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My name is Heather and I recently had Dr. Spivak perform the lap band surgery on me. He came HIGHLY recommended from friends and clients. Dr. Spivak and his full staff are completely professional and loving and caring people. I am still in awe that i finally DID it!! I have had full confidence in Dr. Spivak because of his background and experience! I am so glad to be able to begin a new life full of energy and to be able to be ME, who I have always been on the inside trapped inside of this body of mine. I highly recommend Dr. Hadar Spivak for anyone who is considering bariatric surgery in Houston, Texas or the surrounding areas. You will not be dissappointed! Sincerely, Heather Banded Friday May 23, 2008

Kaiser's bariatric program is called Options. It is a 12 week program. During the program you are required to lose some weight and do lots of tests like an EKG, A1c if you're Diabetic, a stool test, and lots and lots of blood tests. I actually enjoyed the program because you meet bi-weekly with others who are going through the same process so you have people to connect with and relate to. Good luck. The process goes faster than it sounds.

Hi everyone , I just had my 18 month post-op labs done and my B1 shot up from 157 to 203 in 6 months. Is hat normal? I read it can be caused by bariatric surgery. But normally people are deficient in both the sleeve and the bypass. Not sure if I need to worry or wait to hear from my surgeon. Any thoughts? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you for your reply! Luckily I'm in Canada and covered by my Inuit status as well as MCP, the only thing I'll need to cover is my flights to and from the city in our province with the bariatric team. I had a referral sent in for the VSG procedure but hopefully this education process now will tell me if that's my best option. All my research says yes but the doctor's may give me other info. Yes! I'd like to start getting into the right diet so that it's sustainable!

i live in oklahoma, near tulsa.. my uncle works at a place where they do a lot of bariatric surgery & he's always saying how much pain the patients are in & talking about all the bad stuff he sees. i never hear anything positive. (he may just be trying to scare me, though, by not mentioning anybody whose done well).. he's one of the guys that monitors people's hearts & makes sure there's no problems.. he doesn't live in or or work in tulsa, he works in a smaller city. maybe the doctors there don't have enough experience. i don't know what the deal is. my aunt (the above mentioned uncle's wife) is a nurse for a hospice center.. she travels around from house to house & sees people who are dying from various things (cancer, old age, heart problems, etc) & makes sure they're cleaned up and have everything they need & she talks with them & all that stuff.. helps them with whatever.. eating, bathing, doing household chores, etc.. she says that she sees bariatric patients pop up quite a bit.. people who have had lots of problems & complications. my other uncle lived next door to a lady who had bariatric surgery & she died from complications... i asked him what type she had, he said he didn't know (but i'm assuming it's an RNY, not a sleeve).. she was in poor health & was going to die anyway, but she died from complications to the surgery. my parents have been in bars and restaurants and stuff & talked with people who have had RNY & they say they're always throwing up and stuff... everybody is always pointing out the bad things, never the good ones.

Dear Sweatheart, I have NONE of the issues you are describing (a few minor ones for sure) but, I can tell you, you are right to be cautious and thoughtful and ask MANY questions. Questioning all this and doing your research does not make you a loon! lol It makes you an informed, smart patient. While I cant guarantee you that the waters will be always smooth, I can say that my father is a doctor in this area and was instrumental in developing the bariatric program here so, when I decided I wanted this, I GOT AN EARFULL!! I could go on for days about stats, case studies etc! lol Even in saying that, HE was concerned about me making such a permanent, life altering decision too. this is a BIG deal.All your emotions are the right ones to have , because they are yours. Its your body, your life, your feelings and your doctors and support staff should answer them all with patience and understanding. If you don't feel you have the right team, you can always stop and begin again with another. This is not my first surgery, I did have the band, now I am having the bypass. I will say, I lost almost 100lbs and for me, it was life altering. My health improved, my self esteem rose up off the floor for the first time in years, and I felt like a light, happy confident women just like all the other women in the room for once! Unlike some people will think of us, this is not magic! I worked VERY hard at this, I ate right, and worked out hard, and it paid off! I was my own fairy weight loss godmother! lol My band was defective and my thyroid has worsened so, my surgeon feels bypass is best now so, this is the continuation of my path. Its all scary uncharted territory for you right now and its tons of information to take in it seems but, remember, its also a learn on the job sort of thing to a point as well. You certainly want to follow direction but, you can ALWAYS ask if you forget, of feel weird or confused until you are a bypass master. Then it will be as much a part of you as breathing is. As for your illnesses, they will certainly be effected by this change (most likely in a very good way) but you learned to manage them when you first became diagnosed and you will relearn as they change as you are obviously a savvy patient. The only constant in life is change! I think your making a very brave change just for you and all for the best. However, as I said, if you have lingering doubt, keep on asking, get another consult, whatever it takes until you are FULLY comfortable. This process is tough enough, you have to feel confident you have made a good and informed decision. you will be in my thoughts and prayers, please message me any time at all, good luck and feel better, stay well and think POSITIVE!

Aug 3rd here - 4 shakes a day and at least 96 ozs of beverages per day (Protein shakes count). I'm mixing up my sources of protein - ProJoe in the morning, Bariatric Advantage unflavored shakes mixed with unsweetened soy milk 2x/day, and Bariatric advantage vegetable Soup protein for dinner. As long as I don't wait too long for the protein all is well. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello everyone! I'm "today" new.. ???? Just like mostly everyone here, I'm tired of battling that evil blob called obesity. My BMI is at its highest at 41% and I finally decided to start my weight loss journey. Today I saw my doctor (I have Kaiser ????) and after 60 minutes of questions, he finally gave me a referral to Bariatrics. He wanted me to test for sleep apnea and see a psychiatrist. Is this normal? He also wanted lab work. I'm assuming I should get used to this.. Hehe. He said I had to complete an information class and then I would meet my surgeon. I'm curious as to what I should expect. What is the process for Kaiser? What do they require before a surgery date? Any kind of information would be most appreciated. Thank you everyone for the support. #GettingMyLifeBack

Have you been working out? And how quick did you gain the 10 pounds? Was it a month? Two months etc. So many different people have different concepts to what their bariatric nurse/surgeons have suggested or required in their program. The program that I am in states that no weight should be gained anytime you go in for an appointment. Every appointment that you have they check your weight and want to see if you have lost any weight. You have to remember that the main reason for the 6 month diet is to so that you can be disciplined enough to stick to a plan (even if you lose 5 pounds over 6 months). I haven't had the surgery yet but from what I hear you won't be able to eat a lot of food like we're use to doing. I have learned to eat much smaller meals. Trust me it was HARD. But, in a short two months I have lost about 26 pounds. I started off by eating what I loved and just eating smaller portions. Then from there I started eating healthier lean meats, rice and veggies. Then I totally switched it up. When I don't have a drink with my food I fill satisfied longer and it's making me not overeat. Try and shock your system and switch it up. You don't want to be penalized for gaining weight and getting denied by your insurance. I'm not an expert at this. I'm new too. But, those things have worked for me. Oh and plus now I'm up to at least 4 planned days of working out. I really wanna be super successful at this. You can do it. You just need a little boost. Distance yourself from your eating buddies, Try not to eat after 8pm. If you are starving and have to eat drink a Protein shake (low in sugar) or eat some Peanut Butter or nuts. It'll help you get through the night. And no matter what EAT BREAKFAST! And try and stop drinking calories. Those things are what I find has made me successful so far! You can do it!

I just moved back to Savannah a couple months ago. I was banded Monday 8/25 in San Antonio, Tx just cuz I already had all my insurance requirements done and gotten my approval for there. I'm looking into Memorial Bariatrics for my aftercare. Where did you get your surgery done? How was your surgery? How are you feeling?

