Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum



Recommended Posts

hey, munchkin! good to see your "typeface" on here again!

don't know much about the Vitamin issue, but the B12 thing makes sense.

well, bless dr. atkins! i am down 4 pounds since tuesday and now have a number on the scales that i haven't seen in years!:thumbup:;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hey, munchkin! good to see your "typeface" on here again!

don't know much about the Vitamin issue, but the B12 thing makes sense.

well, bless dr. atkins! i am down 4 pounds since tuesday and now have a number on the scales that i haven't seen in years!:thumbup:;)

Yay deb! Yeah, low-carbing seems to be the only thing that can help me get past a plateau.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hey, munchkin! good to see your "typeface" on here again!

don't know much about the Vitamin issue, but the B12 thing makes sense.

well, bless dr. atkins! i am down 4 pounds since tuesday and now have a number on the scales that i haven't seen in years!:thumbup::drool:

I tried to change my profile pic so my "real" face would be on here but it isn't working for some reason! It says it is my pic, but it doesn't show up when I post. Hmmmm...

Anyway, it is wonderful to hear from you Deb. I missed that cute little pup of yours.

Speaking of pups, I almost took home a beagle puppy the other day. He was marked down because he had a small umbilical hernia, and he was so sweet. His last brother had just been sold and he was loving me up, and cried and cried when I walked away. I am SUCH a sucker...I have all big dogs! I told him he would get trampled, or at the very least have his ears walked on on a regular basis! It's confirmed...I AM the crazy dog lady, and all the dogs in the area know it! I have been restraining myself all day from going to see if he is still there.

And Mini, yes we do need to get me back on track. I had to buy smaller shorts today, so it's not all horrible, I just need to eat better!!

Edited by munchkin392

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

munch, DO NOT give in to the beagle.... let some other family deal with the breed..... i AM the crazy dog lady if u go back and look at the $18k we spent on tucker last year! here we r a year later and he is doing well, given the fact that he is a 13-yr-old lab who went thru the trauma of last year. we were told it is a matter of "when" NOT "if" he will suffer asphixiate pneumonia...thank the lord he has been free of such so far. all u animal lovers keep ur fingers crossed for us

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Dee~I hate how other people invade our confidence and make us feel so bad. You are NOT ugly and you are NOT disgusting. You are as beautiful oustide as you are inside and I am fortunate to know you and be a part of your journey. You have literally worked your arse off, don't let the bastards get you down. You are someone that deserves Royal Treatment in this life, you are kind and thoughtful, considerate and ALWAYS here for everyone. I believe in you and I am proud of you!

If I could go to Mexico with you , I would do it yesterday, maybe do a two for one!!!

Hugs...

Thanks Mal! You know it's so hard to get past those feelings of old. For so many years, I was looked down upon for my weight. I remember taking my daughter to summer school and having the kids spit at me. They threw pebbles at my feet and laughed. I held in the tears until I got my 7 year old to her classroom and back to my car. I remember the next morning, she said, "Moma, I can walk myself to the class today and don't forget I love you." Such a sweet girl. I guess, I'll feel ugly for a long time, until my mind catches up with my body - my body has been transformed and the world sees me as someone other than a fat lady.

Dee,

Have you ever been at a function or place where you are meeting several people for the first time? Do you recall meeting a person who just kind of lit up the room? A person who had a special kind of presence and that just kind of drew people in? Well, recently, I met a person like that. That person is YOU.

I was saddened to hear about your recent travel experience. You deserve respect. Your story really resonated with me because this time last summer, I traveled to the East Coast and had to ask for an extender. The flight attendant was rude and treated me like an "untouchable". That was when I decided to get the surgery.

If you go to Mexico, I hope you know that you have many friends when you get home. Please do not hesitate to call upon us for help. You will need help with shopping, laundry, cooking, etc. for awhile. Will you let some of us help you with that?

Thinking of you,

Mary:cool:

Mary! That was such a sweet thing to say. You are too kind. Thank you. I'm hoping to schedule my surgery so that when I return from Mexico my daughter will be here for her Christmas break. Then I'll have someone there for two more weeks.

