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I have recently moved from the northwest to the pensacola area and I am looking for a fill doctor. My band seems to be quite tight right now and would like an unfill. I even went to the E.R and they were unable to help me. Charged me 160.00 though. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I am also willing to drive to surrounding states if need too. I've called 4 doctors in this area and they will not accept me because they didn't due the surgery. Imagine if Doctors treated cardiac by-pass patients that way! Thanks for any info. Banded 3/18/04 Dr Ortiz down -80lbs.
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Looking for Dr. in Baltimore ,Maryland.
mdicurn replied to robinschlachman's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
I had a very bad experience with GBMC and I am now going to The Weight Loss Clinic in Harrisburg, PA, as I live in PA about halfway between Baltimore and Harrisburg. I am an ICU RN and I found the surgeon and dietitian to be fantastic, but their nurse practitioner did not impress me. My BMI was borderline to start with at 39.4 and the NP put me on a diet that my insurance company did not require, and *me* trying to prove to myself and everyone else that I was serious about this decision made the mistake of actually loosing 20 pounds leaving me with a BMI of 37. Mea Culpa. Of course, I was told that they should have submitted my beginning weight/BMI by people on these boards. Anyway, the NP called me said said they were submitting me for approval. Then she called back and said she had made a mistake - and that I still needed a sleep study. So, 3 months into this, after having all my testing done and paying nearly $1,000 out of my pocket, including the $300 that they charge for the NP and Dietitian, I get a call from the office insurance handler. She told me that the NP had talked with the surgeon and they wanted me to pay them $14,000 up front for the surgery. They refused to even try to submit it to my insurance. I told them, as it was the NP's fault for choosing to put me on a diet which my insurance didn't require rather than just getting my testing done and leave it at that, I was done. I wanted a copy of my chart. If I have to pay $14,000 to someone it is going to be someone with some common sense! So, I did some investigation. I called my insurance company and they told me that even though it was an outpatient procedure and did not require prior approval, it *could* be submitted anyway just to make sure it would be covered. GBMC would not do that. To make a long story short, in May I made an appointment with Dr. Currie in Harrisburg and the first thing his staff did when I told them my story was cock her head sideways and ask me why did they put you on a diet? That was when I knew I was in the right place! They took all the testing I had just had done and basically fast-tracked me through their program (of course I have gained back the 20 pounds I lost out of frustration alone!). They are going to submit me for my insurance approval and I should know something within a month. Bottom line, I can't recommend GBMC, but I hope your luck with them was better than mine. -
Anyone had blood clots after surgery?
cbrock1592 replied to PamJ4's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Well - I was off on Short Term when I had the first round of clots. I had just given birth 2 1/2 weeks earlier. But once your anti coagulated - you should be ok to resume normal activities. They usually keep you on blood thinners about a year to give your body time to reabsorb them into your system. The blood thinners do not absorb the existing clots. And your PCP is correct that they just prevent new ones from forming. For example - the DVT in my leg is still there. I had to do a scan prior to my surgery because of my history and I still have one in my leg. They told me not to worry - because its been there over 4 years and it won't move - scar tissue forms over it. I would need to worry if I broke my leg or has some other type of trauma to my leg. I had a DVT/PE in 2003 and had another DVT in 2004 (which I believe is the same one - but they don't know for sure) so I will always be on some form of blood thinner. It is scary stuff. It was my biggest concern getting this surgery - but at this point you now your prone to them and they will now take the extra precautions to make sure this doesn't happen. But I did have a filter put in prior to my surgery which will help from traveling from my leg to my lungs should anything occur. Hope everything goes well! =) -
HELLO EVERYONE!! Just checking in, haven't been on in a while. My last fill was a bit too tight, I went back took a little out, but it is still tight. I cannot eat much of anything. You'd think I'd be losing like crazy, but I've only lost 4 lbs during these last 2 weeks. A drink of water is sometimes too much! My spouse gets irritated when we go out to eat; I can't eat as much as before so he thinks it's not enjoyable. I get to taste "some" of the food and he usually gets the take home box. I do enjoy it, but I have to admit it really isn't much "fun" anymore because my choices are sooo limited.:eek: I'll have to do some looking back, but I think I read where we are going to start having a meeting in Nashville,Ar. soon. That will be better for me. Sugarbear, how are things going for you? I need to change my scale but think I'll wait until I get a few more lbs. off. I'm a year out now and have only lost 44 lbs, have 71 lbs to go to reach ultimate goal. I have gone down 3 sizes in clothes and my energy level is up again, especially since I started taking Juice Plus:smile2:
