"I haven't posted in a while, but here is an update - I am 9 months post-lap band surgery and doing great. I am down 105 pounds since my highest weight one year ago!
Dr. Andrei's staff continues to be extremely supportive, responsive, and caring. I'm here for an adjustment today, which I didn't actually need because of my progress, and Dr. Andrei called my progress "record-breaking"! Gotta love a compliment from the doc himself!!
Whenever I have called the office with questions or concerns, I have received prompt responses and am made to feel that I am genuinely cared about. My lap band experience has been a journey...sometimes easy, sometimes challenging, but most important, a positive learning experience for me. I think the most important lesson I have learned is that the lap band is a helpful gadget, but it certainly comes second to making proper, healthy choices. I have learned to change my eating habits for the better, and instead of relying on the band to do all of the work for me, it "kicks in" and reminds me when it needs to. I have only had 2 adjustments so far - one for my initial fill, and one to release the restriction slightly. Right now, I feel that I am at a good point, but I know that if I ever feel the need for additional adjustments, the staff at Dr. Andrei's office will be willing to work with me. It is so important to maintain frequent communication with the office. I look forward to continuing on this journey to a healthy lifestyle.....and continuing to shop for smaller clothes!! :-)"
"Hello all! This is my first post on this site after surgery. I came in for a follow-up appointment today, and I was asked to set up a profile on this site.
I started my LAP Band journey in November of 2010. I was referred to Dr. Andrei's office by a good friend of mine who had great success with Dr. Andrei and the LAP Band procedure. I went into the process with some doubt, and a ton of questions. I was very impressed after my first consultation with Dr. Andrei's team in November. My first visit to the office took about 3 hours, and I met with several of Dr. Andrei's staff, including Pamela, the nutritionist, and the doctor himself. I left that day still not knowing if the surgery was right for me, but was definitely interested in learning more about it. Over the next several months, I went to all of the nutrition classes, and had all of the medical tests done. I figured - if nothing else, I was getting all of my body systems checked out. As the months progressed, I realized that the surgery was the right move for me. I was tired of being overweight, uncomfortable, and unhappy with myself. It wasn't until a few months into the process that I really started changing my eating habits, as I wanted the post-surgical transition to be as smooth as possible. I was able to drop about 20-30 lbs prior to my surgery date. The nutrition classes were excellent! By attending the classes, I learned so many details about nutrition that had never entered my mind before.
I had the LAP band surgery on April 18, 2011. It went very smoothly, and I didn't experience anything beyond the usual post-surgery discomfort, which wasn't bad at all. I am only one week post-op now, and I've already lost approximately 30 pounds from all of the pre and post-surgery dieting. I should be ready to move onto soft foods very soon, and then after that, back to "normal" foods. That makes me laugh - because I am hoping that my eating habits never are what they were before I started this process.
So far, I have been nothing but pleased with Dr. Andrei's staff. They are organized, meticulous, efficient, and have always answered all of my questions in a timely fashion. In addition, they have dealt 100% with my insurance company, and I have experienced no hassles or inconveniences from my insurance provider. I was appreciative of all of the follow-up calls that I received to check on my condition in the days following surgery. I work most closely with Pamela, the nutritonist. She has always been courteous, warm, engaging, and willing to answer my numerous questions about proper dieting. It's odd - I never cared about nutrition before, now it's something that affects my daily life.
One week post-op, I still have so many unanswered questions. Will I continue to be successful? What will it feel like once my band is filled? Will I be able to enjoy food again? Am I going to have some rough days during this transition? I try to take it one day at a time, and realize that whenever I need support, I have a great staff here to help me. So far, I'm not regretting my decision to have surgery at all. I hope my success continues, and I plan to take full advantage of the excellent support that Dr. Andrei's office is always willing and able to give.
Hoping to keep you all posted as time goes on.....
"
