New Hope

Hang in there! Mine was denied in October, 2003. We jumped through all the hoops. I'm having it done tomorrow, May 26, 2004! This website has given me such great info. and support. Persistence pays off. Best of Luck to you!

I'm ready to live healthier. May 26,2004 is my Lapband surgery day (also having my gallbladder removed, too). I hope I do as wonderfully as so many of you have done. I've learned so much from your shared experiences. I haven't gotten nervous yet, just ready to start living LIFE.

Probably not your case, but a remaining stitch (suture) can cause inflammation and draining. My husband had one that worked it's way out from the abdomen. It finally came to the surface where the dr. just pulled it out with some twissers. Good luck and keep us posted. I've enjoyed hearing about your progress.

Thanks so much for your info. I'm still waiting, haven't been banded yet. But I'm really ready for a healthier me! Congratulations on your weight loss! How did your recovery go? Again, thanks so much. Best of luck to you!

Lisa, my husband (before transplant) had a kidney dialysis catheter in his abdomen. He had to keep this clean and covered. The p.d. nurses recommended to use "Surgi Squares". They're white gauze, come in various sizes. He used the 4"x4". He taped them on all four sides to his abdomen. You can fold them or double stack them to get enough absorbency. He used silk or paper tape. Any local drug store, Walmart, and/or medical supply company sells the gauze and the tapes (both in band aid section). These type of tapes don't cause allergic reactions and are much kinder to your skin. (Don't pull your hide off!) I wouldn't use the Liquid Bandages because this is closing your wound off. It needs to be able to get air to it. Air helps it heal faster and helps dry it out. Please use a gentle, pure soap (no fancy dyes, perfumes) (ex. Ivory or Johnson's Baby). Excessive use of antibacterial soaps will make your skin angry (red, irritated). Good Luck!

Hi, I'm waiting for final approval with Dr. Spivak in Houston. How has your experience been with him and his office? How does he do fills? Thanks for any info. you can give.

You can also use pieces of lumber (boards) and stack them. Just be sure it's stable and won't topple over.

I've wrestled w/hiatal hernia and reflux for years. Try putting wooden blocks under your headboard (both sides). This will raise your head (and your husband's) and should help with the reflux. You can elevate your headboard as much as needed. ( I have mine raised about 8 inches.)Hopefully, you'll be able to rest then. Unfortunately using pillows just bends your esophagus and compounds the reflux problem. Good luck and sweet dreams!

I'm in the same boat. I'm 50, 2 children, 5'4", 222, overweight for over 15 years. Interested in surgery with Dr. Hadar Spivak in Houston. What does he charge for surgery? Where is surgery done? Any of his patients out there? How much does he charge for fills? How does he do fills? How long before 1st fill after surgery? Any info. and advice greatly appreciated.

I'm waiting for final o.k. with Dr. Hadar Spivak in Houston, TX. Already done pretests. Any patients of his? Advice gladly accepted.