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!

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'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

Hi Everyone, I have my initial consultation this coming friday and I am so nervous! Can anyone tell me what to expect...especially with regard to the psychological evaluation? What kind of things do they ask?

Come and join us at the OH Block Party sponsored by North Valley Plastic Surgery on Friday night, October 26^th, from 6:00 – 8:00pm at the Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix!

 

 

There will be food, friends and fun! Come mingle with your friends and meet some new ones! Bo McCoy, Rusty, Kim, Sherri, Eric, Tim and Jeremy from the OH staff will be there as well as some of our speakers like Kathy, Joanna and Jackie will be there too!

 

 

There is no charge to attend, but please RSVP so we can make sure and order enough provisions! It’s quick and easy.. just shoot an email to [email protected] and say “I’m coming to the party on Friday night.. count me in! (and list your name)” … isn’t that a cheap price? J

 

 

Come and hang out and grab some food J

 

 

You can read about the rest of the plans for the event on the event’s website

http://www.obesityhelp.com/events/uzone,events/action,event_ details/?pkid=601&key=ad70193645968e19a368d83bf147674a

 

 

I can’t wait to meet everyone! Be there or be square!