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Hi Everyone, I got my surgery date, January 8, 2009, for RNY. Now I am so nervous, with the holidays coming on, my 49th birthday next week, and then surgery next month. I can't hardly eat! I am losing weight quickly, which would normally be a good thing, but at this rate my BMI will be too low to qualify for surgery! Has anyone else been so nervous that they can't hardly eat??? I thought I would be having the "Last Supper Syndrome" by now and gobbling up food like crazy. Probably by the time I have to go on the restricted two weeks diet I will be hungry as a horse and going nutso every time I pass a fast food joint! LOL!!!! Lisa
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I have a different view on this subject. I had mine done in Mexico and yes I live close to the border, but even if I did not I would continue to do my aftercare with my original surgeon..I chose him for a reason his experience and knowledge of the band not the price because believe me I could of gotten it done cheaper. Does he use flouro when he does fills? Is this the price with or without fluoro? If he does not use flouro do you feel comfortable with that, alot of us here like the fact our Dr's use flouro it gives peace of mind To me that is so important for me to actually see my band and my port and my restriction..2 of the girls who had surgery the same day as me live out of state and they both fly into San Diego and go to TJ for their fills. Not to mention US docs are very conservative with their fills so in the long run you may need several fills if they only give .5 cc's- .7cc's at a time. Would it be cheaper in the long run to go to TJ and have Kuri give you a decent size fill under flouro? These are the questions you need to aks yourself Who's to say you will need more then 3 fills. For me I Just had my third and I know this one will get me to goal 25lbs from goal ..Everyone is different I know..sometimes though we just have to work a little harder ( mental things) instead making the band do alot of the work, the less ammount of fills/ unfills you have the longer life your band will have according to Ortiz /Martinez
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Pati, I would go for the two year deal. No one knows how many fills you will need. I have had 5 fills and one unfill in 19 months. You would be better off with someone who will offer you a program for your first two years that is local. You may not need more than 1-2, but most bandsters need 3-5 in their first year during ongoing weight loss. The need for a fill should slow down as you get closer to goal. So that would be my advice. Babs in TX 334/185/170 -149 6/23/03
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Any tips on things we will need to have on hand
TheBandedPeach replied to sassyfrass's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi, Make sure you have people who can help take care of you at least the first entire week after surgery for sure! You will be much weaker then they tell you to expect. Although they say it is not a major surgery, any surgery has a heeling process afterwards. I had NO IDEA how helpless I would be afterwards! Thank goodness my mother and Fiance' were around, because I would not have made it on my own very well. Make sure you are prepared at home with liquid or crush-able pain meds as well as LOTS of Gas-X strips and chewables. Gas is what causes the most pain, so if you can get that out of the way, you will feel way better. Since you will be spending a lot of time in bed, make sure you have books and stuff to occupy you. Make sure you rest and walk, rest and walk, rest and walk. Also, since you will be doing a LOT of Protein shakes the 6 weeks after, it is SO HELPFUL to own a magic bullet blender or somthing similar! I love using flavoring extracts like vanilla, Almond, strawberry, etc... to switch up the flavors of the shakes. I never got bored! In fact, I switched up the flavors so often, I soon went back to wanting just plain vanilla again. Vanilla whey protein tastes the best in my opinion, as well as gives you the option to really experiment with flavoring. Also, since you will only be sleeping on your back for a couple weeks after surgery, you might want to make sure you have good padding and pillows for your bed. If you share your bed with your spouse, make sure he or she understands that you will need to take up more room with pillows and do things slightly different in your nightly routine. Since sleep can also be hard to come by after due to being in one position all night, you may want a gentle sleep relaxer. Calms Forte from Whole Foods Market is a great one and all natural. It is very gentle and does not make you drowsy the next morning. By the way... please talk to your doctor first before taking any of my own personal advice. Everyone is different and you may have a different experience or health than me. Blender (Magic Bullet) Liquid and crush-able pain meds Gas X (LOTS) Pillows/cushioning Flavoring extracts for Protein Shakes Good reading material & stuff to occupy the time -
I havent had a fill yet was banded on 11/30. First fill this week on 1/28. I'm alittle bit nervous worried that I'll have these stuck episodes people talk about. But have probably been eating to much without a fill So i'm looking forward to having a bit more control over my eating.
