SusanP

Thank you so much! I am sending hubby out for the malox. Boy, this was a lesson learned. Once again, thank you EVERYONE!!! Susan

I think something is going on with him. I got a letter from UHC. They are reviewing my April fill. His office charged them 600.00 for a fill!!! That is ridiculous. Plus I have had 2 calls from UHC. They were asking me questions about my previous 2 visits. I honestly feel bad for UHC if that is what he charges them for each fill. I do find it strange that he's not accepting new patients. All is not right. Keep in touch! Susan

I live in Bay City. It's over a 2 hour drive to Tomball. I need someone closer. Thanks for the info.

Terez, How did your fill appointment go? Did they really charge you 100.00 or was it a mistake. I am confused about what to do. I just read a post about Dr. Spiegel and UHC. It said even with the gap exception, his office won't take any UHC. I haven't started calling the other choices that I found. This is a bummer. Let me know how your fill went, Susan

I love my band. I was 217 in Dec 05 and am 172 as of this morning. The Susan that you would have met in December, was depressed, lazy because it was too hard to move, and she hid from social situations. Today, I am a new woman. I camp, hike, go to every event that I can, play with my kids and excuse this part, make love to my husband every chance I get. One of the highlights of this change, was the day I taught my kids to play tennis and THEY gave up before I did. I love the way my husband looks at me. AND I went to Victoria Secrets for the first time in 10 years, yesterday, and bought 2 bras. I regret NOTHING!!!

I haven't ever really signed up for IM. I might ask my hubby how. I'm about to leave work for the day, but I will contact you after their office calls, Susan

I just left a message with Elizabeth. Hopefully she'll call me back today. I told her that I wanted to get in before the end of the month because I was a UHC patient and I wanted to take advantage of my co-pay at least one more time. I also said that I had been given a gap exception until Dec 06. I will let you know what she says. My last fill was on April 25th, so they may not see me so soon, but the 17th would work with my schedule. I'll let you know. Thanks and nice meeting you!

I meant what time is your appointment on the 17th? Goofy me, Susan

I don't think the $100.00 thing is correct. UHC's contract with him isn't effective until June 1st. You should only pay the deductible on your card. I have done some research and found a couple of doctors that have good reviews... My favorite: Garth Davis M.D. at 713-528-0597 He is also the Medical Director for The Weight Loss Program at Methodist Hospital Dr. Carlos Ferrari (had a friend use him for bypass and she loves him) 713-864-5487 Dr. Adam Naaman at 713-468-2449 He's done over 1100 Lap Bands and is a surgeon who has been involved in the development of new laparoscopic equipment. When's your appointment? I might try and get one on the same day so we can meet!!! Susan Phillips

Hi Terez, I am in the same situation that you are in. I called UHC and got a gap exception from Care Coordination. I told them that in the documents I signed for Dr. Spiegel, it states that I must see him for follow up appointments and he won't be held liable for any problems if I go to another doctor. They gave me a gap exception that will allow me to go to him until Dec 06 and just pay my deductible. That at least gives me some time to find a new doctor. Let's hope we get some good recommendations from our Houston area bandsters! You can email me at sphillips@matagordaisd.org if you have more questions or find a doctor!!! I just hate having to leave Dr. Spiegel. Susan

I love that site!!! I will be a wolf and to tell you the truth, I love watching the wolves at the Houston Zoo. They fascinate me!!! Thanks for sharing, Susan

Please let us know how you are, as soon as possible! I will keep you in my thoughts! Susan

Liquids should be at least a good week. The next week you can have creamy liquids, the 3rd week mushies and then you gradually add in stuff like fish. Your body needs to heal. Plus you are still swollen and that is most likely the problem. Small, very small, sips of clear fluids. If you do a search for post op diets you will find lots of info that people have shared. Congratulations, susan

I am so grateful for this board. I use Dr. Speigel. I immediately used the information Linda V provided and got the ball rolling with UHC. My biggest concern is that in the paperwork Dr. Speigel gave me, "he is released from any responsibility for any problems with my Lap-Band, or any other abdominal or stomach problems" if I switch surgeons. I spoke to Care Coordination and they have sent my request for review. They can't actually send it in until June 1st, but it's ready to go. Gosh, insurance is quite a pain. I wonder why he's not going to be with UHC??? Barbara465, I feel for you. It seems like it would be better to find a doctor who is with UHC so that your fills and follow up care/appointments will be covered. Let us know if you find someone!!! Susan

I have to work at school. Teachers have to work on Saturday, unless they earned comp time from summer 05. I really wanted to meet everyone! The menu is looking awesome! Susan

You are doing fantastic!!! Super job!!!

DYNOMITE!!! JOB WELL DONE!!! SUPER!!!

Yes, welcome! I wish I had found this site before banding. However, I am very glad I found it after banding. It's invaluable!!! I have lost enough to be able to teach my boys (8 & 9) how to play tennis. They got tired before I did!!! You will love your life after banding! Susan

Dr. Speigel, in Houston, told me to take a small bite, chew like crazy and then chew some more, swallow. Wait at least 2 minutes and do it again. After that food will go down. I tried the hot tea thing, followed by his instructions and it worked. I am a teacher with less than 30 minutes for lunch so I have to start with this pre-meal ritual before lunch and then I am ok during lunch.

I am still going to try and make it. I will be at my sister-in-law's in Spring on the 13th for my niece's b-day party. I might be able to slip away by calling it a support group meeting. The party is at their farm in New Waverly. I just cleaned out my closet and have a ton of stuff (18/20) from Avenue to give away. I will get the time of the party and then figure out how to make it work. ON another note, I can't get into see Dr. Speigel until April 25th for a fill and I am starving! I am scared of gaining right now. Strange, because for the 2 weeks prior, I couldn't eat more than 1 meal a day. Have a great day! Susan

Hi there! When I went for my first fill, the nurse was explaining that until the first fill we are basically "wide open" as she called it. She said she could eat a hamburger, no problem until the 1st fill. I experienced restriction without my first fill and couldn't eat. I got my first fill in January and felt really restricted until this week. Now I am hungry!!! Strange!!!

I am a teacher (4th-6th) grade English, Social Studies and Keyboarding. I dreamed of being a stay a home mom, so I envy you! I didn't find peace until my boys were old enough to come to school with me. Next year, my oldest will be in my class. Should be interesting. I love teaching. Nursing would be my next choice of career. I'd like day surgery, like my step mom works. The money is fantastic. Way to go on being a stay at home mom!!!

I feel for you and your family. He's a handsome cat and I am sure that he knows he was well loved. I am very sorry your time with him was cut short.

Hang in there. I was very, very tired for at least the first 4 weeks. The anesthesia takes a good while to wear off. And our body needs to rest. I didn't feel stronger until I got enough protein in my body. I made some egg drop soup (after checking with my doc about eggs because they are hard to digest) and felt tons better. Once I got protein...my brain fog cleared and energy returned. My coworkers saw a 100% difference!!! Hope this helps, Susa n

Hi there, I learned that everyone is different. I teach and had mine over the Christmas break. There is no way that I could have gone back any sooner than 3 weeks. I was in tons of pain. It was worse than my both of my c-sections. I don't know why I had so much pain. I was also very exhausted the first 2 weeks back at school, but I think that's because I was dropping weight so fast. It was 6 weeks before I felt pretty normal. My friends didn't have the pain that I had and the little bit they had only lasted a couple of days. 2 had their procedure on a Thursday and went back to work Monday. So everyone is very, very different. Happy Lapbanding to you!!!