tbear

I am feeling very lucky now. I went to both doctors seminars. Dr Speigel was the first one I went to. I didn't see any of the problems some of you did. I was mainly interested in having someone who knew what they were doing and didnt have a reputation of having a lot of complications. Everyone there seemed ok. A few days later I went to Dr. Spivak's seminar. Both doctors had people who had been through the proceedure. Now that I think about it though the people at Dr Spivak's did seem to talk to you more and really seemed to be there for you. I did a consult with dr Spivak mainly because I wanted to be sure that I qualifed for the proceedure. I was pretty sure I did. I knew my insurance wasnt going to pay for it and so that meant I would have to be self paying. One thing I did find out that no one has mentioned is that Spiegel's refills are $100 where as Spivak's fills if you were self paying are free for the first year. and if you lose at least half of what you want to lose in the first year the second year of fills will be free. I went with dr Spivak and have no problems and I am trying to be very good and follow what they tell me to do. Everyone in his office and the surgery center has been wonderfull. And from what most of you are saying about Speigel's office I am glad I went with Spivak. Mind you that is not to say that Speigel is not good or that others have not had good experinces with him. Tbear banded 7/28/06 Dr. Spivak 340 lbs. -20 320lbs Goal is 100lbs before next July from the time of banding

You look great. :clap2: I know I am at the beginning of losing the weight but I know I will be at that stage someday where I will need the tummy tuck. I dont like surgery :nervous and am not sure how I managed to get through being banded. I know I will have many questions down the road. But right now I am taking it one step at a time. Again you look fantastic. I hope I can look that good someday too. tbear banded 7/28/06 Lost 20 pounds need to lose many many more.

Hi Corey, I am sure surgery went well as this is Saturday. Your are probably a little sore around the area where they put the port. But it goes away in a week or two. I had mine done here in Houston too. I had Dr Spivak. It has been 7 weeks and I have had 1 fill. Lost 20 pounds in 5 weeks so hang in there. I am very glad I got the lapband despite how nervous I was. I am sure you will be too. Good luck Terry

Hi I had my surgery on July 28, 2006. So far I am quite happy with the way it is going and can already see and feel different. Aug. 31 (5 weeks) after the surgery I had my first fill and have lost 20 lbs. :clap2: Yeah!!!!!! I was so excited I wanted to go out and have some mexican food. WRONG! I have learned that if I am having a craving do it before the fill. I did not go out because they told me I had to go back to the soft diet for 24 hours. I was good and did what they told me. In these last 2 weeks weeks, I have been able to satisfy some of the cravings but the great part is that I can't eat all of it and it feels great to be abvle to leave it and have it at another time during the week if I want. Even though this is my first time writing. I was on the other the day for the first time just looking at the different postings. I found the egg muffin recipe that was suggested to me at the time of surgery and want everyone to that is pretty good. My mom made enough for me to last the month. I am looking forward to learning from all of you and hopefully being of help and support to new people starting this new and exciting adventure to a new and healthier us. Terry Banded July 28, 2006 Weight at banding 340 lbs Lost 18 lbs prior to banding ( new diabetic med that helped start this process) Lost 20 lbs since surgery 320 lbs Dr. Spivak is my surgeon Houston Tx.