The Lap Band

Hi.... Can anyone give me any feedback on the lap band surgery.... who the Dr. was and if they found the office staff and the Dr. "workable".

What about the time after the surgery....Is it the same as the by-pass or are the requirements for eating different then the by-pass?

I know I want and need the procedure and have already had some of the tests (I already use a cpap - no gall bladder - endoscopy today) so I'm hoping the process isn't too long, BUT I have an appointment to meet with a Dr. in January and am thinking of meeting a couple of others before I decide who to use.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

I use Dr. Beth Ryder at RI Hospital.  Love her!!  I've won over her secretary, too -- she's got a bit of a reputation I've heard.  Last time I was there the secretary told me she's never heard Dr. R. come anywhere near berating patients for lack of weight loss.

I'm not knowledgeable as to what the eating requirements are immediately post op for bypass.  For me, I had a week of clear liquids, a week of full liquids, 2 weeks of pureed food, and then 2 weeks of soft food.  Post fill, it's 2 days of full liquids, 2 days of purees, and 2 days of soft.  Otherwise, it's anything as tolerated (except for carbonation).  Basically the only thing I've had difficulty with so far is raw carrots.  Dr. R. doesn't want me going below 1000 calories a day, and get between 60-80 grams/day of protein. 

Personally, I think it would be a good idea to meet any surgeon you'd be interested in using.  However, keep in mind that Dr. R. sends out paperwork first for you to fill out, then you have to return it and call for an appt.  It took me almost 3 months to get in for a new patient appt.

Hi.  I had Dr. Roye who is in the same practice as Dr. Ryder.  He is incredible but I can not say the same for his secretary.  She is a pain in the *%@!!  But dealing with her is worth having him as a surgeon.  I had the Realize Band placed a week ago today and I feel fabulous.  I had no complications from the surgery and my incisions look beautiful (as far as incisions go).  They did give me the option of staying one night which I would highly recommend and the nurses in the Coop building at RI Hospital were fabulous.  It was really a great experience for me.

Good Luck!
Patty

Hi!

I had gastric bypass and can tell you the 'diet' following the surgery and for the rest of my journey is very similar to the 'diet' of a bandster!

I have had the pleasure of meeting all the bariatric surgeons in RI. They are all capable, wonderful surgeons. If I was starting this journey today, knowing all of them, I would have a hard time choosing.

I would suggest going to as many support groups as you can. You can talk to people, first hand, about their experiences with either surgery and with any surgeon.

All the groups welcome patients who had surgery in their own hospital, as well as, other hospitals.

There is a meeting tonight at Roger Williams Medical Center, 825 Chalkstone Ave., Providence. Kay Auditorium, 6-7:30 PM.

Another meeting Tuesday, December 23rd at Miriam Hospital, 5:30-7:00 PM. We are actually having a Christmas party so this is a great time to talk to Dr. V's patients who attend!!!

If you would like more info on the meetings in RI, shoot me an email (below). I'll send you the calendar!

Have a great day & Welcome to the journey!

Jules

 I was just banded November and had Dr. Roye as well. Love him!  I don't mind his secretary but she might be nicer to me because I work at RIH. 

Anyway - I ended up going through all my pre-op testing and had my surgery scheduled pretty fast. I did stay overnight because I just couldn't wake up from surgery completely.  I had intense pain. Was sent home with 2 different pain meds and it lasted about week to week and a half.  I started feeling normal about 3 weeks post op.   I am still out of work but that's because of the job I have. I'm a CNA and there is no way I would have been able to lift patients yet.  

I highly recommend the surgery even though I had a tough time following surgery. 

Thanks to anyone who answered... I'm reading them all and if anyone else has input I certainly am looking for ALL information.  I've only gone to the miriam one and have an appt. with Dr. V in January....  Which is the dr. at RIH and which is the Dr. at Roger Williams?  I'm just wondering how I'm going to decide, and hoping that once I do that the process won't take 4ever.  I know I can't have the bi-pas or the DS due to pancreatic cancer being in my family so the Lap Band is my only answer... and then I'll have to make sure that won't be a problem.  I guess I should attend a meeting at RIH and also Roger Williams......and do research on the doctors through the internet as well as the hospitals.  Again - thanks for the input and keep em coming!