Is your Doctor aggressive????

coolcrystal · 01-08-2008, 03:28 PM

Just found out that my LAP-BAND^® doctor isn't as aggressive with his fills as other doctors are. My friend has lost about 110 pounds with this same doctor this past year, but she's had several fills.... but she says she's never puked/PB'ed or even slimed.. I thought it was because her band was a larger size (her liver didn't shrink enough for the surgery) but after reading somewhere that my doc goes slow with his fills I called and asked the lady at his office about it.

She told me that he isn't as aggressive with the fills as some doctors are because he wants to take it slow so you don't vommit, PB, slip your band, etc.

So, because of this, you don't lose as quickly as others, but he has fewer issues with his folks.

In one way I'm glad that he's not as aggressive because I see how well my friend is doing and she never pb's, vomitts, or is so tight that she gets sick, and though she's lost a lot, she was a lot bigger than I am, so maybe that's why she's lost so much in a year.

I'm curious how aggressive your doctors are and if you think its a good thing or a bad thing.

citygirl4616 · 01-08-2008, 04:02 PM

My doctor is pretty conservative, and as the wife of a physician, that is the only way I would go. When I say conservative, I mean the following:

1 - Obviously, all pre-op testing is required, including MMPI-II test, note from primary care physician, pulminary clearance, etc.

2 - Post-op diet is a strict 3 weeks of a liquid only diet, followed by 3 weeks of pureed foods only. No solid foods until 6 weeks post-op. This helps assure that the band will stay in place, and not slip in the future.

3 - First fill appointment is after 6 weeks.

The patients in his office have all been successful in their weight loss, and he was recommended to me by a friend who is a surgeon. I want the best medical care possible, and do not mind losing the weight a little slower. It was most important to me to find the most qualified and skilled surgeon I could find.

Skinny_Jill · 01-08-2008, 04:53 PM

My doctor is not aggressive and I don't mind. I am losing at a slow rate but it gives my body a chance to adjust to the weight loss. I was only on liquids for 2 days and then soft food for 4 weeks. I didn't lose much weight but I felt good and had energy. My doctor wants me to learn how to eat healthy and make a lifestyle change. I would love to lose faster but I know this is the best way to do it ... for me.

wombat712 · 01-08-2008, 04:58 PM

I do wish Dr Spivak was a bit more aggressive in the fills. I drive 4.5 hours to see him and I really don't want to do that often.

I get it as tight as they will do it; I have to drink water and sometimes eat applesauce for them before they will let me go. Because of the distance I also get Omnipak inserted instead of fluid since it is thicker. It tends to stick around longer.

coolcrystal · 01-08-2008, 05:22 PM

Omnipak??? interesting! Something for me to look up and research.. Never heard of it before!!