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increasing hunger and guilt after eating
MrsCabes replied to neveo's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This is absolutely normal! Most surgeons do not fill your band when they place it on you, during surgery. Most of the "restriction" you get, is because the band has irritated your stomach and it's swollen. As the puffiness goes down, guess what? NO restriction - meaning, food is just dropping through, as normal. Welcome to Bandster Hell - (I'm in it right now too) This is the time period that we must be patient. It typically takes 3-4+ fills to get to the perfect restriction. I'm on fill #2 (had surgery in Feb) and am no where near my "sweet spot". It's all about will power for a few months - my NUT told me that most people remain the same (weight wise) or even gain during this time period. :thumbup: It's frustrating and disappointing but the important thing is to be patient and know that your band WILL work - it may just not be today or tomorrow. Stay strong and know that thousands of people are going through the exact same thing you are right now!!!! Good luck! -
I'm in my second month of insurance requirements before I can have my surgery. I'm really concerned about my son. I'm a stay at home mom to a 3 year old boy. He's the sweetest little thing, but he is really active. My doctor has already told me I can't lift more than 10lbs until 4 weeks after surgery - so that's going to be extremely difficult, but I'm also worried about him jumping on my stomach. He's a mommy's boy and my shadow. He sleeps with me in the bed at night. There is no way I'm going to be able to go weeks without him wanting to sit on me or for me to pick him up. I'm just curious as to what you other moms have done to keep your kiddos from jumping all over you after surgery and to help them understand you can't pick them up for a little while?
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My French band is portruding like an outie!!
Bobalooey replied to a topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
My doctor said I have a lot of muscle mass around my abdomen and recommended I opt for the low-profile port so that it wouldn't be noticeable after I lose all of the weight. I'm not sure it this was a sales pitch, but the doctor knew I was paying for the whole gig right out of my pocket. I opted for the port (additional $700). Its been a little over two weeks (banded on 6/30/2005) and I actually have to poke around now to find the port, it stuck out quite a bit until all of the swelling went down. I know it will take some time before I know if I got my money's worth, but at this point I'm glad I went for it. -
Hi, I got my first fill yesterday. I was banded on April 25th. I really havent eaten much real food yet, just some cottage cheese, Soup, applesauce ect.......... I just drank liquids until tonight and when I tried to eat some cottage cheese, I felt like I needed to cough. Is this what "restriction" means? It sort of hurt and now it feels like something is kind of sitting there...not real pain, but not too comfortable either. Will this feeling go away or is this what it will always feel like? I dont know how much saline the Dr. put in... I hear he isnt agressive and takes it real slow. I really dont like this feeling. It feels like it is in my chest more than my tummy. Is this normal? thanks in advance for your replies, Janette P.S. I have lost 33 pounds in 6 weeks, which I assume is good.... but my doctor didnt say anything to me yesterday about my weight...is that weird or what? :paranoid
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First Fill Yesterday.... have questions!
FurEllie replied to smurfettegrl's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
My doctor recommends fluids for the first 3 days after a fill (after a "test meal" immediately afterwards ). You might be putting too much strain on your tummy eating cottage cheese. If you still feel this way after a few days, I'll give the dr a call. I was overfilled the first time but I couldn't even keep water down -
Ses - I'm really surprised that your doc would want to fill you every two weeks! My doc and all others I've heard about have to be nearly begged to fill after a month or so. That may be something you need to consider. Doing it too fast doesn't give it time to heal from the previous fill. Also sounds like your doc has the typical bedside manner of troll. Good luck sweetie and we are all here for ya!
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Missy, I was doing the same thing, gaining the same 5 lbs. Here is what I did: 1) Got a fill, I realized I was eating more than I should and more often - Only get a fill if this is the case for you. If you feel you are getting hungry before 3 or 4 hours, and if you are onsuming more than 3 oz of Protein and 1/2 cup of veggies, time for a fill. 2) I got back to the basics, I pulled out my "Band Rules" and started following them again - no, its not easy, but I remembered "Why" I got the band and my goals have not changed. I want to be healthy so in order to do that, I needed to get back to the band rules. You can do it! And just bacause you slip a few times,doesn't mean its over, jump back on the Bandwagon and start following the rules. Best Wishes to you!
