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I have never heard of anyone losing their teeth. I echo what everyone else here said... as long as you take your Vitamins, supplements and Protein - there is no reason that you should fear losing your teeth. My guess is if you heard someone lose their teeth post surgery - they had some other oral issue going on that really has no correlation to bariatric surgery.

I'm interested in finding out about how people actually pay for their surgery. Anyone willing, would you please indicate the following: 1. Surgery type (RNY, Lap-Band, Revision, Sleeve, etc.) 2. Self-pay, "government" program (ie, Medicare, Medicaid) or private insurance 3. Amount billed (grand total, not itemized!) 4. Amount YOU personally paid 5. Geographic location (either region or state) 6. If you had insurance, did it cover bariatric services? I'm curious what percent self-pay versus those who have insurance & those with insurance, but no bariatric coverage. Thanks in advance for anyone willing to participate...I'll be happy to post the results, so everyone can see any "trends" found!!

I had RNY with private insurance. The total hospital bill was $20,500. I would estimate that I paid $4,000 out of pocket (hosp bills, cost of appts, insurance deductibles, etc). I live in Northern Virginia. My insurance does have bariatric coverage with a six month nutrition, psych eval, and surgical clearance prerequisite.

I am a type 2 insulin requiring diabetic. Have been for over 20 years. Has anyone been on a pump and got off it after bariatric surgery? I would love to just use an insulin pen and spare the cost of expensive insulin pump supplies. Thanks Mark

I started with a phone call to my insurance company and asked specifically what the process was. They were extremely helpful and sent me via email a list of the qualifications and process. That is how I found out I had to use a Bariatric center of excellence for the surgery and they also provided me with a list of those. Just give them a call.

I feel exactly the same way, and worry about the same things I'm still pre-op after I had my psych eval. he recommended for me to see a therapist for depression for 6 months before he would approve me for surgery. My 6 months is up at the end of August and I am too scared to call and schedule my second appt. to get approval from the bariatric psychiatrist. I wish I could just quit thinking about it and do it!!!

Hey everyone, I do not like being the bearer of bad news, but we need to work together and get some help here…brace yourselves. I don’t know if many of you have heard, but it has recently come to my attention that there are NO MORE DATES being given out for WLS through the Richmond bariatric program with Dr. Sampath or Dr. Nguyen. The funding for this program has been cut and there are no more surgeries scheduled after October at this time. For those of you just finding out, I am incredibly sorry for having to share this news with you. For those of you who already knew, I am also sorry to think of how this might be affecting you and your families at this time. Some of you may be waiting for your first consultation at this time, or just beginning to go through the battery of tests and appointments required in this program. To you I say please, please, please do NOT give up. This program changed my life long before I had my surgery and I can’t begin to stress how valuable the experience was in preparing me. I know the pre-op waiting period is a rollercoaster of difficult emotions and struggles, but there is hope and value in learning about yourself and making changes as you go before having this surgery. We all have unique stories and experiences that have brought us to where we are on this journey. For me, it took 7 years to find the right surgeon…when I decided to switch to Dr. Sampath, it wasn’t because I knew my surgery would come up sooner (although that was an exciting thought I considered). What “sealed the deal” for me was knowing that I would be safe and taken care of with West Coast Bariatrics…my post-op care is guaranteed and there is a whole team of specialists willing to help me at any given time with whatever issues or obstacles I may encounter along the way. That, to me, showed a dedication to my health and well-being that I had never experienced with any health professionals before. It was a promise to look out for my best interests and it was definitely the turning point and deciding factor for me. For those of us who have already had this surgery, I’d like to ask that we take a moment and think about how different our lives would be if we hadn’t done this. Those of us who had the opportunity to go through West Coast bariatrics know what tools and experiences are being withheld from countless others in this province who need their help. I also know that there are many individuals who had their surgery in other parts of BC or out-of-province who have shared how they wish they had a program like this to support them before and after surgery. Some of you even have friends and family on the waitlist for the Richmond program and I can only imagine how difficult this news has been to deal with. We all have different issues and histories that brought us to the point of needing this surgery; it is unfair and ridiculous that anyone should be deprived of a life-changing weight loss surgery when there are capable, successful, and willing professionals who want to fight for us. So to all of you, I’d like to ask for some help. The team of specialists at WCB are doing everything they can to support patients through other branches of their program, but they are stressing the importance of reaching out and contacting our Minister of Health in BC and speaking to our MLA’s. They believe that we can make an impact by speaking out in volumes and showing the government that its constituents care enough to demand a change. I am not a political person in any way, but this is an issue that directly affects me and many of my loved ones so I cannot bear to sit idly by. Many of us in the support group for WCB patients on Facebook have already written letters and sent emails or been in direct contact with our MLA’s. At this time, anything helps! Some of us are reaching out to the media as well. Family members, co-workers, friends…anyone who knows about you, your struggles, and the value of this surgery can help us make a difference if they are willing to take the time to send an email or letter. To contact our Minister of Health, Margaret MacDiarmid, please email her directly at margaret.macdiarmid.mla@leg.bc.ca To get in touch with your local MLA, please visit http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-5.htm to find them on the list of BC’s Legislative Assembly. Email them, mail letters, place a call and speak with them...anything! Once again, I apologize for having to bring this up and hope that many of you will reach out to the support systems in your life (i.e. friends, family, support groups, health professionals) to deal with any issues this may bring up. Thank you for getting this far, I appreciate your consideration and hope that we can help West Coast Bariatrics get back its funding so it can keep changing lives and making a difference in the WLS community. Aleya aleyazl@hotmail.com

