54Shirley

Dr. Genaw was pleasant and professional. However, If I had it to do over again, I would go elsewhere for my surgery. Henry Ford Hospital is located in the middle of a ghetto (horrible) and the staff there were the most unprofessional I have ever seen in hospital setting. It was the dirtiest hospital I have ever seen in my life. The staff in the Bariatric surgery department were nice, but made several mistakes, such as failing to enter appointments into the computer which resulted in me driving over an hour to find out I did not have an appointment (even when I had an appointment card stating I did). I also felt like they were very controlling and there was always this implicit (many times explicit) threat that if I did not comply 100% with EVERYTHING they said, my surgery would be delayed. The very worst part was that Dr. Genaw's practice takes many patients from Canada, which backs things up for everyone else. I had to wait an additional 6 months after I received final approval, because they were so back logged. Jan. 26, 2011 This was taken from his review site.

You are welcome! I hope you have better care then I got. Because I didn't get much at all. Let me know were you are going to o.k... Shirley.

I WENT TO HIM IN 06. IT TOOK ABOUT 4 MONTHS AND HE FILLED MY BAND WITH 2CC AND BLEW IT!!!! THAT WAS A 4CC BAND. I AM TRYING TO FIND A SURGEON TO HELP ME OUT, DO TO HIS SCREW UPS. I LOOKED HIM UP TODAY, AND FOUND THIS PERSON WITH A COMPLAINT, AND I DON'T BLAME THEM AT ALL. IT SOUNDS TO ME AS IT HAS ONLY GOTTEN WORSE.

I'm sorry to hear about all the problems, but I'm not surprised. Myself I think the Band should be re called, and revamp. I know you know the majority is made out of plastic. We all know that. But do you really know how easy this plastic can break. I have a 4cc band, with fills going in at 0.5cc at a time, it took a while to get to 2cc,,, only !/2 of the band full. It blew in the surgeons office. I didn't know though. Not until I got home, and tried to take a swallow of Water, and it came up, tried it again same thing. I couldn't swallow saliva. Called them up, they said you have to come back "no kidding!" He stuck in the needle, and it popped clear to the top of the syringe. I heard "WOW!!!" What's wrong I asked? He said when that happens it means your Band is Blown. I said what you gonna do about it? I'll empty you because your to swollen, and come back in a month. WHAT? how about fix this. Will see when you come back..... In about 3 weeks they called, and said he will not be able to see you for your appointment, he will be in Switzerland. Can I see his partner? Nope! He doesn't allow any one to touch his work. I'm sure you can all see were this is going No-were! I'm still looking for a surgeon to remove this. I have moved, and you can't find anyone to touch some one ellses screw ups. He is still Chief Surgeon at a "Center of Excellence" I wouldn't recommend this place for the dead!. I have regained all my weight, with a empty band I forever feel like I'm starving. I know it's head hunger, but it seems so real. I still can only eat so much, "more though then if this Band were filled" Everything gets hung up in this though, and that's a true pain I know that the only way I'm gonna get this out. is if something is stuck, and when they clean it out,,, they take it out. They told us about things getting stuck, and people even dying, but they never told us that this stuff is made on a assembly line in a factory, and if they pass defective merchandise !!! Then O well... That's the risk you take.... I would have never waisted my time at all. As you all know, this is a major decision to alter your lifestyle. If you choose to, You would expect It to work. not just take a gamble at it. You do your work, and it doesn't work. Best of Luck to you. Shirley 10/31/2006 Dr. Jeffrey Genaw "Chief Surgeon" Henry Ford Hospital "Center of Excellence."

I know there is not much there, but you can see for yourself..

I just posted a add on here yesterday Lap Band vs Realize and it does have some information in it. I to was banded in 06, and the band was a 4cc band that blew at 2cc? Had to be defective. I to am back were I started from. I am thinking about the other band. If interested check out the information.

lap band VS realize band If you want to see the difference,,, check this out.

Not trying to rain on your parade..... The tubing that carries the saline from the port to the band might get hit and crack.. If you can live with that and just know you would have to go in for replacement tubing,,, that's up to you... My port is in the front near the navel. You might want to find out from your Dr. exactly were everything is going to be, on your side or in the front. I would seriously tell him that I am 100% active in what ever you do "I REALLY DON'T KNOW, CAN IMAGINE THOUGH" and simply ask him can you continue on. It will only help you with him and his location of lines, and port. Hope this helps.

