Shesha

I called and asked for a packet and got one. In the envelope was the Inamed/Allergan Lapband patient information brochure and Dr. K's patient history/pre-op questionaire. I specifically asked for the copy of his patient history/pre-op questionaire though so I am unsure if it is normally included. I wanted to see how detailed of questions he asked (medical history, family history, current meds, etc.) compared to the other surgeon's I had received. Personally, I think they could include more information in the packet - at the very least hotel information and an FAQ sheet, or put some links and PDF's on their website - and save themselves from the many phone calls I am sure they get.

Hi all! An FYI for future Dr. K bandsters. When you get there, he may give you some prescriptions to get filled so you'll have them ready for after the surgery. I had 3: liquid vicoden, some extremely nasty tasting liquid antibiotic and some anti-nausea suppositories. He told me they would cost around $80.00 to get filled and gave me a few suggestions on where to get them filled the cheapest. Make sure you get 'em filled the day before your surgery, 'cause you're not going to want to run around afterwards! :mad: (Disclaimer-everyone's different, so you may get different prescriptions, if any. I'm just telling you what I was prescribed) Well, I have prescription drug coverage and get my normal monthly meds through Walgreens. I took the prescriptions to Walgreens just West of Dr. K's office on Mississippi (one of the roads there). They had all my insurance information in their database. All I gave them was my phone number and brought me right up. Long story short, I had no issues and my prescriptions only cost me $6.00!! Moral of the story.. if you have prescription drug coverage, make sure you at least try to use it for these prescriptions. Even though you are self-paying for the surgery, your drugs may be covered. Oh, and another thing. (He told me this during my phone consult, so I was able to prepare ahead of time.) He'll (probably)have you get a product called Hibiclens. It's an anti-bacterial liquid that you'll need to scrub on your belly when you shower for two days before your surgery. He'll also have you get Dulcolax Suppositories (they work in 15 minutes to 1 hour!) to assure you have a bowel movement the night before surgery. I bought both items at Walgreens at home before I left (Target and Wal-mart did not carry the Hibiclens - you could order it though through the pharmacy. Walgreeens had it right on the shelf) and was able to bring it on the plane, even in my carry on. Just an fyi to save you from running around when you get to Denver.

Skyeblu! We stayed at the Best Western Gateway Inn and Suites right near Dr. K's office in Aurora. The room was very reasonable, like $60.00 a night. I told them I was having surgery and they gave me a handicapped room on the first floor. It was very convienent. The rooms and hotel were clean. What was nice is that each room had a pretty decent sized mini fridge and microwave in it. I could put my Jello, broth and stuff in the fridge, or heat up my broth in the micro. Since we also had my daughter along, we were able to put a gallon of milk for her in the fridge too. The hotel had a pool and a whirlpool. My husband and daughter enjoyed it. They also had free continental Breakfast in the morning (with a waffle maker - not for you, but your traveling companions :mad: ) On weeknights, they also had a mini happy hour. Free cans of beer on ice, some wine (wasn't very good, but free) and chips and salsa. My husband had a beer or two each night, so he was happy. They also had a computer you could use for free. I used it to post on lapbandtalk, and to check in for our flight home. There are a lot of nice, casual restaurants around there too.. macaroni Grill, TGIFriday's, Chilli's, Joe's Crab Shack,a brew pub, a mall and a Super Target. All looked like a fairly new development.

Congrats on getting your band date! Things are going very well. Thank you for asking! I healed up quickly and feel great! If I didn't have these scars on my belly, I wouldn't even know I was just banded! My post-op restriction has pretty much left. I still have restriction, but it's pretty light. I've been comfortably eating around 1000 calories a day. My weight loss has kind of stalled. I have been stuck at 249 for a week now. But, I haven't gained, which is great. The whole banding experience with Dr. K was wonderful. You'll really like him, the office staff and the people at the surgery center. Keep us posted on your journey! btw.. where in Wi are you from? I am from near Wausau.

Welcome to bandland! May you have a speedy recovery!

What, if anything, are you eating for dinner/supper??

This is the most entertaining thread... I'd have to say that my husband's libido has increased since I got the band. I am only two weeks out, so it isn't the weight loss that's turning him on. Maybe it was the few days he had to wait until I healed sufficiently, but geez.... mama needs a rest now and then!

