Anyone have surgery with Dr. Pham at Synergy?

Would like to hear about your experiences with him.
My surgery is March 9, coming up soon.
Any hints?
I know there is a support group there, and my exercise class is next Thurs/
I am also looking for a "buddy" to talk to and discuss  lap band issues with.
Thanks.
Barbara

i did not have dr. pham, but i did have the lap band and discuss issues with you

Did you have to do the pre-op liquid diet?
How was the recovery from the lap band?
Did you lose a lot of weight initially?
Where r u from?

i am from buffalo. i did not have to do a pre-op liquid diet. the recovery was pretty easy i thought. i had surgery monday, went home tues and by thurs was walking 5 miles a day. i lost 13 lbs the first week and 24 lbs the first month but after that it slowed to 1-2 lbs per week

Did you do the South Beach before your surgery?
I have lost 14 lbs in 5 days with the liquid diet, but i really crave tto chew something...lol.
Sounds like you really bounced back quickly.
I just had back surgery Thurs, so the lap band will be less than 2 weeks after that, but I rode the recumbant bike yesterday no problem.
I think I will bounce back quikly, I usually do after surgery.
Are you eating reg foods now?
Any problems?

yes once you have your first appt my doctor puts you on the south beach diet. i did bounce pretty quickly...most people do after lap band surgery. it was prob the easiest surgery i have ever had. i am eating regular foods...basically you learn what you can tolerate and what u cant. my best advice is to chew, chew, chew and eat as slow as you can. my other big advice dont be anxious for fills. it is not good to be too tight. we banders think the tighter we are, the less you eat and the more weight you will lose. the opposite is actually true. if you are too tight you do eat less but you dont lose as well and you can even gain. if you want to talk pm me and ill give you my number and we can talk. im not sure where you live but in nice weather there are some banders that walk saturday mornings at delaware park, you are welcome to join us

Hi Barbara. I am Barbara, too. Dr. Caruana is doing my surgery 4/5/10. I can't answer your questions, but I can tell you I have been to the support group for RNY and found the people helpful and inspirational.

Ugh. I am not looking forward to the liquid diet!

Hello Barbara
The liquid isn't too bad, but i really would like to chew something, lol.
I have lost 14 lbs so far, its coming off pretty easy right now.
I go to the seminar Thurs.
Do you knw anything about Dr Pham?