I started my journey to being banded with Dr. Chua by attending the mandetory seminar 07/08. I have had a problem with weight my entire life though there was a period of time that I had lost about 50# and kept most of it off for 7 years. Even with that loss, I was still obese but felt much better. Last year my cholesterol and triglycerides came back as borderline high. Combined with my hypertension, I asked my PCP if the Lap Band might be a good choice for me. She gave me a referral to the Sinai Bariatric center and I attented the seminar.

At the same time I inquired with my insurance company if they covered bariatric surgery. They did but required a six month physcial supervised diet and exercise. I completed that in January of this year. I also met with the nutritionists monthly and had my phyc eval shortly after the seminar.

In February I had an appointment with Dr. Chua and Taddei. In March I was told that I was approved for my surgery. Due to a work conflict, I scheduled my surgery for May.

A few weeks before surgery I had the pre-op tests. A week before surgery I met with Dr. Taddei for a history and eval.

The morning of my surgery I arrived at the hospital at 5:30am. I was the first scheduled surgery. By 7:30 they were wheeling me into surgery and by 8:45 I was being roused in the recovery room. Due to a bed shortage, I was not transferred to a private room until about 2pm but that was okay as I slept on and off until around 1pm. The pain was not very bad but they did give me some morphine to make sure it did not escalate.

My husband was waiting for me in the room and I slept again. Around 4pm they brought me some broth and juice to drink. My stomach muscles seemed to ache from that and I asked for some meds about 5pm. I got up to walk around about 7pm and by 8pm I asked if I could go home. I could have stayed the night but felt well enough to go home. The staff at Sinai was wonderful.

My follow up with the nutritionist the following week brought a miscommunication to light. My discharge papers said to stop taking my multi Vitamin. But that was not the case. We reviewed my diet and she also explain when and how to move on to soft then regular foods. My follow up with Dr. Taddei showed that I was healing and doing well. Including an 8# weight loss.

I am now a little over 2 weeks post op and doing very well. I returned to work this past Monday and wouldn't have wanted to do so sooner. Sunday was the first day I could stand with no pain at the port location. My next visit with Dr. Chua is June 8th.

Please let me know if you have any questions about Dr. Chua or the surgery!

~mac

I was going to get banded from Dr.Chua and his staff but I am currently working overseas and it is much cheaper and more conveinent for me to do it here. I heard lots of good things about his office and if I was home I'd be going there. I'm going to get banded this fall so keep posting your progress to keep the rest motivated. Good luck!

Best of luck to you! I'll keep you posted on my progress and would like to know of yours once you're banded.

~mac

I was banded by Dr. Chua 5-5-09. My story was basically the same, except I was scheduled at 2:00pm so I stayed overnight. Very nice staff, I was not in much pain, and kept the pain at bay with the loratab. I was off work for 2 weeks, but felt fine after just one. I slept sitting in my recliner for the first week, but after that, I was in bed and doing fine. I have only lost 14 pounds thus far, and have had one 3.5 cc fill. Only 1 lb off since fill, feeling hungry and eating like I did before. Don't notice much of a restriction except if I eat too fast. I wonder if the bypass would have been a better option for me? I have about another 100 lbs to lose.

Nothing but great things to say about Dr. Chua and his staff. The whole experience has been fantastic.

I was banded by Dr. Chua 5-5-09. My story was basically the same, except I was scheduled at 2:00pm so I stayed overnight. Very nice staff, I was not in much pain, and kept the pain at bay with the loratab. I was off work for 2 weeks, but felt fine after just one. I slept sitting in my recliner for the first week, but after that, I was in bed and doing fine. I have only lost 14 pounds thus far, and have had one 3.5 cc fill. Only 1 lb off since fill, feeling hungry and eating like I did before. Don't notice much of a restriction except if I eat too fast. I wonder if the bypass would have been a better option for me? I have about another 100 lbs to lose.

Nothing but great things to say about Dr. Chua and his staff. The whole experience has been fantastic.

I get my fills by Chua and the staff is not at all helpful in what may or may not be happening. i was given no information and the rates for the fills were changed 3 times! If someone else in wi was avavliable I would try that. I had my lap in Mexico.

I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Chua on the 26th of January, 2010 and am pretty excited...

I had my seminar on Sept 2, 2009 and almost left in the middle because I just didn't know if the battle with insurance would be worth it.

I had three dietician appointments required by Dr. Chua's office and did well.. the big tip, get off of carbonation quick and master your food demons.....

The staff is nice and I am excited.. this lap band is just the tool I need to help me help myself... it will not be easy... it will be me doing the work. I see the lap band as an appetitite depressant... you have to be the one that doesn't eat.. you have to be the one doing the exercise... if I don't loose enough weight, I will walk faster and eat slower....

I am shooting for 10 pound loss prior to surgery... then ten pounds a month after.. I think that is a reasonable and attainable goal.....

I have looked into this for years.. just looked.. I felt very comfortable with Dr. Chua and the center of excellence that they provide...

Everybody has a different experience... I am really considering going to the support group... I never thought I would need one, but I have been really watching this site a lot lately and am finding inspiration... I think "seeing" everyone's success on a regular basis will help motivate me into continuing the journey...

This is a lifelong commitment to change your ways... there is no "going off the diet".... failure is not an option....

Hang in there, if you have any questions about Dr Chua and the Wisconsin experience.. please let me know....

Jennifer

Congrats on your decision. I hope it went well.

I am looking to have Dr chua for my surgen . i am only as far as the dietatan (1st visit ) i have given up soda for the most part and lost 9 pound in a month so i am proud of that . any other pointer you can give me on working with Dr. Chua and staff . What as the phyc visit like ?

Just keep in mind that this surgery will not solve the problem for you. It is a tool, not an easy solution.

Very True , I remind my self of that EVERYDAY . I know it will take some hard work and I am in for the long haul .