Oh sweety I'm sorry you feel that way. I know we are all individuals and come from different perspectives, to say "I know how you feel" seems to lessen the value of your emotions but I will say that having another 125 to go, I do understand being hit with that knowledge when it comes down to it. It's a looooong trip.

It is a very long trip, but if I hadn't started it, I wouldn't be here today. AND I wouldn't have ever met YOU!

Dee what is the name of the plastic surgeon? Curious.

Now why, with rashes, will insurance not pay??? That's one of the critereia. And again, what is the name of the surgeon in Mexico?

The surgeon's name is Dr. Francisco Sauceda, Monterrey Mexico. I know of several other banders and RNY patients who have gone to him and they are all very pleased. He doesn't use general anesthesia, he does regional and sedation. To me, this is a plus, because of my family history of malignant hyperthermia. My fear with surgery has always been intubation.

As far as the rashes and backaches - it doesn't matter if your health insurance has an exclusion for plastic surgery, which mine does. It's not even something you can appeal.

Makes you wish that Dr.K did PS too. I am so sorry about the whole flight thing! Those people are rude, and hurtful! The worst part is that they don't even care. But that is their problem, and they are going to have their comeuppance.:) Sometimes it's nice to imagine that people like that might have weight problems later on, and that they will see what it's like. Although I wouldn't wish it on anyone. You are amazing and don't let those people make you feel like you aren't!:thumbup:

Thanks Sweety! I do believe in karma. One day, they may have to deal with something very similar and I hope they remember how they made others feel.

Hey everyone, long time, no see! I know I have been MIA, but I need to get on here more often because I miss you gals and your support. Plus, without you to be accountable to, I am not being very good! I had several problems with my band being too tight this spring and having to be emergently unfilled, culminating in getting 1.2 cc's removed. I have managed to maintain my weight for several months despite the large unfill. But I recently gained a few pounds back. So, I am going next week for a fill and will hopefully get back on track. I am determined to log on to here for my "support group" buddies also. And I signed up to go to a local lap band support group.

Dee-I am enraged about your airline experience. Grrrrr......good thing I wasn't there, there would have been some munchkin justice! Ok, so you would have had to bail me out of jail, but still! I wish so much I could take 12 days off work to go with you to Mexico, because I would in a heartbeat, I owe you! But working the weekend program, I can't take that time off. :)

How is everyone else? I have talked to Dee,Mini,and Jaime, but how about Lapdancer, Mal, and the rest of the gang? I cannot possibly catch up on all that I have missed, but I sure have missed you gals!! Hugs!

Hey Munchi-girl! Good to see you here! I'd love for you to join me in Mexico, but I totally understand the work issue! I'm hoping I don't have problems with asking for the time off. You know how it is!

The other thing I wanted to ask is if anyone has had any issues with Vitamin deficiencies. I have been super tired, irritable, and having Migraine headaches (which I have never had) recently. I got my eyes checked and they are ok. I was reading about vitamin B12 and Vitamin D deficiency and they have both been linked to Migraines. Anyone have any input?

I know that many Americans have a Vit D deficiency. Have you had your blood work done? Do you have an I-stat at work?

hey, munchkin! good to see your "typeface" on here again!

don't know much about the vitamin issue, but the b12 thing makes sense.

well, bless dr. atkins! i am down 4 pounds since tuesday and now have a number on the scales that i haven't seen in years!:drool::)

I do love Dr. Atkins! It's more like a Love Hate relationship with the man! Are we on to start the next challenge on Monday?

Deb, Tucker is lucky to have a Mom like you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Mal! You know it's so hard to get past those feelings of old. For so many years, I was looked down upon for my weight. I remember taking my daughter to summer school and having the kids spit at me. They threw pebbles at my feet and laughed. I held in the tears until I got my 7 year old to her classroom and back to my car. I remember the next morning, she said, "Moma, I can walk myself to the class today and don't forget I love you." Such a sweet girl. I guess, I'll feel ugly for a long time, until my mind catches up with my body - my body has been transformed and the world sees me as someone other than a fat lady.

