Dr. Forbes Buffalo, NY 2/12 Weeks! First post!

Hi everyone, I met Dr. Hoffman yesterday. He did my colonoscopy. We only had a total of about 3 minutes interaction but I felt he was a warm caring man. He even asked me if I liked the music in the procedure room. I wish our first meeting would have been in his office instead of his having an intimate relationship with my backside and then telling me to fart to get the gas pains out! Ha Ha. But he did make me feel comfortable. I remember someone being surprised he did Colonoscopys. I guess the GI lab was too because I heard someone ask him and he rattled off a whole list of proceudures he does. He even remembered my appointment to see him was in August. I am so impressed.

I did have some horrible gas pains that lasted until late last night. I even had to take a wheel chair to the car cause I couldn't walk but I felt more comfortable being at home "relieving" my discomofort. On that note I got the book someone on this site recommended titled Weight Loss with the Adjustable Gastric Band by Robert Sewell (I love it) and I read about the shoulder pains people talk about and the book explains: A cannula is placed into the abdominal cavity through the skin and muscular wall. The cavity is then inflated with carbon dioxide gas, similar to blowing up a balloon. The pressure of gas creates space for the surgeon to work between the internal organs and the wall of the abdomen. It also explains the reason for the preop diet which many people complain about: To expose the area of the upper stomach requires the lives to be physically lifted off the stomach. The liver is often quite large and somewhat immobile in very obese patients. This can prove to be a major obstacle in working around the upper part of the stomach. To make the procedure safer and easier patients are put on a pre-operative low fat low carb diet to shrink the liver. Makes me want to make that pre-op diet successful!

Sorry for the long post. I just thought someone might be interested.

Thread Starter  

linda...do you have a date yet?

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Hi NoPBJ No I do not have a date yet. I haven't officially met with Dr. Hoffman yet. Because of committments I can't have it before September 29th anyway. My appointment with Dr. Hoffman is August 19th.

I recommended it. I still use the book as a reference. Sometimes I check it to put my mind at ease.

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I was thinking of going and getting the book, but will it freak me out reading it before surgery?

RE: the book. Would you like to know what to expect? Plus it is more about before and after care.

Judy it is written by a doctor and a patient. It is a very good reference guide. I read it before surgery and it didn't freak me out.(which would have been easy pre surgery). I also use it now for a reference.

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Banding is done! I feel pretty good actually.

great judy i am glad u are feeling pretty good

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I have my post op today. It should go well. I am a little sore and achy but am able to drive. I do nap a little during the day.

Ate a little chili today, I have a clear picture of when to stop, LOL! Not too many complaints, more gas then I would like. Ate cream of broccoli soup though, and found out afterward that broccoli is not allowed.

I am liking the protein drinks, I add banana or sometimes peanut butter.

Starbucks has two whey protein drinks for anyone who is missing the coffee shop scene. The muffins looked so good though. Maybe better not to look at them. I really wanted to try one, but was sure I would be sorry so I was good. They were free samples no less!

Did anyone have a lot of bruising after the surgery. One incision, the highest one near my boobs is about the size of a baseball. The others did not bruise too much.

Over all, thumbs up! Have to work Wednesday, Ugh!

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"I gave up sex for food and now I can not even get into my OWN pants. But after that band, LOOK OUT!"

Thread Starter  

Judy...who was your doc again? Let us know how your app. goes!

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Hi Judy, Congrats!!!! I was sore the first week too. I did have bruising. The bruise thats the biggest is probably your port. Mine is between my breasts, well under alittle. Dr. Hoffman says the bruising is because of the blood thinners they give us.

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My husband had his first fill appointment this morning. You guys probably passed in the hall.

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Dr. Hoffman.

Bru, what is your husband's name? My appointment went well but I am having computer problems so will have to update you later.

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"I gave up sex for food and now I can not even get into my OWN pants. But after that band, LOOK OUT!"