Dr. Blackstone's Patients???

Hello, I'm pre-op with a surgery date of Sept 27th. I went for my initial consult way back in November. I was on Weigh****chers at the time and I'd lost some weight. That's the way it's almost always worked for me. I'd lose a little and then stop completely and gain it back. I went to my ob/gyn the other day and I'm up about 40 pounds from November. I see Dr. B for my pre-op visit on Sept 7. Is this going to cause a problem with my date? I have to call the office today because my bp is high and I need to know if I have to start meds before surgery. I'm just so scared that she'll cancel when she sees I've gained . Help Thanks, Jenn

Hey Jenn, How funny!!! My surgery with Dr. Blackstone was on 09/27/04. Same day as yours, just a yr earlier. I had the lap band, and weighed in at 270 the day of surgery. Not sure of your current weight, but that is why you are having the surgery after all. I wouldn't worry too much about the weight gain. If anything the bp may be of concern if they can't regulate it by the surgery date. But as far as the weight gain, that is why you are having the surgery in the first place. I think everything will be fine. By the way, Dr. Blackstone is AWESOME!!! You couldn't have found a better surgeon. The staff at the hospital is also top notch. You will be well taken care of. Good luck! Rachael

Thanks Rachael. That is weird - same day, different year! I'm going to my PCP this a.m. to see about the blood pressure. I figured I'd just get it over with! I was 294 at my consult in November. I'm now about 310-i**** drives me crazy how much scales vary from Dr. to Dr.! My gain isn't quite as much as I thought it was at first. I thought I'd gained 40+! I've also been pretty stressed, so I'm trying to deal with that! I haven't met Dr. B yet, but I like everyone else I've met. I haven't called often, but when I do they are so nice. They never act like they're in a hurry. I'm switch rapidly between worried and super excited! I just can't wait for the day to come now! Thanks, Jenn

Jenn, I'm a Blackstone Babe and couldn't be more thrilled with the results. I had gained a ton of weight between my initial appointment with Randy and my pre-surgery consult with Dr. Blackstone. I was in last meal status for 6 months. It didn't make any difference, and I think it's probably common. I think her only concern might be your blood pressure so anything you can do to get that under control will help. She's very cautious about getting you through surgery in one piece. She sent me to a kidney specialist to make sure my kidneys would hold up before surgery. You're going to love her. Connie

Connie, "Blackstone Babe" - I love it! I'm glad to hear you gained weight -- well, you know what I mean! I'm trying to get better about my eating habits now, but every time I turn around I'm running into something and thinking that it'll be the last time I can eat it - at least for a long while. I went to my PCP yesterday and he wasn't concerned about my bp. I've been with him for 13 years so he knows me pretty well. I'm under a lot of stress and he thinks between that and having the surgery, it will go down. I'm so glad to hear such good things about Dr. B. I haven't met her yet, but if she's anything like what I hear, I'll love her like you say! Thanks so much, Jenn

It is VERY common for patients to GAIN weight between their consult date and the surgery date. I did. My consult was in November and my surgery was in March and I think I gained about 15-20 pounds in that time frame. As long as you haven't lost enough weight to NOT qualify for the surgery (BMI being under 35) then no worries. Gaining weight is okay for surgery. Sounds bad, I know. Losing weight is better for you than gaining weight, but it's very common to gain weight pre-op. Surgeons are used to this and I've never heard of anyone's surgery being put off because the person gained weight. Hope this helps! Hugs, Trisha -92 lbs so far! Dr. Fang - Lap RNY - 3/8/05 My Profile: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=J1078291194 Join the general Phoenix Metro WLS Support Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/PhoenixWLS Having Weight Loss Surgery is the BEST thing I ever did for myself!

I think everyone gets nervous. I had to walk out of the office to get my head together. When I came back in I was better. Just keep looking at all the before and after pics. and stay focused. I had Dr. Kieren Dr. Blackstones partner and she was incredible. Just stay cool and take deep breaths. Good luck.

I'm a Blackstone babe as well, I am 9 months out and I am doing fine. I did gain a little weight before the surgery. My PCP told me not to give the insurance company any reason to deny me up until I was on the table, so I didn't gain to much, he kept a pretty stern eye on me. I am glad that he did. You will really like Dr. Blackstone. You couldn't go wrong with any of the surgeons in her office they are all wonderful. The support groups are great. Get yourself plugged in and start going before the surgery and ask your questions. Don't worry, she will take good care of you. Deanne 11/9/04 Dr. Blackstone