Look at the plus side , it's classified a comorbidity which is in your favor as far as qualifying for surgery. I'm thinking you are on pills correct? Hopefully when you loose weight this condition might go away. That's a big plus in your favor all the way around. But I am no Dr. So check with your Doctor. Shirley 10/31/2006 Dr. Jeffrey Genaw Henry Ford Hospital "Center of Excellence" Michigan

I also have a suggestion, But first the post before me is right in the findings. So don't drink a glass of ice Water and expect it to go down cause it won't! I had problems with mine too, I couldn't eat without drinking something like hot tea to help it go down. I heard the term sliders on this post. Well,,,, that's not what it is if it means you must eat, but unless you drink something, your going to choke and puke something terrible. Plus that's not good for you at all. Like a lot of people told me your to sensitive ! Surgeon said the same. I said I am trying, but mushies won't even go down without problems. Yeagh., Yeagh, your just to sensitive. Well he was wrong ! big time !!! I have a 4cc band, I was going in for fills because I felt like was starving. "I was'' I couldn't keep it down, so he would give me a fill "what else can you do" He got me up to 2cc, and the band blew! It was DEFECTIVE ! These bands are made in factories, and they do pass of defective products."Unfortunately" So what ever questions you might think of write them down, and get some answers. He is the professional right? So he should be able to answer you in a flash. If unfills,and fills aren't doing you any good,, tell him to look at it under fluoroscope, and let him see what's going on. Trust me,I know the miserable feeling that you have. Good Luck with your Dr. visit, I hope they can straighten it out.

Your not bubbling with joy that this band is gonna help you get your life together.. Because you believe you can do it your self. Maybe you can! Why not take a year, record your calories along with Protein. Stay under 1200 calories a day. You will definitely loose weight... As far as counting calories from restaurants, you can go on line Amazon.com might have it. There are books for calorie counting in Restaurants. some are purse size. I have 1, and I have 1 from Dr. Phil "not a fan" but a great book to own. Also google calorie counter and click on CALORIE KING. You will type in what you ate, get the calories, and the protein written down under 2 separate categories ON EVERYTHING YOU EAT! stay under 1200 in calories, and 60 grams of protein. (THIS CALCULATION IS FOR WOMEN ONLY) Men are more! You will be sure to loose weight... Invest in some Protein shakes, they are good for you, and you don't want to start loosing your hair. aLso get a kitchen scale, it measures by ounces. This will go hand in hand with your books, or Calorie King. Do this for 1 year, and see how much you will loose. Then if you are not happy,,, you know you can't do it without assistance. That's when you can start thinking about what method you want to use to help you loose weight. Tip!!! ONLY WEIGH YOURSELF 1X A MONTH. Otherwise it can get under your skin. Of course any kind of exercise helps! Even walking. I give myself a window of 900 - 1200 calories a day, and I don't own a scale.... Only weighed when I see the Dr... She is just as Happy as I am. This is a good technique, it comes from my Bariatric surgeon. We all follow the same plan. Now it has been shared with you! Good Luck! Shirley 10/31/2006 Dr. Jeffrey Genaw Henry Ford Hospital "Center of Excellence" Michigan.

I have ! I wish I had the money to do t, because my ins. doesn't cover that. I had the band put in in 2006. It took about 6 months and it blew! I lost 100 lbs. before I got the band, lost about 20 after banded. To this day I wish they would make the sleeve available. Because when they do,,, I'm getting it done.

Hello from across the bridge. I had my surgery in Detroit Henry Ford Hospital. There are more CANADIANS there then people from Michigan. The people come in by the bus full, because those Dr.s take your ins.. That's the whole big hospital. So if you ever need major surgery, and don't have the surgeons there for it. Look up Henry Ford on line,and see what they offer. Welcome to Band Land, and good luck with your journey neighbor...

Invest in a Kitchen scale that weighs by the ounce. I have the one that has a bowel on it so you can fit things in it.Also it holds a couple of pounds if that helps you. You will learn how to use this, like with the bowel on the scale, adjust your scale to 0. That way you will get your true or close to true ounces. It's called TARE weight. Another thing is when you way anything with a bone in it like a chicken leg. Lets say it ways 31/2 ounces. Take the bone out and weigh it, then deduct it from your ounces. I don't know what your Dr. says, but with him it's 4 ounces. Try this and you will see this works. This is just another TOOL that you will use to make your tool "BAND" work.

I had soreness from a Hernia Repair, and they removed my lymph nodes from the groin, they thought they were cancerous but thank the Lord no way. Then he did my band . So a 3 hr. surgery, 30 minutes for the band. What hurt was the Groin,and Hernia repair. Never felt the band. They also put me on a morphine pump. I used it once because I had to get out of bed, and they insisted. then 1x in the middle of the night, when everything wore off. That was it. I too have had multiple surgeries. Including knees replaced. The band was a piece of cake compared to others.

That depends on how much you are filled too. My Dr. says 4oz. meat. some carbs. to kick the Protein into gear "it works!" 1/4 cup of soft cooked vegetables. Now I can't eat all that, but if I were 1/2 empty ,I might be able to eat more then I normally wood. Also these portions would be tracked on CALORIE KING, and the calories and protein would be written in my journal. If I didn't eat it all? I would write that down so he knows how much I am eating. He knows the proper amounts. That's why the "TOOL" is adjusted! Another thing,,,,,,, You could be starving,and had 4 or 5 bites of your dinner ok , still feeling the same STARVING!, and eat the next piece, and instantly your full! Your hunger is gone. That's how you work the band, because now you stop.. No matter what, you do not continue to eat. That's how I was taught.

