Gayle S.
Initial Consult
Nov 19, 2009
October 2009. Meet with Dr. Galo Grijlava for my initial consult to see if I am eligible for weight loss surgery. Weight was 318 lbs, BMI 44. I am eligible. He talked me through the risks of obesity, benefits of surgery as a tool used with proper eating habits and exercise.
At the time of the consultation I indicated that I was partial to having the Lap Band surgery. He talked me through both the Lap Band procedure as well as the RNY procedure. Very informative. The consult appointment lasted about an hour.
At the end of the appointment he had me make further appointments for an informational "intake" group session on the Lap Band in December, as well as appointments to meet with the nutritionist and psychologist.
I was very comfortable meeting with and speaking with him. At the time of the appoitment we discussed my diagnosis of Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease. He did some research and spoke with the representatives of the Lap Band, and stated that he would be comfortable completing my surgery. I was happy with that decision.
Its been about a month and I am rethinking my Lap Band decision. Further research revealed that NSAIDs are discouraged or even restricted/ eliminated - and I take Advil for all my aches & pains. Also, seasonal allergies tend to make my asthma worse, and coughing is a risk for slippage of the Band. I am a cougher. I do not smoke, but I live with a smoker. And I cough. This is a huge issue for me, especially since the Band is held in place by STITCHES?!?! I don't really trust stitches as an effective way to keep the Band in permanent place - no wonder there is slippage of the Band and erosion of the stomach.
My research has me now looking more and more into the Duodenal Switch. I have found two lists that offer a listing of surgeons that complete the DS surgery, and there is one physician with in 2 hours of me that is listed on one of them, but not the other. So hopefully, when I contact the hospital, He still does this surgery.
I am still going to keep the appointment for the group session for the Lap Band, but I am going to contact the hospital in Rochester and attend one of their seminars as well. My fingers are crossed that this will help me in my decision.
0 comments
At the time of the consultation I indicated that I was partial to having the Lap Band surgery. He talked me through both the Lap Band procedure as well as the RNY procedure. Very informative. The consult appointment lasted about an hour.
At the end of the appointment he had me make further appointments for an informational "intake" group session on the Lap Band in December, as well as appointments to meet with the nutritionist and psychologist.
I was very comfortable meeting with and speaking with him. At the time of the appoitment we discussed my diagnosis of Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease. He did some research and spoke with the representatives of the Lap Band, and stated that he would be comfortable completing my surgery. I was happy with that decision.
Its been about a month and I am rethinking my Lap Band decision. Further research revealed that NSAIDs are discouraged or even restricted/ eliminated - and I take Advil for all my aches & pains. Also, seasonal allergies tend to make my asthma worse, and coughing is a risk for slippage of the Band. I am a cougher. I do not smoke, but I live with a smoker. And I cough. This is a huge issue for me, especially since the Band is held in place by STITCHES?!?! I don't really trust stitches as an effective way to keep the Band in permanent place - no wonder there is slippage of the Band and erosion of the stomach.
My research has me now looking more and more into the Duodenal Switch. I have found two lists that offer a listing of surgeons that complete the DS surgery, and there is one physician with in 2 hours of me that is listed on one of them, but not the other. So hopefully, when I contact the hospital, He still does this surgery.
I am still going to keep the appointment for the group session for the Lap Band, but I am going to contact the hospital in Rochester and attend one of their seminars as well. My fingers are crossed that this will help me in my decision.
Afraid to even start
Jan 25, 2009
01.25.09
Hello.
I have been looking at articles and information about weight loss surgery for about a year now. I have had at least 2 appointments with my primary care physician to speak with her about what I have to do to start the weight loss process and have not had the nerve to bring the subject up.
I have joined Weight Watchers on numerous occasions just to give up after little success.
I have joined Curves as well as a local health club, in order to increase my activity and lose weight with little success.
I have not joined Jenny Craig yet, but for the last two years my lunches have consisted of Weight Watcher and Lean Cuisine microwavable meals, as well as Activia yogurt.
I am one of the lucky ones in that I do not have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or any of the other "co-morbidities" associated with obesity.
However, I do have a family history of obesity...my mother is obese, and has recently been diagnosed with diabetes. She is currently attempting to control her levels with oral drugs and diet. And my father was obese as well, and he died of an MI at 47 years of age.
I am afraid of following in my father's footsteps. If I continue as I am, I too will be dead in 13 years. But these fears have not helped me to do anything about my weight or my bad habits.
As of today, I weigh 315 pounds = 140 pounds overweight with a BMI that varies from 42-44 depending on the calculator used.
0 comments
Hello.
I have been looking at articles and information about weight loss surgery for about a year now. I have had at least 2 appointments with my primary care physician to speak with her about what I have to do to start the weight loss process and have not had the nerve to bring the subject up.
I have joined Weight Watchers on numerous occasions just to give up after little success.
I have joined Curves as well as a local health club, in order to increase my activity and lose weight with little success.
I have not joined Jenny Craig yet, but for the last two years my lunches have consisted of Weight Watcher and Lean Cuisine microwavable meals, as well as Activia yogurt.
I am one of the lucky ones in that I do not have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or any of the other "co-morbidities" associated with obesity.
However, I do have a family history of obesity...my mother is obese, and has recently been diagnosed with diabetes. She is currently attempting to control her levels with oral drugs and diet. And my father was obese as well, and he died of an MI at 47 years of age.
I am afraid of following in my father's footsteps. If I continue as I am, I too will be dead in 13 years. But these fears have not helped me to do anything about my weight or my bad habits.
As of today, I weigh 315 pounds = 140 pounds overweight with a BMI that varies from 42-44 depending on the calculator used.
