Fearless55

I agree with Lisa Marie; the evaluation takes about an hour. The sleep apnea is a office visit and if a sleep study is required then it would be in the evening after normal business hours. Either way, I wouldn't recommending short stepping the process.

Are you still taking Ambien CR? I was wondering if there is any issue with the size of the pill or if there are any effects from the timed release in the pouch?

I personally would find another Doctor, this is a partnership and it will last longer then a couple of years. Also you are the customer here, let them know how you feel and see if there is a difference in attitude. Living in Texas you have more then one option.

The whole process is less pain then I expected, after the surgery my shoulder and jaws where the only things that acted differently. The shoulders felt like a dull pain, the jaws where excited and it seem that I was having some muscle reactions from the shoulder pain. That evening within an hour after surgery I was up and walking in the Short Stay Unit. I was given a list of drugs to get before surgery, when released I rested and relaxed at home taking the pain medicine every 4 hours. The pain threshold was higher because the tape was pulling on the skin and took time for it work out. Come the 2 day I noticed a significant different in my mobility and pain. Essentially there was no pain in the stomach area other then rumbling from not eating my Protein drinks like I was suppose too. One week and 3 days later, no pain no issues at all. The only concern we (the doctor and I) have had is restarting the blood thinner properly. Everything is going great,

No problem, I would be happy to share experiences, or answer questions, or provide moral support during you journey.

I will be happy to be part of your support, living in Kennewick. I got banded on the 15th and already seeing results. What kind of questions do you have? I ex Navy 73-83 so I understand about being away from family.

I had the same thing 4 days after post surgery, Imodium worked great for me. Of course like an idiot I was worried about not going and then after the first in 4 days I got diarrhea last night. Everything seems to be working just fine now if you know what I mean.

Are you still using Ambien CR? If so does that effect the pouch?

Good Morning All Not wanting to be considered gross by some accounts, let me address the question about using the toilet and wiping one's self. For years when going to the little boys room, I made sure it was on my time table, fortunately it always was. Being of large size (5X) I always showered immediately afterward to ensure a clean feeling. Not being able to wipe one is something I will not miss; taking a shower afterward is probably healthier anyway. I have a friend who is from a Latin American country; their sewer system does not have accommodate the paper. So my advice to you, if you are regular (like clock work) take a shower afterward to clean one self.

Okay, I talked to Dr. Fox and was amazed at how some physicians count the number of problems related to any surgery. First, the 500 Lap Bands is correct however, Dr Fox is also a surgeon who has years of experience in the field. I completely trust his guidance, the final responsibility rests with the patient. If something does not sound correct, question it. Like I stated before, I am completely comfortable with Dr. Fox and his staff; they are fantastic. Banded on Tuesday, have dropped 20 lbs since July 6th.

I don't know other people feel about it, but we got here because of life style and such. Having invested in money and pain, I am following the plan to the "T" now entering the 4 week liquid phase. Got banded on Tuesday released on Wednesday morning and almost pain free as of last night.

I could be off by a zero I will call the office and find out the total, it might be like 5000. I will let you know when I find out.

Check out Syntrax Brand Protein, they have a lot of flavors look for "Nectar" and read the label

Well after reading all the posting this morning on the blog. I will just say the following; first Dr Earl Fox and Staff are great, they go out of they way to make you understand and feel comfortable with the decision you made. When I asked Dr Fox how many deaths that he has had because of the surgery he explain that he has had two in 500. Both are non-related to the surgery. I then asked every nurse I came across in both the hospital and friends and they all have high regard to the man. I was referred by my PCP to Dr Fox and have not had a minute of disappointment. I look forward to Tuesday when he does the banding, I fully feel comfortable with his ability and look forward to the promise of the better quality of my life.

Well folks we had a Pre-Op Meeting on Thursday (7/3/2008) we cleared to light this candle and embark on a journey of a life time. Start the 10 clear liquid tomorrow, on the menu is ice tea with SF Jello and 5 count them 5 Protein shakes, so many flavors to choose from. I think breakfest is going to be strawberry kiwi with Orange for lunch, we will see what dinner brings. Hang in there guys we chose this road....

I was told by Dr Fox, 10 day pre-op clear liquids, 5 weeks after surgery clear liquids, then in weeks 5-9 it will be the puree foods with solid food after week 9. Part is due to how he puts the band in. Clear Liquids also include SF Jello, and SF Popsicle.

Well mine said NO Carbonation absolutely, no sodas, no beer....Beer is Carbonated...Scotch is the better drink. But once again no Carbs.

If you are using Slimfast you need to understand what it does if you are also on a Blood Thinner. The vit K is high, check it out.

How about "Freedom in 08"?

How do you get the ticker to post?

Does anyone know how long the it takes before walking and normal life returns

When I met with the doctor he explain what it would take to get the insurance company to approve of the PS afterwards. Essentially it boils do to yeast infections in the folds of the skin. His term was "white mud"; they take a culture and submit that then the insurance company has little choice in the matter. I would revisit with your doctor or get a great case of yeast infection and proceed to your Primary Care Physican and let them help you fight the battle.

Has anyone out there have experience with Dr. Earl Fox of the Tri-Cities in Washington? If so what are your impressions? I will tell you have our meeting and the seminar I am pretty impressed. Especially when I asked some straight up questions about his past experience.:frown:

I have two items, first has anyone got information on Dr Earl Fox. Second, the price is around 14.5k to have it done here in the Tri-Cities of Washington. I see reading the forum that the average is about 16-17K so I feel good about the price. The fact that the insurance is paying 90% is also a great factor.

I talked to the Doctors office yesterday, they are the ones who turned me onto the Crystal Light to ensure I get my water down. I got the 0 carbs with 5 calories. Too many flavors to chose from.....