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

Well I think he closes with dissolvable sutures under the skin and then maybe glue w/ steri-strips? I have no idea. I just remember that the strips had to 'fall off on their own' in about 10 days and there were no stictches to remove or anything. I know there were stitches underneath because I had one that was sticking out a little bit.

Congratulations on your decision to be banded. I know it's not an easy one to make, but I promise you won't regret it!!

<p>Terry, you and I seem to be almost mirror patients. At surgery I was 218, I am now 190 and my goal is 150. I was banded 5-23. We're also not too far apart in age (I'm 55).... :-) </p> <p> </p> <p>I hit a major plateau the last several weeks and finally got SERIOUS about logging my food and comparing to my weight and it makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD!!!!! I can track Exactly where I am (I highly recommend for "slow losers")...I KNOW now that if my caloric intake goes much over 950 the weight loss STOPS dead. 750-900 I'm in good shape. I use FitDay and I can track the weight right beside the caloric intake and it is absolutely reduced to a mathmatical equation! If you log ALL your food you will know eactly where you are...NO SURPRISES. I don't think that if you are really dedicated and accurate about it that you can go wrong. I chuckle to myself because this is something Weight Watchers tries to drum into your head and I always thought it was just too much of a pain in the a** to do (so I didn't). With FitDay, I can't wait to get home and fill it in each day, can't wait to look at my overview and see how I graph out for the week...</p>

You're gonna love him. I am 60 days post-op and amazed at what I have accomplished! He's wonderful, the office staff is outstanding, the procedure was worth EVERY PENNY of my self pay (wish it had bee available 15 years ago)... You will not be disappointed.

Howdy! Quick question for Dr. Spivak's patients...I just scheduled my sugery for the 14th ut I forgot to ask him something...how does he close his incisions? Does he use sutures? Steri-strips? Staples? the glue? How were you closed up?

Mine were closed with dissolvable sutures and then covered with steri-strips for extra reinforcement. My steri-strips stayed on for about 10-17 days. The sutures has dissolved by that time.

Thank you everyone! I cannot believe it! I still am waiting for the last minute verifications and approvals since I was actually approved for the bypass but changed to the band...Brenda said that shouldn't be problem at all.

I actally picked my own date...they were laughing at me! I explained I had this window I wanted to fit it in - between a trip to DisneyWorld with my son and the beginning of the school year - she plugged it right in on the calendar and told me to have a blast a Disney! I just wish I was already 100 pounds lighter to enjoy it easier...oh well...it will still be wonderful!

I am so excited about everything! Sorry for rambling...

I'm a self-pay. Does anyone know what Spivak charges for fills AFTER the first two years?

Another question....once you get a decent restriction (I have yet to do so...going in for fill three on Tuesday)...does it continue to dribble out like before? It's kindof scary thinking that a fill will only last 3-4 weeks.... or does it finally "settle" a little and stay around?

Hey gang! Been awhile since I've been on. Just had my 3rd fill and it went GREAT!! Was with Brenda. She is No Nonsense! When she heard I could still eat bread, ok waffles, she filled me up good! LOVE IT! Was a little tight the first couple of days but is fine with me! Could still drink and all, just had to take it slow. Been doing protein shakes mostly the past 3 days. Had some cottage cheese yesterday and it went down fine. LOVE IT! I'm just gonna ask for her for my future appointments. Will they take requests for people? Hope everyone else is doing well. Oh yeah, this puts me at 3.5cc in my 4cc band. Yeah, seems high, but is perfect for me right now! Later! -Rachel

Just wondering if there is anyone else from The Woodlands area who would like to ride with me to the meeting tonight. I'll be leaving around 6pm to hopefully get there by 7pm. I can pick you up! I have a minivan and can fit 5 more people if needed! Let me know before 4pm tonight.

-Rachel

Rachel, if you don't get any responses on your ride offer, I can meet you and follow you in if you want. I'm north also but on 59. I can cut across the beltway and meet you if you want to.

terridoodle- I've been working out since last Sunday.. I'm doing great! Really tired in the evenings though. Are you going to the meeting tonight? I met Rachel last week @ Spivaks office. We are both planning on going to the meeting tonight. I got another fill last wk from 3.5 to 4cc's in my band. My restriction is good in the morning and lunch but after that it's not very restricted. I may talk w/ brenda and dr spivak about that too.

terridoodle- I've been working out since last Sunday.. I'm doing great! Really tired in the evenings though. AWESOME!!! KEEP IT UP!! Your energy level will only get better! Are you going to the meeting tonight? Nope, I'm going to the GYM! I met Rachel last week @ Spivaks office. We are both planning on going to the meeting tonight. I got another fill last wk from 3.5 to 4cc's in my band. My restriction is good in the morning and lunch but after that it's not very restricted. I may talk w/ brenda and dr spivak about that too.

Sorry I can't meet you guys. Priorities, priorities!!

Does anyone know if Dr. Spivak will take a patient banded by a US doctor for fills/follow-up? I'm a self-pay. Thanks,

MM

I'm not sure. It could depend on the doctor. He proctored many of them, so if he knows them he might. If not, he could probably refer you to someone who can.

terry- the meeting was great..very informative.. they had a guest speaker on working out.. it was awesome.. i think i'll go back next week too.. have a good day

Hi everyone!

Just a quick question...does anyone know if Dr. Spivak uses the newer AP band?

Thanks!!