Barnstormer

Hey, anybody have an answer? I had a band in 2008, and kept having problems keeping food down. After the surgery and a few initial visits, the physician's office would not let me see a doctor, they would only let me see a nurse, who didn't know the answer and would not ask the doctor. When I would call and leave a message for the doctor to call me, the nurse would answer my call. I had to find a doctor in Fairfax, about 60 miles away, who removed the band last year. I still keep throwing up food. Did the original surgeon botch the procedure, or is this actually common? Thanks for any help.

I live in a small town. I was recently banded, and part of what I thought I was getting was long-term follow-up care. That is proving not to be the case. The medical office had two surgeons. One of them left indefinitely. The remaining surgeon still takes on new surgical patients, so the waiting list to see him is long. Thus, each time I need follow-up treatment (like for reflux and abdominal pains) all I get is an inexperienced nurse who does not know what to do so he just orders up more diagnostic tests and continues to deflate the band. The closest center with actual qualified doctors is nearly 100 miles away. I am totally regretting this decision. Is anyone else in a similar situation? Are there any rules out there about physician-patient ratios (nurses don't count when you need a real surgeon to diagnose problems and prescribe treatment)?

When others see the results -- not only the weight loss but also your better health, which usually is difficult to hide because good health has its own radiant glow -- then it will be up to you to be gracious and welcome them back. Good luck on the 17th. The pre-op weeks will be hectic, with the pre-op diet and all those undignified medical tests, but please try to enjoy each day because it's all part of the whole experience.

Cream of Wheat has been a help for me. It has a fair amount of iron, and I cook it in milk for the extra protein.

Pedro was a classy little guy. I am sorry that you lost him. I too have grieved for my fellow mammals. Later on when the pain is behind you the love will always remain.