jfk

Hi Mergatroy, Could you use another buddy? We're almost the same age. I'm having a tough time with this. Banded in July, o7. jfk

Hi Angela, I can't answer your question about Tri-care. Did you get the appointment you mentioned without a referral? You will likely definitely have to get pre-approval from your insurance co, and sometimes they really like to make you dance through the hoops before they approve you. Your Dr.s staff should be able to walk you through all that. I was banded in Denver a year ago in July. Doing reasonably well, but, I, alas, am one of those very slow losers. No ones fault but my own. I feel I should have lost at least another 34-40 lbs by now, and then I would have reached my goal. I've lost probably 85 lbs overall. I really need to bump up the exercise again, because my calorie intake probably isn't too excessive... I do eat way too much cheese and chocolate puddings! Trying to cut back on those as they are my weaknesses. This thread kind of goes in spurts too. Perhaps we can get it going a bit by asking how everyone else is doing at this point? Does anyone have any eating suggestions for me? I could sure use some! I am in a real rut, and tend to eat the same old things just about every day. I have gotten two fills from Dr. Rohrer in Gt. Falls, and wouldn't hesitate for a minute to go back to him. My total is three, and from the way I feel, still, I think its doubtful I'll need another one. I can tell you, this band will kick my behind hard if I get too carried away with things. I wish they could band my head and squeeze all the food cravings out of my mind. Unfortunately, just doesn't work that way. So, the fight goes on... but, I expect to win it someday! Meanwhile, good luck with your journey, and keep us posted. Joy

Hi Steph, Keep the faith girl... everything will be ok! Just a few things to mention. No, the PA has not yet learned the technique. When I was in Denver, Dr. Kirshenbaum absolutely read me the riot act about letting an inexperienced person (with the band that is) touch me. He said all it would take is one wrong move to wreck the whole set up... put the fear of God in me he did! One needle stick in the wrong spot could puncture the tubing, and it would be back to surgery again to have the whole mess replaced. I told him I have a lot of faith in our PA here because she is very good at what she does. He conceded that because I was so far away, a PA might be the only option for fills. He told me to have her call him any time with any questions about the fills. He even sent me home with two of the special huber/lapband fill needles for emergencies. Absolutely nothing against PA's, however, I suspect that a lot of surgeons are probably somewhat leary of anyone with lesser skill levels than theirs touching their patients. After the lecture from Dr.Kirshenbaum, I decided to contact Dr.Rohrer in Gt.Falls... to my surprise, he agreed to do the fills, and, as I mentioned, I am very impressed with him. I felt completely safe in his hands, and absolutely confident in his skills. He's gotten both fills with just one try and answered all my questions very patiently.... the same ones I'm sure he's heard a thousand times and more. Remember one thing... when you have your first fill, don't be surprised if you barely notice any difference at all. I certainly didn't. I kept waiting for all this great restriction I heard everyone else bragging about, and it just wasn't happening. I learned later that it may be because the band itself absorbs a lot of the fluid. On my second fill, for which I waited a little over two months, I could tell some difference, but, not a lot. Now, with the third one (waited about 2.5 months) I KNOW theres something in there! I have never had what is called the PB's, nor have I vomited even once since I was banded. I get pain... take me to my knees pain... It happens when I ignore that little 'twinge' that says, "you'd better not take one more bite or you're going to be very sorry". Ignore that signal at your peril! For me, the pain has been a very crushing 'cardiac' type which hits me in the chest and upper back on the right side. It has lasted anywhere from 5-10 mins at a time, and, its not over till its over. I really haven't found anyway to alleviate it while its in progress. If I feel just a tiny twinge, and stop eating in time, I usually take a couple of gas-X strips, and that can help a lot before things get out of hand. I can eat plenty of food without a problem... its just that 'one more bite cuz it's so good' thing that gets me in trouble. But, I am learning. The pain is a great motivator, and, I guess thats what its really all about. Its not pleasant, but, the band is doing what it is supposed to do. For me, its truly a love-hate relationship! Thanks for the tip on the drink. I will look for it. Right now, I'm using 'Pro-Stat-64', which is a pure, pre-digested liquid protein. I take 2-Tbs (usually) daily, and, it pretty much gets the protein in. I really like the Pro-Stat... wild cherry flavor, tastes pretty good. Skinny tried a taste and thought it was good too. It is one of the really good ones... not one of those full of sugar and other garbage protein. I also am using Fiber-Stat. Its a liquid soluble fiber which is very helpful with elimination. Its clear with no taste, also just 2-Tbs daily if needed. I have a very difficult time with those full-bodied protein drinks... I just cannot get much of them down. I think 'Boost' is one of the better ones, and, they come in a very small bottle... that one I can manage. Just one more thing. I have found I simply cannot tolerate taking lots of different vitamins, so, I am using a liquid one now. I get it from the Rexall. Its called 'Liquid Health', Complete Multiple. Its in the large brown bottle... not one of those plastic squeeze things. Its got something like 200 essential nutrients, trace minerals, and every vitamin imaginable in it.... suprisingly, it even tastes pretty good too... a little like prune juice. I was using the Centrum liquid, and one other liquid one which I absolutely hated. I was glad to find this one. I got a little pill splitter for a couple of meds that I take, and that helps a lot too. Steph, if you go to my website, you can send me a personal email from the link there... contact number is there as well. Paso Finos del Joy - Home Take care, and lets get together soon. We'll grab Skinny and all go have a coffee or something. Sounds great! Joy

Hi Steph, I understand completely about the 'hard-time'. Lets do try to get together. My schedule is fairly flexible, so, just let me know. I know that it helps a lot to have a live person to talk to and compare notes. I was the first one from this area, and its been pretty lonely out there. I am making progress, but, its a lot slower than I would like. I blame myself completely for that though, as I certainly chowed down on all the Christmas goodies. People keep bringing plates of fudge, Cookies, etc to work... I finally resorted to hiding them in various places around the office so I don't have to look at them. Unfortunately, I always remember where I hid them! Anyway, it is getting a lot better. I had my 3rd fill from Dr.Rohrer in Gt. Falls on Dec 4th, and its made a massive difference! Even with all the eating during Dec, I've still managed to lose a few pounds. The biggest problem was that eating all that stuff really made me feel ill and crappy... but, of course I did it anyway. The head issues are definitely the toughest. The band has taken me down pretty hard several times since the last fill.... I'm saying to it now... "OK, OK... I'm finally getting the message! " I saw by your reply to Skinny that you have some issues with ND. I absolute love Dr.Rohrer. He is incredibly gentle. I had my first fill in Denver, and it was tough. I have been to Dr.Rohrer in Gt.Falls twice since then, and will make that long trip again if I have to, just to see him. I'm pretty sure that he has gotten me to, or at least very close to the so-called 'sweet-spot' with only the third fill. Now, I have to do my part! Let talk when you get a chance. Meanwhile, just take good care of yourself and give things time to heal up. In my opinion, the surgery/banding itself is just the first hill.... after that, you start the real journey up that mountain of fat we carry... and we will conquer it! Joy

Hi Steph, I apologize. I haven't been on the sight for a while. Yes, its Joy. If you'd like to get together and visit sometime, that would be great! Just let me know what would work best for you. Joy

Hey Steph, I'm in Plentywood too. Wanna talk about it? I was banded in Denver in July. Hows it going for you? jfk

