Donna Alpers

Hi - My name is Donna and I am newly banded. I was banded on 6/1/05 by Dr. Spivak in Houston. I work in Baytown, but live closer to Beaumont and I was wondering if there was anyone in either of these areas who would like to start a support group and have monthly get togethers or something! I feel like I am flying blind - I just want to make sure that I am doing everything correctly. I go for my first postop visit tomorrow. I am nervous because I am not sure if I will be getting a fill or not and I am so scared it is going to be painful. Should I take someone with me just in case? Will I be able to drive? It is about an 80 mile commute for me from the office to my house. Thanks for all the support on here. I have really enjoyed being part of lapbandtalk.com Donna

I'm not sure what size my band is. I am going to find out when I go in. I know it is not the low profile one though. Next Tuesday is my fill day. Wish me luck.

I am Donna, live in Texas, married have 3 boys and a beautiful granddaughter and daugher in law and work a full time job! LOL I love fixing up my house and doing crafts!

I must say Dr. Spivak is great! I had insurance, but seems like his price is pretty much the standard and I felt really safe with him. He is the first doc in Texas to do this procedure and has a lot of experience and no mortalities due to surgery! BIG PLUS!!!! That's just my on opinion.

This was your first fill and your doc put in 4cc's? That sounds like a lot. I am scheduled for my first fill on Aug. 9th. I am scared to death! The last time I went in I was so scared I was going to get a fill that by BP was 210/108! whoaaa way too high! Anyway I didn't get one then because I had a good weight loss, but I know I need one and I will make it through, but I am still scared it is going to hurt! I'm a wienie too! LOL

I am going to have to get one of those for sure! I don't drink a lot of Protein shakes because I just don't have time to drag the blender out every morning or even at night and then who wants all that mess to clean up. That sounds perfect, especially for someone like me who works a 12 hr shift at a hospital. I could even take one to work with me and keep it in my desk in case I want one at work! Thanks for the info!! Oh and FYI for everyone - you all may already know this, but I have discovered that I wasn't losing because I wasn't eating. It seems when I increased my calories I actually starting losing more. Who'd a thunk it? LOL

Okay I am trying this here. This is me last summer - 4th of July with hubby - John. The other pic is of me and my middle son taken in March of this year. These are pre-band. I haven't gotten my film developed yet with a post surgery pic but promise to do so soon - will post then.

Oh my.....Penni can you make this smaller? Oh Lord help this is really big! LOL

Okay, I am not sure if my pic came through or not. If so, this is a pic of me a hubby John last summer - 4th of July - pre-band.

Congrats on your approval. United Health Care came through for me in less than one week! Keep us posted!!!

Definitely the best! I too look at LBT as my family. There is always support when you need it, a shoulder to cry on, and plenty of friends to Celebrate our achievements. I have made some really good frinds here and I know I couldn't do it without everyone here! CHEERS!!!!! :)

Feel free to ask away. Everyone here is more than happy to help. I love this site. Everyone is always very helpful and encouraging too! Keep us posted!

Your are right about that, Dr. Spivak is great and has a great bedside manner too! I love him and my band. Going to Houston would be worth it. It is only about 2 hours from Beaumont to Dr. Spivak's office.

Uhc Covered Me 100% With Dr. Spivak. All You Have To Do Is Meet The Criteria Which Having A Bmi Of At Least 41 I Think, Maybe It Is 40. Mine Was 43 So No Problem There Plus I Have High Blood Pressure So That Helped To! Good Luck!

Good Luck Jodi - keep us posted!

Christina I am so glad to hear your fill went good. I am so nervous about getting my first fill. I had my banding done on 6/1/05 and I think I will be scheduling a fill for the first part of August. We are pretty much walking hand in hand. I was banded only 2 days before you and my starting weight was the same as yours. I am down 26 lbs, but go back and forth with a couple of pounds. I feel like it is mostly fluid, but it is still very frustrating. My doc doesn't use sonogram or anything he just does the fill right there in his office. He told me he could do it under fluoro, but I would have to meet him at the surgery center. He told me not to worry. It wasn't bad. I am just nervous. Congratulations on the loss. Let me know if the weight starts coming off easier now that you have had your first fill.

Thanks, that makes me feel much better. Did Dr. B say why your port had flipped? Does that happen very often?

Tammy I do have a question - how is the fill? I mean is is painful? What should I expect? I am so nervous about that part!

Tammy, Thanks for the clothes girl. I got them today! I have on the denim shorts as we speek and I love the capri pants!!! Thanks again and I will get the postage to you!

I totally love D.. Spivak. I had my first postop visit on thursday 6/30 4 weeks out and lost 20 lbs! yipeee! He said I didn't need a fill. He said as long as I am losing I am doing good. He said I should be loosing at least 6-7 lbs a month. If I loose less than 6 lbs this month then come back and get first fill. I must say that is what I am most worried about. I hope is doesn't hurt too much. If anyone can describe it I wish they would do so.

P.S. I too used Dr. Spivak! He's great!

Wow - this is all great to hear. Lu Ann I live in Batson and go to Silsbee every week. I have a niece who lives in Evadale. If I can be of any help to you let me know. You can private email if you like at donnaga@tech-stars.net.

That is great to hear. When are your meetings for anyone? Are they random or do you have set dates?

I can't really say too much since I was just banded on 6/1/05, but so far I have loved it. I am 4 weeks out and I have lost 20 lbs and gown down two sizes in some things and 1 on others. You can definitely tell in my clothes. I have no complaints or regrets! You are doing the best thing - lots of research - anytime you are making a life altering change you should always research all you can. Good Luck! Donna

Thanks Tammy - I am at work and just sent you a private email. Donna