Carli Saimin

I am pretty upset about the place where I had my lap band surgery (which will remain anonymous). I got my lap band in 2010, paid out of pocket and was very happy with the doctor and the facility. I selected this place based on the reputation of the doctor and particularly the post support they provided. All was good until last fall when the day before I was to go in for a fill I received a call saying they were no longer doing fills. They said that the nurse who did them had left the facility and that they were refering people to another physician who I would have to pay cash for. I was very upset about this. The doctor they were sending me to did not specialize in bariatric medicine and up until then my insurance had started covering my fills, I was not prepared to pay out of pocket for this. I complained and complained and they finally started doing fills on a limited basis. I went last week for my appointment and the first thing I asked the nurse was if they were going to be doing fills on a consistent basis. Her response was that they were trying to get someone and they were not doing lap band surgeries as much anymore because they are not that effective or as good as they thought they were. Well that really upset me basically she told me that my 17k that I spent on myself was a waste of money. I would really like to find another facillity but it appears that when you want to establish yourself as a new patient you have to pay $300 or more. Anyway I am wondering if anybody else has had this happen to them and was my lap band surgery really a waste of money? I am not giving up on myself, but feel like I cannot rely on this place for support or fills anymore. I did tell her that I was pleased with myself that I had not gained back my weight despite the fact that I had to wait 5 months to see them for a fill. By the way I left without a fill. She pretty much talked me out of it after saying that I was eating wrong and no matter how much I excercised I would remain at the same weight and needed to decide I really wanted to do this....

My restriction does not seem that good. I seem to be able to eat a complete meal before I feel full. More than a cup. I will definitely have to save up some money so I can switch doctors. I also need to find a local support group...

Yes I feel like the lap band has worked for me. I do know that I have been eating sweets more and not watching my carbs like I use to. At one point I was down to I think 172 so that has been a little frustrating... My doctor is affiliated with a major hospital so retirement is not what is happening here. I am afraid to complain to her mostly because I have nightmares about being stabbed really hard with the needle when I get a fill! I just can't believe this nurse would say that to me. The original nurse was so incredibly supportive and I loved going there. It was like I had some accountability going there every month. Maybe I need to be more accountable to myself at this point. I am however pretty bummed because I think I should have lost a lot more weight by now. I started at 220 (in 2010) and am at 183.

I am getting a little bored with my post op diet, any suggestions? I am eating things like turkey breast, cottage cheese, eggs, tomatoes, slices of low-fat cheese, light yogurt. Im scared to try anything else.

i am only 3 days post op and i am tired of jello and chicken broth. I think i have head hunger because after i drink or eat the jello i am full...but those tv commercials and super bowl shows on what to make for the big day make me hungry. plus i have to prepare meals for my children. i feel like i have no muscle in my stomach and it is just hanging and making my back hurt...ok those are all my complaints

#1. Surgery date? 2-3-10 #2. State you live in? AZ #3. Doctor/Surgery Center? Dr. Robin Blackstone/Piper #4. Insurance or self pay? self pay #5. Age and height - 47 and 5' 3" #6. Current weight and goal weight? 215 current 125 (maybe) #7. What was your deciding factor for having this surgery? Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and being here for my family in a healthy way. I want to start enjoying life again #7. Do you have the support of family and friends? Yes, but have not shared with friends yet what I have done. Only a few.