daniml

Apparently they just started it. They told us about it at the last support group.

I picked the Realize band for no particular reason. Tiffany (the nurse) and Dr. Ponce both said there really is no difference except for the online support. LapBand now has that as well, so really, there isn't a difference. I've talked to people with either and no one had complaints. The LapBand has been around longer in the U.S., but the Realize band has been around almost as long in Europe. Good luck with your surgery! I had a great experience with the surgery center in Dalton. Everyone was very nice!

Sorry to hear that you guys are having problems with Dr. Ponce's office. I have not had any problems with them at all. Tiffany usually calls me back within a day and now that they have added Jennifer it's even faster. They also don't tell me how much they put in, but I don't really care. As long as it feels right I don't care how much is in the band. Brooke has done all my fills and she has done great every time. I do attend support group meetings every month and think they are very important and helpful. They do this stuff every day, yes, but everyone is so different. 99% of the time it works as expected and in your case it just didn't. There is a lady that comes to support group meetings who has had problems eating since the very beginning, it's not because they did something wrong, but she's just different! Good luck to both of you and congrats on your weight loss so far!!

Wow, I don't think I've ever had to wait that long for a return phone call. Johnna, the insurance lady, is definetly the worst, but even she has returned calls before then. I agree, a week is way to long!

I completely understand!!! My original surgery date was 5/28, but my white blood count was high and it had to be rescheduled. My new date was a whole month after the original and I was a little upset not to get in any earlier. But, like you said, we're not the only patients.

slim... they do say to give them 48 hours for all non-emergency phone calls. It is frustrating sometime though when they don't call back. I still wouldn't have chosen another doc. Dr. Ponce is the best in his field in this area and that makes it worth it to me.

I'm still here too!

Hi Jen, So sorry you're hurting so bad! I actually found that the best place for me to sleep was on the recliner. I slept there for the first 3 nights, then moved to the couch for 2 nights. After that I finally moved back to bed. I knew that turning around would hurt and that I wouldn't move if I slept on the recliner/couch. Hope you feel better soon!

I was pretty sore the first couple of weeks as well. Not doubled over in pain, but had difficulty getting up and down. I agree with a PP that said when in doubt, call your surgeon! You should feel much better by next week, but if you're worried you should call.

Hi all! I was also banded on June 30th. I have to say that everything has been going very smoothly! The worst pain was right after I woke up from surgery, but it's been getting better every day since then. I haven't taken any pain meds since Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday I took some Tylenol, but that's it. I am gassy, but not gas pains. Since Friday I'm STARVING though! I was suppose to be on clear liquids until tomorrow but started creamier Soups yesterday. I'm going to buy some Protein shakes tomorrow and hopefull that will help. I can't wait for mushies in a week!!!!!!

Hi all! I was banded on Monday, June 30th. 2 days out and I'm feeling pretty good. I'm sore, but nothing I can't handle. I haven't even taken any pain meds today. Yesterday I took Tylenol and only took some Hydrocodone at night to help me sleep. I get up every hour or so and walk around. Walking around really does seem to help a lot. They also said that walking is what's going to help for gas pains. My only complaint? I'm tired of broth! I'm drinking Water, K2O Protein water, popsicles, eating jell-o. I'm dreaming of creamier Soups for next week. There is so much more variety with those! Hope you're all doing well!!!!!

The follow ups for the first year are included in the price. The adjustments are $50 a piece during the first year. After that it goes up, but I can't remember by how much right now. I think maybe $125 for adjustments and $45 for follow ups.

graythope, I hope your labs come back clean! I totally understanding wanting to get on with it!!!

You're right, Cathy. And Dr. Ponce really is the man. I am glad he's doing my surgery.

You are so right about the waiting!!! I was all ready and hiped up. I'm trying to look at it as you never know what it's good for. I'm sure there's a reason all this happened. We can support each other while we wait!!

Hi everyone! My name is Daniela and I live in NW GA (by the TN state line). I'm a computer programmer for a huge insurance company. I've been married to my husband for just over 5 years and I have an 11 year old son. My surgery was suppose to be yesterday, but it got cancelled due to a stupid sinus infection. My white blood count was too high. My new date is June 30th, unless they have a cancellation earlier. I'm very excited to get this done so I can have my life back. I'm a very happy-go-lucky, confident kind of person and I really want my outside to match my inside again! Good luck to all of you!!! :biggrin:

My surgery was suppose to be yesterday but cancelled due to a sinus infection. The earliest they could reschedule me for is June 30th. They do have me on top of the list in case of any cancellations.

Well, my surgery got postponed. We found out a week ago that my white blood count was too high so they put me on an antibiotic. Checked my count again on Tuesday and it was still too high so the surgeon said he would not do the surgery. I went to the doctor today and it's a sinus infection. He put me on a stronger antibiotic and I'm waiting to hear when my surgery will be now. I'm hoping for next week some time. Good luck to the rest of you!

I guess I'm the first one! I'm scheduled for July 24th. I had to push it out that far because of my son's school/baseball schedule. I'm so excited and wish it was July already! Anyone else??

No, I didn't have to do that either. Just today. I have also noticed that there are a lot of different instructions from the different surgeons. Good luck with your surgery tomorrow!!!!!

My doc didn't mention doing anything like that, so that's why I was wondering. I was just told to be on liquids all day today.

Sipping chicken broth here too! It's_Christine, what kind of bowl prep are you doing?

That would be great! It looks like you're doing really well, Katja!! Congratulations!

Hello! I'm German living in the U.S. I'm originally from Frankfurt. My surgery is scheduled for May 28th.

I'm having my surgery with Dr. Ponce on May 28th. I'm self pay so it will be at the surgery center in Dalton. I have heard great things about the center so I'm really not worried about it. Great to meet other people that are also in the Chattanooga area.