Thanks so much Shawn... I'm on my way now! Joy

Hey All ! Wow, how nice to see everyone here. I'm afraid I haven't checked in for a while, but, since I have to head out for Gt Falls early in the morning, thought I'd see if anyone was around. It sounds like you all are doing very well. I have to see Dr. Rorher at 3:00 on Wed the 3rd of Oct. Anyone else going to be there about then? I'll be coming in on Hwy 2 from the Hi-Line. Staying at the Western Heritage Inn. Anyone who can tell me where that is? I'm just clueless! I'll be there through the 7th, so, hopefully will learn my way around at least a little. Weight loss is like the old 'molassas in January' thing.... slooooow ! This will be my second fill, and I'm hoping its a little more effective than the first one. I can still eat way too much (and do), but, I have been walking 2.5 to 3.0 miles almost every day. That at least is keeping me from re-gaining. (at least so far) I am back riding again. Just got a new (used) Aussie saddle today, and I absolutely love it. Theres no such thing as bad posture in an Aussie... it makes you sit up like a ramrod. Actually I could really feel my butt and thighs working while riding it in, so, who knows.... it might even tighten up my backside a bit:D Sophie, did you ever find any support in Glasgow yet? None for me here yet, but, I'm finding that it really isn't mattering so much anymore. People know I have the band, but not one person has said a word to me about it. I think they're just too timid or something. A couple of people have actually noticed the weight loss beginning and commented, but, they didn't ask how I was doing it. I guess if they did, I'd tell them. Do you have horses too? If anyone cares to see my horses or mules, they're at Paso Finos del Joy - Home I absolutely adore horses and mules. I haven't gotten into riding the mules just yet, but, its coming next. I always felt I was too heavy for them, as they are still quite young at 2-years old. Anyone who's been to Dr.Rohrer for fills... does he numb you up first? I'm hoping so. Dr. K in Denver didn't. Its a good thing I was laying down when he started, or, I would have been flat out on the floor! I had a huge bulls-eye bruise on my belly thats finally going away now. I guess thats what happens when there is so much fat to go through with that fill needle:rolleyes Well, looks like I'd better go start packing.... getting anxious to get on the road. Take care all and blessings! Joy

Hi All, Wow, it does my little heart good to see this thread picking up. I just KNEW there were more of us out there! Sula, thanks so much for the input about your meals. It is so helpful just to see what someone else actually eats on a daily basis. And, congratulations on your new horse:clap2:! I think the walkers are absolutely magnificant. A family member, Grace Larson has a walker ranch over at Forsythe. Its called Hi-Plains Walkers. She also operates the 'Part-Walker' registry. We raise Paso fino horses and Paso Fino mules. The mules are really a hoot:p. I intend to start riding them myself as soon as Dr.K. clears me for riding, which I hope will be on the 12th. You'll have to post a photo of your new walker. Dreno, when you said Wolf Point, I knew you knew exactly what I am going through with the isolation. Are you in the west now? ANW, so nice to see you here too. I called Dr.Rohrer's office yesterday, and they said he will do fills for other surgeons (thank goodness....I've already been turned down by two others). They did tell me to get my request in early though, as he is almost booked solid... not only that, his receptionist told me that he has cut back his work schedule rather drastically... only two or maybe three days a week now. I have to be in Gt.Falls for the EMS conference from Oct 3-7, so, I am making an appointment with him for the 3rd. Can you tell me where his office would be? Is it very far from the Heritage Inn? Thats where the conference is being held, and I'm not familiar with Gt.Falls at all. I'm really looking forward to the trip. My PA here said she would learn the fill technique, but, I haven't had the nerve to let her try that yet (although she is a wonderful PA and I go to her for everything else). Dr. K. really read me the riot act about letting someone inexperienced touch me. He said, 'one wrong move, and they'll torpedo the whole project'. Put the fear of God in me I can tell you! Knowing how isolated I am though, he did send me home with two of the special Lap-Band fill needles from Inamed. I'm keeping them for any emergency, however, I'm going to bite the bullet and get myself back to Denver or Gt.Falls for the routine fills. Can you believe they let me through airport security with those big honkers, but, took away my Water which I really needed:omg: . The needles fell under the 'medical device' rules. ANW, I have read a lot of good things on this site about Dr.Rumbault. I considered Mexico for myself for a while, but, when I learned about Dr.K. in Denver, and his very reasonable pricing, I changed my mind. It is great that Dr.Rohrer will take the Mexican band patients. Most surgeons act like you've got the plague or something if you've been banded in Mexico, or, even by another surgeon in the states. One thing thats been helping me a lot with the Protein intake is the pre-digested liquid Protein from Bariatric Eating. I take two tablespoons one or two times a day. There are 30 grams of protein in two tblsps. Tastes like crap, but, it goes down quick, and then I'm not blowing my belly up with all those heavy Protein drinks. Its not for everyone, but, perhaps something to consider after banding. I absolutely could not get as many of those protein drinks down as I was supposed to. If you get the liquid, make sure its a good one. There is some good info about them on the main board. It tells you what to watch out for. I also am taking liquid Vitamins, and a special liquid Vitamin formulated for hair-loss prevention. (hope it helps...so far, so good;)) So good to hear from you all... lets keep in touch:ranger:. Joy

