nurse4126

Hi from Southbridge MA! I too had my surgery at BIDMC in August. I am doing ok- 42 down from pre-op visits and have had no problems. Got my 2nd fill Dec 1st and definitely am noticing a change in what I can and can't tolerate. I just love the team over there- especially Dr. Schneider. He is wonderful! Good luck to you!

My insurance covered the cost of the procedure. There is a 500 dollar fee though for the surgery at BIDMC. Good luck Magic, with whomever you choose!

Hey, I have Dr. Schneider too!! Was banded in August of this year. I hope your experience at BIDMC is as good as mine was. I got wonderful care, and was treated like a queen!

Hi, I was banded August 3,2005 @ BIDMC in Boston, by Dr. Schneider. I have received nothing but wonderful care and follow-up. I would highly recommend him and his team to anyone. I am an RN, and the nursing care I got while I was in the hospital was wonderful too.

I live on the third floor too. I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights, and made sure I took a dose of pain med as I was leaving the hospital. I took it slow, and had no problems.

Oh Nykee, 1 pound!! You are probably retaining fluid. I would be thrilled to have lost as much as you. You are doing awesome!

I made a chicken and rice dish for supper. And like a good bandster, I tried to eat my protein first. And it was dry. And did I listen to my band? Of course not. I kept going. I then ate a few forkfuls of rice. That did it. I had pain. That's happened before, but it has always gone away. It didn't this time. Then I got the hiccups. Badly. Then I started with the salivating thing. Lots. And finally, finally, I gacked it up. I have had my first PB! Now I feel like I belong!

They taste like an Atkins shake. They are not bad in a pinch, and they have like 20 grams of protein.

I had a good amount of discomfort under my left ribcage after surgery. It felt like when you're pregnant and there's a foot under the ribs. My surgeon said that he went under the muscle there to actually place the band around the stomach. He was mildly surprised that the port incision was not at all painful- just the discomfort under my ribs. He also said that I may experience a "pop" at some point there because of the strong suture holding the muscle together "letting go". Well, the discomfort is totally gone now- I had surgery Aug 3rd, and no "pop" thank God! That would have grossed me totally out!!!

I was banded August 3rd. I have lost a grand total of 40 pounds (app 7 before surgery). I have had one fill of one cc, and hope to have at least one more at my next appt on Dec 1st. I have some restriction, but can still eat way too much! What is everyone doing about exercise? I have been doing the WATP videos- the 2, 3, or 4 mile tape depending on the day. I have to really psych myself up to do it though, and usually only am successful 3-4 days a week- some weeks are better than others.

Welcome to Bandland! Please take it easy and give your bodies time to heal. And sip, sip, sip!

I was doing well too, until this morning when I drove through Dunkin Donuts- just for the family mind you, and I bought myself a fat-free muffin. Now I know from other dieting experience that a fat-free muffin from DD's is not really a good diet food. However, I rationalized, ate the stupid thing (slowly because of my restriction). Then....I ate a Boston Creme donut! Now, why did I do that???? All I can say is...Get back in the saddle!

Hi all, I am also a caffeine fiend. My dietician said no coffee, but my surgeon said coffee in moderation. Since I work full time, 11pm till 7am, I definitely drink my coffee! Although now, I drink a ton of water throughout the day to counter-act the caffeine. And no, I don't tell the dietician!

Hi Bandayed! I was banded in August by Dr. Schneider at BIDMC. I was weighed every time I turned around!! LOL. I was able to get in in less than a week because of a cancellation, and I had to do some fast talking and some heavy begging for him to do the surgery so soon, because I had not lost the 10 pounds. He relented, and I tried my hardest- I lost like 7 that week- I drank Atkins shakes until I thought I would croak! So if I were you...PS- I love Dr Schneider, and the whole team at BIDMC. And no, this is not a paid advertisement!

Swirl,swirl, tap-tap, buff buff! Count me in too! I cannot live without the stuff. I got the original order from an infomercial, and now I just replace my stuff with good finds on Ebay. I absolutely love it!

Hi all, I was banded on August 3rd of this year. I just got my first fill last Thursday- 1cc in a 4cc band. I think I am more restricted today than I was right after the fill. Why is that? Is it true that it takes a few days or weeks to "kick in"? I have lost 34 pounds- approximately 10 of that before the surgery. Keep up the good work the rest of you August Band babies!

I too go to BIDMC. I was banded by Dr. Schneider on August 3rd of this year. I got nothing but wonderful care when I was in the hospital - I ended up staying for 2 nights because my urine output wasn't enough. I just got my first fill last Thursday, and it was a piece of cake! No, wait...I am not supposed to eat cake... Anyway, like I said, the care and support that I have received at BIDMC has been awesome. PS- I am a nurse too, so I am really picky about my care.

Hi! Has anyone out there on this board been banded in MA? I am considering having the surgery, but am unsure where to go. UMASS in Worcester has a long long process to go through (something like 7-9 months), but is close to home for me. Beth Israel Deconess in Boston has a shorter wait, but a longer hospitalization and is further away. Any input, anyone??

Juju, how far are you into the process at BI? I have an appointment June 15th with the internist and some nurse.

My 18 year old was off to her senior prom tonight as well. She looked like a little princess- she is teeny tiny! But nothing makes me feel older than being a grandma at the ripe old age of 44! Mackenzie was born on May 12th this year by my oldest daughter- age 20. She is beautiful!

I am an RN. I work full time in obstetrics, 11pm to 7am, and I love my job! Nothing better than cuddling with a newborn and getting paid for it!

What is the fastest time anyone has returned to work? I am a nurse, but I don't do any heavy lifting. My ultimate fantasy is to have the surgery like on a Thursday, take it and Friday off, then have my scheduled weekend off, and return on Monday. Do you think it can happen? I understand that there may be complications, but if not? Thanks

Now I am considering Beth Israel in Boston. It sounds more do-able in terms of required evening meetings, etc. Has anyone any feedback for me? I tried to email the person that is going through the program, but they are not accepting emails.

I am from MA too- I am exploring the options out there. I am leaning towards Tufts, only because the wait time at UMASS is so long. I live in Southbridge MA, so the drive to Boston is longer, but I don't want to wait another 8-9 months for the process to happen. Does anyone have any feedback on the Tufts program? I have been emailing a future bandster who is going through the process at Tufts, but she hasn't yet been banded. Will I be able to go home the same day? How long did you wait for the actual surgery? Was the surgeon knowledgeable of the procedure? Help!!! I have so many questions!!! :Bunny

What is Spotlight?