msk1968

My surgery was performed by Christopher Hart. He has a private practice and he also works with True Results on Peachtree Dunwoody just passed Hammond Drive. He has a good reputation as a surgeon. However, if you want to have interaction with your surgeon he may not be your best choice. You will meet him briefly prior to surgeon and you will not see him again. All fills are completed by the nurse practioner who are fine. I wish you the best.

I thought I would weigh in. I have the Allergan band (which I assume is the "original") I got my band on Oct 3rd and the only time I had restriction was the first two weeks post op. I have 6.6 in a 10cc band and I don't have ANY restriction. I am going to demand to see my surgeon next visit (I haven't seen him since my surgery only nurse practioners). He has to check my band and tell me what's going on. I will keep you guys posted.

GottaBThin, I was so happy to see your comments. Yes, I joke that my Doctor cut my stomach in three places for $17K because I don't notice my band lots of times. I was banded on October 3rd and I had restriction for the first two weeks after surgery. When I went for my two week check up, the doctor advanced my diet to solids (Chicken salad, Salmon etc). I did not have much hunger so I thought my band was doing its job. By week 3, I was HUNGRY and could eat more than a cup of food in a meal. I went for my first fill on November 3rd. They did not do an ultrasound but they took all the Fluid out (1cc) and added 4 cc's for a total of 5 cc's in a 10 cc band. The first week after the fill I went easy on eating (soup, liquids, mushies) but when I went back to food, same thing - I feel like I don't have a band. I am hungry, I can eat anything (haven't tempted fate with rice or bread) and I get really hungry about three hours after I eat. I was told that it takes a few fills before most people hit the "sweet spot" and my next one is December 4th (I can't wait). I started at 270 and I am at 241 as of this morning, but I feel like I am on a diet since I am ignoring the hunger and not using my new tool the band. Keep us posted on how you do.

Can someone explain why you are giving up caffiene? I was banded on Oct 3, 2008 and I have not been told by my doctor to get rid of the caffiene.

I would recommend that you hold off on dieting right away. I started my process on August 12th, received my approval on September 16th. I actually had to gain 5 pounds to ensure I would not have a problem with insurance (incidentally we are the same height and I gained 5 pounds to hit 271 and make sure my BMI was 40). I had my surgery on October 3rd and I have not had any trouble since the surgery. I don't feel much hunger therefore, I don't have trouble eating much better than before. I want to loose 100 pounds and looked at gaining 5 pounds as the assurance that I would have a better chance of meeting my ultimate goal, not the 25 pounds that I can usually take off by myself before I get bored with a diet. Unless you have co-morbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure etc), I would not start dieting until you have an approval from insurance. I wish you the best.

Hello Miss Undastood, I was banded in Atlanta on 10-03-08 (my new birthday). I am sufferring with the referred pain in my left shoulder. I have been walking and trying to move the gas. I hope we both feel better soon. We are on our way to a new life.

A good friend of mine was banded in August. She swears by the unjury protein powder (all flavors including an unflavored version that she says works well with Crystal Light). You have to order online.

Hello Fellow October Bandsters. I just got an approval from my health insurance on September 16th. My surgery date is October 3rd. What kind of pre-op diets are you guys following? I start mine on September 19th, but I am not sure of the details yet. Excited in Georgia!

I have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of California and my timeline looks like this August 12th - Info Session August 21st - Lab work August 26th - Psychological Screen August 28th - Psychological Eval August 30th - sleep Study September 5th - Dietician Appointment September 16th - APPROVAL!!! HORRAY I called my insurance company and was told by customer no service that my policy did not cover bariatrics, but once my doctors office called they found out that was incorrect. They were able to get a clear concise list of requirements and as you can see the approval took less than two weeks. I wish you the best success.