2nd Surgeon Appt

[Pittsburgher 261]

Today I met with a second surgeon, Anita Courcoulas and I have to say I was very comfortable with her. Thank you all who suggested to get a new surgeon. She answered my pages of questions and listened to me and my concerns, also explained the entire procedure to me all over again.

One question I had for her was about the pre-op diet, she does not require one, and does not require me to keep track of calories although I have been doing it the last 4 months so I may continue for a bit after until my comfort zone.

She does not put in a fill at time of surgery but first follow up is in 10 days after surgery and first fill at 5 weeks.

I also found out the name of the clotting factor I have it's Lupus Anticoagulant (I have to see a hematologist tomorrow) to probably get more test and make that a certain, and will probably have to take lovenox for 6 weeks.

Also found out I have a small hiatal hernia, but the DR is not worried, she said when I have the LB surgery it will tug down on the hernia causing it to come down, therefore eliminating that problem.

I also asked what kind of band will be placed she said she determines that at the time of surgery either Realize or LapBand her choice, was her words to me. But I trust her judgement.

Sorry for such a long post just wanted to share my day!!

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Glad to hear you had a positive experience.

[Pittsburgher 261]

I truly did the first surgeon did not try to support my decision with the band but I think she wanted me to get bypass....no way...and overall.wasnt very comfy with her so switched to dr courcoulas, she is very nice and encouraging and said herself that bypass patients get bypass and loose weight quickly but most regain the weight back and there is nothing they can do with the band you can get fills, it there for life, with management I will do great