Has anyone out there been banded by Dr. Halmi or Dr. Tran in Virginia? If so tell me about your experience. I am considering going to either doctor but a little apprehensive about the surgery.

I used Dr. Halmi and Tran's office for my surgery on December 4, 2007. I think they are great. I thought they were both great docs and very, very well known in my area of Woodbridge,VA. They have a great dietician in their office as well. Good practice all in all. The only thing I wished is that the doctor would have spent a little more time getting to know me one on one but is practice is so booming and he sees so many patients I have to understand that it is not like your family care doctor. You know? But they really are truly great and like I said everyone raves about them. I am glad I used them. :cool:

I am glad to hear that all went well with your surgery. How long were you in the hospital and if you work - how long out of work? Any complications or negatives with the surgery?

I was in the hospital only overnight. I got to go home the next day. I took 1 whole week off work and was pretty much good to go the next day. I sit behind a desk all day so it was pretty easy to return back to work. I have lost 22 pounds in 6 weeks. Just over the last week or so I have been not feeling very full from what I have been eating which most likely means I need a fill which I am going to get in a week or so. But all and all best decision I ever made.

Hi all,

I too am considering Lapband surgery. I have my first consultation on 1/24/08. I am terrified of surgery....4 small kids at home, but am so unbelievably excited, I can't stand it. How long did it take to get the surgery once you saw the doctor for the first time?

What was your BMI pre surgery? Did you go on the 2 week liquid diet prior to surgery? Are you eating regular food yet? Has the diet been difficult?

I did! I had my surgery July 25, 2007. It was great! I didn't/haven't had any complications. I, too, spent the night at the hospital. I think this is a very wise decision. Given that you've just had major surgery, a night in the hospital gives you peace of mind.

I had my surgery on a Wednesday and was back to work Monday. I have a desk job, so it wasn't a big deal. I recovered very quickly. I walked A LOT, so that really helped.

No, I didn't have to a do a pre-op diet. Just the usual - the night before surgery no eating after midnight.

Dr. Halmi's/Tran's staff was great, too! They are definitely on top of things.

I am being banded by Dr. Halmi on 7-9-2008.

I'm awaiting approval through Halmi also...so far I like them. A bit disorganized at the Vienna office but Woodbridge is on top of things.

I sure wish my friend, Ginger Brewster, who had gastric bypass with Dr. Halmi in February 2002 and died a couple of weeks later, could have had lapband. She had lots of complications after gastric bypass that she may not have had with lapband. Her story is posted on the memorial page of Obesityhelp.com. Ginger had her surgery a little too soon; the technology wasn't as good a few years ago. Got rest her soul. :biggrin:

Actually I said that wrong - it is Woodbridge that was terrible but Vienna has been awesome. i am so sorry about Ginger. I am going with the lap band - heard too many bypass stories and am scared of it.