Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum

[RobinAnn 2]

Hi Honeybee,

Since I'm probably one of the most recent K-bandees here (7/22) I figured I'd jump in.

For the phone consult, Dr. K. walks you through the handout that Natalie will e-mail you and will discuss any questions or concerns you have. The phone consult w/ Paula (the nutritionist) is about the same (well, she asks about some of your eating challenges and will further explain the post-op diet).

As for pre-op for Dr. K, for me it was Atkins type eating for two weeks (lean Protein and non-starchy veggies) but when I talked to Paula, she added in one fruit and one yogurt a day. Paula suggested you do the diet for a week, check that you are losing some weight, and keep doing it. She suggested that you should lose a "few" pounds in the two weeks (I lost 8).

I found a great hotel to stay at while there. It wasn't the cheapest, but dh and I really wanted a suite so that he could have a separate room to do work while I whiled away the time sleeping or watching T.V. We stayed at the Comfort Suites on South Clinton Street and had a great stay. Our suite (with fridge, micro, two TVs, hi-speed internet, separate living room, Breakfast for him) was $94.50/night and was situated between Dr. K's office and the hospital (closer to the hospital).

I'm heading up to Denver next week for my first fill on the 20th. I chose a cheaper hotel since I'll be travelling alone and don't need the suite.

Let me know if you have any other questions that I can answer.

*******

I need to coordinate one of my next visits with a Red Robin outing.

[mem620 3]

Hey HoneyBee!

It is really important that you follow the pre-op, low carb diet. It reduces the size of your liver, which is necessary for Dr. K. to do his thing. It is a very livable diet. Like RobinAnn, I also lost 8 pounds on the pre-op. I was pretty uncomfortable the first 24 hours after surgery and then it got much better very quickly. Good luck to you and keep us posted!

Mary

[lotzasunshine 2]

Ok, so i know that Dr K is willing to do fills under flouro and that it just costs more. But I am really thinking that I need a fill as I have gained 4.5 in the past 6 weeks. I thought I was too tight, but even when I was too tight I was slowly losing. Do you guys think I need to do it under flouro to be sure or should I just get a fill and hope that it works?

btw DH is very much against me getting a fill because some days I can hardly eat still.

[kimandtroy 0]

Hi, I am new to this forum and excited to begin my journey. I have a friend that lives in Denver so was excited to find Dr. K. I am self pay, but I really do not know where to begin. I have contacted Dr. K's office, but that is about it. They sent an e-mail response and now I have some big decisions to make. I would appreciate any input or feedback that people could give me as well as moral support.

[PrtyAntOvrYt 6]

Welcome to all the Newbies!

We were all new at one time and all had questions and needs, so please feel free to ask.

You've chosen the best Lap Band Surgeon in Colorado. He's a wonderful and skilled doctor and his staff is very supportive.

The group we have here are mostly Dr. K's patients but we do have a few from other surgeons. We meet each month here in Denver at the Red Robin at Arapahoe and I-25. It's a good time to share ideas, be supportive and Celebrate our successes. We almost always take a picture of the group that we post here online. These pictures have been great for me because they show the progress I've made.

I met the group at Red Robin in October of 2007. I weighed over 400lbs and was quickly embraced by the group. They were not only more than willing to share their experiences but they sat there at that round table and let me ask question after question. I have come a long way since that evening at Red Robin and I have many people to thank. I hold Dr. K in very high regards - for I feel he saved my life. And on January 29, 2008, I celebrated a new Birthday!

Welcome and I hope to get to know you all as you start your journey to good health and happiness with the Lap Band!

[PrtyAntOvrYt 6]

Best part of the apartment though is that I will finally have a washer and dryer!!!!!!!! YYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!

Congrats on that new job! I think it's great! I know you were so stressed after your hubby lost his job recently!

As far as getting a fill, I think you should call and talk to Dr K and see what he suggests. You were so tight for so long... but then again, it could have very well been the stress you were dealing with at that time. Are you able to now eat solid Proteins? Get in your 60-80 grams of Protein a day? Remain hydrated? if you chew your food well and eat slow are you still getting stuck and sliming?

