I didn't get the impression that his pre-op diet requirements are very strict, did you? I mean, Brenda basically said, "Here's the diet but don't worry about it too much...a lot of people don't follow it." And since I am self-pay I could schedule my surgery anytime I wanted to. I could have had the surgery within 4 days if I wanted...so how would that have allowed for any kind of pre-op diet?

I don't mind going low-carb, but I can't go low-carb and low-fat at the same time!!! My hypoglycemia would give me FITS!

What were your impressions?

Brenda didn't give me a pre-op diet at all - she just told me not to gain any weight before the surgery.

I love Dr. Spivak - he is doing my surgery tomorrow. All doctors have different procedures - I like him as a surgeon so I trust his method.

Good luck, Hazelbunny! Best wishes for a quick recovery!

Brenda told me low carb and no fried foods. I was self pay as well and was scheduling fairly quick after attending the seminar. I did lose 6 lbs prior to my actual surgery, so I took the advice. Something to do with your liver. They have to move and hold that sucker out of the way during the procedure. Best of luck to you. Dr. Spivak is great. I have my first fill on Thursday and I have requested Dr. Spivak do my first one. Plus I have a few follow up questions for him. His staff gladly accommodated my request. They are super! Welcome to Bandland!

I didn't get the impression that his pre-op diet requirements are very strict, did you? I mean, Brenda basically said, "Here's the diet but don't worry about it too much...a lot of people don't follow it." And since I am self-pay I could schedule my surgery anytime I wanted to. I could have had the surgery within 4 days if I wanted...so how would that have allowed for any kind of pre-op diet?

I don't mind going low-carb, but I can't go low-carb and low-fat at the same time!!! My hypoglycemia would give me FITS!

What were your impressions?

They didn't give me a pre-op diet at all. Brenda just told me to eat light the day before surgery.

Brenda told me to do any diet I wanted until surgery. Then she went on to say "like South Beach or low carb, or weight watchers." So, I got the impression it was pretty open. At the seminar someone said a pre-op diet makes the surgery easier for the Doctor because drpping a few pounds can reduce the size of your liver.

I had no pre-op diet, and his post-op diet is lenient too, compared to others.

Howdy Spivak-ites! Hope all is well with everyone. I just got home from my first fill. I had requested Dr. Spivak do it and he was in the room. He and I were chatting. I thought the lady was just getting me ready and all of a sudden I felt a sharp/stabbing sensation. That heifer stuck me hard. Maybe my port is deeper in there than I thought. She never really said anything, so I never saw it coming! She brought that needle from out of nowhere. On a good note, it was over so fast, it wasn't that bad. But I am a little sore in my port area. Is this normal? Almost feels bruised? And trust me, it won't surprise if there is a bruise tomorrow. She jabbed me rather hard, almost like she went too fast. Felt a little rushed to me. But I am a first timer.

Well, I had a little bite to eat when I got home (soft food) and was full quick, but went down well. So I guess my first fill is ok so far. We will see what the next few days bring. I think they put in 1.5cc for my first. So we will see how long this one last before I have to go back. I do hope the next person that does it is a bit more gentle and communicate at least a little. Doesn't make sense for me to request the Dr. if he just comes to observe. I thought he actually did the fill. I am such a dork. If any of you have had a great fill person from his office, please let me know. I will request them next time! OH MY, I FORGOT THE BEST NEWS! Weight loss looks great! Was at 224 at my consultation, few weeks later had surgery and was 218 on that day, (drum roll……………….) today weighed in at 203! I did a little dance at the scale. The other people in the waiting area must have thought I was a goof, but I was so happy I could not contain myself. I am super close to my first big milestone, getting below the 200 mark.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best to all!

:success1:

Hey, Kimmie -- How are your sutures doing? Did Dr. Spivak think everything looked OK? My first fill was done by Joy at the SurgiCenter with Dr. Spivak supervising. He located the port for her. She was very gentle. My 2nd and 3rd fills were done in his office by Brenda. She was gentle, too. Were you at the SurgiCenter or Dr. Spivak's office? Congrats on your weight loss. You're really close to ONEderland.

Hi Enterprise. My sutures are fine. The little pieces of the stitches that were there, he just pulled right out. I guess they had dissolved on the inside, but were bonding with my skin on the outside. So just felt like plucking a piece of hair. No pain. Nice to have them gone so the incision can be smooth. Dr. said all was healing nicely.

I think it was Joy. She did everything, Dr. just observed. She did not do any talking, just shoving a needle in me! :censored: Definitely would not say she was gentle. They did have quite a few people waiting for fills. So maybe she was trying to hurry. I would have been ok waiting longer for her not to rush through it. From the time I walked in the room, laid down, got stabbed (I mean filled), swallow that drink, and out the door – was 4 minutes tops – seriously. :suspicious:

I was at the SurgiCenter, but I think my next one will be in his office. I am not wasting time asking for him. I can get an appointment more easily if I just meet with someone on his staff. He has such a busy schedule, not as many times available. And if it just going to be someone else doing it, doesn’t make much sense.

I have actually heard really good things about Joy. But she must have been rushed, having a bad day, or maybe just feeling pressured because the boss was watching. :noidea: She should put the patient first and not let that get to her.

At the end of the day, I have no regrets. Dr. Spivak has been a great doctor and I would choose him all over again.

:success1: I am on my way to ONEderland!!!

I do not know the girl's name that did my fill last Thursday, but she was a really pretty black girl. She couldn't find my port and after digging for a few minutes, she wanted to put me up to the flouro to find it. Spivak walked over and hit it dead on, first try. Gotta love him!

Hey, TX-Kimmie... congrats on the loss!!! You are almost in onederland!!!

Hey Kimmie -- That's ALL good information....especially about your great weight loss!!! I'm proud of you, girl!!! :success1:

Thansk Terri! You will soon, very soon be officaly part of BandLand. Very excited for you. Keep us posted.

Kim

I have to admit I ate like a pig before my surgery. I had to get in that last amount of whatever I can't eat now! Brenda gave me a diet to follow, but I never followed it.

Hi Kimmie, My first fill is next Thursday. I hope they go slow!!! I'm going to be watching out for the fast fill lady!! I requested Dr. Spivak do the fill, too. I'm at the age where I say pretty much what I think, so if I see that he's not actually doing it...I might embarrass myself!!! I'll let you know!!!

Also, let us know how you do with that newfound restriction!!

Michele

I have to admit I ate like a pig before my surgery. I had to get in that last amount of whatever I can't eat now! Brenda gave me a diet to follow, but I never followed it.

I'm so relieved to know I'm not the only 1 who didn't follow the diet Brenda gave me. My surgery is the 21st of this month. Any advice you can give me, and also what's this machine that everyone seems to have except me. It's called CPAP (or something like that). I obviously didn't get the memo on this hot commodity!