I'mWiththeBand

When I first looked into banding I spent alot of time on this board...reading mostly, seldom posting. Then I got my band (7/17/06, Elmer Valin, St Ray's, New Haven, CT) and was on every moment. Things have gone really well and I find myself on here less and less but I am very happy to find this all male thread! Tarami - How did things go with Valin? His office is great and you are in good hands at St. Ray's. Let me know if you have any questions. Jack 325/307/255

I want to second the reccommendation of Dr. Valin. His staff is great and he is the best in the business. Everything has gone very smoothly for me since surgery, and it only took 6 weeks from the time I attended the info session to the time of surgery. Best of Luck!

I was looking for a photo of Bruce Springsteen on the internet. Google sent me to the website of the gay mobster on the Sopranos. (apparently there was a photo of Bruce and himself on his site some where) Buried in an interview on his site he mentions his 100lbs weight loss and said he did it with the help of the "band". That was the first I heard of it.

I attended an information session June 3, 2006. I was really focused on getting this done and let everyone along the way know that. I met with the dietician, physcologist, had a cardiac consult and testing, attended a support group, a presurgical meeting, 5 day modified fast and office vists at my surgeon's office and am now scheduled for July 17, 2006. So, that is about six weeks start to finish. Hope that helps.

I am scheduled for banding 7/17/06. Yesterday I had an endoscopy. My Dr. said I had a small hiatal hernia but not to worry about it. I was pretty groggy when he told me this so I asked him again when I was in recovery and he asked if I had acid reflux or heartburn. I said "no" and he said it won't be a problem. I asked if it need to be fixed and he said he wouldn't know until he was in there but didn't think so. I am concerned that this hernia might get worse with the band or otherwise screwup the effectiveness of the band. Does anyone out there have any experience with a hiatal hernia found before banding? Thanks. Jack