Good Luck! let us know if you come to town! I'd love to see you again!

[butterfly723 2]

Thank you all for responding! At least I have an idea of how the process with go. I still have some things to Iron out, but I am hoping that I can get the procedure within the next 6 weeks.

Here's another question: If I were to get the procedure on a Wednesday, is it likely (I know no one can give an exact answer) that I would be able to sit in class for 2 1/2 hours on Friday morning?

I went back to school in May to finish a degree, and they are VERY picky about days missed in the program (certain hours are needed to sit for boards). Since I would already be missing a day of school, I didn't want to have to miss two. How did you all feel 2 days post-op? Do any of you think its possible to make it through those two hours?

Robin- Thanks for the tip on the Comfort Suites. I will definitely look into that. In fact, I actually stayed in one just last week when I was out of town. LOL

Mary- You said the first 24 hours were kind of uncomfortable. If I felt that same way two days later, is it tolerable enough to make it through a lecture, then go home and rest for the remainder of Friday through Sunday?

Kim- I am in the same boat. I have talked to Natalie and the loan officer...that's it. Now I have to get the ball rolling to make this happen. Keep us posted!

Prty- Thanks for the words of encouragement. I think its great that you all meet annually. You say you were over 400 lbs in 2007? If you don't mind me asking, how much weight have you lost so far?

I am mainly worried about complications, since Dr. K is so far away from me. But I ask about your progress, because I also worry about not losing weight (like some other stories I have read). I know it will be up to me to stay on track and do what I'm supposed to in order for this to work. But I like to hear success stories to keep me focused on "the prize". LOL

[RobinAnn 2]

Here's another question: If I were to get the procedure on a Wednesday, is it likely (I know no one can give an exact answer) that I would be able to sit in class for 2 1/2 hours on Friday morning?

....

Mary- You said the first 24 hours were kind of uncomfortable. If I felt that same way two days later, is it tolerable enough to make it through a lecture, then go home and rest for the remainder of Friday through Sunday?

I probably could have sat through a two hour lecture on Friday after Wednesday surgery (especially if my surgery hadn't been changed from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). I "thought" I could make it through a 8 hour drive home, but on Thursday night I decided I didn't want to so we stayed an extra day.

Dr. K does ask that his out of town patients stay a total of three nights (the night before surgery, surgery night, and one more night... Tue, Wed, and Thu). I'm not sure how hard and fast he is on that but it is something for you to find out with your class schedule.

[butterfly723 2]

Dr. K does ask that his out of town patients stay a total of three nights (the night before surgery, surgery night, and one more night... Tue, Wed, and Thu). I'm not sure how hard and fast he is on that but it is something for you to find out with your class schedule.

I read about this before, and I think Natalie told me the same thing earlier this year. I am shooting for the last week in Sept.

That Monday we have no class, so I would fly into Colorado. I would get my consult on Tues, surgery on Wed, then head home Thurs.

I don't have class on Tues or Thurs, so I would only be missing Wednesday...that is, if this all goes off as planned, and I can get to class on Friday.

I have to try and get those dates scheduled from Natalie too. She says they usually schedule two weeks out. I will work on it starting Monday, just need to finalize a few things first then get my phone consult.

Another question as far as the port goes- Where exactly is it located? I know it is off to the side, right? How high or low is it in reference to the belly button? Does clothing affect it? My jeans are always tight, and I am wondering if I have to buy bigger ones for a while. :thumbup:

Thanks!

Edited August 14, 2009 by butterfly723

[deboregon 0]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:w00t::wub::w00t::w00t::w00t::thumbup::w00t::sneaky::w00t::drool::w00t::wink2::w00t::laugh::w00t::w00t:

I just got an AMAZING job!!!!

