From picking him, to talking with him, scheduling the surgery, and actually getting it?

[Dr.K is a very busy man! However, I think I called around the 1st part of Aug. Had my consult 8/14 and scheduled surgery that day. So, I guess it was about 8 wks

UGH, this is so frustrating!!!! :thumbup::cursing:

I'm on mushies and currently on Day 20 post-op. I found this really excellent creamy chicken salad at a local deli, so that's what I've been eating for lunch this week at work. I waited until my stomach felt literally empty, and I got my chicken salad. 8 measly bites, and BAM I'm so stuffed I can hardly swallow normally. But I'm still hungry! My stomach is growling, I swear! I guess the chicken salad is sitting in my upper pouch (which is a good thing, because I feel full) but my lower stomach is empty and having a field day with all the gurgling noises. I seriously feel hungry, and at the same time I feel full. I can't stomach another bite without nausea, but I feel like I should keep eating. This is such a horrible feeling!!!! Please tell me this isn't standard practice for the lap band, and that this kind of feeling will go away? :cursing:

I still struggle with this. Its a very odd sensation when your large tummy feels hungry but your pouch is at maximum fullness. Sometimes I think a lot of it is psychological w/me and wish I had been better prepared for this. It will get better.:thumbup:

I too got the hunger pangs. I got very frustrated w/everyone telling me it was mind hunger when I was in physical pain. Anyway, to this day my large stomach will growl w/hunger pangs when my small stomach is full. Its very frustrating but now that I can eat solids its much better. If that is your worst complaint, you are doing swell. :thumbup: Hang in there!

Does anyone know of any "reasonable" fill/aftercare doctors in the Indianapolis,IN area? Thanks!

Hey, Cass! How are you doing w/the new fill doc? I am extremely frustrated! I'm in need of a fill. Thought the Drs here would see me b/c I am a pt of record of both...yeah right! They wanted to charge me $300 for fluoro, $300 for the fill and $200 to read my surgical and post-op reports. For a grand total of...yup $800. Are they nutz? I think they didn't want to take me on as a pt. so they were covering their a$$es.:thumbup: Anyway, Dr.K's first available fill appt. was 12/30. So here I sit, 10g's later w/out being able to be filled. Grrr...frustrating!

Hey, I'm wanting to be banded by Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver, and I was wondering if anyone went to him, if they liked him, does he have any hidden charges, what does he require pre-op, things like that. Thanks.

Hi! I was banded by Dr.K on 9.29.08. No hidden charges w/Dr.K and the only pre-op diet he requires is one week no carbs. Very simple! I think he is fabulous and would recommend him to anyone. :thumbup:

If anyone who is thinking of having their surgery performed by Dr.Swannack or Dr. Pickhardt in Missoula, MT~I would encourage you to think twice. :thumbup: Their staff is very unprofessional! My story is too long to post but feel free to PM me if you would like me to share my experience.

Hi! You are so lucky to be in Denver. I just may have the perfect doc for you. Dr.Kirshenbaum placed my band about 2 mths ago and I would highly recommend him. He is located in Aurora which is about 20 miles from Thornton. I used to live in Westminster and it was about a 40 min. drive. Dr.K only charges his pts. $15 for a fill. With that being said, I have no idea if its the same for non-pts. I am currently in the same boat as you, I need a fill but do not want to pay $200. You can PM for Dr.K's info if you are interested or go to lapbandrockies.com which will also have the info. Natalie is the bariatric coordinator and her email is ncardenas@lapbandrockies.com. She will be able to give you some answers. Best of luck!

Blueeyedgirl:

This was by far my easiest surgery. I had surgery at 9 and was on my way home by 1. I wouldn't worry about the pain. You may have some discomfort the first couple of days but remember its only temporary. What I wasn't prepared for was the emotional rollercoaster I've been on since surgery. Prior to surgery, I didn't consider myself an emotional eater or food addict. Now I find myself mourning the loss of food and the way I used to eat. Even though at times it can be liberating to know I will one day be "free" from old habits. My best advice is to be prepared for the road ahead; if that's possible. It is a long journey to the new you but when you arrive at your destination you will be so happy you had the surgery. Best of luck!

I was banded on 11/07. I had all the gas in the beginning but that had since subsided. I've been on mush for about a week. Since yesterday afternoon I've had a tight, gas-bubbly feeling in my chest. It seems like if I could belch really good, I'd feel SO much better! Could this be from eating something wrong? I ate a piece of my daughter's roll yesterday without thinking! I've been hurting ever since. I don't feel like I need to vomit or anything. I just feel really tight and uncomfortable in my chest. By the way, I'm new around here. I'm so glad to have people to talk to about this experience!