Hi Sula... I sure do appreciate the reply. I have not had any fills yet. I'm set for Sept 12th in Denver, and hopefully another for sometime in mid-Oct depending on how the first one goes. How many have you had? I tried to no avail to get some kind of a support group going here.... did some print ads, put it on the radio, word of mouth, etc. However, no one at all was interested. There are about three women here who have had GB, but, I am the only one I know of with lapband. One GB woman I spoke with seemed to have a bit of an issue with the band... I guess she probably thought I had taken the easy way out. Anyway, guess I'll just read the boards from time to time for a little help and inspiration. I'll look up the band-buddy from Glasgow and perhaps we could correspond a little. I think I've done pretty well with the band so far, but, I know that I am totally untrustworthy (yet) as far as returning to old eating habits. I keep catching myself doing stupid things like slathering on butter... but its only a quarter pancake! Yeah, stuff like that. I need someone around to figuratively slap my hands when I do that kind of stuff... thats why I thought a support group would be helpful... in truth though, I know its up to me:( so.... I just have to get over myself ! How tall is your horse? Mine are pretty short (paso finos), but, I still can't get on without the block. That is definitely my next goal. They are pretty darn sturdy, but I'm sure they'll be glad when I've dropped about a hundred +. Congrats on your -48 lbs. I'm still dreaming about it! If you get a chance, can you tell me generally what and how much you're eating? I'm still feeling pretty clueless about all that, and Dr.Kirshenbaum didn't give a lot of guidance in that area except for the standard things like, 'eat lots of Protein, etc.' Take care, and thanks for caring Joy

Hi everyone, I just found this thread by accident, and was so glad I did.. I too am in MT.... clear out in Plentywood. I got banded in Denver by Dr.Kirshenbaum on July 18th. I have to say, its been a pretty lonely experience since then. I don't know a soul out this way who is going through the banding process, and it would sure be nice to have someone to visit with about it. I am headed back to Denver for my first fill on Sept 12th. I had tried two different surgeons in this area, and was told quite rudely by one that no way would they touch me for that. I was a little shocked by the one as he did my emergency gallbladder removal a few years back. Oh well... Denver it is then. I too am a horse lover. We raise horses and mules. I had gotten to where I would hardly even get on my horses anymore because I felt I was just too heavy. (and I was) It had gotten to the point where I had to use a mounting block all the time because I couldn't heave my fat behind onto the saddle from the ground anymore... very humiliating! I still haven't ridden since the surgery... Dr. K. had said to wait at least 8-weeks. I'm sure he will clear me for riding again during the Sept visit. Since the surgery, I've just concentrated on ground work. Someone mentioned that Dr. Rohrer would do fills for MX banded patients. I wonder if he would do them for a US surgeon as well? I have lost weight, but, its beginning to be a real struggle as the hunger returns....as I know you all understand. I think I'd rather drive to Gt.Falls than keep flying to Denver. I actually love that drive along the Hi-Line. Take care all, and thanks for listening. I hope things are going well for everyone and that we'll all be the 'biggest losers'! Joy