Brenda, I send you a private message before I saw this thread. I actually had surgery at Brandon Regional, but wish I had gone to Tampa General. My wife had her surgery done by Doctor Murr at Tampa General, and I was there for most of her care. Tampa has an entire unit for bariatric patients, meaning all the nursing staff, and techs, and everyone, will know the best way to react to anything you have. Going through the process is much easier at Tampa General, and you get a much clearer picture of everything that is going to happen, and exactly what you are paying for there. Had I not worked for Brandon Regional, and had I not cared about the drive to Tampa General, I would have had my surgery there. They will treat you extremely well.

5 years ago I found myself 24 years old, 322 pounds, and minserable! I decided to have the lap band surgery with the help and support of my family. I successfully lost 90 pounds and my GERD, but couldnt keep up with the frequent and expensive band fills and eventually gained back 25 pounds and the GERD returned. I became demotivated and couldnt stick to a diet long enough to make much progress. Then, last year by eldest brother had the sleeve gastrectomy and went from being 280 pounds and unhappy, to an active marathon runner and happier than I can ever remember seeing him. Not to mention how handsome he looks! Needless to say, that inspired me to do my homeowork on revision surgery and reach out to my "family bariatric surgeon" Dr. James A Davidson (he complete my mother, father, brother and my surgeries). I was concerned that after my emergency gall bladder surgery 3 weeks ago that I would have to push back my surgery due to the weight loss as a side effect of the gall bladder illness. I started a protein shake diet to boost my health and it worked, Dr Davidson approved my bloodwork results and I had surgery on January 13th! The surgery was slightly longer and a bit more invasive since he had to first remove the lap band equipment, so it feels more painful than I remembered. On the bright side, the staff at Forest Park Hospital (Dallas, TX) were very compassionate and informative and the hospital itself is beautiful. I left feeling prepared to handle any issues that might arise and very optimistic. Its only 3 days post-op and I am feeling better everyday! I cannot wait to see my progess in a few weeks, months and especially in a year. I am also starting to put together an action plan. I want to participate in a marathon, learn to scuba dive, buy a bicycle and join a gym! All the things that I was either too embarrassed by my size or just too overweight to do!

Fluid: • Adequate fluid intake is crucial to prevent dehydration. • Drink at least 64 ounces (8 cups) of sugar-free, non-carbonated fluid daily. • Absolutely no carbonated beverages. • Do not use a straw when drinking your fluids. General Guidelines The first band adjustment usually occurs approximately 6 weeks after your surgery. Follow the guidelines below for best results. 1. DO NOT EAT AND DRINK AT THE SAME TIME ! ! Wait 30 minutes after meals to begin drinking fluids. Stop drinking 30 minutes before your planned meal. 2. For the first six weeks, use a protein supplement (shakes, drinks, etc.) along with your diet. 3. Eat only three meals daily once solids have been added to your diet. 4. Avoid foods that are difficult to digest: nuts, tough meat, celery, etc. 5. Avoid doughy or sticky foods: soft white bread, peanut butter, dried fruits. 6. Chew all food to a pureed texture. 7. Eat slowly taking 20 to 30 minutes to eat your meal. 8. Sip only low calorie beverage between meals. 9. Take your multivitamin every day. 10.Do not snack! Weeks 1 – 2: Full Liquids • Consume liquids that are thin enough to drink through a straw, but don’t use a straw! Drink the liquids in small sips. • Include protein supplements (shakes, drinks, etc.) daily to make sure you meet your protein requirements. • Look for sugar-free alternatives to liquids since it is easy to consume too many calories through liquids alone. • Full liquids keep your stomach from working too hard by decreasing pressure on the band. This will prevent any vomiting in the immediate post-surgical period. http://www.siumed.edu/surgery/bariatric/files/lapband_diet.pdf Allot of people are also very HUNGRY just prior to getting their first fill, it's something to remember as your post op weeks progress. Because in MOST cases your still healing and Band restriction doesn't start until AFTER FILLS

I totally get what your saying. I just recently went under 200. The feeling is amazing:) I'm really excited to hear you are off your blood pressure meds after loosing part of your weight. I was just talking to my husband last night after my weigh in at the Bariatric Clinic. My BP used to be around 160/80's and 90's, sometimes even higher at times. That is one of the main reasons I decided to have this surgery, especially after being admitted a few years back with over 200 BP reading. All I could think was I am too young to die at 40 over something I could learn to control and now as of yesterday I showed 110/72. Hopefully now I can start to get off the two BP pills I take everyday, that would be awesome. Good Luck to you.

This thread was just what I needed I was begining to think that BGH (Buffalo General Hospital) was the only choice in Buffalo. I just got off the phone with a friend that had a bypass done with Dr. Caruana and she could not speak for Dr Vilianco but said the staff there was amazing. Unfortunately they close at noon on Friday so I will have to wait till Monday to call them. I was extremely put off by BGHs lack of compassion, I understand being backed up but I was basically thrust into voicemail twice to leave a name and address to mail a application package to when I called for information. I had to call a different number and get a different person to get though and get permission to pick up a package. I went in person and they had to make sloppy photocopies of the forms while I waited ten minutes. They did not even put that package in the mail till a full week after I had called, it took 10 days to receive from the time I left the voice mail and in reading the cover letter they warn "don't call us we will call you" and it takes "two to six months for a first appointment". No thank you, I will find a practice that is more interested in my business than that. If they are that "backed up" they should be hiring additional staff. I look forward to calling and meeting with a the staff at Synergy Bariatrics.

Can someone translate this for me? I take it as they want me to fail a diet before seeing my surgeon and bring them proof. "Patients should have documented failure to respond to conservative measures for weight reduction prior to consideration of bariatric surgery"

