TX_Kimmie

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

Congrats Brandy! Welcome to Band-Land! Keep us informed on how you are doing. Best Regards..... Kim

:bump: Giving this thread a bump to see how everyone is doing. I am doing ok after 2nd fill. Wouldn't call it the "sweet spot"... but I do have some restriction. Hope everyone is doing well. Kim

Also, on your way out of the office, grab a copy of the wellness/support group schedule. I picked one up. I would like to start participating in his meetings. They have copies at the front desk. Hopefully I can meet some of you there one of these days. Best to All! :-)

Congrats and welcome Rachel! I had my second fill completed at the park plaza office today. I must tell you, this experience was FAR better than my first. The nurse today was great! I feel terrible I don't remember her name, but you can bet that is who I want next time. She just joined his office two months ago, and she is great. She was so patient and gentle. I had no restriction from the first one, my fingers are crossed on this one. But the more I read, it seems as though it takes 3-5 times before the sweet spot is mastered. I have lost a total of 30 lbs since I started my journey, so I am thrilled. But I want the restriction. Hopefully soon the sweet spot will be mine! Best of luck to you. -Kim

Hey SheriLynn - good to hear from you. It has been a while since we last chatted. I am five weeks out, had first fill today. I have lost 21 lbs and let me tell you I was thrilled. I have not seen my doctor since day of surgery (until today). My first follow up was today. Hey, it is 5 lbs in the right direction, know what I mean. Be proud of yourself. If you are noticing you are not eating some of the best things, then just cut back on those, take in a bit more Protein and they weight loss will continue to come. I think you are doing great. You are a few lbs ahead of me! Don't let the doctor distract you. Just grab the bull by the horns, refocus that energy and you will do it. I know you will. Take care of yourself. We are cheering you on! -Kim

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

If you are in Houston, you can visit Dr. Spivak too. He offers free seminars. That is who banded me about 5 weeks ago. No regrets. He does a fantastic job, actually has a personality and will answer your questions. You will choose who is right for you, but I am selected Spivak because of his experience and expertise in laparoscopic surgery. You can search through many threads regarding the surgeons in the Houston area. A lot of shared experiences to learn from in this forum. Wish you the best. :-)

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!!!

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:

Is there anyone out there that attends the support group at Central Market in Houston, Texas? I think it is the 3rd Saturday of the month. If so, can you give me some insight on the meeting? I was recently banded and feel it will be beneficial to me to participate in a support group. Hope to hear from of you Houstonians!:mad:

Hello All. I need help. :help: I was banded on Feb 5th by Dr. Spivak. I think like most of you, I have five incision sites. Two have healed beautifully. The other three have healed for the most part, but each have a small dot where they have not. It feels as though it is a stitch poking through. I realize this sounds gross. It is not painful or unsightly. Just odd. I see Dr. Spivak later this week, but I was curious if anyone else has experienced this. I am assuming the darn stitch will eventually dissolve or something. I just want these very small areas to close all the way. Your thoughts and experiences are welcome (unless you are going to right me to tell me I am nuts - ha!) :eek: Best to all my fellow Banders. -Kim :eek:

Thanks for sharing, I now will know exactly what to expect. I am not a tattoo person (not that there is anything wrong with it), but maybe getting an "X" marks the spot should be considered? How funny is that...my abdomen area would look like a treasure map! :loco: Just kidding around. As you can see, I am a little nervous and anxious about the first fill. :eek: Thanks again for the input, I hope my fills goes well.

Enterprise. I go for my first fill on Thursday, did Dr. Spivak say why your saline was absorbed or if that is the norm? I am curious on what to expect. And did you experience any pain with your first/second fill? Of course I am overthinking it...but guess that is normal.

Thanks Mark. Yep, you are right. There has been no soreness, redness, drainage or appearance of infection, so I have not really been that concerned. The little suckers are more of a nuisance. Just wasn't sure how long it would take for them to dissolve. I am sure the Doc will reassure me later this week. Thanks!

No, I was banded Feb 5th, so I am five weeks post op now. But your comments are very helpful, because I was unsure on how long it would take for them to truly dissolve. I have kept them very clean and tidy. But the little stitches poke out and feel funny. I guess you are right. I am sure after a few more weeks they should be dissolved. Thanks Enterprise. Hope you are well.

