debyo

Thanks Laura and Jachut. That is about what I was thinking. Laura, I too had Dr. Barker and go to Dr. Maese. Best of luck in meeting your mini-goal. I was banded on 8/3 and have lost 60 pounds. I have 55 to go. Best of luck in law school as well! Deby

Can someone tell me what is suggested as a number of calories, and also how many grams of fat to have each day? I have stopped losing and I think it is because I am not getting in enough fat and calories per day for my body to burn the fat. Thanks for your input! Deby

Stacey, I did not use Dr. Veninga. I used Dr. Wade Barker and he was excellent. Would use him again any day. My BCBS okay'd it on the first time out, no questions. However, my BCBS is through CA, where my corporate office is. I do not know if that had anything to do with it. I would hope they are now accepting it in all States. Please feel free to ask any questions about the surgery or band. And I would check into Dr. Barker before making your final decision. Best of luck, Deby

Hi Margo, The first one was only .5 cc, the second was .9 cc, and the last one was .3 cc. so I am at 1.7 cc now. Deby

Margo, The great thing was that it didn't hurt at all! I didn't need it to be numbed. The doctor is awesome at doing it and I am glad I listened to him. Take care, Deby

I used Dr. Wade Barker in Mesquite, even though I live in Ft. Worth. He is both highly skilled, professional and caring. I would recommend him to anyone and will use him again in the future if I need any surgery. Good luck to you, Deby

I know my arms are going to need it. But can any of you tell me why they cut lengthwise instead of around? I don't understand why they can't cut the skin underneath by the armpit and pull the skin tight. Please explain if you know the reason. Thanks! Deby

I used Dr. Wade Barker in Mesquite and think he is excellent. I am not sure if he takes Medicare, but I would look up his number and call him. Never hurts to ask. Best of luck, Deby

Hi, I did a huge amount of research, both in the doctor and his records and standing, but also in how much laparoscopic surgery had been performed, and what types. I made a decision to go with Dr. Wade Barker in Mesquite. He is a wonderfully skilled doctor, professional, and very dedicated to his clients. He takes the time to listen, answer all of your questions, and makes you feel like he has all the time in the world. I would use him again for any surgery that I have in the future. Deby

Heather, I was really nervous about my fill as well. My friend said her doctor numbs her before doing it so she didn't even feel the fill. So off I go for my first fill. I get on the table, ask the doctor if he is going to kill me and he says yes! He was kidding, but I wasn't so sure. So I am thinking that this little syringe in his hand is to numb me. He sticks it in and it isn't bad at all. Just like a shot. Then I am waiting for the big moment and he says, "Let's go across the hall and take a look inside." That was it! He was done! No numbing necessary. I have had three now and don't even dread it. It has never hurt anymore than getting a shot in the arm. Actually, not even that much. Dr. Maese does my fills and he is in Dallas, and I think he is just the best! So don't worry. My friend told me it is more psychological and she was right. Deby

I just got my third fill. My doctor doesn't do a lot at a time. After the fill I feel very restricted as you mentioned. Then it is so strange, because about three weeks goes by and all of a suddent I realize I could eat more if I tried. Time for another fill! I am losing rapidly right now, so the fat around my stomach is shrinking, and that is the reason the band feels loose. It's a good thing! When I am really tight after a fill, I have found that drinking hot tea before eating helps a lot. Best of luck! Deby

I was banded on August 8th and wonder how others are doing and if they have experienced any of the same things. I am thrilled with my band and wouldn't trade it for anything. I have lost 41 pounds as of today and feel so much better already. 1) It seems at times that the band is tighter than others. 2) Sometimes when I am sitting it is hard for food to go down. Wonder if this is because my underwire hits about the same place as the band 3) I am almost never hungry! I forget to eat most of the time. This is a VERY different feeling for me! 4) Have already experienced the chest pain and having to throw up -- taught me not to eat things I shouldn't! 5) Hard to find things to eat when I am traveling a lot -- any suggestions Great things: 1) Knees and feet and ankles already feel better and allow me to walk 45 minutes five days a week -- couldn't do that before surgery without hurting the rest of the day and night 2) Blood pressure went from 150/92 to 120/72 as of last Wednesday. I don't have to go on blood pressure medicine 3) I don't think about food, because I always pretty much feel full all the time I am thankful to God for this opportunity and cannot wait to get the rest of this weight off. I wish you all the same success. Deby Dr. Barker, Dallas, TX 286/145 Goal 150

Good luck to all of you tomorrow. Just keep the goal in mind. I am ten weeks out and down 40 pounds. My knees and feet and ankles already feel so much better, and my blood pressure is down to normal. I wish they had had this 20 years ago! Everyone's pain experience is different. I had about 30 hours of pretty uncomfortable, but that was only for as long as it took me to take a shot of pain medicine! After about three days, it was just being sore for me. My biggest problem was from the gas inside. My back hurt, but I had people who love me rubbing it a lot. And I would do it all again in a heartbeat. It is amazing every day to me that this thing works! I am not even hungry and have to remind myself to eat and get my Protein in. Good luck, and here's to all those pounds you will lose! Deby Dr. Wade Barker, Mesquite, Texas 186/145 8/8/05