<TABLE class=wide cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TD> I saw this post on another WL support site and did find it veryinteresting. Some of the things this guy says really DOES make youthink. I know I AM quilty of several of the things he wrote about.Remember, this is NOT me writing the following stuff ... It is justsomething I copied from somewhere else. I hope reading it can helpUS all out.Sherri*****************************************************Enough is enough... the truth about the bandI've been reading a lot of the posts lately, and noticing a fewtrends. </PRE> I thought I might address them. </PRE> Many of you are not going to like it, and I expect to get flamed. Iam not trying to peeve folks off, but I feel it is time for someoneto post a frank discussion on the band. Take my words with a grainof salt. This is not directed at any one person in particular, butat a general trend of threads appearing lately. If you're pissed atme after this… OK, but then again, maybe you'll get something out ofit in between the anger. </PRE> Here it is… </PRE> Quit your whining. </PRE> The band is not a miracle. It does not magically make caloriesdisappear from food. It is a tool you need to work WITH not AGAINST.If you work against it, you'll fail. End of story. </PRE> Let's clear up a few misconceptions about the band. </PRE> The band is not malabsorptive like the gastric bypass. The GB worksby allowing the patient to eat less, and more to the point, toabsorb LESS calories from the food they eat. The band ONLY restrictsthe QUANTITY of food, not the QUALITY. If you continue to eat high-calorie crap, you'll lose nothing… period. What this means is thatyou DO need to change your eating habits. You need to eat healthierfood, and less garbage. Some folks will lose some weight with theband because of the smaller quantities without changing their eatinghabits, but that loss will slow or stall, and WILL NOT BESUSTAINABLEunless they learn new habits. Face it folks, what we eat is what gotus fat in the first place. If you don't wanna change that, then youcan stay fat, and don't complain that you aren't losing. </PRE> Yes, you can have occasional treats. I am not saying that you haveto live a deprived life with no treats ever again, but keep themoccasional, and keep them small. Dessert every day is NOTOCCASIONAL. Once a week, maybe. Start looking at your favorite foodsand look for ways to make them healthier. Maybe use less fat, orhealthier fats, leaner cuts of meat, more veggies etc. Try to treatyourself with healthier foods as well, fruit instead of pie, bakedpretzels instead of fried chips, try those rice cakes you see in thestore. When you do have a treat… have ONE SERVING. Look at thelabel… if it says that 9 rice cakes are 1 serving… count them outand only have 9, not the whole bag! Use the sugar-free versions ofthings, the lower fat versions, and the lower carb versions… eatmore fresh foods, and less from packages. Yes, I know that freshfood is more work… too bad. You wanna get healthy? Then do it right.Kraft in the box might go down fine, but is it the right thing todo? Make the effort to cook healthier. It takes more time, butaren't you worth it? </PRE> RNY and Gastric Bypass patients need to diet too. If you think thatthey lose faster, you are right. In essence from malabsorbtion, theytechnically starve to lose initial weight, and lose a lot… morequickly than we do. SO WHAT?!?!? The human body is an amazing thing.It is smart, and learns to compensate. If the GB/RNY patient doesnot learn new, healthy eating habits, then they WILL GAIN THE WEIGHTBACK. In the long run, we have the advantage, as we do not lose atALL without new habits. We have to learn from the get-go, and in theend… our system willl adjust with us as we lose… not giving oursmart body a chance to get used to the new "arrangement" andcompensating for it. RNY/GB might look like a miracle, but it isn'teither. You still are the one in control, but the complications forit are much worse. I'm not dissing it, it is the right choice forsome, but for those who which to switch, simply because they havenot been doing the band with TRUE lifestyle changes… well… they arefooling themselves. Wisen up, and realize YOU need to change to makeany bariatric surgery a long-term success. </PRE> Head hunger, and stress eating are real. They are some of the thingsthat got us here. If it happens to you… GET HELP. Don't just standthere and say… duh, I don't know how to stop. Get on a program, seea therapist, join a bandster support group. Don't just cry aboutit…, DO SOMETHING. If you know emotional eating is an issue, thenyou have an EMOTIONAL PROBLEM, best dealt withby a therapist. Guesswhat folks, that is part of a whole weight loss program! Some maynot need it, but if these issues plague you, then get the help! Thatleads me to the next one… </PRE> Yes, you DO NEED TO EXERCISE. If you think you don't, then you arebeing foolish. Exercise does not mean a formal program at a gym witha personal trainer (although that is a GREAT IDEA). It means gettingout there and moving… biking, skating, swimming etc. Move… move…move!!! A sedentary life is another of the things that got us here.If you think sustained weight loss will happen without it, then youare again fooling yourself. Don't forget, that other than ahealthier life, the number 2 reason we got this done was to lookbetter. Folks, diet alone will not give you a better bod, exerciseand diet will. </PRE> This is not a liquid diet. Yes you will have periods of being onliquids, before and after surgery, and right after fills, but thisis not meant to be liquids for life. The band works by allowing asmall amount of food to stay in the pouch for a while, keepinghunger away. If all you have are Protein shakes… well frankly, theypass right thru, and give NO sustained satiety. You'll be hungry.Period. If all you can get down are liquids, then you are TOO TIGHT.It will NOT HELP YOUR WEIGHT LOSS TO BE TOO TIGHT! In fact, theopposite is true. If you cannot eat solid foods you will likelygain, because LIQUID CALORIES ARE MORE DENSE. You have GOT TO eatsolid food. </PRE> Low carb does not mean NO carb. Should you restrict carbs… yep. Weeat too many. This does not mean eat only protein. You cannotsurvive on only protein, you need veggies and carbs too… just lessof the carbs than you have been having. For one, try using healthiercarbs… want a potato? Eat a small baked red-skin new potato, withsome butter spray on it… instead of fries. Try Dreamfields low-carbpasta for Sunday spaghetti dinners, try brown rice instead of MinuteRice. Avoid the carbs in packaged foods… Mac and cheese, rice a ronietc. If you want mac and cheese, make it from scratch with lower fatcheese and Dreamfields or whole wheat Pasta. Use wholegrain bread,not Wonderbread. And… eat carbs last. Eat the protein first, thenveggies, then if you have room finish your carbs. Lastly… eliminatethe sugar… get it out period </PRE> Fast food is bad. End of story. Stay away from it… all of it. </PRE> Is a pre-op liquid diet important? You bet your boots it is. No, Iknow not all doctor's ask for it… but that doesn't change the factthat they should be asking for it. First off, it shrinks the liver,making it easier for the surgeon to perform the procedure. Second,it begins the weight loss process. Third, it speeds up recovery byhaving the body have less solid waste in the digestive tract, itwill work less, and not stress the points where the band is attached. </PRE> Is the post-op diet… liquids… mushies then solids important? Seeabove. This is for healing. Yes you can eat solid food sooner, and Iknow that this varies from doctor to doctor, but that doesn't meanit should. The stomach needs time to heal, and even though you CANeat solids earlier doesn't mean you should. Heal properly first. Asmost docs will say, any weight loss during this phase is a bonus.This is not the time for loss but healing. May folks WILL gain whengoing to mushies. Expect it. If you don't, you are one of the luckyfew… not the norm. Most folsk do not see real weight loss forMONTHS. This is how it is, deal with it. </PRE> You WILL NOT LOSE ALL YOUR WEIGHT IN A COUPLE MONTHS. Especiallythose of you with under 75 lbs to lose. Less to lose, the slower itwill be… that's it folks. If you got the band with 60-75 lbs tolose, do NOT expect to lose as much a month as someone who has200lbs to lose. Won't happen. If the doc told you it did, he lied.Most successful band patients lose 75% of their excess weight in theFIRST 2 YEARS… yep… years, not months. Deal with it… you are notgonna lose it by summer for swimsuit season. This is not intended tobe SPEEDY weight loss… if you don't get that, see #3 above. </PRE> It's OK to go to a foreign country to get my band because it is moreaffordable to me… Hmmm this one is debatable, and I will keep myopinion of foreign docs out of it. First off, when it comes tosurgery for my body, I don't want the lowest bidder, even though Iwas also self pay… but let's put that aside. I see too many folksgoing to places like Mexico for this procedure because they say thedoc is a brilliant surgeon… this is only 10% about the actualsurgery folks! It is the pre and aftercare provided that makes itwork. If you do NOT have an aftercare doc set up locally BEFORE yougo to Mexico for the surgery… then you are making a HUGE MISTAKE. Iam getting tired of seeing folks say…" I just got my band lastweekend, anyone know of any docs I can see for fills around here?"Geez?!@?!? What are you thinking? Didn't you have this all set upbeforehand? How could you have such a procedure done to your body… aprocedure that requires constant attention (and it is not just forfills folks!) and not be prepared before you do it? If this is yourplan, then I am confused on what you are doing. Aftercare with theband is not just fills, and you need access to a band doc locallyfor any problems. Sure you can get the procedure done in Mexico, buthave preparations for aftercare BEFORE they cut you open. </PRE> Look at the whole program. This is NOT just a surgical option. I'vesaid it before and I'll say it again, the surgery is only 1 hourlong… the rest of my life will be losing and maintaining myhealthier body. Nutritionists, exercise physiologists,psychologists, dieticians, support groups, a good fill doc… theseare ALL necessary to lose and maintain our health. If you only dealwith some of them… you'll fail. When you scout out docs to do thisprocedure, see how they deal with ALL of these factors…not just arethey a good cutter. Then, after the surgery, follow through with allof these. </PRE> If you don't know… ASK! The doctor, not the web group. Sure, it'sgreat to get support and ideas here, but I am amazed how many peopleare on here soliciting medical advice… ASK YOUR DOC! If he won'tgive you a straight answer… then he's not a good doc, and you needto seek out a better one. I mean COME ON!?!?! Now that we have thatstraightened out… let's say your doc tells you to do something… likestay on liquids for 2 weeks… DO IT. If he is a good doc, then thereis a reason to do what he says. This is NOT about you making yourOWN… UNEDUCATED judgment calls… he's the pro here… do what he says.If you don't understand why… then we go back to… ASK. </PRE> I'm sure I could say more, but I am also sure that I've pissed offhalf the folks who have read this. </PRE> Just had to get it off my chest. It is HARD WORK. Anythingworthwhile is. If you thought it was gonna be easy, then you wereeither lied to, or deluding yourself. </PRE> Work hard… get healthy… have a good life. We are ALL worth the time,effort and yes money, to be better healthier people. </PRE> __________________ Big Paul Banded Nov. 17, 20051st fill 1/3/2006: 3.2cc 2nd fill 2/7/2006: Removed 3.0cc, replaced 4.0cc 3rd fill 3/6/2006: Removed 3.6cc, replaced 4.0cc Unfill 3/14/2006: Removed 4.0cc, replaced 3.2cc 4th fill 4/3/2006: Removed 3.2cc, replaced 3.8cc 371/236/189135 lbs lost! 47 lbs to go! </PRE> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></P>

I'm sitting here holding in the tears, the fears, and the upset. I'm sorry to dump this out here, but I need to let it go, and hopefully gain some wisdom from those of you who have been here. The good part - I saw my primary today and presented him with a nice little worksheet I'd done showing my previously failed weight loss attempts, co-morbidity factors in addition to my 46 BMI, my questions, my concerns, my choice of the lap band and the surgeon to perform it. He looked it all over and said I made a good choice for a surgeon for me - that was nice to hear. It's good to know my primary respects him in the field. Now, the bad part - He doesn't think the band is worth it for me. He admits that he's not overly experienced with band patients, but he does have RNY bariatric patients. He said he's read a lot of literature on the band (so have I!!!) but just doesn't think it's going to be what I need because portion control isn't my problem. He wants me to go with the RNY because he's seen it work fast in his other patients. I feel like I just got kicked in the face - even if it was done politely. I've put so much time into researching, reading, and educating myself about the band. I have spent probably 25 hours in the last week reading and learning all I could find. I felt like this would be the right choice for me for all the following reasons: 1. I don't really want my guts re-routed (God made them this way for a reason) 2. There's so much less risk, and with 2 kids I can't afford to have major problems - especially not death 3. It's reversible *if* there was a problem 4. Easier recovery and less hospital time 5. The band wouldn't require me to be on special Vitamins, etc. for the rest of my life (what happens if I lose insurance?!? then what?!?) 6. So many people have found success with the band it gives me hope Are we seeing a pattern here? I really don't want the RNY, for so many reasons. And yet, this is what my primary wants for me. I'm scared, I'm confused, and I'm heartbroken. I did get the referral to the surgeon and I will of course discuss all this with him, but - pardon my trucker mouth - but WHAT THE F*$#?!? Have any of you gone through this? Any sage words of wisdom? Thoughts? I'm sorry to have dumped all this, I just really need some support through this tough night. Thanks for listening El