I sent an email and resume to be a nanny in exchange for a 1 bedroom apartment, because things have been though for my DH and I right now. We went to the interview tonight at 7:30 we liked them, they liked us, and she called an hour later to say they were cancelling the other interveiw tomorrow and that they want us to move in during the 1st week of September!! We will be living rent free in exchange for wastching 3 boys age 7,11, and 16. VERY well behaved boys. Don't really need a nanny except to help with homework, make sure they do their chores, and run them around to activities. 3-6 pm during the week, and one night a week until 10, helping them keep up the yard and snow removal. The apartment is literally 3 times the size of our place right now!!! And it is in a VERY nice neighborhood! I feel like I might need to buy dome nicer furniture now LOL!!

Also with this arrangement, my DH could just work part time, and go back to school!!

This day started off really crappy with a huge Migraine, and going to the dentist (for the first time in 8 years) and has ended so wonderfully!!!I just had to share my excitement!! I feel like we are actually getting the break we need!!!

CONGRATS, GIRL!!! Sounds as if thintgs are headed in the3 right direction.

Thank you all for responding! At least I have an idea of how the process with go. I still have some things to Iron out, but I am hoping that I can get the procedure within the next 6 weeks.

Here's another question: If I were to get the procedure on a Wednesday, is it likely (I know no one can give an exact answer) that I would be able to sit in class for 2 1/2 hours on Friday morning?

I went back to school in May to finish a degree, and they are VERY picky about days missed in the program (certain hours are needed to sit for boards). Since I would already be missing a day of school, I didn't want to have to miss two. How did you all feel 2 days post-op? Do any of you think its possible to make it through those two hours?

Robin- Thanks for the tip on the Comfort Suites. I will definitely look into that. In fact, I actually stayed in one just last week when I was out of town. LOL

Mary- You said the first 24 hours were kind of uncomfortable. If I felt that same way two days later, is it tolerable enough to make it through a lecture, then go home and rest for the remainder of Friday through Sunday?

Kim- I am in the same boat. I have talked to Natalie and the loan officer...that's it. Now I have to get the ball rolling to make this happen. Keep us posted!

Prty- Thanks for the words of encouragement. I think its great that you all meet annually. You say you were over 400 lbs in 2007? If you don't mind me asking, how much weight have you lost so far?

I am mainly worried about complications, since Dr. K is so far away from me. But I ask about your progress, because I also worry about not losing weight (like some other stories I have read). I know it will be up to me to stay on track and do what I'm supposed to in order for this to work. But I like to hear success stories to keep me focused on "the prize". LOL

Hi there. I had my surgery done by Dr. a year ago next week. I flew in from Portland, Oregon, and stayed two nights. I think that if u r planning on sitting in a class for a couple of hours, the three night stay would be the best choice.

You have chosen the best dr. for your surgery. And all the women I have met online and in person are the most compassionate and supportive people ever.

Dee, I didn't check in before i left for ashland on monday; unfortunately, i was up .8. This week probably will be bad too: on vacation, no esercise. didn't overeat or over drink, but feel "big" and slugg8ish:ohmy::thumbup:

[incolorado 1]

Hi, I am new to this forum and excited to begin my journey. I have a friend that lives in Denver so was excited to find Dr. K. I am self pay, but I really do not know where to begin. I have contacted Dr. K's office, but that is about it. They sent an e-mail response and now I have some big decisions to make. I would appreciate any input or feedback that people could give me as well as moral support.

Hi there, I am new too. Dr. K seems like a great surgeon, everyone here seems to rave about him! I am also self-pay and getting banded 9/1 by Dr. Brown, another Dr. in Denver with Colorado Bariatric Surgery Institute. I thought I would let you know as far as I can tell, he is another excellent choice in Denver. When I was reasearching surgeons in Denver, I did not find much info on this site about Dr. Brown, so I hope this is helpful.

To be honest, the main reason I chose Dr. Brown is because they were able to see me and schedule me for surgery so quickly (from start to finish less than one month). After my first appt. I was really happy with the choice, everyone in their office was so great.

