Hey Louisianians...I'm a pre-banster...looking for some locals for support/personal experiences....

The following is off Dr Speigel web site

LAKE CHARLES SUPPORT GROUP

We are please to announce that a support group has been formed to meet the needs of our patients in Lake Charles and the surrounding areas. The meetings take place the 2nd Thursday of each month in the Conference Room of the Managar Center in Westlake at 6pm.

For questions or reservations please contact:

Lisa Ford @ (337)515-1669

or

Diane Vinson @ (337)433-4723

Note: The Lake Charles Support Group has been formed independently by patients in that area. While they are patients of Dr. Spiegel's, the group is in no way affiliated with the office sponsored Port Neches and Houston support groups. Dr. Spiegel and Texas Laparoscopy Center cannot be held responsible for the topics presented, content or advice given during the meetings.

We meet also for walks (3/18/06) & meals (3/23/06)

We have a great time come & join us

:clap2:

Debbie

Hi Shontel,

WELCOME to LapBandTalk.com.

Guess what???

Im in LC too.

Have you chosen a surgeon yet?

Dr Spiegel did my surgery in July of 04.

Please stay in touch. There are MANY bandsters in our area, but Ive yet to meet any!

Yep, going to Mexico. Can't wait to be on 'your side' of things...email me :confused:

I'm in Shreveport and just got banded

TODAY.

Besides being gassy...I'm fine.

Good luck with yours.

Hey in North Bossier City! about to get banded in 3 months!

Hello all!! I am in Shreveport. Banded by Merriman on Feb 24th. Good luck!!

Merriman is going to do my surgery too! How was it? I'm really nervous!

My surgery was Wednesday and now this is Friday of the same week. I plan to go back to work on Monday if all is well.

Mainly, I'm just really sore in my upper abdomen area. Partly because its probably all bruised in there...and partly because of the gas.

I feel better up walking around. Lying down, its hard to get comfortable right now.

Good luck with yours.

- - Rhlane

Hammond, Louisiana here.

Hello Trisha K.

I'm am now 3 days post-op.

My pain is less today, I think. Still really sore, so its

hard to tell. I know I'm itching like crazy near my incisions.

I couldn't really read my body today to see what it actually

was I was feeling. It felt like hunger, but I didn't feel like eating anything.

I ended up warming up some cream of tomato Soup. I ended up eating the whole can of soup, but had to spread it over 3 meals (1/3 can for Breakfast, 1/3 lunch, 1/3 dinner).

Can you share your early experience with the band...then compare it to now (6 months later)??

- - rhlane

Hello Trisha K.

I'm am now 3 days post-op.

My pain is less today, I think. Still really sore, so its

hard to tell. I know I'm itching like crazy near my incisions.

I couldn't really read my body today to see what it actually

was I was feeling. It felt like hunger, but I didn't feel like eating anything.

I ended up warming up some cream of tomato soup. I ended up eating the whole can of soup, but had to spread it over 3 meals (1/3 can for breakfast, 1/3 lunch, 1/3 dinner).

Can you share your early experience with the band...then compare it to now (6 months later)??

- - rhlane

Hello and congrats on your surgery. I itched a bit after surgery too but I wasn't in pain. I took pain meds the first day and a half just to avoid the pain though. I doubt that I really needed it. I didn't feel like eating anything either. I sipped on my Water and had a few sugar-free Jello cups, but that's it.

As far as right now, I'm feeling great! I am so happy with my band and have the proper restriction (for now).

I hope your recovery goes well. Good luck!

I saw Dr. Rachel Moore in Covinton Friday I was woundering if anyone had used her she is very nice took her time with me to answer all my question. I am from Pass Christian for self pay they have the best price and not that far away. I'm so excited i don't think i going to be able to sleep waiting on the call they are going to call by tues to set a date Dr. Moore said within 3weeks boy I hope she is right. I can not wait to be on the other side.. summer is right around the corner and I can not find any cute fat clothes.

I saw Dr. Rachel Moore in Covinton Friday I was woundering if anyone had used her she is very nice took her time with me to answer all my question. I am from Pass Christian for self pay they have the best price and not that far away. I'm so excited i don't think i going to be able to sleep waiting on the call they are going to call by tues to set a date Dr. Moore said within 3weeks boy I hope she is right. I can not wait to be on the other side.. summer is right around the corner and I can not find any cute fat clothes.

My surgeon was Dr. Thomas Lavin from the same office. I have nothing but good things to say about everyone at Surgical Specialists of Louisiana. You're in good hands. Keep us posted.

P.S. You and I were born on the same day but 7 years apart.

Hey Shontel,

I live near LC too. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat.

I just made my appointment for Surgical Specialists in Covington. Wish I didn't have to wait until mid April. They said it would be about three weeks after that before the lap band is done. Not impatient just don't want time to chicken out. I really need to get this done. I have about 130 pounds to loose.

What are the first couple of days post surgery like? Can I really go back to work shortly after?

:confused: