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I could have gone back a few days ago, did think about going back on Monday, but I think a short first week would be the best idea.
The dogs are going to miss my full time lap! I hold a small pillow on my belly to protect it from them.
I am having more pain in the incision near my belly button, but nothing bad.
Follow my journey to a happy, healthy, active life at TomBilcze.com
WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SUPPORT GROUP
MEETING SCHEDULE 2010
January 27, 2010
Speaker: Jody Moyto
The focus of this meeting is to re-motivate & re-focus everyone. Helping everyone to get back on track after the holidays. We will go “back to the binder" revisiting the basics of eating to set the tone for the year.
February 24, 2010
Speaker: Shannon Perkins PhD
This month we will focus on our concerns regarding body image. Our brains catching up to our bodies, dressing as our body changes and dealing with it all.
In addition to this evening’s program, our new Dietician, Laura Hardman will be introduced to the group.
March 24, 2010
Speaker: Laura Richardson, Tom Bilcze, Christine Domer
This month we are going to focus on moving from motivation to movement. We will ask Laura to focus on training & exercise, tips, and new ideas for the New Year. Joining Laura will be Tom and Christine who will be discussing an exciting addition to our group; a bicycle club and bariatric picnic event.
April 28, 2010
Speaker: Susan Schweitzer, Noelle Bothe
This month we will focus on eating. Cooking, menu choices and recipes will be the major focus of this month’s discussion.
May 26, 2010
Speaker: Panel of Dr(s), Case Manager, Nurse, Dietician
This will be an open panel discussion with the group. Questions will be taken from the floor, as well as collected prior to the evening.
In addition, recipes for dishes that will be brought to the picnic (6/12) should be submitted on this evening...Our dietitian will be reviewing them for appropriateness and we will be compiling them to distribute all recipes at that June meeting.
June 12, 2010 Bariatric Picnic/Bicycle Club ride
A day of fun…details to follow.
June 23, 2010
Speaker: TBD
This month was to have been a discussion of triggers that cause us to eat, to relapse and the like. We also would address the unique situations encountered in the summer: grad parties, showers, weddings, picnics, fairs, amusement parks, vacations….and what to do about it.
July 28, 2010
Speaker: NONE
This evening will be a split group night, split by procedure. The focus of the evening will be group discussions addressing the specific needs of each procedure.
August 25, 2010
Speaker: Laura Hardman, Bariatric Center Dietician
The topic this evening will be determined at a later date by Laura Hardman.
September 22, 2010
Speaker: Dr. Petersen and Staff
We would like to address the issues of plastic surgery. In addition to before/after discussion, we will have representatives to discuss the insurance related issues of plastic surgery.
October 27, 2010
Speaker: Laura Hardman
The focus of this meeting would be getting to know the new dietitian, as well as wrapping up the year, the focus of each month, and a strategy for the upcoming holiday season. Surviving the parties etc. All recipes should be submitted for dishes that will be brought to the holiday party (12/8) to be reviewed and compiled.
December 8, 2010
November/December Meeting
Holiday Party
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday. Don't forget your binder!
Follow my journey to a happy, healthy, active life at TomBilcze.com
I had lap band surgery and am happy with the results. I think people going into weight loss surgery go in with many expectations; often unrealistic. I am pretty analytical and began my journey being open to either lap band or RNY. I did lean toward lap band. My surgeon did a great job of working with me on an initial consult. He mapped out the expectations of weight loss for band vs. RNY. For me, it would have been a target weight 15 pounds less for RNY. The factor that convinced me on band was his belief that my health issues would be no different with those additional 15 pounds. I am conservative when it comes to surgery and a 1 hour exposure vs. a 3 1/2 hour exposure is quite a difference.
My observations (just my opinions) 20 months post op... People who are above 50 BMI seem to do much better with RNY. Lap band weight loss is slow and generally less than RNY. I think the band is best for people with a BMI under 50. People are generally unsuccessful with the band if they do not exercise. Exercise seems to be a key factor in helping band patients be successful. Snackers and grazers also do poorly with a band. Above all, the band relies on YOU making the change in your life. RNY does some but the band makes it a HUGE FACTOR in your success. You can sneak things into your diet with a band that RNY patients can not.
That's my opinion. If I had it to do over, I would still have the band. For me it's a question of being happy where you are, what you can now do and how your life has changed. I can answer these three questions pretty positively at this point.
It will ultimately be up to you to make the choice that's best for you. Do research on these boards and just feel free to email successful and unsuccessful patients. Most people love to talk about their stories and experiences.
Best of Luck!
Tom
Follow my journey to a happy, healthy, active life at TomBilcze.com
Good Luck,
Robin
Actually, the reason I am called "The BandDoctor" is because I play in a Bluegrass Band!
Cincinnati, Ohio & Northern Ky http://www.TheBandDoctor.com
513.559.1222 / 877.442.BAND
DISCLAIMER: Any information contained within is meant to be general medical advice only. Please consult your surgeon on your specific problem!
I wish you the best of luck. I have not ever regretted doing this. It is not always easy, but it has been so worth it. I know you will do well.
Donna
Just wanted to throw that out there as he has an AWESOME staff (well he did 5 years ago)
Good luck to you!!
