Hi Everybody!

Thread Starter  

My name is Barbara and I'll get my band on 5/9. I start the Optifast one week from today. My doc is Dr. Krishnaraj at FOSA. I'm excited, nervous, scared, committed and more. Maybe I won't feel so crazy after the surgery! I look forward to getting to know you all!

Welcome to the neighborhood barbara. I am curious to learn how you do with Optifast. Is that for your Pre-Op diet???

I felt all the mix of things you're feeling right now and now that I've done it I couldn't be happier. My self image has dramatically improved and it feels good to be able to exercise w/o as much pain as before, perfect for spring! Good luck and keep us posted!

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Banded 3-14-08
Saranac Lake, NY
by Dr. Michael Hill
9 day pre-op diet start 3-05-08, lost 9lbs.
1st fill- 1 cc on 4-16-08, total fill 3.4cc in APS band
2nd fill 7-25-08, 1cc, total 4.1 to 4.4, not an exact science for the reading

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Yes, the optifast is the pre-op diet. 5 a day and low/no cal drinks like Crystal Lite only. 800 calories total. I'm worried about this part!

I had a hard time getting to my pre op weight goal. I was put on my pre-op diet in November last year (thanks Doc for doing that just b4 the Holidays!) But after making a mad dash in early March I made it with 1 pound to spare..
Something like Optifast would have been great to get the last few pounds off. I was put on a 1200 cal/day diet and I really learned a lot about portion control.
Dont worry about the last few weeks prior to surgery, once you are there and have it done you can relax and get ready for the next step.

Hey, is FOSA the group in Pasco County in Florida? Is that the one with Dicicco and Grossbard?

OMG! Barbara! We're band buddies! I am getting banded on the same day ;) Welcome and I look forward to getting to know you! ;)

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My Band Surgeon: Dr. Enochs of Raleigh, NC




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Thread Starter  

Hi. Yeah, this is Dr. Grossbard's group. How'd you hear about them? I understand that they are very good. I really like everybody that I've met there.

Thread Starter  

This is so cool! I can't wait to hear how yours goes. Are you having to do Optifast or some other "down and dirty" weight loss right before the surgery? I'm finding others that had to do diets long term and lose weight for several months first. Wonder why the difference. Anybody know?

I was banded by Dr. Dicicco and Grossbard on 4/3...So far everything has gone well and I go for my post-op appointment this Monday....We used this group because they came highly recommended, both me and my wife had the surgery on the same day. My wife works at Tampa General Hospital so they did the surgery there. No issues. Are you in the Tampa area?

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Hey! I can't believe you both got your bands on the same day! It was pretty cool of them to do the surgery at TGH. I'm in Clearwater. I got Dr. Krish because he's the only one who takes my insurance. I like him though. How'd you guys do with the Optifast? Did you lose a lot of weight? How was the taste? Too bad you didn't make it to the picnic. We had a lot of fun. There's a picture on the Yahoo Florida Bandsters on the West Coast site.

The optifast got a little tough...my wife had to do it for 2 weeks, I only had to do it for 1 week (there was a problem with my insurance approval). On top of the optifast, we did eat jell-o, and broth but that is about it. It is tough at the beginning, but after you get banded the liquid diet really isnt all that bad...after you get banded you will be on clear liquids for 1 week and then full liquids for about 2-3 weeks. I recommend you buy a drink called Isopure from GNC or Vitamin Shoppe...They give you 40 grams of protein in a 20oz. bottle. You will need the protein to help you heal and to give you a boost.

When my wife and I go to our post-op appointment we will find out about the various things bandsters do from that office together. Hope to meet you at any upcoming picnic. Keep me posted about your experience with the group and your surgery...