@@Truthella Hello and welcome! Don't be afraid to ask any questions you might need to. I have pasted a link you might like. The Bariatric Surgery Do's and Don'ts. My best bit of advice would be is don't procrastinate getting everything prepared for your sugery. That day will get here before you know it! http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/194624-bariatric-surgery-dos-and-donts/#entry2183268

Hi Guys, I am about 7 weeks out from gastric bypass surgery and I have some questions regarding how much I should be able to eat. I have been cleared to eat normal food since week 4 and since then I have been sticking to three meals a day of high protein homemade meals like chili, tilapia baked in salsa, an egg baked in lentil stew, or chicken cooked in crushed tomatoes. I had my surgery in Mexico so my aftercare from my surgeon has been essentially nonexistent even when I called early on with some issues I was having. Additionally, my health insurance here will not cover any weight loss attempts whether it's surgical or non-surgical so I can't afford to see a bariatric surgeon or nutritionist so I am relying on you guy's experience to guide me in terms of what a normal volume of food is at 7 weeks post-op I weight out all of my food and food prep so I know exactly what and how much I am eating at any one time. I am worried that at 7 weeks post-op I can eat anywhere from 4 oz to 6 oz of dense protein mixed with a sauce at a time. This is almost always at dinner time. So my usual breakfast is one container of Siggi's yogurt which is 5.3 ounces. That usually takes me an hour to finish. I feel no restriction when I eat the yoghurt but I feel no need to eat until lunch after having it. My lunches are usually chilli or chicken in some sort of tomato sauce. There I can consume between 2 oz to 5 oz of food. How much I can handle before I feel full varies day to day. Now the biggest issue comes at dinner. I can and have in the last week eaten up to 6 ounces of dense protein and sauce in one sitting within 30 mins. Now usually there will be 4 oz of dense protein 1 ounce of beans or other vegetables and then the remaining ounces will be sauce. Now I make sure to not drink water 30 mins before, during, or after my meals so I know the issue isn't that. And I am eating dense protein like ground beef, fish, or chicken so I should feel more restriction. I read posts from other people and they talk about how they can barely handle 1 ounce of meat at 7 weeks out. But it seems I have an iron stomach. I haven't eaten a thing so far that bothers my stomach or gives me any pain. So I am wondering if the issue is the fact that I am eating my protein with sauce? I have tried dry chicken and even with that I could eat 3 oz at only 4 weeks out with few problems. This seems like way too much food. I know stews like chili are considered sliders but the fact that I can consume 3 oz of dry chicken seems like way too much. Maybe I should limit the amount of sauce I use with my food. Mind you I make my sauces from scratch using canned tomatoes or so I am not using high carb premade sauces. What thoughts do you guys have? What has your experience been? Is my capacity way out of line? Am I pushing things too far? I am really starting to worry that my surgeon may have made my pouch super big and that will hinder my weight loss. To date I have lost 27 pounds since surgery and 42 since my 2 week pre-op diet. Sorry if this super long post it's been weighing on my mind.

I started with 1 Dr for my lap band surgery & had different insurance during difficult times which resulted in revision surgery through a different insurance. And now, I'm actually back to another insurance again. I haven't found that replacement surgeon, but am looking. Mind you, this is all within a 2 year time frame You didn't mention why you're changing, but I'm guessing it could be as a result of insurance. Contact your current insurance company & ask them if they cover bariatric, and what Dr's are in your area,

I believe it was the July issue of Atlanta magazine...they had a section for their top docs. Dr. Sweeney was voted top Bariatric Surgeon. I went to his seminar and LOVED him, but, sadly, I'm self pay, and can't afford Emory.

1) Area of USA-North Carolina 2) Price with and without fluoro-$250 in-office non-flouro, $300 + about $400 hospital charge for flouro (prices may not be current) 3) Type of Provider, (MD, APN etc)-Bariatric Surgeon, but does NOT do bands (Dr Gonzales in Winston-Salem) 4) Is that provider a "bandster? Nope

I haven't posted much, but here goes: In May, I started the 6 month MD supervised diet my insurance (Cigna) requires. This Tuesday is the 6 month visit, and my MD will fax his notes to my bariatric surgeon that day. I've had : endoscopy, sleep apnea, cardiac stress test, ultrasound to both legs to rule out blood clots, psyche and nutrition eval--been through it all!!! Due to gallstones, I had my gallbladdere out on 10/23, done by my bariatric surgeon, Dr. Craig Floch of Fairfiels Bariatrics. I have lost NO weight, but Doc feels I will be approved due to my BMI of 51 and co-morbidities. So now, it depends on how long Cigna takes to ok me. I'm hoping to have the lap band done before 12/31, due to $$$$$$$--I've already met my insurance deductibles for this year. On Monday I will be a 3 year survivor of stage 3 ovarian and peritoneal cancer--I am also on Soc Sec disability because I have wicked arthritis all over my body. Hoping the weight loss will help diminish the pain to my back, knees, ankles, feet. I've already had a shoulder replacement. So that's my story---can anyone contribute experience with Cigna? I know they can be a drag,:whoo: although I have no complaints as far as my cancer and arthritis treatments. With an 85% recurrence rate, my oncologist and I want me to be pain free and be able to do more of what I'd like and believe weight loss will open that door for me. I am a stubborn and determined person, but have just never been able to be successful at permanent significant weight loss. Well-----that was long, hope not too much information!!! Carol in CT