Dr. Brown also charges $9900 for self-pay, which includes 3 months of free fills then $50 per fill. I did not meet Dr. K, but it seems like some of the main differences are pre-op diet -Dr. K does low carb, Dr. Brown (and Dr. Metz in the same office) do 3 days clear liquid pre-op. Dr. Brown has you meet with a social worker/psychologist, which I found really helpful - more of a chat and support session than a "test" or anything like that. I don't think Dr. K requires any sort of psych. meeting.

Dr. Brown also requires a meeting with their nutritionist, as well as a separate nutrition class (taken with other pre-op bandsters). This was hugely helpful. And all of these requirements can be accomplished in one day. I don't know if they do phone consults.

One final difference might be that Dr. Brown & Metz do the surgery at a regular hospital, and he encouraged me to stay overnight in the hospital if I feel like it after surgery. When I said, well, I'm self pay, so I can't afford it, he told me not to worry, the most they would charge was $600 but they usually do not charge for overnight hospital stays since their self-pay band surgery is a package deal worked out with the hospital (St. Luke's/ Presbyterian). This is not something they actually advertise, probably because they don't want everyone to stay overnight for "free." Not that I would be all that excited about staying overnight anyway, but it is good to have the option.

Also, Dr. Brown's practice is a "Bariatric Center of Excellence," for whatever that is worth. I think that just means they do a whole bunch of WLS.

I have also heard great things about Dr. Snyder in Denver. However, he is closer to $15k for self-pay.

Either way, it sounds like you will be in good hands. Best of luck, and I hope to meet you as well as the other Denver ladies soon! :thumbup:

[incolorado 1]

Geez, I just read what I wrote and it sounds like an advertisement for Dr. B! Not meant to be that way! Just info for you since I personally did not find as much online about Dr. B. I think this is because he does so many insurance-paid surgeries and his low self-pay rate may not have been in effect for long? I don't know. Good luck! :thumbup:

[incolorado 1]

I probably could have sat through a two hour lecture on Friday after Wednesday surgery (especially if my surgery hadn't been changed from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). I "thought" I could make it through a 8 hour drive home, but on Thursday night I decided I didn't want to so we stayed an extra day.

Dr. K does ask that his out of town patients stay a total of three nights (the night before surgery, surgery night, and one more night... Tue, Wed, and Thu). I'm not sure how hard and fast he is on that but it is something for you to find out with your class schedule.

Robin, I have been wondering whether I can make the almost 7 hour drive home the day after my surgery, which is scheduled for 1 pm. I am starting to think a 3 night stay will be better. Tough because we have to leave our 4 kiddos at home, and they have school....

Anyway, thanks for sharing your experience!:thumbup:

[paracelsus51 0]

I stayed at the Comfort Suites Denver South too. It was very nice. I got a really good deal on car rental and hotel. You can buy some Clear liquids before surgery.

I would totally recommend staying that third night. See if you can arrange to make up your class, or pick another day. I did not need to stay the night at the hospital at all. The surgery center is connected to the hospital if anything happens, which is highly unlikely. You will be sore the first few days. Dr. K gives you all your meds before surgery, which is wonderful. Mostly getting up and down will be very painful. I stayed in the hotel room the entire day after surgery, having no desire to go out. The next day I flew home after riding in the car most of the day, so sitting through a class would be doable.

I read about Dr. Brown too, but chose Dr. K as I could not find much info. I was also impressed with Dr. Ks office. They responded post haste to any inquiry and I never had to talk to voicemail. Once I talked to him I was very comfortable. I talked to him in person and found him easy to talk to and ask questions. He also was not pushy. They made sure to talk to my mom too and make sure there was someone there for me.

[butterfly723 2]

Thanks for the information and encouraging words, ladies. I will definitely take all of your advice into consideration.

Congrats to all of you who are doing so well on your weight loss journey. And good luck to those of you who are preparing to start that journey! I will keep you all updated on my progress.