GayleTX

Dr. B did my LapBand 7 weeks ago. He's one of the more experienced surgeons in the business.......the clinic that I went thru for all my pre-op work referred me to him because I was 'special' (senior citizen, heart condition, etc.). I had my surgery at the hospital in Decatur (only place he works that my insurance would pay for). The nurses/anesthesiologist/staff seemed very skilled - said they did 10 LapBands every Monday morning. The whole thing was flawless......I was in at ll:00, out at 2:30. Never even had so much as a gas pain afterward. I've had haircuts that were more traumatic! (The hardest part was trying to get on the damn surgical hose!) I've had one follow-up visit; he said come back in 6 months, but he gave me instructions to call him any time I needed to. (I'm getting my fills at the clinic that did all my pre-op work).

I understand about not being able to exercise. I was hardly able to walk. As I improved, I said "I'll start when I get below 300." Well, I'm below 300. I did go inside the fitness center one day, but I haven't joined and haven't been back. Like you, I don't want my ex-students to see me and how big I've gotten (I don't leave the house much). I keep thinking one morning I'll get up and know that "TODAY IS THE DAY!" But I'm not ready yet. Hey, you and I had the same surgeon! He did a great job.....no problems at all!

There are none in Amarillo area (unless they've come in the last 6 mo.); there is one that goes to Lubbock from the Dallas area sometimes. There are a number in the Oklahoma City area......most of the people from Amarillo go there. They are missing a gold mine by not doing it there......Amarillo and Lubbock both have made the 'fattest city in the usa' list in the past 5 years!! LOL!!! There is a good doctor in Decacatur, lots of experience; it's just a few miles from DFW airport so might be a good option for you. (Stewart)

Hi, Leatha......Dr. Benavides on BeltLine did my surgery...but BCBS required me to go to Decatur to have it done over there for some reason (he works there every Monday). Very good experience. I use Dr. Maese for my caridologist and he did all my pre-op testing and does my fills (in Highland Park). I live near Bonham, our son/wife live near McKinney, his wife teaches in Stonebridge. McKinney is a different world than it was 5 years ago!! Mushroom growth! Best wishes on your surgery. Hope it's as good an experience as mine was.....I never even had so much as a gas pain!!

Hey, Kristi.......you and I were probably at Dr. Maese's office at the same time! If anyone wants to see Dr. Maese "for free" he's on Channel 8 local talk show on Thursday mornings quite often ....... does info on cardiology matters. He did all my pre-op testing right there in his office in Dallas (Highland Park) last fall. I felt good about it because I have had several heart stents in past, high blood pressure, etc. He was very thorough, talked with my husband/son and me at length during the decision-making process. His staff was friendly and encouraging....many are wls patients. He has a woman on his staff who does follow-up activities. I had my first fill last Wednesday, go back in 3 weeks for another. The day I was there it was kind of a 'herd' situation thru the hall, but that was ok......didn't have to undress, he was friendly and upbeat, and it was very quick in and out.