VABandster

Hey gang! I barely remember posting my other post (must have still been on drugs) LOL...but wanted to let you know that I'm now 5 days out and still don't have much hunger. I am somewhat dreading next week b/c my entire family will be visiting for the holidays and there will be a TON of food around that I can't eat, but I know I'll also probably be the only one that loses weight during the holidays! I also still feel like I've done 1000 crunches, but the pain is slowly subsiding...I can't wait for it to all be gone! I had to change my bandages last night b/c I had an allergic reaction to the ones they put on me in the hospital, and I can't believe that after 5 days, 3 of the incisions are already barely there!! The other 2 bigger ones still definitely need more time to heal, but I can already tell they won't be too bad! Anyways, just wanted to report in and let you know I'm doing well....can't wait to eat mushies though

Kay, glad to hear you're up and about!! I know what you mean about the gas thing! LOL....who knew we'd get so excited about it, huh?? Beth Israel is a great hospital! My Mom was treated there when she had breast cancer years ago (and is now 100% cancer free). Do you live in Boston?? I grew up in Concord, and lived near Fenway for a few years when I was in grad school. Steph C, Thanks for the warm welcome! I can't WAIT To sleep on my belly again too! My chiro told me the same thing that its not good for me, but I just can't help it! I wonder if it has to do with the way our parents put us in our cribs as babys?? Anyways, I'm at least able to get on my side now and support my tummy w/a pillow and sleep that way...progress I think! Ok, can I ask you all a question?? I would think that I would have dropped a lot of weight since the surgery, but it seems its only 4 pounds or so. Another friend of mine said he gained weight in the first few days? Do you all know why this is?? When does it start dropping again?? I know the first 6 weeks are for healing, but dang....I'm eating so little it's a bit frustrating to see the scale hardly budging!

Thanks for the warm Welcome Patti and Beversman!! Its good to know that others are going through the same thoughts and pains as I am. OMG, I just had a hiccup and boy was that painful! Do NOT want that to happen again anytime soon! Just curious how you all are handling the holidays...my family is all going to be visiting for a week so it's definitely going to be a "foodcentric" week. I'm able to eat 'mushies' by the time they all arrive, but I'm sure I'm still probably going to try to stick to more liquids just b/c I"m paranoid LOL. I'd love to hear what you all have strategized for getting through the holidays!

Hey December Bandsters! Mind if I join your group?? I was banded 5 days ago, on Friday the 15th..and so far things have been good! My only problem now is that I still have pain in the port area when I stand up/sit down (feels like I did 10000 pushups). Anyone know how long it takes for that feeling to go away?? I had my surgery in CO b/c I'm self pay, but actually live in VA. I'm still on liquids, although my Dr. said I could go to "Mushies" after 5 days, so I may work my way up to mushies on Friday. Is anyone else afraid of actually eating solid foods one you get to that stage? I'm so afraid that my first bite of real food is gonna get stuck! I know, I'm probably the only one, but thought I'd throw it out there. Anyways, its nice to see people that are in the same (or about to be) stage I am! I look forward to posting more soon....

Very cool! We're practically neighbors LOL Yeah, my spirits are pretty good for now, although I have to say I can't wait for the pain to go away! I'm hoping by Friday I'll feel fully recovered, but I'll keep you posted! If you have any other questions about Dr. K, let me know!

Mark, Yes, he gave me 3 prescriptions to get filled prior to the surgery 1) Antibiotic to prevent any infections, 2) a suppository to use if you feel naseous after (b/c throwing up is VERY bad before the band has healed onto the stomach), and 3) A liquid form of Vicodin to take for pain. The antibiotic is the only one you actually HAVE to take...obviously the other 2 are for "as needed" and since they put one of those anti-nasuea Patches behind my ear before the surgery, Luckily I haven't needed the suppository (the patch lasts 3 days they say) and I've only taken the vicodin at night to help me sleep.... Where in MD are you? I live in northern VA Near dulles!

Thanks for the Advice Carol!! I actually didn't use a wheelchair...since I figured I need the walking anyways to work the rest of the gas out I did however, ask to pre-board the plain so I could have some extra time to get myself seated (that was the hardest part!). So now I'm home safe and sound and just waiting for the pain at the port site to go away!

Scout, I'm now 3 days out and feeling pretty good except I still have a sore throat from the anesthesia, and my port area feels bruised so it makes getting up and down difficult, but I know that it takes about a week to go away, so I'm not too worried. Everything w/Dr. K went so smoothly, I couldn't believe it! I flew home yesterday, and it wasn't too bad.... I think someone else on this thread said Dr. Pinnar would do fills if referred by a US Dr., but that he doesn't do fills for Mexican drs. I am planning on going back to Dr. K for at least my first fill, but after that may look for someone more local.... Good luck to you! If you have any other questions, let me know.

Thanks for the suggestion Drew! I made the trip home safely yesterday and still can't believe how smoothly everything went!! My only issue now is obviously the pain which I know will hopefully be gone by Friday, and the fact that I'm apparently allergic to the tape they put over the incision sites!! I took benadryl last night and that helped a little bit, but it looks like I may have to take the bandages off a day or two early just so I can get rid of the rash....oh well! Other than that, I had no problems! I met w/Dr. K on Thurs, and he was very open and asked me if I had any questions and he answered all my questions. I went in on Friday and the staff at the surgery center were all so nice and helpful and supportive! The last thing I remember before going under was one of the nurses whispering in my ear "Think about nice things...think about all those skinny clothes you'll be shopping for soon!" I thought that was so sweet of her! When I woke up in recovery, the nurses were right there, and they helped me get dressed and took me out to another recovery room to sit for a while and recoup. Dr. K came back by before I left to check on me and even gave me his Cell # to call over the weekend in case I had any problems! I have nothing bad to say about my experience.....I'm just not looking forward to the pain being gone! If anyone has any questions about Dr. K, let me know and I'd be happy to answer them!

