I had my surgery on 7/22 in New Orleans... Just wondering if anyone here is from my area.

weight loss right after surgery is very alluring - you drop pretty quickly b/c you're not eating and you're sore. Then .....you heal....and get hungry....and are on your own...its lovely known as "bandster hell." But I still think its very worth it and you do drop weight, just not at the same rate as before until you get restriction (like she said ...aroung 3rd fill).

Good luck!!

Hey everyone! I'm from the New Orleans area too! I was banded on Nov 5, 2009 by Dr. James Wooldridge at Ochsner.....love, love, loved him and the hospital staff. He is so nice :scared2: Good luck to everyone!

I don't mind the questions at all. Click on my name and that should link u to my other posts. They will explain the restriction issue. Yes I have posted that question on here and got some realy good and informative replies. I was banded May 28. I was self pay, so I had first appt on a Thursday. I went on vacation the next week. Had all my pre op test,blood work, and stuff on Monday. Had followup on Thursday, and surg that Friday morning. It went fast. Scheduled all of it at my very first apointment.

As far as restriction, you will feel it the first 6 weeks because of swelling. Then its gone.... bandster hell, but I'm going to make it, and I can do this. I ordered several exercise dvd's this morning. I'm back on lo-carb(I've lost 70 lbs twice before doing that with exercise)...so, I know I can do it, just a matter of making myself do it.

And I don't mind at all if you want to message me email me. Mommy2brayden@aol.com..

Benton, Louisana here, Merriman too, surgery this past Friday, July 23rd. After my first visit with him I almost didn't go back, he would ask me questions and then act like I talked too much for trying to answer. I figured it out by the second question, he didn't want me to answer, just listen. You don't really see him much, it is mostly his staff, and they are VERY, VERY NICE. I know that he is one of the most experienced surgeons in Louisiana and that counts for a lot, I want someone that has been doing this for years and has it down to a science. I'm happy with my choice.

So funny you said that. Yep, he likes to ask trick questions. Learned real fast to act stupid and say.... I don't know anything. You are the doctor and expert. You tell me the answer. That make him happy, and you will get along much better.

Yes, he has been doing this for YEARS, and I am confident in his ability... just taking me a while to put myself in check.

Hey! I'm in Monroe. I was banded on May 28, 2010 in Dallas by Dr. Cribbins. I actually just got my first fill two days ago. I already had 1cc and I had 2ccs added for a total of 3ccs.

Hey everyone! I'm from the New Orleans area too! I was banded on Nov 5, 2009 by Dr. James Wooldridge at Ochsner.....love, love, loved him and the hospital staff. He is so nice :cursing: Good luck to everyone!

I attended the seminar yesterday. I went in planning to have Dr. Richardson do my surgery and came out determined that Dr. Wooldridge do it. He was so nice and took as much time as everyone needed to get questions answered. I was 100% decided on the surgery when I went in and 200% decided when I left after talking to him!

My 1st appointment is August 3rd...hopefully, I can get this done before the end of the year!

Congrats Vicky!!! He is a great doctor, not to mention not bad to look at too...lol!! He is very patient and very easy to talk to if you have questions. Amber the PA is very nice too, she will be the one doing the fills after your first follow up appointment after surgery :cursing: Good Luck, I'm here if you ever have any questions or you can email me at kboudreaux@cox.net

Congrats Vicky!!! He is a great doctor, not to mention not bad to look at too...lol!! He is very patient and very easy to talk to if you have questions. Amber the PA is very nice too, she will be the one doing the fills after your first follow up appointment after surgery :cursing: Good Luck, I'm here if you ever have any questions or you can email me at kboudreaux@cox.net

LOL...Definately not bad to look at...one lady at the seminar asked me if I thought all of the doctors in the practice were as good looking as he is...

My appointment next week is with Amber...they said that for lap-band patients they normally have them meet with her first but Dr. Wooldridge is the one who will do the surgery.

Thanks for the email address...I will definately take you up on it!

I really like Dr. Wooldridge! He is good looking! LOL!!!

The entire staff is extremely nice.... I am soooo glad I decided to have my surgery there!

I had my consultation with Amber today...Can I say that I just love the staff at Ochsner! I met with Amber, Minnie and Monique and they think that everything is on track to potentially have the surgery in about 8 weeks!!!

I am absolutely thrilled!!!!:blushing:

I also had my surgery on 7/22/10 @ Ochsner Jefferson Hwy. Dr. Richardson. Feeling pretty good.

I also had my surgery on 7/22/10 @ Ochsner Jefferson Hwy. Dr. Richardson. Feeling pretty good.

How did your surgery go? When I spoke with Amber she said that I should plan to spend one night in the hospital...is that what you did? Do you have any advice?

How did your surgery go? When I spoke with Amber she said that I should plan to spend one night in the hospital...is that what you did? Do you have any advice?

Congrats Vicky!!! Definately plan on spending a night. Dr. Wooldridge likes for all his patients to spend one night so that he can make sure everything goes smoothly and there are no complications. I spent the night and as soon as the meds wore off I got my but out of bed and walked the halls as much as possible. I think that moving helps you not be so sore. Good luck and keep us posted.

:drool:Dr. Richardson performed my surgery on 7/22/10. I did not meet him until 2 days prior to surgery and was alittle nervous. He was professional and to the point. I am used to getting to know my physicians and this was different. I did not see him after surgery because a resident did rounds the evening after surgery and this next morning before I was discharged. The resident was professional and yet friendly. The first night after surgery I had alot of pain. The nurses were wonderful and took very good care of me. I went today for my 2 week follow up and was seen by Amber, who is wonderful. I also saw Laura for my dietary guidelines and she is always so terrific. I adore her. I've been meeting with Laura for seven months and she has taught me so much. Well I lost 10 lbs since surgery and can now start progressing to soft foods. YUM !! Lots of luck !!

Thank you all for the words of encouragement! I absolutely LOVED Amber. I think she will be great to work with. Now I just need to get all of my tests and evaluations completed (I have my psych consult tomorrow)...I am hoping to be banded by late October or early November...