I'm glad the gas pains have subsided for you. Ooh, the bread probably sent you over the edge. I remember having the exact same feeling. The need to belch would make one feel so much better. Try bending over~that sometimes will produce a slight belch for temp.relief.:cursing: I am 8 wks. post-op now and I notice if I eat the wrong things I'm going to pay for it later. Tonight I had a sandwich w/only 1/2 the roll and I haven't felt well since. I've had the exact same thing previoulsy w/o any problems. Essentially, learning to eat all over again is the hard part. What you are experiencing with the tightness is normal to me b/c that's exactly how I felt and can still feel if the wrong thing gets digested. And some days you will feel tighter than others. We will all get through this together. Congrats on being in official bandland!:thumbup:

Hi-ya! :smile2: I just wanted to check in and see how my fellow bandsters are doing. Where did everyone go? We are not nearly as chatty as Dr.K's other thread.

So here are my questions.

1. do you think my insurance will cover it?

2. Do you think I should even get it?

3. Does anyone on here regret getting it done?

4. once I go to the dr on monday and decide to get it. how long the process take? Am I going to be waiting six months for the lap band?

anything will help. Im scared and nervous..but I know its something I want. can you help me?

Hi-ya! First, congrats on taking the first step. 1. Insurance is tricky (I hate ins.companies:cursing:) and will depend on what type of insurance you have. I would look at your booklet w/coverage info. It should give you an idea on coverage for obesity. 2. Yes, I definitely think you should get it. Esp. w/family history of diabetes. Yes! Yes! Yes! 3. I am only 7 wks. post-op and do not "regret" having it done. However, it will not be an easy road and I did wonder what I had done immediately post-op. You have to want to change your life and daily habits. 4. Length of time for surgery again depends on your lovely insurance company.

I will tell you from recent experience that my journey has been an emotional rollercoaster that I never anticipated. Not being able to eat/liquid diet does crazy things to ones body. :smile2: I never really thought of myself as having an emotional battle w/food or addiction. I'm now beginning to realize I was wrong. Most importantly the band is just a tool and it definitely isn't a miracle surgery. You will still have to work at it physically and emotionally.

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions or just want to chat. Hope this helped. Good luck on your decision!:cool2:

I just was banded on 11/18 and this is my 3rd day at home on the post surgery liquid regiment. Last night as I was trying to finish my last Protein drink, I got really nausea. Was the reason I got nausea because I over drank? How do you know when you hungry and suppose to eat or not?:cool2:

Hi-ya! I went to college in Fort Wayne.:cool2: Anyway, nausea...are you still taking pain meds? The lortab made me a little sick to my stomach. How much of the Protein drink are you consuming? I know you are supposed to get 60g of protein but thats not really feasible immediately following surgery. It seemed like I was hungry all the time post-op. I would eat or drink when my stomach growled but could only eat a few bites. When my "small" pouch/tummy is full I will 1.either get the hiccups or 2.a tight feeling in my chest. With that being said, I've had pretty good restriction post-op w/only a slight fill. Good luck! :smile2:

Hi guys,

I just started pureed foods today and I am amazed at how 3 tbs fills me up. Still wondering how I am going to get 60g of Protein in my diet a day with eating so little. If anyone has an idea of how to do that please let me know!

KP

The further you are out from surgery the more you will be able to eat. :tongue2:I remember only being able to eat 3 bites of

jell-o in a sitting. As far as Protein goes, I do the protein shots/bullets. You can get 42g in 3.1 oz or 26g in 2.8oz. Then I'm able to get the remainder protein in my diet. The 42g sides on a thicker consistency so I usually have to dilute it. Even tho they don't taste the best, :smile2: its a great way to get a lot of your daily protein. The Protein Shots can be found at GNC ,Vitamin World, etc. Some Walmarts even carry the 26g in fruit punch. Hope this helps!

Thank you! In the morning,I typically have yogurt,for lunch,I might have a small amount of tuna on a wheat wrap,which I was told was fine,I have not even 1/2 of it. For dinner,I typically have like steamed veggies and a small amount of fish. I haven't had a fill yet. My first fill will be in January. I was flying high last Wednesday at my first post op appt but now it seems the scale won't budge. I had my surgery on November 3rd. Am I expecting too much ?