Sleeve size I had a long talk with a bariatric surgeon about this topic. He replied that it really is not that simple. The surgeon that uses a 36 may sew tightly to the edge and the surgeon that uses a 32 may sew loosely. The 32 may end up larger than the 36 for that reason. I am a physician so the conversation in the context of a lecture at a Medical convention. The question of what size bougie he/she uses is the first question and how snufly does he sew/staple is the next.

I am the Bariatric Coordinator for Dr Travis Eggl - the Bariatric Surgeon here in Lubbock Texas. I am happy to help answer questions and be a resource.. My name is Tiffany Willis...please let me know how I can help... I also had the Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Oct 2012 and have lost 327lbs.... Love and Live life!!

BariatricPal Newsletter #outlook a {padding:0;} body{width:100% !important; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; margin:0; padding:0;} .ExternalClass {width:100%;} .ExternalClass, .ExternalClass p, .ExternalClass span, .ExternalClass font, .ExternalClass td, .ExternalClass div {line-height: 100%;} #backgroundTable {margin:0; padding:0; width:100% !important; line-height: 100% !important;} img {outline:none; text-decoration:none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;} a img {border:none;} .image_fix {display:block;} p {margin: 1em 0;} h1 { color: white !important; } h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {color: #333333 !important;} h1 a:active, h2 a:active, h3 a:active, h4 a:active, h5 a:active, h6 a:active { color: red !important; } h1 a:visited, h2 a:visited, h3 a:visited, h4 a:visited, h5 a:visited, h6 a:visited { color: purple !important; } table td {border-collapse: collapse;} table { border-collapse:collapse; mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } a {color: #4a8aca;} /* Unhides cells that we set to hide in the HTML in case the client doesn't support style properly */ *[class~=hidePhone] { display : block !important; width : auto !important; max-height: inherit !important; overflow : visible !important; float : none !important; } *[class~=hidePhone][width="30"] { width: 30px !important; } *[class~=hidePhone][width="40"] { width: 40px !important; } td[class~=hidePhone] { display: table-cell !important; } @media only screen and (max-device-width: 480px) { a[href^="tel"], a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: none; color: blue; pointer-events: none; cursor: default; } .mobile_link a[href^="tel"], .mobile_link a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: default; color: orange !important; pointer-events: auto; cursor: default; } #userPhoto, .hidePhone, *[class~=hidePhone], td[class~=hidePhone] { display: none !important; } .responsive_table > tr > td, .responsive_table > tbody > tr > td, .responsive_table > tr, .responsive_table > tbody > tr { display: block; text-align: left; } html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tr > td, html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tbody > tr > td, html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tr, html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tbody > tr { text-align: right; } .responsive_row { margin-bottom: 10px; } .responsive_fullwidth { width: 100% !important; } } @media only screen and (min-device-width: 768px) and (max-device-width: 1024px) { a[href^="tel"], a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: none; color: blue; pointer-events: none; cursor: default; } .mobile_link a[href^="tel"], .mobile_link a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: default; color: orange !important; pointer-events: auto; cursor: default; } Store Forums Magazine Activity Hey BariatricPal Members! Time flies, and the summer certainly seemed to slip away for us at BariatricPal! Still, our busyness has been fun and productive, and we hope you feel the same way about your summer. Here is a newsletter that we hope will keep you centered and move you forward as we head into fall. You’ll find: • Weight Loss Surgery Journey Help Anytime, Anywhere • Fall Flavors, WLS Style • Looking Backwards and Forwards During Your WLS Journey Use this newsletter to get a handle on your weight loss surgery goals and strategies, and then launch into action! Get your meals prepped, lace up your walking shoes, and logon to the BariatricPal Forums on your computer or using the Android or iPhone app! Can’t wait to see you there! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal Weight Loss Surgery Journey Help Anytime, Anywhere Going through bariatric surgery, losing weight, and keeping it off is already a tall order; why would you even think about trying to go it alone? Rather than trying to go through the journey alone, you are probably better off figuring out what help you may need, and where you will find it. That way, the challenges you are sure to come across will be nothing more than little blips that you can overcome more quickly than if you were trying to face them on your own. Your Healthcare Team Obvious though it may seem, sometimes it is easy to forget, that your healthcare team is there…for your health. Your surgeon, primary care doctor, and specialists that you may have, such as an endocrinologist or cardiologist, can answer your health questions, and put you in touch with bariatric specialists, such as nutritionists and psychologists, when you need