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!

This thread was VERY refreshing to read. I too have been experiencing this issue. I was banded on Feb 5th and go for my first fill this week. If any of you are female that are commenting, wonder if you noticed when your "monthly visitor" arrives if it made a difference. Not only did I not lose, but I gained two pounds. I was totally discouraged and pretty ticked off. I have been extremely dedicated to my diet and keep it right at 1000 cal per day. Once the "visitor" was gone, I dropped 3 lbs in a two days. Guess between water weight and bloating, it is norm, but I found this no weight loss thing frustrating. I sat down one night with my hubby and was nearly brought to tears. I was explaining (of course hubby thought I was nuts)..."I haven't had a single slice of pizza, no cheese enchiladas, no wine/cocktails when dining out, no pasta, and on and on. Still no weight loss. I am ok with giving up my favorite foods because I know they are not the most healthy of choices, but for goodness sakes, I want to be losing if I am making good choices! Or at least mentally this is where I am at. At the end of the day, I know the biggest thing I need to do, is to exercise. Thanks for letting me vent my concerns. Although I am sad to hear you are all going through the same thing, I don't feel so alone. Please keep sharing, this is SO, SO helpful. Best to everyone!

I did not have that experience at all. But I had the sassy-pretty black lady you did. Bless her heart she stayed late with me and anwered all my questions. She is amazing! I owe her a huge hug if I ever see her again. She gave me such wonderful and supportive advice, encouraged me to put my health first and take care of myself. Wish I remembered her name. I wonder what they said that scared him away?

OK, fish is one food item I know I should have, but have never included as a menu option at home. I am prepared to acquire a taste for it, however, need suggestions on the best tasting fish (other than salmon). I guess I had a bad past experience where it just tasted too "fishy" if that makes sense. LOL! Any suggestions on a good quality, yummy tasting, and satisfying fish???? If so, where did you buy it? Did you buy it fresh or frozen? And if you ordered it at a restaurant and you loved it, which restaurant? Also, I am searching for yummy fish recipes too. Feel free to share your ideas - they are all welcome!!!!! :hungry: Kim

My weight loss is slow, but doing ok. I haven't weighed since last Friday and won't until later this weekend. As a female, there is a 'particular time of the month' I refuse to weigh in....sorry if that is TMI. Anyway. On day of surgery I weighed 218 and at the 3.5 week mark I was 208. It is only ten pounds, but trust me I was thrilled. I even did a little celebatory dance at the scale. At least it is ten pounds in the right direction. I am finally feeling back up to speed. The recovery was a bit more than I anticipated. So I now know it is time I must implement (yes, I am afraid I must type the word) - EXERCISE. I am career oriented as well, so work lots of hours, then have to tend to my two young children when I get home. The trick is definitely going to be finding the time. I know it is possible, people do it everyday. But I just have to figure out when. Do you keep a food journal? I have started that and will try to maintain that. I have been told it is a great tool to get on track. How is your restriction? Do you feel you need another fill to help more?

Enterprise01 - how are you? Haven't heard from you in a while. Things going ok?

Hi Hazelbunny! Hope to see you back again post op. I have my first fill on the 15th. Would be great to see how you are doing after the surgery. And I will be happy to let you know how my first fill goes. Where are you having your surgery? Park Plaza or Surgical Center? I had mine at the Surgical Center and went very smooth. The staff was awesome! My mom took me there/brought me home (dear hubby was with our children). Dr. Spivak came to see me once I was back getting prep'd. Then after the surgery he went out and talked to my Mom for a few minutes. My Mom was very impressed with him (this is a high compliment because my Mom is not a fan of doctors). I hope you have an equally pleasing experience. Sending you happy vibes for you and your soon to be "bandy". Take care. Kim

Welcome Craig. I was banded Feb 5th and live in Houston. Congrats on your current weight loss, sure there is more to come. Best of luck, -Kim

I too am a Dr. Spivak patient. Just chiming in to say hello and welcome. Awesome folks round these parts. Lots of support. And we really know how you feel. Best of luck on your banding journey!