My Dr's, Staff broke my apt.s. up monthly, so every month I was being weighed "very Important" and seen by a different Dr... Cardiologist, Psych., Physical Therapist, Internal Medicine for Physical, Plus a couple of visits to my Family Doctor. And weighed at every visit ! then turn in all paperwork. By that time your Doctor will have put you on a diet to loose some weight. "Just to see if you can, and how well you listen and follow what he tells you, Then he'll schedule surgery. That's it. Any questions??? Get back..

Get your MUSCLE MILK LIGHT on ebay. Just type in Muscle Milk, and you will see the suppliers pop up, lots of flavors too. You can buy say strawberry, then in a food processor puree some strawberries, and add to your drink. It will help fill the emptiness. Just do it slow ! ! ! Add a Sugar free chocolate pudding to mix in a chocolate shake. That will thicken it up. Check out links for recipes or smoothies. I'm sure there has to be something. Or start a tread ! Ask what is your favorite smoothie or Protein shake? I'm sure you will get some responses..

A lot of times companies have floaters "people who are available for any job" If someone goes out on a medical leave, you should always have back up to keep you moving. Like Floaters. Times are hard! I lost my job because the company chose to send our work to Mexico. They need to get rid of NAFTA, and we can have our work back.. If you have a excellent employee, and they give it there all. Just because they go in for surgery is no reason to fire them. Use your floaters.If anything fire your screw ups, and hire in someone that is willing to work for a living. I know a few people that would give a arm or leg just to have a decent job with a good boss. So if you really are a good boss! Please treat your employees with equal respect. It hurts to be treated wrong. Equal respect worked for me.

Also been banded over 5 yrs. Didn't work for me ! I had a fill that brought me up to 2cc's in a 4cc band. It blew! So had to be defective. As far as running,, I use too, but it caused me to have both knees replaced. Surgeon asked me if I was a runner? I said how did you know. Your knees are flattened out like someone took a jack hammer to them... Wish you people would ask our advice first. So I'm doing the best I can,, mostly walking. Thats what my surgeon recommended.

I know what the pics. and video show. That is a band placed around the upper part of the stomach, and tighten into place. This Dr. never said he was going to do this, in other words,,, he keeps his successful surgical secrets to himself. So they take the outer part of that small pouch, pull it down over the band like a flap or sleeve, and stitch that all the way around the band. Is it uncomfortable??? you bet..With that upper part being pulled down, and stretched, it gives the feeling in the throat that someone has you by the throat, and is squeezing you. Just your not choking, but damned uncomfortable. It's hard to find a surgeon to fix someone else's screw ups. I am looking for a different surgeon. I want this done right way. I was banded 10/31/2006. Thats a long time to feel this tight. So I am waiting for a call from a different surgeon. I would like to tell him to take out the old band, and put in a new one. It's got to be better then this.

I don't know how you figured FMLA does not cover Lap Band Surgery !!! It sure did mine, along with the fills. I know of it as a type of Ins. that we had to sign up for, have the Dr. submit there paperwork, and eventually we would be notified if we were covered or not. That was the only company that I ever worked for that offered this ! Any place else,,, if you took to much time off, you could be fired in a flash. I had my husband covered for cancer surgery, and they too were downsizing. If I took off they " company" said they didn't care about the FMLA, I would be fired. I explained that I have to be there, Didn't care at all. So I said I'll go over your head if I have to. Go ahead they said, Next boss said the same, so I went to HR. She was hesitant, and I told her "IF I TELL THE SURGEON THAT I CAN'T BE THERE BECAUSE THE COMPANY I WORK FOR WON'T LET ME... THERE GONNA ASK ME WHAT KIDA PLACE DO YOU WORK FOR??? I got 4 days off to take care of him. I used FMLA for 2 knees replaced, Dr. visits, time home for Recovery, Lap Band Surgery and fills, Take care of Family Member. It definitely did take care of the surgery. We were told it was made available to us if we need it.

Your very smart !

I think it all has to do with who did your band! really! At Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan, when they put the band in place, they take some skin from your stomach, and fold it over the band, and stitch that into place. Reason to avoid any type of Band Slippage. It works! but it feels like someone has grabbed you by the throat, and is putting very tight pressure on it. That is 24 hrs. a day. As a result we are not even suppose to eat salad. When they found out I could eat some, they new I needed a tighter fill. Can't eat Beef or Steak, Bread, Salad, White meat from chicken. Whatever I can have. It has to be soft, and moist. So sure Ice Cream, Chocolates anything that will turn to liquid will go down.

I guess your close in your theory,,, Now they are saying the sleeve does what the band was suppose to do. Somehow,, I can believe that,,,