imalene

Dr. Sayeed Ikramuddin - Univ of MN Hosp.? I am having my surgery Jan. 12, 2006 by Dr. Kuri in Mex. I could not rest until I found a doctor that would handle my fills or emergency issues if I were not able to get back to Kuri. I made many calls in and around the metro area of St. Paul/Mpls and found that Dr. Sayeed Irkamuddin at the Univ. of MN Hospital - will take patients that have had their surgery in Mexico. I have not recvd his confirmation letter yet (I made an appt to see him in Feb) so I don't know what he's like or how much he charges. He is the Director of Bariatric Surgery and specializes in non-invasive surgery at the U of MN Hosp. Has anyone heard of him or been to see him???

Hi Doc - I also had the LB procedure on Thursday! My surgeon was Dr. Kuri in TJ. He was so wonderful. No more fears, right? I have no restriction, but I do not have an appetite like before - so I hope that stays with me until my first fill in 6-8 weeks. Good Luck! Patti

I'm 6 days out from surgery and never even thought about giving up coffee. Or an occasional "flat" beer or glass of wine for that matter. To me the band is about gaining not loosing. Punishment is not in my wgt loss program any longer. Stick with the Real Rules and I think you will do fine. Patti

:clap2: Welcome, Nicole - lots of info here! I was banded in Mex by Dr. Kuri (The Great in my book) on 1/12/06. So, I'm now with the band. So far so good. No problems. Keep us posted.

Retd today from Dr. Kuri - GOOD experience Just a note/long one to let my fellow Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know that... After all the crying and stress and worry I finally found peace in my decision and had the LB surgery on 1/12/06 - that's right 2 days ago. I just got back home to MN about an hour ago and wanted to let those of you who patiently put up with will all my worries and questions - that I am fine - and happy. I saw Dr. Kuri and his team of surgeons in TJ, Mexico. They were more than what I could have expected. Yes, the nurses and assistants spoke little English but they were kind and thorough - and any time there was something that they could not understand from my charades they immediately called their P.R. manager up to my room and she took care of everything. But all of the surgeons spoke perfect English and could not have been more professionoal and knowledgeable. They also have a brand new hospital that is so clean you could eat off the floors - and the staff is there to take care of you. Other than pain the day of the surgery it improved 100% by the next day (they keep you two nights in the hospital - the night before surgery for pre-op testing and the night of surgery) Presently they pay for three nights in a hotel for your companion/spouse (but that may change since they have now moved to their new hospital) rooms are situated so that a companion can stay in the room with you. There is a padded "bench/couch" and also a good recliner. Well, I dont' think I have much swelling so my restriction is not here - but that is the mark of a good surgeon - so I'll take it! But I will be following the eating rules of banding and get my first fill in 6-8 weeks. Paula, Terry, Sarah and I were banded the same day and what fun we had together! Also my husband (Kevin) and Paula's friend (Michelle) were our companions and encouragers - can't say enough about how all that support really helps! I'll keep you posted on my progress - hope I won't be singing-the-blues any time too soon! Thanks for all the words of wisdom and good advice that so many from this board offered during my days of research! Patti:clap2:

What is the best source of clear liquid protien? I'm thinking about what to have on hand immediately after surgery. Also the most nutritious for healing (liquids and soft)? Patti

I will have the LB surgery next week. It seems to me that the more you stay on top of having a good fill - the less you will "suffer" having to "diet". This is where I have always failed in the past - having to stop eating on my own. The reason I want the band is so that I will not be able to eat past what I really need. Someone said that her doctor told her - Well don't eat the 2nd cup of food - when she said she felt she was overeating. Isn't the purpose of the band to keep us from being able to eat the "2nd cup" or whatever it is? Dieting in the conventional sense (feeling deprived) seems like a waste of the band - as it is supposed to be used.