Lap Dancer... I don't post ofter, but, I have to say that I have followed your story and your courage is inspiring. Thank you so much for posting it and the OA thoughts and guidelines as well. I'm sure I'm not the only one on this board who looks forward to reading the wisdom. The things you have spoken of, I understand fully. I have been there too. It took me many years to learn the lessons of the serenity prayer...I'm still learning. Its hard to say, 'the thing is done', 'let it go and go forward', 'I forgive (them, myself or whatever)' This topic reminded me of a film I saw long ago called 'Rachel, Rachel'. It starred Joanne Woodward, and she won best actress for it. In the story, she had one of the most emotionally abusive mothers imaginable. It was very inspiring to me to see how she finally dealt with that issue, and looked hard at her own life and dealt with it too. If you ever get a chance to rent it or catch it on television, it would be well worth your time. It had some lessons I've not forgotten. Well, I am finally scheduled for my first fill with Dr. K. in Denver on Sept 12th. I have heard that he is extremely conservative with his fills. I am hoping to do another in Oct. Has anyone had two fills from him and how do you find your restriction now? I'm hoping that two will do at at least for the winter as it will be very difficult for me to return to Denver again before next spring. Best of luck to everyone on this journey.

Hi all, I can't seem to find where this may have been addressed before. Is anyone using the 'pre-digested liquid Protein supplements' ? I'm just going into five weeks post-op and I'm having an extremely difficult time getting in the 70-90 grams of protein recommended by my dr. My swelling has gone down pretty well for the most part, but I still have a very 'hard' area right in the center of my belly... it feels about the size of a fist. I have never had nausea, PB's or any other complications since the surgery... however, it seems the least little thing I eat, especially a Protein Drink makes the 'fist' in my belly get even harder. Even one of the small 'Boost' drinks bothers me. Small portions of regular foods are going down well, but, I'm watching it like a hawk, and am eating absolutely minimal amounts of anything. Needless to say, the hunger has been quite severe at times. Since I've been having so much trouble getting in even minimal amounts of protein, I finally ordered one of those large bottles of the 'pre-digested' protein liquid from 'Bariatric Advantage'. Its 30 grams of protein per 2 TBS serving. I took the first dose this evening. Suprisingly, it tasted pretty good... butter pecan flavor (sugarless), however, the most surprising thing was that my hunger almost instantly disappeared, and has stayed gone for about six hours now. I'd sure be interested to know if anyone else has used this stuff, and what you thought of it. I intend to keep using it for a while, and forget about the Protein shakes, Slim Fast, Boost, etc. I think I'll feel a little better about trying to eat a little more solid food if I'm not so 'blown-up' trying to get in all those Protein Drinks. I'm also doing liquid 'Centrum Silver' Vitamins, and a liquid Vitamin formulated specifically to help prevent hair loss... guess I'll find out how well that one works as time progresses. :phanvan Going for my first fill in Denver on the 12th... perhaps that will help with the 'hungries' too.

That was some really good info WABB. Thanks so much for posting it. What are your thoughts on the Bariatric Advantage liquid protein? I checked the ingredients and its whey. I haven't quite figured out the 'pre-digested' part though. (sounds like its been regurgitated by someone else..ewww!) I am assuming that its been pre-digested by some type of enzymes. Does that sound about right? Bloom...I didn't order the Protica although I did look at it. Now, since seeing the info from WABB, I'm glad I didn't. It was way too expensive for the number of portions anyway. It seems that the BA protein is probably a better choice. I am doing ok so far with the band. The biggest problem I have is having any kind of a regular meal-time. I guess I would still have to call myself a 'grazer' although I have been eating only very minimal portions. I bounce between three jobs all the time, and finding a regular time to eat, for me, is almost impossible. I do emergency response stuff, and it makes it very difficult as I never know for sure when I'll be anywhere. I was doing (yet another) short stint with Nutri Systems about a month or so before I decided to be banded. About a month of that along with two weeks of pre-op and five weeks of banding have dropped me from 278 lbs to 229. It probably sounds a little silly, but I found an old belt which I can now get around me, and I tighten that puppy as much as I can stand.... it kind of reminds me not to eat too much... a little 'band-helper'.

Thanks Bloom! I'm going to look that up right now. BTW, we are exactly the same age. How is it going for you?

