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

Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum



Recommended Posts

It's looking like I'll be out of town too. If that changes, I'll let you know.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm having surgery this Friday (16th) with Dr. K. I can't wait, but I'm super nervous. It has been wonderful reading about all of your successes! Can't wait to join you with successes of my my own.

Dana

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm having surgery this Friday (16th) with Dr. K. I can't wait, but I'm super nervous. It has been wonderful reading about all of your successes! Can't wait to join you with successes of my my own.

Dana

Congratulations! Dr K is wonderful! You shouldn't be nervous! It will go so smoothly! The surgical team there is great! Good luck!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hello everyone.....its been forever since i have been here.....hope everyone is doing well. I have pretty much stayed the same on my weight loss....keep gaining and losing the same 5 pounds.....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the reassurance Marie. My sister had surgery with Dr. K last year and has only wonderful things to share. Now if I can only lose 100+ like her!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

How about Red Robin night on

Tuesday, July 13th at 7?

Deb will be in town from Florida for an unfill and I know she wants to see everybody. Does that date work for everybody?

I'd love to join you guys.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey everyone! Hope you're having a wonderful summer. Mine ends in about two weeks when school starts.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Not a lot going on for me this summer. I am not losing at all, but am hoping to schedule a fill the first week of august. Still eating lots of Protein, and making sure I get enough Water. I just need help with the portions I guess. I am getting back to my exercising and am doing pretty good at that. No word from Dr. K's office about whether or not I will get reimbursed for the cost of the port. They did tell me that trying to sue the company is a "pipe dream". Oh well. Hopefully I will get the $600 or so back for my port.

I got a call from the principal of the school I work at and she said that the new principal would be "going in a different direction" for music in the next school year. I was disappointed, but imagine my surprise when I logged on to the district website to find that my position had been posted as a vacancy!!! I was very upset, as I had a very good recommendation letter from my principal and a teacher at that school, and have been there 2 years! I went straight down to the district office and talked with HR. They had no clue what was going on, but I reapplied and applied for another music teacher position in the district. I am still pretty upset about it. My husband has not been able to find a job, and now I am out of one too! At least we have a place to live. We just applied for medicaid which will hopefully help cover any Dr visits that my DH needs for his knees. He did find one Dr that accepts medicaid for knee replacement surgery so we are really hoping that he will be able to get it.

Sorry to vent all my issues today, it all just seemed to come pouring out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Marie, if you can't vent here, you can't vent anywhere. Sorry about the job situation. I hope things change for the better for both you and the hubby. If you come into town for a fill, let us know so maybe we can get together. I go back to work on Aug. 2, but I work school hours, so I have a lot of time on my hands.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Marie, if you can't vent here, you can't vent anywhere. Sorry about the job situation. I hope things change for the better for both you and the hubby. If you come into town for a fill, let us know so maybe we can get together. I go back to work on Aug. 2, but I work school hours, so I have a lot of time on my hands.

Thanks! Well, it is looking like I will get a fill on the 2nd or 3rd. It kind of depends. It will be a layover thing though, so it will be a short trip. I will be on my way back to Utah after being in Illinois helping my Mom move. Hopefully the heat and humidity will help me lose a few pounds :bolt: I am leaving first thing in the morning so I'd better log off. Goodnight all!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Everyone -

I am going to jump in here and post since I have been reading this for two days straight - talk about a long post!

Anyway, I was all set to go with Dr Johnell in Greeley, but he is $12,700. I have 9K that I took out of my 401k and thought I could get a loan for the rest - but am getting denied. SO, I looked some more at Dr k. Thinking it over, having ANOTHER monthly bill on top of the $200 for a fill is not a pretty thought either.

A few questions -

Does anyone know much about Dr K's complication rates? Dr Jonell has done 1100 Lap Bands with ZERO mortalities, only 3 removed due to complications, and 2 removed at the insistence of the bandee - just couldn't hack the change in eating.