You are a perfect example of what I'm talking about. 60 lbs since 10/05 and you've had 3 fills. You are staying on top of it - yes - using the band to it's fullest potential. I find people like you to be an inspiration. Patti

Go to NYtimes.com and read the Jan. 3, 2006 article by Elisabeth Rosenthal - "Europeans Find Extra Optionss for Staying Slim" - It's very interesting and talks a lot about the US surgeons and why they think the way they do. Also quoted in this article is Minnesota's very own Dr. Sayeed Ikramuddin (surgeon) from the Univ. of Mn Hospital - Chief of of bariatric surgery is quoted in this article. Read it! Patti

I'm wondering how much of the actual needle goes into your port/skin. If it's just a portion of the tip - I wouldn't think it would matter how big the needle itself is. Thanks, for the info!!!! Patti

Hi Jessica - I see you use ComCast.net - that is usually pretty local for me. I'm in Hudson, WI - Where are you? Could you share your story in using Dr. Kuri and how you came to be a facilitator for him? (I'm seeing him on 1/12/06 for the LB procedure). Thanks! Patti

I am self paying for my lapband in Jan. (Dr. Kuri, MEX). My insurance would not pay for it. If I ever have complications due to the surgery - what has been your experience with your insurance covering the cost involved to treat the complications. I will call my insurance company on Tuesday and ask this - but in the meantime would like to know if anyone has ever encounterd this issue. Thanks!

Please try another doctor. In a different facility alltogether. When it comes time for the psyche eval - lie. Or if you can't be straight with your therapist - tell her/him what happened last time. Again, if you suspect it's going to be the same - lie. God helps those who help themselves. :rambo

My husband did not get the flu shot. I did. He got a terrible virus and then pneumonia. I got something but it was about 1/4 of what he had. I missed one day of work and still have a nasty cough - but nothing like what he had. I'm sure it's because I had the shot. So, get it! Got it? Good! Patti

Just keep up that good attitude and 2006 is going to be your year! You're way ahead of the game because you are seeing things for what they are. You are not blaming anyone or anything - you are taking responsibility for the whole kit-n-kboodle - insight is everything! Best wishes and God's speed... Patti

If a person has the proper fill - is there any reason to ever be hungry again (after of course a normal - nutrionally exceptable meal)??? Patti

Before my dad died he lost his appetite completely (so sad - after loving food all of his life - but I digress) - occasionally he would put some food in his mouth and he'd chew and chew and chew. He'd say - "Patti, I just can't make it go down". (So, now I'm crying) - Oh well that'll happen. Maybe you can't swallow it because there is no hunger prompting you to do so. A little far out, huh?

I will not stand in judgement - but really, to jeaopardize everything they have gone through - just for that steak, or pizza or whatever it is. If anybody ever tells me that food is not addictive - I'll make them eat this post! :)

Hi Megan! Great! I emailed you all of my questions about this doc. So glad you know of hime. Patti

I am having my surgery Jan. 12, 2006 by Dr. Kuri in Mex. I could not rest until I found a doctor that would handle my fills or emergency issues if I were not able to get back to Kuri. I made many calls in and around the metro area of St. Paul/Mpls and found that Dr. Sayeed Irkamuddin at the Univ. of MN Hospital - will take patients that have had their surgery in Mexico. I have not recvd his confirmation letter yet (I made an appt to see him in Feb) so I don't know what he's like or how much he charges. He is the Director of Bariatric Surgery and specializes in non-invasive surgery at the U of MN Hosp. Has anyone heard of him or been to see him???

I'm all set for the LB procedure on 1/12/06 - Dr. Kuri. Anyone else out there going to him at that time?

You've lost a lot of weight in a very short amount of time - wow! Was your restriction as severe as it seems to be now - from the very beginning? Maybe you didn't need that first fill so early on. Others that know more than me will comment - so listen to what they have to say. Patti

Hi Dawner! Welcome - I'm from MN too - but will be banded in MEX because I have no insurance for this. Would you happen to know if they do fills for people like me (banded elsewhere) at the facility you go to in Deer River, MN? Thanks! Patti (Or if you give me their info I will call them).

You don't note the dates of your "fills" and this seems almost too simple- but maybe it's time for another fill. I'm a newbie and have not been banded - but in listening to all of these experienced people - I'd evaluate that option.

Donali - I sure didn't mean to imply that you hadn't done your research. I'm sorry if it "read" like that. Happens sometimes in emails. I'm sorry to say I just don't think you can trust a lot of the info out there. It is a business. Businesses like to make money. Lot of great marketing companies out there selling images and incredible profiles. Take care and thanks for watching the Newbies backs!