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

Gosh, Mary....I live right near you!! I am in Copper Lakes near Longenbaugh and Barker Cypress! We should get together sometime....for lunch??? LOL ....or maybe new clothes shopping in a few months!! Yeah, that's more like it!

Terri and Mary,

I'm around the corner at Barker Cypress and Clay! I'm scheduled for banding with Dr. Spivak on next Friday, Sept 28t!!! I'm quite excited about starting this journey!!!

Terri-I will definitely report back! So much for shakes, popcicles......So far...perfect!

:clap2:Hi Everyone,

I Also Had Surgery With Dr.spivak,he Is A Great Doctor. I Had My Surgery On Feb/2007 I Have Lost 35 Pounds Only,i Know Its Because I Dont Exercise But Starting Monday I Will Defenetly Start Walking Every Day.i Live On Barker Cypress And West Little York Close To Some Of Yall And Would Love To Meet Yall Maybe Or If You Have Meetings For Nw Let Me Know I Need Some Support,congratulations On Everyones Personal Success. Love Chiquis.

:clap2:Hi Everyone,

i Live On Barker Cypress And West Little York Close To Some Of Yall .

Gosh! You, me and Texrose ought to get together...we really live close to each other!!

Sounds good to me. I'm in Arizona until Thurs, I have my surgery Friday so I'm guessing it would have to be the week after that! I'm looking for a support group because I doubt I'll be driving to the ones in Dr. Spivak's office......I do a trek everyday to the Galleria area and thats enough of town for me!!!

I'd love to try to join y'all for a get-together in NW Houston. I live off 290 past Fairfield *New outlet center coming soon - hehe* and teach at Fry/529. You are in my neighborhood!

It is time for another fill here, too! I have only had 1...but had high hopes for it. I swear it feels no different. I feel like there is nothing at all in there, but I know Leslie put in 4.5 omni. Does omni ever leak or disappear? I know it is just more likely I have not hit the right fill yet, since I have only been filled once. It is just so hard to take time off...my (SPED) students so not react so well to a substitute teacher! I kept hoping that it would tighten more after the first fill...but that was September 11th. So I guess that is unlikely. Oh well, I have got to get back in there.

Stop the presses! I stopped eating artificial sweeteners and my reflux disappeared!!!!!!!!! Within a day!

Had a sugar free popsicle last night and immediately after, tasted bile.....

BetsyJane - I seem to remember reading somewhere that tasting bile is a sign to head to your doctor.... Does Dr. Spivak know you're having these symptoms?

Yep. I called the office and told them about the meds that were supposed to cure it within 2 months. They said if it still doesn't work, have an upper GI. The meds weren't working after 3 weeks, but then I fund the sweetener thing and no more reflux or meds.

The reason to call the lap band Dr is that reflux after surgery is often caused by too tight a band (or eating too late or too much). At the moment, I'm not doing any of those things, but I sure wouldn't have waited long to get the upper GI if nothing worked. Wouldn't want to risk erosion...although I've heard that it does and that it doesn't contribute..... I'll get a good once over at my one year band anniversary too, so I feel like I've got enough doctor folks involved...

Glad you mentioned it though...Thanks for looking out for me.

Where did you hear about the artificial sweetener as a possible cause? That's so interesting. Is it aspartame or splenda or both?

Hi Ladys How Are Doing?

I Am Ready To Meet Everyone,count Me In For Any Meetings On This Side Of Town, I Would Prefer After 7pm You Know After Work. Take Care

Hi Betsy,

Glad to hear the reflux thing is finally over for you!

I've had no problems with that so far. Thank goodness.

I have however been able to eat what I think is too much. You know I am a worry wart. I have the new band, so I already have a fill. I thought that was cool, that I wouldn't be able to eat much. Maybe it's my poor choices. I started today good and don't plan to weigh everyday this week. I will weigh again on Friday!

I sure wish I could meet with your group. I will find a time that is good...teenagers, schedules...you know! I hope to meet with you before our Holiday Party. Maybe we can get together for a visit one day.

Are you going on the walk?

Anyone else going on the walk with Dr. Spivak's group?

Have a good week everyone!

I hadn't read about artificial sweeteners. I just was thinking about it, and I only started using them after I was banded...shakes, popsicles, etc., so I tried eliminating them. I also stopped having gas when I did!

Hi Tricia! I won't be on the walk...lupus flare up....but I'd love to see you. Or we're meetingup here around Humble for dinner Oct 1st if you can duck out of your busy life....

I have discovered the Slim-Fast High Protein shake mix and like it very well. It's available at Wal-Mart, so I don't have to drive down to the mall to the Vitamin place. Affordable too. I can't drink the can of pre-mixed stuff--they make me really sick, but this one is good tasting and I get 7 grams of protein even before I add the skim milk. I have only tried the chocolate, but it comes in vanilla too.

I was worried about getting enough protein, but these shakes seem to be doing well for me. I only do one a day--I am NOT on the slim-fast plan or anything. I just figure anything can be a tool.

Question--do any of you guys live on the Brazoria County side of Houston? I am in Sweeny. Thanks!

Murphy's Law Correlary #395: "In time of necessity the nearest object may become a hammer.":eyebrows:

Caroleena,

I'm in Pearland!!! I'll have to try those Slimfast shakes, I'm getting bored with my stuff.