claraluz

I got banded by him six years ago and lost 80 pounds (don't pay any attention to the numbers on my profile. They're very old and I haven't changed them yet). I chose Dr. Spivak because at the time he had the most experience and the best recommendations for Houston. He is very knoweldgeable and compassionate and has a great bedside manner. His staff is also very nice and that's almost as important.

Whoops, I guess I started on 2003 so I've probably had the band six years now.

I'm not sure whether you want to hear from me or not. I can't remember when I got my band, but I know I've had it at least five years. Maybe more. I had about 110-120 pounds to lose when I started. I lost 80 with no effort whatsoever and pretty much stopped there. I know I could have lost more, but I was satisfied with my appearance and the improvement in my health. Within the last six months, I started gaining weight again and eventually realized that I hadn't really felt restriction in a while. I went to my doctor and learned that the port is broken and needs to be replaced in another surgery. I'm going to do it because the band is definitely worth it to me. So yeah, there's been a problem, but for at least five years it was all smooth sailing. I wouldn't try to ignore the bad stuff and pretend that it's not there. I would ask you to keep in mind that I haven't been on this board for several, several years. Why? Because everything was going great. So keep in mind that people come here for support. If they've had the band for a long time and all is well, they might not be here. The board may be a little skewed that way.

I got my band three years ago. It is a tricky little device,but I'm down 75 pounds and I'm thrilled. I would do it again despite the PBing, wondering if I need a fill or an unfill, etc. It's been worth everything I've invested in it for sure. Nancy

Just saw this as I am back after an extended period away. I have recently been considering laser treatments for my face, but after this, I don't know. I really hate pain and if it is not permanent. . . Nancy

I really don't know, but you could try Dr. Spivak. I don't know if he would do it or not. When I was considering being banded by Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey, he told me that Dr. Spivak wanted to do fills for his patients, but that Spivak's hospital wouldn't let him. You could call to see if this is still the case. I heard a rumor that he was now able to do them. Nancy

My recovery was very easy. I never had any pain or discomfort. The worst part for me was that I felt things I had never felt before and it was hard to know if those feelings were normal or the signal that something was wrong. So I felt a little anxious. And I was a little low on energy. I could easily have gone back to work on the fourth day, but I'm glad I didn't have to. Nancy

God, I kind of feel like it can't be true. Blossom really was someone who was very supportive. I will remember her and in her memory, I will try to remember to appreciate each day I am given. I pray that Phillip and her other family members will find comfort and solace in this awful time. Nancy

My guess (and that's all it is) is that taking the medication might keep you from gaining more weight and will make losing weight easier, but I doubt that all by itself it could help you to lose all the weight you want to lose. Nancy

This is the one way this board did NOT help me: I learned from the board that popcorn goes down easy. It's true, and once I discovered that it's been popcorn heaven for me. And I'm not talking about the healthy stuff. Prior to reading that on this board, I just assumed that like bread and other such items, it would get stuck so I hadn't tried it. I will give myself a little credit and say that I do use only the snack bags. Nancy

Zoe, so sorry you are still in pain. Yuk. I've had sciatica, but never that bad. It's definitely hard to lose weight when you can't exercise. I guess the only thing you can do is to try to stay focused on eating healthy foods. Keep us posted on the back. I hope it improves quickly. Nancy

Hi. Welcome. Like you, I had lost 100 pounds twice. Both times it took me about a year and then I regained the lost weight and more in record time. That's really why I got the band. I want to make sure I don't re-gain the lost weight and I think the band will help me. I've been banded for 19 months. I'm not cured. I still tend to turn to food for comfort and to make wrong choices sometimes. But the band keeps me from eating too much at any one time, so it helps minimize the harm when I do get off track. By the way, no you won't have to eat mushy, pureed food forever - just for the first month or so, different docs have different instructions. Keep researching and we will answer any quetions to the best of our ability. Nancy

Wow, you people are twisted! But so am I. I love Peanut Butter and swiss cheese on rye. And Pasta shells with just sour cream and salt. Yum. Nancy

I just think you should go with your gut feeling. I, too, would have been upset with that kind of presentation. The thing I object to the most is the weight loss requirement. Many, many doctors require this, but I think it's absurd and shows a lack of understanding of the struggles we go through with food and weight. If you are like most of us, you have probably been through numerous diets and have lost and re-gained weight many times. I think that should be enough to demonstrate your commitment. I also don't like the idea of going through so many hoops before you can even meet the doctor. True, if you don't like him you can use your test results with another doctor. But it indicates to me a lack of commitment on his part and I would be afraid that it's a signal of how unavailable he would be after you get your band. That being said, having a doctor closer is better than having one farther away. Well, you've got a lot to think about and you've gotten a lot of good (if conflicting) opinions. Now it's up to you. Trust your instincts and your feelings. Nancy