them. The People Around You People may be more willing and able to help than you realize. Look to family, friends, and even coworkers for help in your WLS journey success. They can help you in a variety of ways, both direct and indirect for your surgery and weight loss. • Your parents and neighbors can take care of the kids or drive them to their activities, especially right after surgery when you need to rest and/or cannot drive. • Coworkers who are trying to lose weight or who work hard to lead healthy lifestyles can be supportive as you work to eat healthy, and could walk with you at lunch. • Friends could agree to socialize while shopping, hiking, or crafting – not eating. BariatricPal Really! Talk about 24/7 support, and BariatricPal should come to mind. The forums are where to go for support from BariatricPal members. You can browse or come to ask specific questions. Find helpful WLS success tips in our WLS Magazine when you read articles on nutrition, exercise, head games, and more written by experts including nutritionists, psychologists, surgeons, and successful WLS patients. Get trusted reviews on surgeons in your area in our Surgeon Directory, and check out The BariatricPal Store for protein bars and shakes, bariatric supplements, great-tasting entrees and snacks, and more products that can make your journey easier. Fall Flavors, WLS Style The bounty of fall is in, with apples, pumpkin, and mushrooms making their presence known. With these and other nutritious choices in season, why did diet disasters such as apple pie, pumpkin pancakes, and mushroom dip become the culinary face of fall? Classic fall foods can put a damper on weight loss, but fall fare does not need to throw you off your diet, though. Here are a few ideas that can get you your fall fix while letting you hit your fall goals. Apples Crisp fall apples are so innocent, until they turn into apple pie a la mode, apple cobbler, and apple butter. You are far better off pairing these fiber-packed fruits with Peanut Butter Powder, which adds some low-fat, reduced-calorie protein. Or, try great-tasting apple-flavored protein punches, without extra sugar in apples or baked goods, in the form of Protein Fruit Drinks, Apple Pie Protein Bars, and Cinnamon Apple Protein Oatmeal. Check out our Apple-Flavored Collection! Cinnamon Nothing screams “autumn!” like cinnamon and spice, but the food industry takes the flavors to dangerous places. Cinnamon turns from a blood sugar-lowering agent into a sweetened flavor that brings too many calories and too much sugar and fat: think cinnamon latte, cinnamon French toast, and cinnamon buns, for example. Get your fix instead from our Cinnamon-Flavored Protein Foods, such as Cinnamon Swirl Protein One Meal Replacement, Cinnamon Vanilla and Cinnamon Crunch Protein Cereal, and Cinnamon Crunch and Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bars. They are low in carbs, and high in protein and flavor. Pumpkin, Chili, and More A piece of pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffin has about twice the sugars you need in a day, and hardly any pumpkin. A bowl of beefy chili can have your daily dose of saturated fat and sodium. Those creamed mushrooms may smell appetizing, but what if their rich sauce sends you to the bathroom with dumping syndrome? Don’t do it! You are better off going with Pumpkin Protein Muffins with 20 grams of protein, low-carb, protein-rich instant entrees such as Vegetable or Turkey Chili, and Creamy Mushroom Protein Soup or Meal Replacement. You will get the fall flavor, without the hit to your waistline. Check The BariatricPal Store for more fall flavors you love, with nutritionals you love, too. We have treats for every phase of the WLS diet, including liquid, pureeds, soft, and solid foods. Looking Backwards and Forwards During Your WLS Journey Bariatric surgery is a process, not an endpoint. Getting bariatric surgery, losing weight, and keeping it off are a lifelong journey. They require commitment and effort, and you might be best able to keep it up if you balance looking back with looking ahead. Backwards: Staying True to Yourself and Celebrating Achievements Your past may be behind you, but it shaped you and still affects you today. Remember who you were and the frustrated or other negative feelings you may have had before surgery or before you started considering surgery, and you may help yourself stay motivated to keep moving forward. You can also honor your past by marking milestones, such as weight loss markers, fitting into smaller clothes or other NSVs, and your surgiversaries. Forwards: Setting New Goals There is always something to achieve, and setting new goals will help you move forward. There are weight loss milestones on the way to goal weight and goal weight. Along the way and beyond, you can always set goals to improve fitness, try new activities, and keep growing as the result of your commitment to yourself and your health. As always, we support whatever commitment you make to yourself and your health, and we are thrilled to be a part of your journey whenever you allow us to be. Good luck this fall in your quest for health, and thanks for being a BariatricPal member! Stop paying for nutritional supplements! Check your insurance eligibility now! If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please click *|unsubscribe|* or to unsubscribe from ALL BariatricPal E-Mail Click Here.