Hey Gang...well, I did it!! I'm officially a Bandster now! woo hooo! My only issue now is that the gas is kicking in and my stomach feels like someone punched me and getting up and down is difficult. I am flying home tomorrow and so I am a bit nervous about that....but I guess I'll survive! If anyone has expereince to share about how long their pain in the stomach lasted, I'd love to hear it. Thanks!

Ok gang...need some advice. I had surgery yesterday and feel pretty good with the exception of the gas and the stomach pains. I know I can address the gas pains w/the gas X, but I have to fly home tomorrow and am not sure what I should do since I'll likely still be having problems standing up and sitting down. Should I request a wheelchair at the airport? I was already planning on checking my bag so I don't have to lug it around the airport, but I could also probably just walk the gate (walking is supposed to be good for me, right?) and then ask if I can preboard to get myself into a set before everyone else piles on... Thoughts suggestions? Thanks!

I am having my surgery tomorrow and can't Wait!!! Congrats on getting through it so easily...hope mine goes just as smooth!!

Ok guys....I'm heading out to CO Tomorrow!!! I can't wait! Wish me luck and I'll post as soon as I can after I'm done on Friday!

No Way!!! Where in MD??? I live in Northern VA (near Dulles Airport).... I know there is a Dr. in Frederick MD That does fills for Mexican patients, so I'm sure she'd do yours as well....if that's anywhere near you I can PM you w/her contact info. Dr. K may also be able to refer you to someone. I'm going to have him do at least my first fill.....and then decide if I want to keep going back to CO (which is easy for me b/c my sister lives there, so she is happy anytime I visit), or find someone closer to home. I guess it will also depend on how many fills I have to have too..... I'm leaving on Wednesday and will be back on Sunday and will let you know how it all goes!

Hey Donna! Thinking of you today, hope everything goes well!! Check back in and let us know how you're doing!

Hey Gang, I am about to be banded on Friday! I had orginially gone to see Dr. Pinnar, and also the guy in Fairfax (Dr. Mozzaez or something like that), but couldn't get insurance to cover it and the out of pocket cost was a bit too much for me. So I found a Dr. in Colorado who does it for $10k (same as the Mexican Docs but you get to stay in the US!) and it includes 3 mos of follow up and fills. After the 3 mos, fills are only $15! Fortunately for me, my sister lives about 20 min. from him so I'll be recovering at her place and will have her there for moral support, but figured I'd throw this out to some of you who look like you're going to be self-payers like me. His name is Dr. Kirshenbaum (www.lapbandrockies.com), and he has a great bedside manner and his staff is great!

Thanks for letting me be an honorary "Coloradoian" And I figured out the ticker thing...woo hoo!! Only 6 more days til my surgery!! Good luck to you OfferRocker!! Let us know how things go.

Mark, where are you traveling from?? I am coming from VA to Dr. K, but fortunately my sister lives only 20 min from him so I am staying with her and she'll be there for me! I chose Dr. K for the exact same reasons you did! I have had nothing but good interactions w/the office so far, so I'm looking forward to my surgery in 6 days!!! I'll keep you all posted and let you know how it goes!

That's great! What Doctor are you using? And totally off topic...how did you add that ticker thing on your signature?

Thanks Donna! We'll be Band Buddies since we're only a few days apart in our banding! Yes, I am on a pre-op diet high protein/low carb. I've been doing it for a week now and have a week left to go. So far I've lost about 6 pounds. It hasn't been easy passing up the pizza and ice cream, but I know it's worth it in the long run. What kind of pre op diet are you doing?

He charges $9950 for the entire surgery, plus pre-op consults w/the nutritionist, and post op follow up and fills for 3 mos. Then the fills after that are only $15 each.

Sheila, I am actually having my surgery w/Dr.Kirshenbaum next week!! I'm flying in from VA (my sister lives 20 min. from his office, so I'll stay w/her). He seems very nice on the phone and his staff has been very helpful so far. I can let you know more when I get back on the 17th! I know one person on the list had to have a port replaced, but it sounds like it may have been a manufacturer defect not a Dr. defect...but she's still doing well. Stay tuned and I'll keep you posted! Kirsten (banding 12/15)

Hey Gang! I don't live in Colorado, but will be traveling out there to see Dr. Kirshenbaum in Aurora for my band on 12/15! I can't wait! My sister lives in littleton, so I'll be staying with her. So can I be an honerary member of the group since I'll be banded in CO??

I'm probably going to be a self-pay b/c my insurance won't cover it. Am considering going to Mexico, obviously, but can already hear the groans and objections from my family and friends. Does anyone know of any Drs. in the US that do the surgery for a similar cost to Mexico (i.e. $10k) preferably near or in VA, but I'm willing to travel. Thanks!

Phenry, I can see what you mean about mexican dr.s, although I have heard about people who go there having problems getting any problems actually fixed in the US b/c most US drs., so just be aware about that too. That was another reason I wanted to stay in the US. I am scheduled to have my band placed on 12/15 w/Dr. K in CO...I can't wait!!