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I am goign to NYU to have my surgery and will be doing a 1000 calorie liquid/high Protein diet for 2 weeks before surgery. I start on March 10th since my surgery is on the 24th. I have done medifast in the past and have some of those shakes. When those are finished I will do Slimfast Optima. They also give in for about a veggies Soup you area llowed 2 cups a day. I know I will also supplement with that during the 2 weeks. Christine
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I'm going to NYU for mine, where the standard requirement is a two week liquid diet pre-op. For me, they recommended 6 cans a day of Optima Slimfast, allowing sugar-free drinks, sugar-free ice pops, sugar-free puddings. The idea is to aim for about 1000 cals a day, and to keep Protein intake above 50 gm. If you're going with the surgery, I'd highly recommend WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY FOR DUMMIES - it's a fantastic book, and has loads of information about all aspects of this process.
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I am scheduled to have surgery 3/19. My doctors office doesnt require a pre-op diet, but I wanted to start one, because I think it might be easier for me to transition. Is ther anyone out there who has to do one, and if so what do you have to do?
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1 week post op follow up visit-SO HAPPY!
bmooney364 replied to CyndiMomto3's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
My post op appt was Thursday. I saw the surgeon for maybe a minute. All was well and yeah ,I get to start mushies next week. Only downer we are vacationing in beautiful ,sunny ,Galveston Tx. next week, and I am not allowed to get in the water. I was so looking forward to the heated swimming pool, hot tub and Schliterbaum, but the surgeon said no because risk of infection. I will make up for it next year.I go back for f/u visit in 2 wks. good luck to all. -
I was told my stomach was stretched . I got an unfill last month in TJ Went back yesterday and xray shows I am still stretched.. I was put on mushiies last month..So the Dr. said I would need to have the band repositioned.. DONT KNOW HOW MUCH THAT COST.. ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEA. ANYWAY DR. PUT IN 1.8 cc and put me on LIQUIDS FOR 3 DAYS AND SAID wathch what I eat. meanwhile I have gained close to 8 pds in the 6 wks DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW MUCH REPOSITIONING THE BAND COSTS I WAS A SELF PAY WITH THE ORG SURGERY DIANE:help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :embarassed: :embarassed: :embarassed:
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Fast Food As Addictive As Heroin, Study Confirms
Vanilla sky replied to WrenBird's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
WrenBird you need to look up The Diet Solution by Isabella Del Rossi. It's a 15 minute video keep a pen and pad beside you to take a few quick notes. My husband and I started to eat this way back in March and I lost 15 pounds in the first week. If you do let me know what you think. -
For the first week don't expect to get to 64 oz per day. Surgeons generally recommend 4-8 oz the first day (the day you have surgery), 12-24 oz the second day, 24-36 oz the third day, 36-48 oz the fourth day, 48-64 oz the fifth day and a minimum of 64 oz per day going forward. Increasing your Fluid intake slowly gives your body time to readjust. Start with hot tea in the morning, then go for cooler liquids throughout the day, hot broth, etc. If you start your day with a hot fluid your band will open up a bit and it will make things easier.
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Lita, How are you doing? I am feeling fine...pretty much back to normal. I don't have runs and very little gas anymore. I was advanced to Stage 3 on Thursday and on the following week I was told to go to Stage 4. I did cheat a bit today and had Spanish food but not a lot. I had a meat and cheese empanada and 1 spoon of rice and Beans and a bite of chicken. It was soooooo good but I don't want to start doing that on the regular. The gas will be a problem for you for about a week and then it just goes. I do find I need to eat every 2 hours or so or my stomach will roar like never before. I have Cream of Wheat for breakfast, yogurt for snack, a smoothie or 1/2 c of soup for lunch, an Optifast for mid afternoon snack, and some Protein, veggies for dinner. I always end the day with a popsickle, applesauce, or Jello. My biggest problem is trying to drink 8oz in an hour. I know I need the Fluid but I just forget. I do get full quick but am not losing right now...think I am stagnant. I have been released for exercise so next week its off to the gym. My mini-goal is to lost another 7 pounds by time I go back to the doctor for my first fill on 5/16. Wish me luck!!! I sent you a private message with my email and messenger info...look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Anyone hungry between meals?
MADE IT 2 MY GOAL..OH YEAH replied to batestami's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
HUM: My doctor said just the opposite of yours. He said only 3 meals a day no snacking between meals and only 4-5 ounces when I eat. Guess every Doctor is different huh?