Is Dr K's clinic a Bariatric Center of Excellence?

I really can't find much about him as far as his track record, number of Lap Bands placed, etc.

Dr Johnell has an 80% success rate (meaning 80% of people have lost 50-75% of access weight and kept it off for 8 years). 15% of his patients have not been successful and 40% have reached goal. These numbers are all part of the reason I really wanted to go with him, but I just can't come up with the extra dough :w00t:

I guess I am looking for some assurance that Dr K's patience are just as likely to be successful - and as unlikely to have complications.

Also, I live in Loveland, so driving to the Denver area for fills will be an issue with work - does he have late in the day appointments, Sat appointments or appointments in other locations?

I know I can call his office and find all this out, but I have been stressing all weekend and am looking for some peace of mind :rolleyes2:

Thanks in advance for any answers!

Amy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Everyone -

I am going to jump in here and post since I have been reading this for two days straight - talk about a long post!

Anyway, I was all set to go with Dr Johnell in Greeley, but he is $12,700. I have 9K that I took out of my 401k and thought I could get a loan for the rest - but am getting denied. SO, I looked some more at Dr k. Thinking it over, having ANOTHER monthly bill on top of the $200 for a fill is not a pretty thought either.

A few questions -

Does anyone know much about Dr K's complication rates? Dr Jonell has done 1100 Lap Bands with ZERO mortalities, only 3 removed due to complications, and 2 removed at the insistence of the bandee - just couldn't hack the change in eating.

Is Dr K's clinic a Bariatric Center of Excellence?

I really can't find much about him as far as his track record, number of Lap Bands placed, etc.

Dr Johnell has an 80% success rate (meaning 80% of people have lost 50-75% of access weight and kept it off for 8 years). 15% of his patients have not been successful and 40% have reached goal. These numbers are all part of the reason I really wanted to go with him, but I just can't come up with the extra dough ;)

I guess I am looking for some assurance that Dr K's patience are just as likely to be successful - and as unlikely to have complications.

Also, I live in Loveland, so driving to the Denver area for fills will be an issue with work - does he have late in the day appointments, Sat appointments or appointments in other locations?

I know I can call his office and find all this out, but I have been stressing all weekend and am looking for some peace of mind :wub:

Thanks in advance for any answers!

Amy

I know Dr. K's website could use some updating with all the stats. But I took a picture on my phone of the stats on the wall in his office. Hopefully this helps!

As of June he had done 720 Lapbands. The sign also says that there are 62 patients that have lost over 100 lbs. As of the 10th of June Dr. K's patients have lost over 62, 789lbs.

That comes out to be an average of abt 87 lbs per patient!

Those are the only stats I have. I do know that complications with him are rare, as he spends extra time and effort making sure that he prevents everything he can. I know it has been a blessing for me. It may be a wise thing to make an appointment with his office so you can look into his stats if you are worried about it. Also there is a financing place that works with his office, and since you have so much ready to go it might be a good idea to use that to help get a small loan. Idk how that would work but it is worth a try. He is pretty flexible with appointments during the day but idk about nights or weekends. Another thing to discuss with his office.I fly in from Salt Lake City to get my fills as the price for a plane ticket to Denver and a fill in SL is about the same. Good luck in your decision!!! Let us know if you have any more questions!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You are in good hands with Dr. K!! He almost sounds too good to be true, but he's not. I was banded 6/28 and no problems at all. He's done 720 bands, but he's done thousands of other procedures. I encourage you to meet with him - you will feel very comfortable.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks! Well, it is looking like I will get a fill on the 2nd or 3rd. It kind of depends. It will be a layover thing though, so it will be a short trip. I will be on my way back to Utah after being in Illinois helping my Mom move. Hopefully the heat and humidity will help me lose a few pounds :wub: I am leaving first thing in the morning so I'd better log off. Goodnight all!

are you still going to be getting a fill on the 2nd or 3rd?

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

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 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

    ×