I am 5'3" and right now i am tipping the scales at 205ish. I have the absolute swellest hubby:cool: in the world! He has presented me with the 15 g's needed for the surgery.

I went to one of Dr. Spiegel's seminars, but after researching doctors in the houston area, I have decided to go with Dr. Spivak. My consult is Saturday, February 4, 2006. I will definitly be completing the appropriate paperwork and getting that cashier's check from the bank, ASAP.

Anyone have any good advice for me?:help:

I also want to track my progress with pics, measurements, weight loss totals, etc. Is this the best place to do this??

Any advice welcome!:clap2:

Dr. Spivak is a great choice! Congrats!! Write down any questions that you have ahead of time.

This would be a terrific place to keep track of your progress. Some even keep journals.

Shawn

I have said it before about Dr. Spivak on this site...he is the most awesome doctor! I actually saw him today for my 2nd fill and he is so easy to talk to and he gets the jokes! Alot of doctors are dry and stuffy. That is a major plus, he has a sense of humor and his staff is great! You, in my opinion, have made the best choice in doctors. I have never heard of any complaints about him on this site. He is gentle, understanding and oh so sweet! I told him today that I saw his new commercial and he asked me what I thought about it and which one I saw...and I told him..."I don't know which one it was...All I knew was that it was you talking and I said to myself...'That's my guy! He's the bomb!'...and he giggled at that comment! It was funny...then he put the needle in for my fill.... ! That doesn't hurt either...no numbing meds needed for fills...he is so gentle. And he always has a smile on his face as if he is happy to see each and every patient. I could go on and on about how great he is but you will find out soon enough. If you have any questions his staff is great at getting any question answered. Congrats!!!!!

Thank you so much for answering. I feel like such an ameteur, and I really want to build a foundation for a support system.

I have chosen to only let my closest friends and closest family members in on this choice I have made. I am not sure why I am so secretive about it. I am definitly not ashamed of this decision. I guess I just do not feel like I am ready to defend my choice to people who may not agree.

I also do not want people to try to talk me out of it. So many people who have not studied this matter seem to immediately associate my choice with the more drastic GBS.

Did any of you have those kinds of feelings?

I have told 4 of my closest friends, my oldest son...he is only 12, but he is a strong source of support for me, my husband and my mom and dad. My 3 brothers will know in time, but I think I will wait until they see my happier, healthier, and thinner.

I am I wrong for feeling this way?!

Hi...I'm new here as well and can relate to many of your feelings. I too have met some resistance with family/friends b/c they don't understand the difference between the band and GBP. They seem shocked about my decision. I told my mother that if she didn't want to support my decision (she is worried about the risks) then I asked her not to discourage me when I talk about. I also offered to send her info if she wants at anytime.

Now that I've made the decision to go forward with the band, I want to call or e-mail ALL my family and friend b/c I'm so excited about writing a new chapter in my life. :clap2: As far as I'm concerned the benefits are worth the risks. Also, I have come to the conclusion that this is a very personal decison and if someone wants to disagree, that's fine. They can state their opinion, but that won't change how I feel. Knowledge is power and most of the people that seem to disapprove, don't understand what the band is or what it does for you.

I also have the support of my husband and he actually is the one that told me about the band a couple of years ago when he worked for Ethicon Johnson & Johnson. They purchased the rights to market the Swedish band here in the US. He is going to get the band after I'm fully recovered b/c we have 2 small children and want more.

Does anyone know the difference between Inamed band and the Swedish Band? It doesn't really matter b/c I'm getting the Inamed, but I was just interested if there was an actual difference.

I am not sure what the difference is, but let me know when you find out.

Hi, I recommend you ask the following:

How many bands have you installed? (stats show that competency begins at 100 surgeries. The more they do (some have done thousands) directly relates to the probability that YOUR surgery will be a success.

Ask about thier support group. How often, who, do they have a dietician on staff? Monthly support groups for a year is probably the optimal standard.

What about getting fills? Is it free? Should/could be. For a year. Ask.

good luck!!

congrats on the 250!!!

thanks for the suggestions on questions.

Best of luck to you. Your making a good decision using your doctor. There is also another board in the Houston area that offers support.http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/HoustonAreaBandsters/

Thanks! i am work now, but i will check that out tonite at home. gotta inspect it at home, and make sure the content wont upset the bosses.