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I would ask her what she meant otherwise it is just gonna be in the back of your mind. If it was meant in a mean way, take the opportunity to tell her you only want to hear encourging words or nothing at all please, and then move on. Cheri

Sounds like your doing all the right things. Talk to your Dr about your concerns. You might find everything normal after talking to him or her or you might need more or less calories, more exercise just keep changing things up till you find what works for you. But you have already lost a lot of weight (congratulations!!) your body is just re-adjusting then it should start working. Maybe your thyroid meds need to be changed mine did after surgery. Something else you can look at is any meds you have been taking or just started that might slow your weightloss. Hang in there it takes time, stress is not good for weightloss either. Cheri

I totally agree with the above posts. You need a surgeon you can trust and ask anything and who has time for you. He is providing a service that you are playing for. I would have got up and left. (I probably would have cried all the way home). You have to stand up for yourself. Find a new Doctor there are plenty of good caring Drs out there. I had my surgeon's cell phone number that he answered 24/7. I called him twice and he was so nice and said he would meet me at his office even though it was after hours. Now about the camera no way. If they are worried about being accused of something they can send a nurse in to witness anything that is done. But no cameras. I think you will be happier if you have your records sent to another Dr with a better track record. Oh and be sure and tell them why you are getting a new Doctor. It is so worth waiting for but you sound like me and would like to be treated like a human being. ( Really I like being treated like the scared person I was about the whole process). My surgeon did ALL my fills himself everytime I went in. Find a new dr even if you have to repeat some test. It is worth the wait if you have. You will be losing your best friend . . .food . . . you need some who understand that, it makes the whole process easier. Cheri

[quote 'stagegirl' Church is a good bet....not a guarentee but a good place to start. Good Luck! A good one is worth working for....and praying for....there are so few of them out there these days. I am thankful I have a good that believes in going to church...speaking of that.......it is getting late and the alarm will be going off soon to get up and get ready for Sunday service. I agree with Stagegirl find a church with a singles ministry there are many, not saying you won't find a weed or two but I really feel God sent my husband to me so I suggest a conversation with God is a start. Alot of the single groups are very activie, movies, out to eat, etc. Some of the really large churches will have more singles. Try a couple you might be surprised. I wish you best luck, don't settle!! Cheris

Thank! for the information. I found a Dr who will continue to fill me with the omnipaque. Do you think the way my band feels would change If I had the omnipaque removed and replaced with saline? At one of Dr Spivak's support group meetings a friend who was banded by other Dr voiced her concern about me having omnipaque and Dr Spivak said there was no problem having it but I could come in and he would remove it and replace with saline if I would be more comfortable. But I like things the way they are and do not want to mess with the band too much. Cheri

I tried Zumbia bought the newest tapes. I have tried it 4 times and now I have declare that I am defeated. I can not get the moves down at all, so about ten minutes in I am just doing my own thing until the music stops. I do not know how you are all doing it. But I say if you can do it congratulations and I bet you drop a lot of weight doing it. I on the other hand have started jogging. I might look funny doing that too but I am doing it. I really surprised myself I could do that as before I always had to walk only. More power to you who do Zumbia!!! You have my respect!! Cheri

I just started jogging, and I am pretty slow too. But I am amazed I can do it. You sound like you are making good progress so I say don't be so hard on yourself. Give it more time. I am less tired each time I do it and can push a little harder. Your doing great just give it some more time. Cheri

I was banded in July 2009 lost 84 lbs but battle over a few gained back. My Dr doubled my antidepressant about 6 months ago and no matter how I ate or how much I worked out I was still gaining a little every month. until I got up to 10 lbs. My depression is so bad I require a large dose of meds. That med was working for me but I am not going to gain any more. It takes me a long time to lose 10 lbs. Today I went to Dr and we changed me to another med that he promised would not cause weight gain and will be able to continue to lose if I follow the plan. I started on them today and as with all meds the beginning side effects are killing me. I just want to be heathy and happy at the same time. All the above posts are amazing, you should be so proud of your weightloss and hard work!! Cheri

I can meet on Sunday lets see if anyone else wants to! Come on people. Cheri

What a bunch of Jerks!! Cheri

Okay we have to plan a meeting now or we never will. Anyone have suggestions where and when? Cheri

I am in the Houston area too. Closer to Galveston. I too had Dr Spivak I have lost 80 lbs total and gone up and down about 8lbs. I think I have been going up and down to my meds being increased (antidepressant), but I think I have a handle on it now and I am working on getting the 8 off and then I would like to lose another 20 to get me to 140-143 area. If you ever decide to meet let me know I would love to meet with you all. I need support too. Cheri

Yes I would. Cheri

I am praying for you and your husband. I am also private messaging you my phone number if you need someone to talk to day or night. You are never alone. God says He will never leave you. Let Him comfort you . . . alot better than food. Cheri

Here is the information on Dr. Stephanie, please note I have NEVER seen her before so I am only passing on information about her, if you want it. I have heard great things about her BUT as I said I have NEVER been for a visit, but plan to. Dr Stephanie in Bryan. She charges $200 for first time, $180 after that. Welcome to Dr. Stephanie's Lap Band ® Adjustment Practice! We have two practice locations in Bryan, Texas and Tyler, Texas, operating on alternating Saturdays. Hours: Open Saturday mornings by appointment onlyIn Bryan: 3841 Sagebriar DriveIn Tyler: 906 E. Front Street The cost of a Lap Band ® adjustment is $200.A Lap Band ® checkup is $100.All procedures are done with fluoroscopy. We accept cash, Mastercard, VISA and Discover. No American Express please. Cheri Phone: 903-520-8847

Dr Spivak was my surgeon also and I have and have had Omnipac in my band since my first fill. He asked me if I wanted that or saline? I chose the Omnipac as it was thicker. I have talked to a lady Surgeon in Bryan Texas that does fills under fluro for $200.00 I discuss with them that I have Omnipac and it did not seem to be a problem. They are in her Bryan Office every other weekend and then in Tyler, Texas the other weekends. She and her husband both have a band. Dr Spivak was a great surgeon and such a nice man, it will be hard to find someone who cares about his people like he did. If you compare other Drs to him most will not stand up to the challenge. So if you do not like the ones who are replacing him choose another Dr. I can find you the number for the lady Surgeon in Bryan if you are interested a lot of people really like her. I am sure I will be going there soon. Dr Spivak always did my fills himself and under flouro so that is what I want now. I will not change to saline as I do not know what the restiction will feel like might be different might not be. Anyway the surgeon will not make you choose the right foods and exercise. You are just getting a fill from them, you have to be your own cheerleader. Cheri

What area of town are you in? My Dr was Dr Spivak in Houston and he just left in July. I feel kinda lost without him. Cheri

You have to forgive yourself for the past and just refocus on starting over. I have been banded since July 2009 and this last year I have started over many times. I suffer from clinical depresssion and sometimes I give in to it and go looking for my old friend (food). You can do this just believe in yourself get a copy of the LapBand diet from the beginning and start over. YOU CAN DO IT! Cheri

I sit at a computer all day. I took 3 days off and went back and then decide I did not feel like working took another 2 days off and then I was fine. I was ready physically but not emotionally. You know women and their emotions. Cheri

I am 2 years out and losing mine again too. I started taking GNC's hair, Skin & Formula in addition to my regular Vitamins and I have noticed a difference. At Sam's you get a 2 pack 120 per bottle and for $11. They smell nasty but work. Cheri

That should say Dr. Spivak - Replacements sorry. Cheri

I found this today on Dr. Spivak's website. You may have read it already but thought I would post . I will miss Dr Spivak he is a great surgeon and a very nice and sweet man. Dear Patients, Friends, and Colleagues: You may have already heard that I am closing down my office on July 1, 2011. I have accepted a position as the head of the Center for the treatment of morbid obesity at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center (http://eng.sheba.co.il/) at Tel Hashomer, in Israel. Adjacent to Tel Aviv, it is the most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East, renowned for its leading-edge medicine. Tel Hashomer is the largest hospital in Israel and one of most advanced in the world. It is also a sister hospital to the MD Anderson Cancer Center and has exchange programs with other hospitals in Houston. I will be in charge of the surgical and medical treatment of morbid obesity. I will take part in advanced minimally invasive surgeries, coordinate research, and explore new frontiers in the field. My family and I love Houston and its wonderful people. The decision to accept this new position and move back to Israel has not been easy for us, but we now recognize that it is a move we must make at this point in our lives. I have arranged with my colleagues, Dr. Terry Scarborough and Dr. Sherman Yu at Texas Laparoscopic Consultants (http://www.tlcsurgery.com/), located on the 9th floor in the same building as my office, to accept my patients and respect, in full, all previous arrangements my patients and I had. I have complete confidence in these excellent surgeons and I know my patients will find a great practice there to continue their care. My office manager, Brenda, is staying at least until the end of this year to facilitate patients’ transition to their new practice. If you would like to reach me, please call Brenda or look for me on Facebook (details will be posted later). Below please find Texas laparoscopic Consultants letter. Sincerely, Hadar Spivak, MD Dear Dr. Spivak's Patients, We will miss Dr. Spivak as much as many of you will as well. His departure will leave a void in the Houston Bariatric Community, as he is a well respected and influential surgeon in this field. However, we understand and respect his desire to pursue an academic career in one of the top medical centers in the Middle East. The Chaim Sheba Medical Center is very lucky to have him. For the last 3 years, since moving on from the University of Texas-Houston medical school, we have developed a comprehensive weight loss surgery center here at Park Plaza. Over the course of that time, we have often helped cover Dr. Spivak's patients and in fact have likely seen some of you already as patients. Texas Laparoscopic Consultants is looking forward to extending our complete care to all of Dr. Spivak's patients, and we will continue to respect the previous arrangements that you may have made with his office as well. To this end, we are excited to have Brenda in our office to help with this transition. Please feel free to call us at 713-493-7700 to arrange for your appointment today and to answer any questions that you may have. For more information about Drs. Sherman Yu and Terry Scarborough please go to www.tlcsurgery.com. Sincerely, The Team at Texas Laparoscopic Consultants 1200 Binz St. #950 Houston, TX 77004 Cheri

I am still here! I have not lost anymore since about 10 months ago. But I am maintaining the 84 lbs I lost, but have to workout every night to keep it that way. I get off track a lot. I do not feel like I need a fill but think I need one the get a sense of power again. Cheri

I say hang in there 40 lbs is 40 lbs gone forever. You might have gain during this time period if you did not have the Band. I take a lot of meds too that effect my weightloss but I did manage to finally lose 84 lbs and you will too just give it some time. I still need to lose another 15 or 20 but It is taking forever but we are more healthy minus what we have lost so far. I'm cheering for you from afar. If you are a prayer ask God to show you what you need to change up, He will show you, He wants you healthy too and He loves you and wants to give your the desirse of your heart.. Chin up and give it some more time before going through surgery again and putting you life at risk. Cheri