Anyone else from Albuquerque?

I'm a total newbie in this forum.  Is there anyone else in the Albuquerque area to correspond with?  I'm having the RNY with Dr. Garth Davis in Houston, TX.  Does anyone have a testimonial to share about their experiences with this Dr.?  I'm getting a little nervous about the whole process, but hope to "talk" with some of you.   Hope to hear from someone soon.  Kellymb

Hi, Kelly, I'm also from Abq, and I'm having a Lap-band placed on 12/20 by Dr. Robin Blackstone in Scottsdale. I'm sorry, I don't know anything good or bad about Dr. Davis.

Do you know that there is a support group in Abq called Abq New Body Beginnings? It meets in the building that houses the Presbyterian Urgent Care next to the Northside Medical Building just off the I-25 Frontage Road at San Mateo. They meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 6:30-8pm. On entering the building, make a left at Urgent Care and go to the elevator. Take the elevator to the first floor, and make a left to the room next to the Cafeteria.

I no longer attend because I'm pre-op, and I feel that there's too much discussion about how to work "around" the Band or the RNY, i.e. there's a lot of talk about all the things they can eat, yet many of them complain that they are having a hard time reaching goal. There are other aspects that are helpful, so try them out and make your own decision.

As far as being nervous - I'd wonder about you if you weren't! This is a big decision you've made, and will change your life. That doesn't mean it isn't good for you to do! Just do your best to get all the support you can from your surgeon's office, and follow his instructions to the letter, and you'll be successful. I truly believe that many people who are not successful are trying to work the system, and not following their surgeon's instructions. Well, enough of my lecturing! Good luck. When is your surgery? Keep me posted on your progress. Jean

Thank you for your very encouraging note.  I was leaning toward the lapband, until I found out how many trips I'd have to make to Houston for adjustments.  What a shame there isn't a good Dr. here in NM.  I went to a seminar with Dr. Blackstone, but my insurance at the time, didn't include them in the network.  Thank you for all the info on the support group, but by what you described, I don't want to be influenced by people that aren't serious.  I need to follow rules and not have any affects from cheating.  I hope to have surgery by the end of this year if all the paperwork is completed.  Have already been approved by the insurance and done the seminars and meetings.  I'm sure Dr. Davis is a very good surgeon, per his show and website.  Just wanted to hear from someone who already knows him.  Good luck to you too with the band.  I'll be interested in hearing how it went for you, since I was really researching it myself.  Kelly

Hi Kelly, I am in Albuquerque. Had my RNY with Dr. Robin Blackstone on December 20, 2005. I am half of my former weight and all evidence of diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high chloresterol, etc., is gone, gone, gone!  The only thing I know about Dr. Davis is what I've seen on "Big Medicine." He seems to be a very caring and careful person.  Best of luck with your surgery. Keep us informed of your progress.

Thanks for writing.  What if any, side effects did you have?  How long were you in the hospital?  I've been doing so much research I'm overwhelmed with information.  I had been thinking of the lapband only because it's less invasive, but the RNY is also laproscopic, so shouldn't be too big of a deal.  Do you attend any support groups here in town, or just online?  Will keep you informed as to my surgery date, as I'm hoping it's before the end of this year.  Thanks again for your support.  Kelly

Hi again, Kelly

Answers to a few of your questions can be found at http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+r eviews+Garth+Davis+mmr.html?page=1 This is the patient review site for Dr. Davis.  I haven't had any long-term side effects from the surgery. I did have a very rough start (partially collapsed lung and pneumonia causing 5 days in intensive care and 9 days in the hospital). However, these really didn't have anything to do with the surgery itself; just my general poor health before I went into it. Dr. Blackstone and Dr. Kieran were wonderful! The first 4 months after surgery, I had a very difficult time eating anything, but it gradually got better and I don't regret a minute of it. I am one of the lucky ones and "dump" on sugar, fat, and white carbs even now. As far as I'm concerned, that is a good thing; it keeps me away from the foods I shouldn't eat. I chose RNY for a couple of reasons. First, there are no gastric surgeons in New Mexico and I would have had to travel to Texas or Arizona for fills with a band. Second, my insurance would not cover lapband at that time either. In addition, I've read too many stories on this site about people seeking revisions to RNY because the band just simply did not work for them. That being said, the best thing would be for your research and your surgeon to guide you to select the right surgery for your body, lifestyle, and health. I went to a couple of the support group meetings before my surgery, but I'm not a "group" person and didn't continue with them. I understand they are very helpful for most people. Be good to yourself and keep us informed!

Holy smokes, what a rough start.  Scares me a bit, thinking it could happen to me.  For as big as I am though, I'm generally in good health.  You're right about all the trips needed for the lapband, that's what changed my mind.  That you for Garth's website, I have it also, but it would be nice to hear from a former patient, not just what they post.  I appreciate your corresponding with me and will write again when I have more info, like the true date of my surgery when it's confirmed.  Kelly P.S.  Love your note about old ladies with tatoos.  I had an 80 year old friend with one on her upper thigh.  It was a riot seeing how long and wrinkled it is now!  HA...

Hi, I am originally from Albuquerque, but have lived in Texas for quite a few years now.  You might try posting your question on the Texas Boards...I know there are quite a few people that have used Dr. Davis.  Good luck with your surgery!!! Janet

Kelly- I am from ABQ and belong to the group outlined below.  I don't know anything about Dr Davis.  If I can be of any help let me know I am about 2.5 yrs out.  Please give teh group a try.  The group can only be what people bring to it....it is a grassroots grop as there are no surgeons group here - Dr Blackstone does pay someon to run a monthly grou pfor her patients (nice benefit) but that is not available to most of us.  I have made some friend in the group.   ANyways, you are welcome.  There is also a yahoo group if you want to join here is the addy.  http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/abqnbb/ Valerie

Thank you for the info on the group.  My surgery is scheduled in Houston, TX on Dec. 26th, yes, just 4 days from today.  We fly out on Christmas Day.  I've been on a liquids only diet for about 2 weeks now, guess they want the liver to be in great shape before surgery.  I'll be in TX for two weeks, as they want out-of-towners to be close by in case of complications.  I have complete confidence in Dr. Davis and have done so much research on him and the procedure itself.  I'm just not too good with anesthesia.  Thanks again for the info.  Kelly