Has anyone had their surgery done by Dr. Domkowski? If so please let me know because thats my doctor and you can share your experience with me,

I have my appt with his dietician on the 25th- when are his support groups and where are they located? @ Sebastian hospital too?

His support groups are the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6pm. They are run by the psychiatrist who does his pre-op evaluations. I'm not overly fond of her, but the group is great for support and the members seemed really nice when I went last month.

They also do it on the 4th Wed too at Palm Bay hospital and the nutrionist is not there.

Graystonia, I loved the nutritionist, but didn't care for the psyche doctor. Is the psyche doc at the Palm Bay meetings?

And, I just spent some time watching you tube videos for Graystonia and several others about VSG. I'm amazed at the amount of information you guys put out there. I loved, loved, loved Mr Smiley's interview with Dr Domkowski.

Oh I'm sorry, the psyche doctor is what I meant, so many doctors we had to see. No doctors are at the Palm Bay one, just people that have had WLS and it is run by someone who is certified who had the lap band.

And, I just spent some time watching you tube videos for Graystonia and several others about VSG. I'm amazed at the amount of information you guys put out there. I loved, loved, loved Mr Smiley's interview with Dr Domkowski.

Thanks and yes, Mr. Smiley's are all awesome, he is a great success.

Graystonia, I loved the nutritionist, but didn't care for the psyche doctor. Is the psyche doc at the Palm Bay meetings?

when and where are the PB meetings?? Are ya'll referring to the blonde lady?? I met her a few years back when I was banded and our support group (pardon the pun) dis banded.. lol didn't care for her too much either...very pretentious and hoity toity...

lml, My objection to her is that it appears she's fixated on depression. she told me that I am severely depressed and have been for years...oh, and that I'm in big danger of becoming an alcoholic after surgery. Um, nope. Wrong on both counts.

The Palm Bay Hospital does it on the 4th Wednesday of the month, I'm not 100% sure of the time, but she usually sends an email before hand and I will post it in here. The Palm Bay hospital is on Malabar east of Babcock. I don't remember her hair color but her name is Jill. I have only been once so I really don't have a big opinion of her yet. I plan on going next week to both support groups (Sebastian and Palm Bay hospital).

I'll be at the Sebastian group next week, so hopefully we'll get a chance to say hello! I started my liquid diet this morning, prepping for the 30th.

lml, My objection to her is that it appears she's fixated on depression. she told me that I am severely depressed and have been for years...oh, and that I'm in big danger of becoming an alcoholic after surgery. Um, nope. Wrong on both counts.

LOL only cuz that's job security and CHA CHING for her!!! NOT!!! I agree.... I was just really put off by her... I'm in the medical field and I HATE people (doctors nurses etc) who think they are BETTER than everyone else and talk down to you... I mean she whipped out a Protein bar that was like $4.99 EACH and said she ONLY eats Greek yogurt. well back then * 4 years ago) there was only 1 greek yogurt and it was NASTY and i'm sorry but there is NO Protein Bar (unless wrapped in gold) that I would EVER buy that is 5 bucks by it'self.. A shake maybe but not a friggen bar- I mean COME ON I was not born yesterday.. Wow.. That felt good !! see FREE THERAPY!!!! lol... I'm going to try and make the PB meeting- I live in Sat Bch so Sebastian is a drive in itself... Looking forward though to meeting all of you!

lml, I don't know if I'll be able to make the Palm Bay meeting. I've got tons of doctor's visits coming up since I'm so close to surgery and have a bunch of co-morbities (Blood Clots, 2 pulmonary embolisms, borderline diabetic, severe sleep apnea, and pneumonia tendencies). They are running me crazy with doctor's appointments. One of the benefits I'm praying to see from the surgery is reduction or elimination of the above health issues.

As for the psychiatrist, dr lynn williams, she claims she doesn't want to be my long-term therapist., I hope not, because I don't think I'd ever feel that I could divulge my deepest and darkest secrets to her. @@ At the support group meeting I attended, she was "encouraging" the attendees to be sure to buy organic dairy products ... "at least buy organic cheese if the budget is tight"... and she advocates buying 2% milk rather than skim milk because "skim milk is full of sugar". And, of course, both are full of hormones that are making "our girls grow up too quickly". I prefer organic fruits and veggies if I can afford them, but I'm not as crunchy granola as she seems to be. Thank goodness.

The next support group meeting for the Palm Bay Hospital is next Wednesday Aug24^th at 5:30 if anyone wanted to attend.

Sebastian River Support Group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6pm at Sebastian River Medical Center in the main dining hall (same place where the Sebastian River Medical Center seminar is). Dr. Williams (left) is the group facilatator. If you are thinking about having the surgery and want to talk directly with some patients that have already undergone either the band or the sleeve surgery please attend one of the monthly support groups. They are a great way to meet other people and learn about their experience first hand.