St. Louis People

LMarie_MD2b · 04-20-2008, 07:17 PM

Hello, my fellow STLers!

I've been a long-time lurker while I considered a decision on whether or not to pursue a Lap Band, and I ultimately chose that preventing another 20-30 years of misery would be worth some financial discomfort for the short-term. I attended a seminar in February, and due to my class schedule couldn't get my initial consult appointment until this past Friday.

I'm ACTUALLY doing it! My tentative surgery date with Dr. Minkin is June 5th. I'm self-pay, so I'll be borrowing ~$10K to make it happen, and it'll make my finances pretty tedious for a while, but I am ecstatic!

I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions for you veterans out there over the next few months. Thanks ahead of time for your patience and your advice! :)

Oooh... First question!! What are your favorite protein drinks for liquid diet and post-op meals--and where do you get them?

Missourimom · 04-20-2008, 09:10 PM

EAS AdvantEdge Carb control Shakes............Strawberry is my favorite. I get them at walmart.

I am doing great. I am down 70lbs in 5 1/2 months. I just broke a plateau I was on for 2 weeks. YAY

I am half way to my GOAL weight. Very excited.

rch3877 · 05-01-2008, 09:42 AM

Well, Dr. Minkin's office called today, Wife and I have been approved and we set the date.

5/7, next Wednsday, time for our new life to begin.

Been takeing deep breaths all day and putting a big smile on my face.

Chris61 · 05-01-2008, 04:42 PM

Congradulations and good luck. You will be in good hands with Dr. Minkin. My wife and are very pleased with the results so far. Doing so much more than before.

Chris

rch3877 · 05-07-2008, 07:44 AM

Todays our big day, his is at 1pm and hers is at 2pm.
Can't weight! Diet wasn't as bad as we thaught.

Chris61 · 05-07-2008, 01:43 PM

Good Luck with everything. Let's know how it goes and hope everyone is on time. Dr. Minkin had me done in less than 45 minutes.

Chris

rch3877 · 05-10-2008, 03:20 AM

We are both done, at home and tucked in bed. :-)

Neither of us are in any great pain.

Going o try and take a walk with the dogs tommorow and see how that feels.

JaimeSTL · 05-10-2008, 09:51 AM

I'm glad to hear you and your wife are doing well, Ray.

I'm 10 weeks out from surgery. I saw Dr. Minkin for a check on Wednesday and I was down 48 lbs on his scale. I'm fluctuating about 2 lbs up and down right now. I was down 50 then up then down. Today, I'm down again, about 50.4 lbs down total. I'm getting my second fill on Monday. He was very aggressive on my first fill (3.2 cc) but I'm definitely losing restriction. I'm eating more per meal and hungry between meals. He didn't want to do the fill at first because I'd lost so much, but the last 2 weeks or so it has been pure willpower, so he agreed. I hope that lasts for a while because I don't go back until August.

Chris61 · 05-10-2008, 12:12 PM

Congradulations to all on the loss. Iam and the wife are doing well also. Hope the weather will clear so we can get out and do more excerise etc. I am really ready for it. We see Dr. Minkin in about 3 weeks and I can tell that I am ready for another fill. Jamie you are doing great! What are you doing to make this happen?

Chris

JaimeSTL · 05-10-2008, 12:21 PM

Chris, I haven't been doing anything special really. I keep my calories under 1200 everyday, get in 60-70 grams of protein and 64 ozs of water per day. I haven't been able to settle into a good exercise routine, between being super busy with school and work, plus the weather. I finished my finals last week so now I just have work so I plan to start exercising more now.

cosmo24 · 05-11-2008, 07:38 PM

Jamie, Congrats. I am going to start keeping a journal of my food intake and protein. I also filled two water bottles at 32oz each. I will make it a point to get more fluids. Thanks for your post you motivated me. Annie aka Cosmo24

JaimeSTL · 05-11-2008, 08:01 PM

Thanks Annie! I track my intake everyday and account for everything I eat, even if it is just a bite. I use Calorie Counter - Free Online Diet Journal to track.

JaimeSTL · 05-12-2008, 10:43 AM

I had my second fill today. I have to say, everytime I see Dr. Minkin, I'm reminded of why I like him so much. He's so caring and encouraging. He gave me another 2.5cc, so I now have a total of 5.7cc in my band.

If any of Dr. Minkin's patients are interested, I started a yahoo support group just for Des Peres/Minkin patients. It is stllouislapbandsupport : St. Louis Lap Band Support. I went to the support group meeting last month and plan to attend regularly, but I thought this might be a good way for people to give and get support that is specific to Dr. Minkin's protocol (since all doctors are different).

mom2kassautumn · 05-15-2008, 04:39 PM

Could anyone tell me what the financing options are at Dr Minkin's office?

mikelite · 05-16-2008, 09:17 PM

hey everyone, this is my first post, I figured it should be in the STL section. I got word from NewStart this week that I got insurance approval and they're trying to set my surgery for wed. the 28th., two days before my 32nd birthday. I'm excited. I'm gonna keep reading, but it's great to see so many successful folks around these parts!