Omg, have you lost 40 lbs all post-op or was some of it from the pre-op diet? Either way, you are doing amazing. I'm 7 wks. out and I've only lost 22 lbs. I'm frustrated b/c I haven't lost anything in the last 3 wks. I'm running and exercising. I too, have all the conerns that you do. Am I eating too much, too little, not getting enough fluids in? All those questions. We do need to be patient but its not easy considering we wanted the weight off like yesterday. Good luck!:rolleyes2:

Glad to know that I'm not the only one going through this. I was banded on October 1st and I am still having terrible pain in my chest. It almost feels like a heart attack it is so bad. I've been taking nexium, gas x, drinking hot tea and walking. I can't burp at all. My shoulder finally eased up a few days ago but the only time my chest eases is when I lie down. I go back to Dr. today for exrays to make sure everything is alright. I can't eat or drink much for the pain. I haven't had a fill yet either. I'm only eating creamy Soups and pudding (Ocassionally) Is this normal to hurt so much 14 days post surgery? I'm at wits end. :tongue2: I need relief.

I am 7 wks post-op and it does get better but I didn't think I was ever going to get relief from the chest pressure. This is what I have noticed so I am passing it on in hopes it will help someone. I have not yet PB'd (keeping my fingers crossed) but I can tell if I haven't chewed something well enough or if a food just isn't going to agree w/me. However, it doesn't happen until afterward and then I know I'm going to be tight miserable and uncomfortable for a few days. The papaya enzymes sometimes help and something cold also works. Breyers whole fruit bars are delicious w/only 45 calories. The hot tea/water doesn't seem to give me any relief. My theory is when I've eaten something that my body didn't agree with the body will react w/some slight swelling in the esophagus causing the miserable feeling. However, this usually will subside w/in a few days. Good luck! It just takes time to learn how to eat again.:rolleyes2:

I too, have Fibromyalgia. I am only 7 wks. post-op and have not noticed a big difference as of yet. Even though, I will say I haven't had a "flare-up" w/the aches and pains but still have fatigue. I am able to exercise on most days but its a struggle due to the fatigue I feel on a daily basis. Its comforting to know there are other ppl who know how I feel. Did anyone ever try Cymbalta for the Fibro? Just curious.:rolleyes2:

What I have learned from this experience is that everyone is so different. I was also worried pre-op about the amount I would be able to drink. I am now 7 wks. post-op, have had a fill (with restriction) and can drink "normal".

I did not read a lot of the posts so sorry if this is a repeat. I buy the Protein shots/bullets that have 42g of protein in 2.3 oz. They do not taste the best but I can manage to get one down. Peach is by far the best flavor I've tried thus far. You can dilute the shots b/c they side on a thick consistency or put them in jell-o. Lots of different things. You can find them @ Vitamin World, GNC, etc. Also, my mom had Gastric Bypass a few yrs. ago. and took the Nioxin nail and hair supplements and didn't seem to have a problem with Hair loss. Good luck! :thumbup: I'm only 7 wks. post-op but sure hope this doesn't happen.

Ambra~

I did not lose any weight this week so I hope that makes you feel better. I wonder why you don't have restriction? I can eat almost anything too. :thumbup: However, if I eat something I probably shouldn't be I can tell w/my band. Ya know? Do you get a tight feeling in your chest at all? Hiccups? Those are my two main signs. I hope you experience restriction soon. I know you are frustrated but you will soon find your "sweet spot". Hang in there!!!

You went running? Wow! I went for a 3 mile walk yesterday, a heavy duty one at that. This hill is about straight up half the way. Part of me was thinking about running. I wanted to try, but feel like such a clutz. I'd probably fall. Way to go for you!!!!! I have no restriction at all. I'm not hungry but my "lower" stomach is growling and gurgling. Wierd! Well, need to try to go to sleep, back on nights tonight. Lord help me! Glad to see you here!!!!

Yup, figure I gotta start somewhere. I want to get back up to my 3 miles pre-op. I get bored walking on the treadmill even w/the ipod or tv. Now if I could walk outside that would be a different story. Its been so crappy and rainy here ever since we got home.

I'm not sure if I would rather have your problem w/no restriction or mine with. lol:lol: Like right now its 2:30 and I am tight so I haven't been able to eat anything yet today. I guess I have a lot of room in my band to work with. :rolleyes2:

Ugh...nights! I would actually like nights b/c I'm such a nightowl and up until the early hrs. of a.m. anyway. However, flip flopping that sleep schedule would be a difficult task.

TTYL!!