Hi All, Haven't checked in for a while... just thought I'd pass on a bit more about my experience with Dr. K. I was banded July 18th, and things have been going really well so far. Dr. K. laughed and told me that he himself had recently developed an allergy to Hibiclens, so, he is now using Betadene for his antibacterial scrub. He said that I should use the Hibilens I had already purchased though. I guess I will be going back to Denver for my fills when the time comes. I called the two best lap surgeons in this region yesterday and was told flatly that they wouldn't touch me...THANKS! One of the dr's nurses was decent about it, the other was quite rude. I'm in a remote area also, and have to drive 90 miles just to get on an airplane in another state to go to Denver, but, I guess thats just what has to be done. I'm hoping to get at least two before winter sets in. For those of you who will have surgery at Crown Point, it is an absolute jewel of a facility. Its brand new, and very elegant. Walking in, you'll hear lovely piano music... I had to laugh, it sounded so close, then I realized it was coming from a big black grand piano in the atrium area... a "player piano" no less! It just plays and plays and plays... very pretty. The huge glass windows in the front even look a bit like some kind of a crown jewel. You could swear you've walked into some elegant hotel instead of a hospital. They will give you some literature that if you look closely at the bottom will state that the facility is owned by Dr. K along with some other Drs. It only took a few minutes to walk there from the Holiday Inn Select. You will have to cross a couple of traffic 'roundabouts', but, it was very easy to see the traffic, and the traffic was quite sparse... no problems at all getting across. I stayed at the H-I Select because it was so close to Crown Point. I just did not want to go to all the hassle of renting a car when I would have had to drive myself following the surgery.... not to mention I didn't have a clue where I was going. Just be aware though that taxis do NOT go to Parker... it is just out too far from Denver. I thought I would be real smart and save some money by taking the shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel. Well, I did save some money, however, it took almost three hours to get from the airport to the hotel. The reason... my sister and I were the ones going the most distance (Parker), and the other eight people on the shuttle were all going other places. I'm quite sure we saw most of the city of Denver as the driver took these other folks to their destinations...I had a dizzy headache by the time we finally got to the hotel. My pre-op with Dr. K was scheduled for the next morning. I asked the lady at the hotel desk for the names and numbers of taxi services... thats when I found out that they don't go there. However, she very kindly recommended a car service that a lot of guests use, and even called them for me and set up our ride for the following morning. Surprisingly, it cost only a little more than a taxi would have. It is about a twenty-plus minute ride from Parker to Dr. K's office in Aurora. The driver said to just call him when we were ready to return to the hotel, so, I got my perscriptions. We walked about a half-mile to a resturaunt for dinner, then, the car came back for us. The car service was excellent. I knew for a certainty that I could not stand riding that shuttle bus back to the airport following the surgery. We were all stuffed in there like a bunch of sardines, and it was very hot, especially with all the stop and go, and we would have had to pick up passengers all over Denver again, and there was no guarantee of getting to the airport on time. So, I said the hell with it, cancelled the return trip on the shuttle, and decided to go with the car service for the return trip to the airport. It did cost me more money, but, in the long run it was well worth it to me. The service was called 'Cartier Limo'. However, it was not a limo, it was simply a very comfortable town car. The driver wouldn't let us pick up our luggage, he did it all, and drove us right up to our curbside check-in location. It took about 30-mins to get to the airport from Parker. I just can't say enough good things about the people at the H-I Select. After my pre-op app't, we were back in the hotel, it was about 8:00 pm, and time for the (yuck) suppository! We started digging through the shopping bags, and of course the stinkin' suppositories had gone missing somewhere. You absolutely MUST have your suppository before surgery...crap! Since we were there without a vehicle, and there are no pharmacies that weren't miles away, I asked the lady at the desk it there was one which might deliver. There wasn't, however, she said that in just a few minutes one of their maintence workers was getting ready to leave, and she would have him go pick up whatever I needed... I'm telling you, I was ready to start bawling by then as I was getting pretty emotional about the next day. She gave me the number of a pharmacy to call and order what I needed, and within a half-hour, Jose was back with it at my door. I gave him a nice tip and was happy to do so. The next day, following the surgery, one of the other ladies at the desk told me, 'hon, you just call over here when you're ready to come back, and we'll send someone over to pick you up'. When it was time, their assistant general manager drove right up to the hospital door and picked us up and drove us back to the hotel. Didn't cost us a dime. Now how is that for great service? The people at the airport were just as kind. I was feeling a little wobbly after getting through security, and was going to just sit for a few minutes before beginning that VERY long walk to our concourse. (the moving walkway was shut down for some reason). Anyway, one of the female security officers must have seen that I was tired, and she came over to me and told me to wait right there, and she called one of the cars for me to take me through the entire airport... what a blessing! When I come for the fills, I will probably stay overnight in Aurora, and I will be glad to be back in Denver. Its a great city. Egads... I've written a book and didn't mean to! Best of luck to all who will be cared for by Dr. K. We are definitely the "Lucky 7's" !!!

