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

I have a question about fills.I am self pay and have had 2 fills already at Dr Spivaks office(Surgery 3/12) I called today to make another appointment because my second fill is not doing the trick and they told me I should be going to the surgery center??? I told her the office is the ones that sc'd me for the other two fills at the there. Where is everyone getting there fills done,and how often? And are fills at the surgery center quick? Do they use barium every time??Thanks in advancee.....I WANT MY FILLS TO WORK!!!!

My surgery was done on 8-2-06 and I was self pay. I have had 4 fills and one unfill just last month and all mine were done at the surgicenter. I have called the surgicenter each time and they have asked for my surgery date and self pay and then scheduled me for an appointment there. My friend who was banded in March 07 has had his fills done only at Dr. Spivak's office. Robin

I have a question about fills.I am self pay and have had 2 fills already at Dr Spivaks office(Surgery 3/12) I called today to make another appointment because my second fill is not doing the trick and they told me I should be going to the surgery center??? I told her the office is the ones that sc'd me for the other two fills at the there. Where is everyone getting there fills done,and how often? And are fills at the surgery center quick? Do they use barium every time??Thanks in advancee.....I WANT MY FILLS TO WORK!!!!

Is your friend self pay???

I'm self pay and go to the surgicenter. I really like them. they are quick and they do use the barium. AND my third fill did the trick for me! If you go in the mornings, you'll probably get Joy, and she's terrific.

I only have had Dr. Spivak do my fill at the surgicenter. He only does them there on THursdays. If you use someone else...like Joy....can you go on other days of the week??

Is your friend self pay???

Yes, my friend who was banded in March by Dr. Spivak is self pay.

Yes, you can go any other days if Joy does it.

I was selfpay as well and my surgery was 1/26/07 and my first fill was at surgicenter and all others have been at his office. They are scheduling them on all weekdays now not just Thursdays. I was told I have to wait at least 3 weeks in between fills. I have had 4 so far and at 3.5cc in my 4cc band and still not much restriction! I would call again. He has recently put in the equipment to do barium at his office and hired more staff that can do the fills and the barium so he does not have to be there to do it!

Hello all. I go to Dr. Spivaks group meetings and I just love them. We all have so much fun and we are there for each other. I do not know if you know this or not but there is a support group for us it is Yahoo! Groups I really like being in both groups but the one for the Dr.spivak group keeps us up to date on everything that is going on. You should check it out. Hugs Stacey

Hey all! I'm getting my first fill next Tuesday at the Park Plaza office. I was banded on the 18th and was pretty much back to normal within 1 week. By day 7ish I could no longer feel any restriction and I've been killing myself trying to just maintain the loss I had during the first week post op. Anyway, what I wanted to know was that do they just do a standard amount on the first fill or can I request them to FILL THAT SUCKER UP!!! I'm worried I'll get a fill and it won't make any difference and that it's going to take months before I get the restriction I need. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! -Rachel

Hey all! I'm getting my first fill next Tuesday at the Park Plaza office. I was banded on the 18th and was pretty much back to normal within 1 week. By day 7ish I could no longer feel any restriction and I've been killing myself trying to just maintain the loss I had during the first week post op. Anyway, what I wanted to know was that do they just do a standard amount on the first fill or can I request them to FILL THAT SUCKER UP!!! I'm worried I'll get a fill and it won't make any difference and that it's going to take months before I get the restriction I need. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! -Rachel

It looks like they routinely do 1.5cc.I have an appt for my 4th fill,so it has taken me awile to get any restriction.I do have a little but have not hit my Sweet Spot yet:phanvan

Congrats and welcome Rachel! I had my second fill completed at the park plaza office today. I must tell you, this experience was FAR better than my first. The nurse today was great! I feel terrible I don't remember her name, but you can bet that is who I want next time. She just joined his office two months ago, and she is great. She was so patient and gentle. I had no restriction from the first one, my fingers are crossed on this one. But the more I read, it seems as though it takes 3-5 times before the sweet spot is mastered. I have lost a total of 30 lbs since I started my journey, so I am thrilled. But I want the restriction. Hopefully soon the sweet spot will be mine! Best of luck to you. -Kim

Also, on your way out of the office, grab a copy of the wellness/support group schedule. I picked one up. I would like to start participating in his meetings. They have copies at the front desk. Hopefully I can meet some of you there one of these days. Best to All! :-)

How do they know how much is in there? How do they know how much was "absorbed"??

I asked this same question when I got my second fill today. They actually retract what is left in the band before they start the new fill. For example my first fill was 1.5 and there was only .3 left. Today they zapped me with 2.5 of the fluro (sp?) and I am hoping it does the trick. :-)