I really can't complain about my primary.. he's really been an excellent Dr. to me for many years (and he's super test happy - checks EVERYTHING). I think perhaps he's simply ignorant to enough information about the procedure. For the last couple years he has suggested WLS to me, but always the RNY of course. I just can not, and will not do that. I think it's a wonderful thing for people who are comfortable with it - I simply, am not. He didn't give me a hard time or anything, just really is set that he doesn't believe in the band from the literature he's read. He did give me the referral to the surgeon with no complaints, and he is pleased that I want to take control of my weight. Maybe I can be the patient to enlighten him and open him up to a new idea. I *BELIEVE* with all that I have inside of me that this is the right choice for my life. I *KNOW* in my heart of hearts I will succeed.. and then he'll have to see it for what it is. I'll be the proof, sans pudding ::grin:: I am determined to do this, one way or another. Luckily, the surgeon I'll be seeing is a good one, and he's also the only one in my HMO plan that does the band. I've checked him out pretty well, no complaints/malpractice/reprimands on his record. He's actually highly regarded and the head of the bariatric program through my HMO. That certainly makes me feel better. It was hard getting shot down today, but you all have succeeded in lifting my spirits and re-enforcing that this is the right choice in my mind. Thank you. And again, I think my Dr. is simply ignorant to the potential - I'll show him! El

I had my surgery done in Mexico. My follow-up care is performed by Dr. Vafa Shayani. He is a pioneer in gastric banding surgery. He started performing LAP-BAND surgery soon after its FDA approval in 2001, making him one of the first surgeons in the United States to perform this procedure. Dr. Shayani’s extensive experience and successful outcomes led to his status as a Proctor for the LAP-BAND. He has been approved by ASMBS as an Individual Surgeon with Bariatric Center of Excellence designation. Additionally, Dr. Shayani held the rank of Associate Professor of Surgery and the Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at Loyola. I trust my MD implicitly. Just because he does things a bit differently than some other physicians doesnt mean he is doing them wrong.

