FinsToLeft

My doc said I had a small to medium sized hernia and that he would fix it when doing the surgery. When he got in there he found it was much larger than he thought and I was in surgery a while longer. I think three stitches. In any case, its a good thing to get taken care of while they are in there. If the hernia causes reflux, they rarely do surgery and treat with meds. I have not gone off my reflux med yet, but am looking forward to trying.

dld, I had a lap band placed by Dr. Singh at Albany Med 2 weeks ago (June 18). I had a very good experience and have not one bad thing to say about Albany Med, or Dr. Singh (yet). I would be happy to discuss my experiences in more detail with you via IM if you would like. I did not use the Nutrition program at AMC. I used Albany Nutrition (affiliated with St. Peters). They work with Singh and his group. I have no issues against Ellis (I was born there!), but everything I have heard says the Singh is the most experienced in the area. His bedside manner is not sparkling, but to be honest, I have never met a surgeon whose was. The best surgeons are kinda like the engineering nerds of the doctor class. I want the best surgeon. I figure I can take care of my head. Let me know if you have specific questions, and I will be happy to answer them the best I can Gary

Hi all, I am not often a poster, but I figured that if there was any group I might feel comfortable with, this should be the one. My name is Gary. I have a marginal BMI (39) for the surgery, but enough co-morbidities to make the grim reaper drool on his scythe. Thus my HMO gracefully allowed my band. Its been 10 days and I though I am only on the liquid diet, I am chafing at the bit to expand my intake. I actually gained 10 pounds of Fluid during my 36 hours in the hospital, and lost that and another 6 or 7 in the 8 days since. Since I am only at about 500 calories, I have stopped losing, but I hope that will change with the next diet phase soon. I see my nutritionist tomorrow. Anyway, I look forward to reading all your stories, comments and concerns. Just my opinion... I could be wrong! Good luck everyone.

Thanks for the kind words. I have been thinking about this possibility for years now. Although, I was leaning toward the bypass. I am absolutley convinced that if I want to live, I need to make some serious changes in my diet. I admit to some fear that the band may not be the answer, but at this point I choose to be optimistic. It is clear to me that successful band situations occur when... 1. One has a positive can-do attitude. :thumbs_up: 2. One understands the implications of the two options for their own medical situation. :confused2: 3. One has the proper motivation (like living!) :biggrin: In my brief time on this forum (20 minutes) it appears to me that you can get a lot of good info and support. As far as the surgery goes, it was a breeze. I admit to being nervous. Anyone who is not nervous before a surgical procedure is probably brain dead anyway. But it was a very easy surgery and recuperation was fast and relatively painless. If you are committed to the exercise and diet, I think its a fabulous way to achieve your goals. IMHO:embaressed_smile:

I was banded on 6-18 as well. It was a good day for surgery! I am still in the liquid phase. Doc Said 2 weeks. I figure I am about 400 - 600 calories. I am really ready to get to phase two, but that will probably have to wait till I see my surgeon this Thursday. Maybe my nutritionist (tomorrow am) will give me a go ahead. lost 6 or 7 pounds the first week, but have stayed constant since then. I assume that I am not eating enough (starvation mode?) I guess time will tell. I think we need a sub-group for 6 - 18 ers :thumbs_up: