Seminar with Dr. Fusco

Hi Florida gang! I know it has been a while since I've posted. Last question I asked was about Dr. Fusco. I went with my friend on Wed., 1/25 to support her as she begins the process of research for WLS. Dr. Fusco only does the Lap Band surgery and he is in the Melbourne area on the East Coast. I have to say that I thought he was really informative and that his personality is fantastic. He was friendly, answered all questions (even those about mortality & complication rates). He has done 170 Lap Band surgeries with 0 Mortality and 4 complications (removal of bands for various reasons & 1 port infection; not serious enough to make removing the band necessary). My friend was very impressed with his staff. My only concern is there is a $3,700 program fee for Life Shape. I looked at the website to see how this breaks down (www. lifeshape.net) but didn't really learn anything on this. His self-pay fee is $16,750 whi*****ludes the $3,700 in that price. I met him and told him about my RNY from 6 months ago and he said he was happy for me and that I looked great. He had mentioned in the seminar that at around 6 months patients who had RNY can look gray (like a cancer patient). He said my color was great and thanked me for coming with my friend to support her. I told him that if I had met him a year ago, I may have had him do my surgery, but I am still happy I had Dr. Overcash as he is such an excellent surgeon. Well, just some updates on me for you all... I had surgery on 8/3/05 and will be 6 months out February 3rd. I have lost a total of 65 lbs as of today. Dr. O told me my goal yesterday when I saw him. I have 100 pounds to go to be at goal of 130, my goal was 135, so I'll adjust it a little bit. It has gone slow but steady and I feel great! I have new pics on my profile with a new haircut. Hope you enjoy viewing them. They are toward the end of the profile. I mainly post on the August board and don't come to this as often. I will try to post here a little more often. Hope all are well and having fun on the journey!! Blessings to you all, Lori 293/229/130 :thumpsup:

Lori, Congrats on your progress and accomplishments! I never heard the grey thing, but if I did look grey, it probably was overshadowed by my bright shiny smile from the pride of what I had lost at 6 months. Lap versus RNY will always be debateable, but any form of weightloss surgery that offers someone a new lease on life should be encouraged/supported for those who need it. Many surgeons have programs fees, that one does seem kinda high, but what exactly comes along with it? If it includes counseling, cooking classes, coping with the changes, nutritionist consults, exercise guidance, etc, then maybe it is worth it since so many of us have to seek that out on our own after surgery. Good luck to your friend in his journey and you keep up the great job! Amy

Hubby and I went to Dr. Tenewitz's Seminar several years ago. Several of his staff were post-op patients. And that was one thing that I had noticed. They did not look that great. I can also remember a time when looking in the mirror caused a little shock. I think once a significant amount of weight is lost one starts to look a little sick. Color is not good, cheeks are sunkin. Then there is that loose turkey skin neck looking thing. But, after a while you start to look better. Dr.T.'s staff did amd I did as well. I kinda of warn people about having the surgery. You do go through a short period where you do not look that great. But, the skin begins to tighten up. Your body is no longer in survivol mode for food. You get in all your vitamins and nutrients and begin to glow. From the inside as well as the outside. Char

Hi Amy, Thanks for the encouragement. Hope the M&G went well today. One of these days I want to get together with you all. However, my Saturdays are spent with my folks in Palm Bay area for now. I'll just have to plan on it in the near future and tell my mom that I won't be down for one weekend. I don't think she'll be too upset. My folks really look forward to my sis and me being with them on the weekends. It is fun, but I would like to do other things now and again. I agree with you on encouraging people in whatever they choose as their method to reduce their weight. I have been encouraging my sis who isn't wanting to have surgery to do her best and she is going to start South Beach Diet very soon. I don't push, cause I know what pushing can do when your not ready, but she knows that I am in her corner cheering her on in whatever she chooses. The wonderful thing about Dr. Fusco was that he said the same thing you did. He was glad I found WLS that works for me and was very complimentary to me about it. That is a great way to treat all people and not think that your way is the only way. I believe my friend will be in good hands with him. She is really just starting the process and is scared, as we all were. I told her to take her time and get all the facts and then do what is best for her. I remember all to well the feelings that came up as I researched and finally decided to go for it! It was exciting and scary all at the same time. But we all have to feel the emotions and get through them to the other side. I'll let her know that you send her good wishes and thanks for the thanks so much for the words of encouragement. You are great at encouraging!! Lori

HI LORI.........sounds like you're doing a great job at the weight loss. Keep up the good work and Im glad you're having a better time with OC. Kewl hair cut. Keep on trucking girl...one step at a time!!!!!