I'm still here

Sherrilynn, Hang in there honey, I felt the same way!!! I was banded on 1-12-07 and felt like I was going to die for the first few days and even doubted my decision, thinking - "I DID THIS TO MYSELF!!!" Now, 4 weeks post-op I am feeling much more 'normal' and even had my first fill yesterday. Those who feel like a million bucks soon after are very lucky! My doctor said everyone heals differently, and that is a very individual thing. It will get better, I promise. Lynn

Good luck tomorrow! Lynn

I also had Dr. Jistel (sp?) and I did not get anything to chill me out until I got to the OR. In fact, when they came to wheel me out of pre-op I sort of freaked :speechles because I was totally aware, at that point wondering if I might would just rather go home .. . . . :paranoid I also, 'scooched' from the gurney to the operating table and just as I got moved over, I saw Dr. Spivak walk in so it was all fine. The next thing I remember was waking up in my room, not even in recovery . . . burping like my boys! Lynn

I also went to another doctor's seminar first and there are no warm fuzzies there. I actually have a friend who used the other one and I can't believe the difference in the two when we compare notes now. Dr. Spivak is precious!!! Lynn

Thank you so much, I will definately check it out! Lynn

Oh My Gosh - Look at you Heather!!! You look beautiful! Thanks so much for posting your pictures. Lynn

Hi Everyone ~ I was banded on 1-12-07 by the adorable and wonderful Dr. Spivak and had my first fill yesterday, 2-8-07. I believe he put in 2.0. I am not sure what determines how much he adds, but am very hopeful that I have good restriction after yesterday's fill. The actual fill wasn't bad, but I had worked myself into a nervous 'tizzy' anticipating it. He, as usual was a doll about it and went very slow allowing me time to get used to the feeling as he injected the solution. I can NOT say enough good things about him and his staff - they are awesome! I am so glad I made the decision to do this and to use Dr. Spivak. I am curious where Central Market is located? I have heard of it, but never tried them. Lynn

Hi Tonya ~ I am glad to hear you felt well enough to go back to work today. Don't let the one pound get you down. I was so stupid - I bought new scales about 2 weeks post-op, and they showed me 10 pounds heavier than my others - the ones that I have been using all along. :omg: Needless to say - I couldn't get the new ones out of my house fast enough, and my mood (and truth be known, probably my family too!) definately suffered because of them. I have to remember . . . this is a journey, not a race! I go for my first fill on Thursday. Lynn

I feel for you - I SURVIVED on Dramamine tablets for 4 days after my surgery. I have never been that nauseated in my whole life! They are very small and I didn't have any trouble swallowing them. I have no doubt I would have gotten dehydrated were it not for those little life savers. Hope you feel better soon . . . Lynn

Jack, I am glad you posted that . . . I have been wondering if having an adjustment is something that I could do post-banding. I am new (banded 1-12-07) and am still trying to figure out what my limitations are going to be as a result of the band . . . I have figured out I am a little more 'skiddish' than I thought I was . . . Anyway, I have migraine headaches (alot) and would like to see a Chiropractor for treatment. Thanks, Lynn

Hi BetsyJane ~ I feel for you! I had horrible mid to low back pain for the first two weeks immediately following my surgery and finally ended up having to take an anti-inflamatory to get it under control. I thought I was going to die before it went away. It was so bad that I don't even know if I had GAS pains because I couldn't think at that point . . . I'd call Dr. Spivak - since you just had a fill it could be related to that. Good luck, Lynn

I haven't heard of the doctor you mentioned, but have heard wonderful things about the hospital. Dr. Spivak did my surgery and is the BEST!

Hello Ladies ~ I am so glad we have this thread now. I enjoyed reading your posts and am so glad to learn that I am not in this boat alone . . . I feel like I am STARVING, yet the scale is not moving. I really don't want to fail at this! I am scheduled for my first fill this coming Thursday (2/8/07) and am very anxious to get that behind me. I have a friend who had the surgery with Dr. Spiegel in late November and she just had her second fill. So far she says she has much better restriction than after the first. I am just so ready to feel like the band is working. I also plan to attend the support groups (probably once a month too) starting in March, and look forward to meeting you. I need to stop drinking with my meals and start exercising. I didn't spend all of this money and suffer after the surgery not to see a big change . . . :confused: Lynn

Good Luck Kim, you are in great hands! I love Dr. Spivak and think he seems genuinely interested in each of his patients. I have a friend who had the surgery about 2 years ago with Dr. Spivak and she has NOTHING but great things to say about him and his staff. My surgery was at Park Plaza Hospital. I'm not sure what factors determine where the surgery will be.

Julie - I think you are right about weighing at the doctor's office. I was totally caught off gaurd by my immediate gain with the new scales and it ruined my evening and most of today too because I felt like I was doing so well. I am really going to work hard to stay off the scales for a while. I have never been a fan of them, but unfortunately I seem to be a slave to them. Lynn

This is a great idea . . . Thanks Kim for starting it. Lynn

Hi Terry, I would love to have a thread for Dr. Spivak's patients . . . I am 3 weeks post-op today and have NO restriction. To make matters worse, I bought new scales last night and they show me about 10 pounds heavier than my other ones . . . Talk about ruining your day. I have been moping around all day! :phanvan So, I called and scheduled my first fill for next Thursday. The incision around my port is still pretty tender, but I don't want to continue feeling like I am wasting time on this journey. Since I was self-pay I don't want to feel like I just threw all of that money away . . . . Lynn

Carole - Did Dr. Spivak do your surgery? I was also banded on 1-12-07 and am wondering if we were in pre-op together at Park Plaza Hospital that morning ??? I am in the same boat as you - no restriction after the swelling went down and have not had a fill yet. I think I am going to see if I can go tomorrow for my first fill. I am ready to drop some weight and see and feel a difference! Lynn :rose:

Hello Ladies ~ My name is Lynn and I was banded by Dr. Spivak on 1-12-07 at Park Plaza Hospital. I LOVE him too! I was hoping I could find a group of Dr. Spivak's patients . . . Let's all stay in touch. I am feeling fine, but not feeling any restriction after my swelling went down, so I am anxious for my first fill week after next. I am ready to lose this weight! Have a good Thursday.

I was going to suggest something with carbonation too. Good luck!

Me too! It's done! I was banded last Friday, the 12th by Dr. Spivak in Houston and am so glad to have the surgery behind me. I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you. Audree - I found out the hard way to that you can over-eat on soup! Who would have guessed? Tonya - your almost there! More later . . . Lynn

Hi Everyone ~ I have been looking at this site for several months, but this is my first post. My name is Lynn and I am in Houston. I am scheduled to be banded on 1-12-07 and am very excited, but also very nervous. My insurance does not cover WLS so I will be self-pay. $15,000 is so much money, but I keep trying to convince myself that after I lose the weight, then I won't even think about that. I hope I am right! I look forward to being part of the January group! Lynn