Hi Shebi, Dr. K's anestheia team was led by Dr. Green (sorry, can't remember his first name, but it should be available on the Crown Point roster of Dr.s). I was just banded there by Dr. K on July 18th. Check the "Lucky No 7's thread... I outlined my entire experience at Crown Point. It is a VERY impressive facility... all brand new. The care is first rate... my experience was excellent.

Hi all... I'm not too good at posting, but thought I'd share my banding experience with Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver. I was banded on July 18th @ the Crown Point Surgical Center in Parker, CO by Dr. K. Had the pre-op visit on Tues the 17th. I had asked several times previous to the date whether he would have the AP band available, and as of my date, he stated he still did not have access to it. I was disappointed about that, but, he assured me that there really wasn't that much difference in it, and the one he uses. (I'm still not sure which one I have...forgot to ask). His office staff was great and so was he. On surgery day, I and my sister just walked across to the surgical center from our hotel which was the Holiday Inn Select. His nurse did a thorough medical history, ekg, and surgery prep. The prep included IV antiboitics, IV fluids, and an anti-coagulant injection in the abdomen. I barely felt it at all. Dr. K and his assistant both came to visit before the surgery and advised me exactly what to expect. I must say, Dr. K was a little 'fired-up' when he came to see me... he was upset and even a bit angry because the woman who was immediately ahead of me had apparently not followed her pre-op diet very well... he told me that hers was only the second time he had ever come even close to aborting the entire surgery... however, he did finish it... albiet over 1 & 1/2 hrs late. Apparently, she had eaten way too many carbs during the pre-op diet. I felt very bad for her, because he said he forsees problems in her adjustment to the band... it seemed like he was trying in his way to warn me how difficult this could be if I am not compliant with what I need to do. I was scared to death he would think I had been cheating also when he got in there, but, I knew I hadn't been. The surgery itself was uneventful and went really well. Pain was minimal, although I did have a difficult time staying awake afterwards in recovery... my O2 sats kept dropping, sometimes into the 80% range. Finally got that under control though. I can't say enough good things about our hotel. The assistant general manager came himself and drove me back there as we didn't have a vehicle, and cabs were not avaliable that far out of Denver. Stayed in my room all day the next day. Dr. K and one of his nurses both checked up on me via the phone. Flew home Fri morning. Folks in the Denver airport were wonderful. One of the TSA workers was kind enough to call a people mover for me when she saw I was tired. They took me all the way from security to my concourse which was the very last one in the entire airport, so, I was very grateful to her. Dr. K does really neat and precise work. My incisions were very clean cut and neatly laid out. I've already taken off the dermafilm, and they are well closed up. I live in a very remote area, so, Dr. K was even kind enough to send home two of the special 'fill needles' with me (Huber needles) to have on hand at my local clinic. I was really surprised when they were allowed through security as they are quite menacing looking... however, they considered them a 'medical device', and were allowed in my carry-on bag. I've done very well at home... mostly I've had only liquids. Today, I started on some puddings with added protein powder, and those have definitely caused some bloating and discomfort. Guess I'll back off that a bit for now, and do more liquids until the bloat goes away. I am finding that the 'head hunger' is already rearing its ugly head, and I know its going to be a real fight for me to overcome it. I'm just praying for the strength to do what needs doing....I know this is not going to be easy I wish the very best for everyone... hang in there!!!

