Through earlier conversations in a separate thread, it was suggested to have a specific thread for Spivak's patients to share experiences. Please feel free to join in.

Lynn, Terry and Deb hope to see your updates here.

Take care,

Kim

*To be banded Monday, February 5th

Hi, I am also one of Dr. Spivak's patients. I was banded on 4/25/07. I was wondering if anyone experienced lower back pain for days following the surgery. I have had lower back pain really bad.

thanks.

I had lower back pain and I've heard of others with the problem. It's from the flat operating table. It should subside shortly. Keep taking Tylenol or your pain meds. Where are you sleeping at night? That could be aggrevating matters. Be sure you are real comfortable at night. I slept in my recliner for 3 weeks. It'll get better!

Lower back pain can also be caused by being dehydrated. Drink plenty of water.

OK. so that probably means that Spivak's fee is set and the Surgicenter is the one who dropped the price. Of my $15000, I think $5000 was spivak's and the rest was the surgicenter. I'd call the surgicenter and ask. It couldn't hurt.

Does anyone know the phone number to the surgicenter?

thanks for the advice. i spoke with the nurse and she said that i wasn't drinking enough water and not doing enough exercise. my back is feeling so much better today.

inregards to those asking about how much is going towards the surgical fee. well when i checked into the hospital, i was given a form & the adm. representative informed me that the fee of $5900, it was 59 something, was what is paid to the hospital for surgery. so i assume the rest of what i paid the doctor was his fee.

I think it's different with the Surgicenter. Their number is 713-796-9666.

YAHOOOOO!! Thanks Betsyjane!!! I just called and they said they'll be holding the pricing probably thru the end of the year!!! I was so worried because if they went back up I'd have to wait another two months to get more money stuck back.

<p><p>I live in Oklahoma and have decided to have Dr Spivak do my band. I know I am traveling a long ways. My husband goes to MDAnderson about every 3 months.....so I am hopeful that is long distance will work. I will plan for several trips early on for the fills. </p> <p> </p> <p>I hope to find lots of support here!!!</p></p>

Great news, Brandy! You're already being persistent. A good sign for a future Bandster! One hurdle jumped. They're nice over there at the Surgicenter, aren't they?

Hi Jean. You've sure picked a good doctor. You might want to also find a local fill guy, in case you need a quick unfill sometime. I don't know how well Drs take to having more than one guy follow you, but just in case.... or at least look for a local support group so you have resources up there if you need them. Enjoy Dr. Spivak!

Hi Friends.....I have been in contact with Dr Spivak's office and expect a call from Brenda this next week. I am self paid and hope to have the band done this summer.

What should I expect - were you sore for a long time, how long before you could lift, could you lay on your stomach and other than the restriction...could you feel the band or port as a discomfort? May weight now is 220 and am 50 years young!!!

Lots of questions...about recovery. I live in Oklahoma and will stay in Houston for a week follow surgery - just in case there are any problems.

Hope to hear from lots of new friends. Thank you so much for any information you may want to share!

Ask away! Spivak's will tell you all this too....

I had sharp pain in my right shoulder for 3 days, handled with walking, hot pad, and mostly chewable Tylenol. They told me not to lift over 10 pounds for 3 months. I cheated some. I slept in a recliner for 3 days. Too much gas pain to lie down. Really after 3 days, I was pretty good. I can't feel the band. I can feel the port if I touch it, but it's never uncomfortable or noticable.

What part of Houston will you be staying in? We have a support group on the northeast side of metro Houston. You're welcome to join us if you're around.

:clap2: Im Back Its Been 3 Days Getting Better Everyday. Oh Can You Tell Me How To Incorporate The Tickerfactory On My Post Thanks

Thank you for taking time to answer my questions. Probably the same question you answer all the time!

My husband has re-checks at MDAnderson, so we stay at the Rotary House...this was home for us a couple of years ago for about 8 months.....I grew to love Houston.

If possible, I would love to attend a meeting. I know that will be so important and that will be one of the things I will miss out on ... I hope to find a support group in Tulsa or this...online with new friends.

When I come back for checkups/fills I will stay several days. Any information you or others can offer would be great...things I may not be aware of - I am sure the same things everyone wonders about, when deciding to have the band. Thanks again

Go to the main page of this site, scroll down to local support groups, and look for one near home. Then also go to Texas support groups, and look for Humble Kingwood and you'll find ours.....