That was sweet of her. I can understand the feeling, my turning point was when I had Kayleigh at McDonalds and this little girl cam up to me asking why I was so fat, then tried to karate kick me in the stomach!!!! :tongue_smilie: I decided then and there to go for the surgery, come hell or high Water. I never wanted Kayleigh to be embarrased to have the "fat mom".

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Speaking of pups, I almost took home a beagle puppy the other day. He was marked down because he had a small umbilical hernia, and he was so sweet. His last brother had just been sold and he was loving me up, and cried and cried when I walked away. I am SUCH a sucker...I have all big dogs!

I can relate to that... I hate seeing homeless animals. One time my husband and I were at Pet Smart and I was looking at all the cats in cages. I was crying by the time we left... and I really don't even like cats!!!! I am much more a dog person (like you...I prefer big dogs)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

we were told it is a matter of "when" NOT "if" he will suffer asphixiate pneumonia...thank the lord he has been free of such so far. all u animal lovers keep ur fingers crossed for us

Oh, poor baby. I am glad he is doing fine so far. I have my fingers AND toes crossed for you guys.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm up for the next challenge. Who's willing to keep track?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

DOGS RULE cats drool!!! hehe, and yes I am four. Tucker is the Bionic Million Dollar Dog and Buster is his side kick.

MUNCHIE'S Back! YAY! Nice to have you back. I too have been MIA.

I am counting the days 'til my next fill. I want the restriction that Lapdancer has.

It's Friday and I am celebrating my 22 year anniversary. I can't believe how quick the years have flown by. My best friend, my confidant, my savior (well, Buster is too), but my hubby IS my LOVE!

Cheers to all!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Let's start the Labor Day Challenge on Monday. Weigh yourself and then let me know what your goal will be for 7 weeks. Then July 20th will be the first weigh in.

I'll keep track, unless someone else is interested. Anyone?

I love Challenges! Yippy!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

DOGS RULE cats drool!!! hehe, and yes I am four. Tucker is the Bionic Million Dollar Dog and Buster is his side kick.

MUNCHIE'S Back! YAY! Nice to have you back. I too have been MIA.

I am counting the days 'til my next fill. I want the restriction that Lapdancer has.

It's Friday and I am celebrating my 22 year anniversary. I can't believe how quick the years have flown by. My best friend, my confidant, my savior (well, Buster is too), but my hubby IS my LOVE!

Cheers to all!

I love that! Tucker the Million Dollar Dog and Buster his sidekick! Do they wear caps and goggles? :sad:

Congrats on your 22 year anniversary! You and Hubby are blessed with a love that has lasted - You're lucky he's your bestfriend! Hugs!!!:ohmy:

I want Lapdancer's young and fresh looking face! That woman looks like she's in her 20's! She's a gorgeous woman!:blink:

That was sweet of her. I can understand the feeling, my turning point was when I had Kayleigh at McDonalds and this little girl cam up to me asking why I was so fat, then tried to karate kick me in the stomach!!!! :confused: I decided then and there to go for the surgery, come hell or high Water. I never wanted Kayleigh to be embarrased to have the "fat mom".

I always thought, kids were the meanest to overweight people, but I truly believe it's something they learn from their parents. I was the school nurse for my daughter's elementary school. She went to a very small school. We took out of town trips to Mesa Verde, Space Camp, Arkansas, Skycity, Chaco Canyon and so on, and not once did one child say anything mean or hateful to me. But that summer when she decided she wanted to attend this elite academy to study french - that is when the kids were so mean. I remember once at Target a Mom stood there and watched while her two sons mocked me. When we got to the parking lot, I couldn't stand it anymore and I said something to the Mom. Julie, we can put those things behind us and look forward to a long and healthy life.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hallo all. What kind of prep do you do for a fill? I didn't even think to ask at the doctor's office. I will call on Monday, but I am curious. I am kind of assuming an empty stomach is the best choice. I don't fill full ever. My stomach does hurt on occasion for a short time. I am lucky to never be barfy at this point, but I now burp like a guy.

