Bperkins

Has anyone else used Dr. Ferrari in Houston? I was banded 5/5 by him.

I understand. I was banded 5/5 and only have 2cc in my 10cc band. I have very little restriction too and am looking forward to getting another fill next Friday. Problem is that my dr will only put in .5cc at a time so this could take a LONG time. Right now it doesn't feel much different from before the surgery except perhaps I do not/cannot eat as much as I did before the surgery. I'm still having a hard time losing weight. I am from Texas too (Houston).

I was banded 5/5 and had my first fill last Wednesday--the dr only put in .5cc, which he said is all he will give at a time. However, I can go back in in two weeks for another small fill if I do not feel enough restriction. The fill actually hurt more than I thought it would, and he had to press down hard on the port for a while to force the saline into the port. He said that this is not uncommon with first fills but that additional fills should be more comfortable for me (and easier for him). A co worker of mine with a band suggested that I ask the dr to use a smaller needle--that maybe that would make it a little more comfortable? Has anyone had to request this with their doctor? Also, I do notice restriction in the mornings but not so much in the evenings. This makes me wonder if I shouldn't go back in for that 2nd fill next week.

I had my surgery May 5 also and my first fill last Wednesday. I lost 20 lbs per his scale, which I thought was good. His fill was only .5cc--that is all he will put in at a time. I might go in for another one in a week or so because I do feel it in the morning but not in the evening. The fill did hurt though--one of my co workers who has a lap band suggested that I ask the dr if he could use a smaller needle. Has anyone had to do that?? He had a hard time getting the saline into the port too, so he had to press down hard while it was filling, which was not comfortable. The dr did say that this is not unusual with first fills and that subsequent ones should be easier. I hope so. Anyway, I still am glad that I did this and look forward to the becoming the "new me"! :sad_smile:

I'm feeling pretty good; especially after I was able to start eating realy food again! I go in tomorrow for my first follow up with the surgeon and will get my first fill too. It has been quite an experience! So far I am glad I did it!

Welcome to the site! I live in Texas too (Houston) and was banded 5/5 by Dr. Ferrari in Houston.

I'm having the surgery May 5 and my doctor himself said I didn't have to go on any special diet; yet, his nurse said that I should try to stick to a low fat diet beforehand. I plan on watching what I eat next week, which is the week before the surgery. If for no other reason but to acclimate myself a little. Also, I will stock up on clear & other liquids.

I guess I have been lucky with UHC, based on the responses above. My BMI was high enough--Also I have high blood pressure & high cholesterol & heart disease/death on both sides of my family. I was surprised that they did not require me to go to a dietician, or go on a special diet. I think the family history made it easier for them to approve it. I am now scheduled to have the surgery on May 5. WOW!!

Thanks! I've already scheduled my surgery for May 5. It will be here before I know it. I am excited/nervous, but that is to be expected.

Thanks! I hope you hear back from your insurance company soon. I am amazed at how quickly this has come about--I saw the surgeon a month ago, was approved by insurance 3 weeks later and now the date is set. Wow!

Hard to believe, but my surgery has been scheduled for Monday, May 5. Guess I'll be drinking liquids on Mother's Day. That's OK, though. I am glad that my insurance company approved me. My doctor is Carlos Ferrari, in Houston. His office told me that I am to just watch what I eat between now & then so I don't gain any weight. No special diet for the day before surgery--just to eat a light dinner no later than 6:00pm and no liquids after midnight. WOW! Reality is starting to hit!:crying:

I had day surgery (for something else) a month ago and was told that some vitamins can cause excessive bleeding also--wonder if that was the reason they told you this? If so, they could have clarified which vitamins you should stay away from.

Hi, I finally bit the bullet and saw a bariactric surgeon 3 weeks ago. I just found out yesterday that my insurance will cover the surgery (YEAH!), so now I have to call the doctor and schedule it. I'm hoping to have it in mid May as that should be a quieter time at work for me. My doctor recommends a full week off, which will make it a challenge for me at work! I am 53 years old and cannot wait to lose this extra poundage that I have been carrying around for about 15 years now. It is encouraging to read the posts of all of you who have had the surgery and are losing weight steadily. BTW: I first got the idea about the lap band because a co-worker of mine had the surgery 1 1/2 years ago and she has dropped from a size 22 or 24 to a 10/12!