Vitamin supplements are not as bioavailable as getting the vitamins through food.... You're not eating much food lately.... And I haven't been told to take any special vitamins per se, just "one a day" from the drugstore.... So I don't think you NEED to take special Bariatric vitamins. I am with you soooooooo much on hating to take them tho. My surgeon asked me if I'm getting my vitamins every day and I'm like "I um... I average taking them about 4.5 out of seven days. I am trying." He gave me a look and said to take them every day.... I couldn't take prenatals when pregnant (they made me nauseated), I couldn't stomach them when breastfeeding ('til now, and Baby is almost 1.5 yrs)..... I TRY. But they're gross and my stomach turns, especially with Iron supplements (which I KNOW I need)..... YUCK!! So I get a week where I take them every day and then I forget a day and then I take them three days then forget another day..... And overall I'd say 4.5/7 is my average for the last 2 months. I got a bunch of pill keepers and sorted out daily doses of vitamins for a month and I carry those little carriers around with me, and I try to remember to take them with my morning meds...

Thank you all for your responses. I went to the initial 2 hour group seminar with the bariatric surgeon at the hospital and they did give me a huge packet afterward. When they asked for the ins info, I told them I currently have an *** that doesn't cover weight loss surgeries and would have BCBS on January 1st. They wouldn't make an appt. with me until Jan, so my PCP and I have decided to get a 3 month jump on the 6 month requirement so I could seek approval by March. My PCP wanted some specifics on format/documentation but it looks like I'll have to wait to see the surgery center in Jan?

Hi I am a teacher too :bored:. I am in S. Florida and our insurance does not require a 6 month supervised diet so I made my pcp and nutritionist appointment in Feb, psych appt in March, and pre op in May, and was approved May 29th just in time for summer..I hope everything goes smoothly for you. I got a good surgery day with summer vacation and all. I know some teachers who came to work right after other bariatric procedures and I do not know how they were able to do it!

When checking out a local supplement store today I asked the owner if they carried any supplements for bariatric patients and he proceeded to tell me how I would regret the surgery ( I am scheduled for 11-26 ) and that I would be facing serious medical reprocussions in the future as I age and get older due to insufficient nutritional support and other various issues that weight loss surgery patients incur as they age...he stated that he felt compelled to ask me to reconsider the surgery and try again to get help from professionals such as a nutritionist and other scientifically based programs for weight loss. When I told him that I was going to have the surgery and I respected his opinion but my mind was made up, he continued to plead with me as if he was trying to save my life! I even felt raddled enough to reconsider for a brief second..I was just wondering if anyone has read any research on bariatric patients as they age. I am still having the surgery, just thought maybe someone out there might have come across this subject.

Just wondering if there are any other NY Bariatric Group patients on here. I feel we had an excellent pre-op education compared to what I have read on here. Also, I am having my first fill this Thursday and wondered how it works with their practice.