*scratches head*....ummmm....actual "dumping" does not happen to lapband patient.....perhaps they have a phamplet they hand out to Bariatric patients and they lumped banding in with it. Dumping is most certainly something that you do not need to worry about.

<TABLE style="TABLE-LAYOUT: fixed; WIDTH: 1185px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0 x:str><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 56.25pt" height=75><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 56.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=75> Florida: Tiffany Jesse FLORIDA - Tiffany Jesse </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>727-584-7666</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$200 after first fill. Hospital charges $350 for first visit. (Total for 1st visit is $550)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 94pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=125>First fill is done with fluoro (subsequent fills can be done w/o)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">2039 Indian Rocks Rd., Largo, FL 33774 http://www.shedthepounds.com</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 68.25pt" height=91><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 68.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=91>FLORIDA - Hollywood area/ Dr. Thomas Bass</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>954-966-8559</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$250 consult, $250 each fill, $250 monthly membership fee for 12 months until u are an established patient</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">1150 N. 35th #575, Hollywood, FL 33021</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 38.25pt" height=51><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 38.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=51>FLORIDA - Miami/ Dr. Alejandro Hernandez-Cano & Dr. Ponbo</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>305-446-3636</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$100 consults, $300 fills w/ fluoro</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">55 West 3rd Street, Hialeah, FL 33010</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 38.25pt" height=51><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 38.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=51>FLORIDA - Miami/ Dr. Brian Dunkin & Dr. Robert Bailey</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>305-243-2424</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$800-$1500 for fills @ hospital</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">1475 NW 12th Ave. Ste #4023, Miami, FL 33136 Price depends on cc's of Fluid. Price quoted is thru Insurance, call for info on self pay.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 25.5pt" height=34><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 25.5pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=34>FLORIDA - Miami/ Dr. Juan Fleites</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>305-856-3212</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>Call for current price.</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">3661 South Miami Ave., Ste # 205, Miami, FL 33133</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 25.5pt" height=34><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 25.5pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=34>FLORIDA - Miami/ Dr. Lourdes Pelaez</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>305-670-4134 or 305-670-0311</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>Call for current price.</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">7400 N. Kendall Dr., Ste # 403, Miami, FL 33156</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 38.25pt" height=51><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 38.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=51>FLORIDA - Coral Gables/ Dr. Eddie Gomez & Dr. Moises Jacobs</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>305-669-2388</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$200 fills (no fluoro)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">Laparoscopic Center of So. Florida 1150 Campo Sano Ave. Ste # 300, Coral Gables, FL 33146 (in Miami)</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 51pt" height=68><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 51pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=68>FLORIDA - Weston/ Dr. Raul Rosenthal & Dr. Samual Szomstein</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>954-659-5228 or 954-659-5239</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$250-$450 consult fee (depends on lab tests, etc) $250-$500 for fills</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">Cleveland Clinic 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL 33331 (near Davie, FL)</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 51pt" height=68><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 51pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=68>FLORIDA - Ft. Lauderdale/ Dr. David Diaz, Dr. Michael Perez, Dr. Ravindra Mailapur & Dr. Robert Marema</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>954-351-1589 or 954-351-7770</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$175 office visits, $250 fills (no fluoro)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 94pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=125>$150 for fluoro (if needed)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">U.S. Bariatrics 4800 NE 20th Terrace Ste # 303, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308 Speak to Elba Ext. #109</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 38.25pt" height=51><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 38.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=51>FLORIDA - Atlantis area/ Dr. Kenneth A. Larson</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>561-439-1500</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$250 consult, $250 fills (no fluoro)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">Near JFK Hospital 142 JFK Dr., Atlantis, FL 33462 (in Palm Beach County, near Boynton Beach) Will ONLY do fills on INAMED lapbands.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 23.25pt" height=31><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 23.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=31>GEORGIA - Jaimie Ponce</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>866-552-7546</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>about $550</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=1 colSpan=2></TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: nowrap; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=1></TD></TR><TR style="WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 30.75pt" height=41><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 30.75pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=41>GEORGIA - Dr. Rick Finley</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>404-688-1934</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$400 (but may also have a 3-fer deal)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 94pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=125>Please call.</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=112 colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 64.5pt" height=86><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 64.5pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=86>GEORGIA - Barry McKernan</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>770-924-8808</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$400 per fill…or 3 fills for $1000</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 94pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=125 x:str="Each fluoro is $200 extra and he requires a barium swallow prior to the first fill ">Each fluoro is $200 extra and he requires a barium swallow prior to the first fill </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=175> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE style="TABLE-LAYOUT: fixed; WIDTH: 1185px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0 x:str><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 63.75pt" height=85><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 63.75pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=85>MISSISSIPPI - Ocean Springs/ South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>800-537-8809 or 228-872-7277</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>Please call to find out.</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 94pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=125 x:str="Initial visit w/the surgeon first before fills. Fills are done at the surgery ctr. Under fluoro. ">Initial visit w/the surgeon first before fills. Fills are done at the surgery ctr. Under fluoro. </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">Payment is required at time of service. No insurance. http://www.smsurgicalweightloss</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> I am not exactly sure how up to date this list is and I have never used these doctors so I can't vouch for any of them they are just part of a list I got that are supposed to fill Mexico patients.