I'm trying regular meat, soft regular meat trying to up my Protein. I cannot stand any of the shakes, they taste horrible and make me gag, and I am trying some Protein Bars to see if I can stand them. I've only found one brand so far. Any of the really good looking ones have an entire day's calories in One Bar.< /p>

Yes, do write a letter of complaint. Do NOT email them. Letters get more attention than emails. Bad customer service is bad for the company and there is no excuse for it, especially at that level.

I cannot believe how much some people allow their kids to get away with. It's not ok for them to do everything because they are kids. A few manners go a long way. It does not reflect on you, but on them. They should be made to feel embarassed that they acted in such a manner.

Also for me, even with travel expenses, it was thousands of dollars cheaper for me to fly to Denver than have surgery here. It was around $700 for flight, hotel and car for two people for four days. I stayed a couple days after surgery. I didn't want to fly the next day.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Aunty Mamo

      Iʻm roughly 6 weeks post-op this morning and have begun to feel like a normal human, with a normal human body again. I started introducing solid foods and pill forms of medications/supplements a couple of weeks ago and it's really amazing to eat meals with my family again, despite the fact that my portions are so much smaller than theirs. 
      I live on the island of Oʻahu and spend a lot of time in the water- for exercise, for play,  and for spiritual & mental health. The day I had my month out appointment with my surgeon, I packed all my gear in my truck, anticipating his permission to get back in the ocean. The minute I walked out of that hospital I drove straight to the shore and got in that water. Hallelujah! My appointment was at 10 am. I didn't get home until after 5 pm. 
      I'm down 31 pounds since the day of surgery and 47 since my pre-op diet began, with that typical week long stall occurring at three weeks. I'm really starting to see some changes lately- some of my clothing is too big, some fits again. The most drastic changes I notice however are in my face. I've also noticed my endurance and flexibility increasing. I was really starting to be held up physically, and I'm so grateful that I'm seeing that turn around in such short order. 
      My general disposition lately is hopeful and motivated. The only thing that bugs me on a daily basis still is the way those supplements make my house smell. So stink! But I just bought a smell proof bag online that other people use to put their pot in. My house doesn't stink anymore. 
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Oh yeah, something I wanted to rant about, a billing dispute that cropped up 3 months ago.
      Surgery was in August of 2023. A bill shows up for over $7,000 in January. WTF? I asks myself. I know that I jumped through all of the insurance hoops and verified this and triple checked that, as did the surgeon's office. All was set, and I paid all of the known costs before surgery.
      A looong story short, is that an assistant surgeon that was in the process of accepting money from my insurance company touched me while I was under anesthesia. That is what the bill was for. But hey, guess what? Some federal legislation was enacted last year to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and you don't have to put up with it.
      https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
      I had to make a lot of phone calls to both the surgeon's office and the insurance company and explain my rights and what the maximum out of pocket costs were that I could be liable for. Also had to remind them that it isn't my place to be taking care of all of this and that I was going to escalate things if they could not play nice with one another.
      Quick ending is that I don't have to pay that $7,000+. Advocate, advocate, advocate for yourself no matter how long it takes and learn more about this law if you are ever hit with a surprise bill.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Some days I feel like an infiltrator... I'm participating in society as a "thin" person. They have no idea that I haven't always been one of them! 🤣
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • ChunkCat

      Thank you everyone for your well wishes! I totally forgot I wrote an update here... I'm one week post op today. I gained 15 lbs in water weight overnight because they had to give me tons of fluids to bring my BP up after surgery! I stayed one night in the hospital. Everything has been fine except I seem to have picked up a bug while I was there and I've been running a low grade fever, coughing, and a sore throat. So I've been hydrating well and sleeping a ton. So far the Covid tests are negative.
      I haven't been able to advance my diet past purees. Everything I eat other than tofu makes me choke and feels like trying to swallow rocks. They warned me it would get worse before it gets better, so lets hope this is all normal. I have my follow up on Monday so we'll see. Living on shakes and soup again is not fun. I had enough of them the first time!! LOL 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Still purging all of the larger clothing. This morning, a shirt that I ADORED wearing ended up on top. Hard to let it go, but it was also hard to let go of those habits that also no longer serve my highest good. Onward and upward!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×