I crossed the border and read the thread too. I'm confused. Are we not allowed to post on other country's threads?? I realize that the initiator of the thread did specifically direct her thread to Canadians, but I don't think the other posters had to be so rude. Wow!

OMG!! Hurt already!! Take care of yourself!! So, have you given Dr. K any comp tickets to your first real game?

Funny! I am happily married, but I think I'll tell my single sis to move to Utah!

I feel the same way. My husband and I are totally committed to each other....however, we do enjoy the occassional trip together to the "dollar store" (strip club)

Where are you finding all of these hot guys?? tee hee btw.. lookin' good!! I'm already saving for my TT!

Ah ha!! Problem solved! Glad to hear that darn thing closed up!

Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver, CO. $9,950.00

I had a cold when I was banded and was concerned he wasn't going to band me. He said that the biggest concern when you have surgery and a cold is pneumonia, and since I was having surgery on my tummy, I may be to timid to cough productively enough to remove the Fluid, hence pneumonia could develop. I asked my Dr. if I could slip the band with a cough and he said no. Nonetheless, I tried to keep my coughing to a minimum. When I did have to cough, I held a pillow into my stomach to offer some support on my stitches. It seemed to help and allow me to cough more productively. I am only 8 days out, so who knows. but so far I feel good!

I agree! You'd better get checked out!

I honestly can't remember muc of what I asked of either of them... I do know that they were both VERY easy to talk to and VERY informative. The consults were very conversational and I didn't feel rushed or anything. Ok, it's coming to me now....I think I asked Dr. K about my current meds and how I will be able to take them after being banded. I know I asked him why he prefers you get a fill at 4 weeks when Inamed recommends 6. (I never did get a really good answer to that one, only that it only takes about 3 weeks for your tissues to heal and then you can have a fill) I still scheduled mine for 6 weeks out. I asked him how many bands he has done, who trained him, if he's had any complications, does he use a CNA or an Anathesiologist? (sp?) How long does the procedure take? As for Paula, she sent a packet of information to me ahead of time, and we just went though it. Any of the questions that I had were just for clarification or examples of what was on the paperwork. Some things I wish I would have asked the but didn't was for clairification on how much of a serving you should eat of mushies. Does burping or hiccupping affect your band? Do you put any of your incisions where my bra might go? ('cause he did, and that one gets irritated from my bra strap) Let me know if you have any other questions...

I am so happy for you!! I was glad to help. I have my appointment with Dr. Sunby at the end of February, so I'll let you know how it goes!

Alas, I am taken. However, I think this thread is very cool. I can't wait to hear about how so and so met on the board and now they're getting married! We'll just have to tie little packs of jell-o to the back of the "Just Married" car!

Yes, there is a tiny bit of metal in the band. I think I read that someone got pulled aside for wand scanning, and the band set it off, but I think that is very rare. You'll get a card from your doc (and at the very least have your scars, to tell them what's going on if it should go off) I wouldn't worry about it. If they are that concerned, they could run you through the X- ray to see it! Har Har (just kidding I do not recommend jumping on the x-ray conveyor)

That's better than feeling bad for doing bad (naughty) =o) Oh Audree! You make me laugh. I am always telling my husband about your latest adventure! How many posts are you up to now??? tee hee. It's all good. I am sure your posts are benefiting many people - even those that don't post.

Where are you in the Midwest? I am in WI. I did quite a bit of research in the MI, MN, IL WI area. Let me know if I can help you out. I ended up going to Dr. K in Denver. Only $9,950.00 and he's great. I am then getting my fills and follow-up done locally.

Hi! Female bandster invading the men's thread! My Dr, Dr Kirshenbaum and his nutritionist both said that Clear Liquids are anything that you can read a newspaper through... broth, Water, apple juice. Then you move onto full liquids/mushies (they are one in the same)as long as it can fit through a straw(just don't drink through a straw) so tomato soup, pudding, mushed up fish, peas, puree'd chicken w/broth, puree'd shrimp with broth. Hope this helps!

I flew to Denver to have my surgery. Obviously, I had the band in me on the way home and didn't set anything off....

I was banded by Dr. K and yes, my husband and my 14 month old daughter, came along. I recovered rather quickly, but it was really nice to have him there to help me out that first day. (that, and I had someone to whine to.. tee hee )