I also think the surgeons who perform these surgeries need to catch up to obesity research, in many cases. Most, if not all, bariatric surgeons were general surgeons at one point who jumped on the bariatric bandwagon when insurance started paying for these procedures. I'm not sure what extra training they received but I think many of them are undereducated on the factors that result in obesity as well as realistic weight loss goals and weight gain after surgery. Obesity is a disease but is not treated as such by many in the medical profession and certainly not by the media or public. Blame the victim.

Well, this is one of the things I like about my bariatric center. For the first time in my life I began to understand obesity as a "disease process" and all the REAL reasons I could not maintain a weight loss without WLS. I agree with you though, and alot of nutritionalists are freaking clueless. Pre WLs, I went to a nutritionalist who apparently thought I was illiterate and clueless because we played with plastic fake food. Like, if only I really understood the difference between a potato and brocoli. If only I could grasp that 1/2 cup is half of a cup.... then i would clearly have control over my obesity. It was all I could do to refrain from saying "I am fat, not necessarily stupid"

My insurance also required a 6 month supervised weight loss management, although when I started I was on a different insurance company that I would no way have surgery through them but knew I would have different insurance because of a new job I was getting. So I paid out of pocket for the first 4 months but glad I did. I also was worried that I didn’t lose enough or too much to still be able to qualify... what I was told was that they do go by your original weight, even if you should go under the BMI requirements that they know some of us just can’t keep it off without the surgery so no problem there. I am lucky that I only have about 100 lbs to lose, and being allergic to dairy helps me as I won’t have as much transition for that issue. I was worried when I felt I hadn’t lost enough for my monthly weigh in and appt with the dietitian but she said she saw that my muscle mass was going up and fat mass going down even though I wasn’t losing a lot of weight but over all the trend was going down.. that made me feel a lot better.. i am very blessed I have an awesome bariatric team where I am getting my surgery done. I think that is a huge help on this journey. i just found out yesterday that my surgery date is January 30th!!! But I still working on a goal weight I have in my mind before I get on the table! 😊 good luck and keep in touch!

I was just stating what my doctor told me, a person who has performed over 4000 bariatric surgeries. He was also Duke fellowship trained. They are one of the best bariatric programs in the country. So I think he may know a little something. I oozed and absolutely had no problems.

I just bought my Gas-X strips and a box of premier protein shakes. I will still have some boxes of broth, sf jello, bariatric advantage shakes left from my preop diet. Need to start packing my bag!

I'm taking the Bariatric Pal One multi with iron (https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one-day-bariatric-capsule-45mg-iron?channel=buy_button&amp;referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bariatricpal.com%2Ftopic%2F437232-what-kind-of-vitamins-should-i-buy%2F&amp;variant=13156335845453&amp;) My surgeon recommended looking for a bariatric specific multivitamin since they have a higher dose of each individual vitamin/mineral than those in the general market for non-bariatric patients. I would have to take 2-3 regular multi pills to fulfill the recommended post surgery daily supplement dose. I'd rather chomp down one pill per day, since I also have to work in 3 500mg calcium chews and they can't be taken together. Some days I toss the chewable multi into a breakfast smoothie. I'm 1-month post op, and I'll revisit the vitamin supplementation scenario at my 3-month followup appointment.