Hi All, Interesting topic. I am scheduled to be banded next Thursday by Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver. My local PA prescribed Wellbutrin for me, and I began taking it last Monday when I began my 10-days of pre-op eating. All I can say, is it has been a Godsend for me. I haven't looked at a Coke, or, even desired one. I've had to grocery shop twice this week, and for the first time since I can remember, was able to stay focused on my list of 'real' foods for the family. I am actually finding it a little difficult to even remember that I am supposed to eat. I've been getting up in the mornings, just having a cup of coffee, then doing chores, then, by about 1-2 pm, I'll have a Slimfast or whatever meat, cheese, etc was recommended. I am drinking lots of Water. Wellbutrin, to the best of my knowledge is sometimes prescribed to help with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and God knows, I have been completely obsessive in my eating patterns for years now. It is also an anti-depressant, which is also helping me cope with my fears. I am hoping that it will continue to help me with the head hunger until as they say, 'the band kicks in'. I don't feel at all that it is a crutch, I feel it is a tool, just as the band is a tool that will help put me on the path to better health. The PA assured me that I am not going to become addicted to Wellbutrin. She says she'll continue to prescribe it as long as I need it. Bless my PA, shes 'been there, done that too' with severe weight issues. Now, she looks like a million bucks! She has been a great inspiration to me in this struggle.

Hello all, I've been lurking and learning from you all for quite a while now. Reading the information on LBT has given me the courage to finally take that final step towards what I hope will be a healthier life. I contacted Dr.Kirshenbaum's office after reading such positive things about him. Before I knew it, I had a consult date and a surgery date. It is set for July 18th @ 11:00 am. Is anyone else on this thread going to be in Denver on this date for Dr.K.? If so, it would be wonderful if we could meet and compare notes. Has anyone had a consult with his nutritionist yet? I have not spoken with her yet, but, it should be within the next couple of weeks or so. Does anyone know some good places to stay in Denver that would be close by Dr.K's office? I will be dependent on using taxi's for transport, and I'm hoping it won't cost a small fortune just to get around. I'm a 58-yr old female, who is looking at this as my last chance in life to finally look like some kind of a normal human being. I've got over 100 lbs to lose... I don't want to die fat! Thanks everyone who posts here... even though I don't know you, I have taken much strength from your words... you have blessed me. jfk

Hi everyone... Perhaps some of you who have been banded could help me out with this question.... I went to the Inamed website, and read the directions to surgeons for implantation of the gastric band. Inamed cautions the surgeon against stitching the band to the stomach, due to increased chance of erosion. However, the date of the material was 2005. I see in the thread about Dr.s & hospitals, that some surgeons do indeed stitch the band to the stomach. Someone said that Dr. Kirshenbaum of Denver uses this procedure. Perhaps the criteria has changed since 2005? Has anyone had any complications from stitching the band to the stomach? I have a consult with Dr. Kirshenbaum tomorrow afternoon, and the procedure is scheduled for July 18th. This makes me wonder??? Another question... in my extremely rural area, I only have regular access to a PA. She has told me that should I get banded, she would learn to do the fills. Does anyone know whether there is some particular requirement that fills be done by a surgeon or other MD, and any restrictions against a PA or RN doing them? Another worry... in almost all of the criteria I've read on various gastric banding sites, it seems the maximum age they feel is best for the surgery is 55-yo. I am 58, and wondering if its going to have a greater risk at that age.... then, I remember how truly bad I feel physically on almost a daily basis, it seems I'm just better off to risk the surgery, because it seems like I will never feel any better than I do now.... I'm only going downhill...quickly! Also, I have not yet had the courage to break the news to my DH that I am planning to have this surgery. He has always been a health nut, who keeps himself in tremendous shape.... workouts every day, eats right, etc. He has tried so hard to understand the struggle, but, for someone who has never faced a weight issue, its just an alien concept to him. I know I have to do it soon, but I am quaking inside at the prospect! I am new to the board, and I have never before discussed this issue with anyone, and am filled with all the same doubts and fears as anyone else who contemplates such a life-altering change. Thanks for your thoughts... I would surely appreciate so much hearing them. jfk