LisaG

A few of us are getting together on March 16, wednesday, at 6:30pm at the IHOP off of 210. We hope to start a support group for this area. You are welcome to come.

I'm sorry but the post was in 2005. We met for over a year and then other obligations got in the way. We had started to attend Dr. Chung's Support Group but we just got tired of the Dr. Spiegel bashing at each meeting. You can always try and start a Lake Charles group again. Lisa

Gunn4ya, Now, doesn't a good bike make all the difference!! I have a Cannondale, a Trek and a Schwinn and they all have their purpose. But, like you, I'm waiting for the rain to stop and get back on the bike!

I've been doing yoga once a week for about a year. The class that I go to is small and the teacher is very observant and will help us to modify poses if need be. I really like yoga. It doesn't have all that jumping around like an aerobic workout and mainly focuses on stretching. It's very calming and relaxing. I think one of the main things to really getting into it is having the right teacher.

My husband and I ride in a bicycle ride that's held once a year for a festival in town. We ride the 35 mile route. We usually start training for our ride a few months in advance with about two 10 mile rides a week. We've been doing this since 1999. One year, pre band, after gaining some weight, I rode the 10 miler and it wasn't as satisfying as finishing the longer stretch. My husband got me into biking and I wouldn't have believe it until I tried it that a good quality bike makes a difference for longer rides. Oh, and the little seat, after a while everything goes numb! But, really, that area does get use to it after riding several times.

We have our second meeting planned for the Lake Area Bandsters (Lake Charles area). The meetings will be held the second Thursday's of each month at 6:30pm at the Managan Center in Westlake. Lisa Ford

Diane checked on the room at IHOP and while we could use the smoking section, if anyone came in that wanted to smoke, they would be sitting with us. So....we have now moved the meeting to Kit's Kitchen at the Isle of Capri. It is still on Thursday, St Patrick's Day, at 6:30pm. Thanks and hope to see some of you there.

In my excitement, I put the wrong date for our Lake Charles meeting. It should be on Thursday, March 17th...6:30pm at the IHOP.

I finally figured it was a virus when I put one plus one together. I threw up three times, my stomach hurt alot and I ran fever. The Phenergran helped alot. After it was mainly over, my stomach was sore for a few days after. I think that Dr. Speigel's office should keep his patients better informed. Like that info Kelly gave on calling Doctor's Hospital after hours and other support resources. I've heard this complaint ever time I have been in his waiting room. When I've gotten info, it's usually a little bit here and a little bit there. Sorry, I got on my soapbox again.

I found that one of the ladies in the support group described the pain as bruised. I am aware of it especially when I'm lying down and especially when I see the cat is about to jump on me! I find myself very protective of the port area. It was sore for it seemed like a month. You have stitches which need to heal.

It's funny you mentioned bug because around the fourth of July, I was sick with the bug for about 3 or 4 days. I called Melissa to see if it was something to do with the band... (I blame gas for alot of things) She called me some anti nausea meds out quick. It wasn't until after it was over and I was feeling well that I realized that I had a virus! I would just make sure that when you feel nauseated, call Dr. Speigel. He'll even call something out on the weekends. Well, that's what they told me anyways.

Just wondering if anyone knows why it takes some people up to a week before the fill kicks in? I got my second fill yesterday and it feels the same as before the fill. (I haven't had the honor to feel that "restriction" yet and have been anxiously waiting for it!) A friend who got her fill on Monday, too, said I might be able to feel the restriction by drinking a big gulp of Water as it may hurt a little/or i might feel it. I drank three gulps of water and nothing. I was disappointed! Maybe some of you wiser folks will know. Thanks!

Rica- Two things never crossing my mind... I never thought about retention of Water may play a part in this and naming my band! I just may have to do that! Thanks.

Hi Darcy- I just read through your whole ordeal. It was like a novel I couldn't put down! But, on a serious note...shame...shame...on those medical professionals who took an oath to take care of us! I know that most doctor's around my area....well....think they're very high above us on the food chain! I am truly appalled at the way these folks have neglected to find the source of your problem. I do hope this problem ends for you soon! And, I'll be waiting anxiously to find out the source of your pain.

Thanks guys. I'm one of those people who like to figure out a "why" to things. And, this one is got me baffled!

Hi Paula, I had a fill last Monday. Dr. Spiegel does and is required to do the fills himself. I had no problems and very little pain. And, it is done with out the "floro thing". I don't think there is one in the office but it would have to be done at the hospital. And, a tip, bring your own Water, there's isn't so good.

Will there be a support meeting in Lake Charles for August also?

I just found out about this site and heard many positive things about it. I was banded on 6/10/04 and did not know any other bandsters. Because I didn't know anyone, I would call the doctor's office with all my concerns. My husband told me that if they got tired of me calling, they would take my band out! He was just kidding, but I'm glad I have others who I can talk to about some of my concerns.

That may one of the problems, there are too many of us! I think his nurse said he has 800 and there are more on the way!

It seems that when I do happen to meet those banded, they seem to know others. It just amazes me how many people have gotten this surgery! I've been looking around the site and think it is a good resource... one that I wish I had sooner!

The nurse suggested Phazyme and chewable gas x. I have both. I dissolved the Pyazyme in a small amount of warm Water. Its not bad. I was the first one there on that Monday and got put in a room early on. But, I heard and saw all the people when I got out of the room. Wall to wall and standing room only! I do have to say something positive about Dr. Spiegel through, he is very meticulous about his work and wants to do a good job. I rather have one that does a good job without the good bedside manner than one with a good bedside manner doing mediocre work. You ought to come to the support group. I learned and shared alot.

I also use Dr. Spiegel and got my first fill on the 19th. When he gave my fill, I asked him how much (1.4) and committed it to memory so that I could keep track of it. I went to the support group on that Thursday and made an observation to the nurse...he doesn't give a person any time for questions but goes in, does his thing, then moves on to the next person. She said that he will answer questions, just have them ready and let him know that you do have questions. After he gave me my fill, I think he said that he will see me back in a month and gave me a cup of warm water... The people in the waiting room told me what that was for and what to do with it! I also found out that it is not unusual for your stomach to 'act up' after the fill (get swollen). It could be that it just needs time to get over the restriction. I do know that pain that you are feeling. I had problems with swollowing too much air. I feel like I need a lesson in how to drink and eat. I may be a natural air swollower! But, I have gas relievers handy for when I need them. Also, around the 4th of July, I had gone through alot of chest pain, stomach aches, dry heaving and kept calling the office thinking it was built up gas. It last almost a week. But, because I had a fever then and I feel so much better now, I think I may have had some type of stomach virus. If you don't feel better, keep calling the office!