TX_Kimmie

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:

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.

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: