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Surgeon Testimonial

David Buchin, M.D.
I have to honestly say of all doctors I have seen whether PCP or surgeons, Dr. Buchin has been the absolute best as well as the PA Sophie. The office staff is amazing. The fact I can walk in and the staff knows me by name is so awesome. I had my gallbladder removed by the same surgeon who did my band and when he saw me he said I looked familiar. I never saw him after the surgery and his PA said I had psychological problems preventing me from losing weight.

Dr. Buchin and Sophie both came to see me everyday I was in the hospital and that really made me feel comfortable and that they truly cared. The office staff, Helene and Karla were so great with getting me approved for surgery. In the beginning of my journey I was not very motivated to lose any preop weight but after seeing how they treat each patient individually and care about my progress, that definitely made me feel a lot more motivated and the motivation carried out until post-op. I can't wait for my 2 week visit so that I can wow them with my progress and really make them proud.

I have to say I was skeptical. I read some reviews here and some people were concerned that Dr. Buchin was a young doctor. Being a medical student myself, I asked myself would it be fair for someone to judge me based on the fact that I was a young doctor so I decided to make my appointment. I have never been happier with a health care provider. If I could make Dr. Buchin my doctor for everything I would. I plan to continue to go to support group and keep up with the office for years to come. They make you feel like family. Anyone who is looking for a surgeon, this is where you want to be. He is up to date on all the latest techniques.
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my journey to becoming a healthier me
Journey of WLS from beginning


No more excuses.
on February 1, 2012 7:49 am
I am passed the 3 month mark. Never did I think this would go so quickly.  As you all know, the last 3 months were definitely eventful. Now that the dust has settled I have been having a hard time getting into a routine.  Every week I watch The Biggest Loser and last week's episode was about excuses. We all make excuses for why we eat what we want and not get up and go the gym.  I have decided to implement that. No more excuses- IN LIFE!  I am making it my business to get my butt to the gym everyday (well at least 5 days/week).  I am making it my business to get my protein, water and vitamins in every single day. I am ending my relationship with the scale and although the numbers matter, I am no longer making weight related goals. I find that these goals no longer motivate me but events and clothes do.  I am planning a weekend trip to Miami with some of my friends for one of their 25th birthdays and that has been the fuel to my fire.  I have been to Miami a few times and every time has been as a fat tag along friend. Not this time!! My goal is to be COMFORTABLE in a 2 piece bathing suit.  I know I won't have 6 pack abs and a firm tight butt by that time but I know that by trying really hard I will at least feel comfortable with where my body is at that point to prance around and not feel like a whale. 

Taking the no excuses approach and incorporating it into all aspects of my life also means that school has become my priority. While I have been home and taking a break, I have been able to secure a job. But that's just what it is, a JOB! Not a career! I have made it my business to work and save so that I can go back to medical school this year.  If I fall short of saving enough money to be able to pay for it I have come up with back up plans and have applied for re-admission into nursing school at my old nursing school and one that is closer to my house.  I have also applied to a medical school in Ohio which is a lot closer than going back to Antigua. If I get into the school in Ohio, I will be doing a summer program there this summer for 6 weeks. 

No more excuses! No more outrageous spending on clothes, shoes, purses, and accessories. I have placed myself on a budget and starting with today (1st day of a new month) I am tracking every penny I spend! I plan to pay off all my credit card debt in a few months and get my credit back into shape.

I hope I can keep up with this no excuses lifestyle without going crazy but if you want something back enough, you have to work hard for it, be dedicated and determined, and make sacrifices when necessary.

Hope everyone is pushing through whether on the journey to surgery or on their way to the new happier, healthier you! Good luck everyone!!!
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3 months tomorrow....
on January 16, 2012 10:56 am
Tomorrow is my 3 month surgiversary and my 3 month post op appointment. I had my blood work done on Saturday and I am dreading finding out the results tomorrow.  My hair is breaking and shedding horribly and I know it is because I have not been doing as well with my vitamins.  My hair isn't as thick as it used to be and the split ends are insane. But that is giving me motivation to get back on track with the vitamins. I have planned out my week of vitamins and hopefully that will help keep me on track.  I am looking forward to have my weigh in as well.  I feel like I am on track but then again I feel like I might be a little belowwhere I should be in terms of weight loss. All in all, I am happy with the progress so far.
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Finally back on track....
on December 27, 2011 6:30 pm
So I finally feel normal. No more feeling like I still have a band and constantly throwing up. I finally know what it feels like to have an RNY and I love it.  I am finally able to eat normal protein portions. After being dilated and getting a small tear in my stomach, having emergency surgery and being in the hospital for 3 days I feel so much better.  At least I know why I was having such difficulties eating.  I feel hunger and I feel full which is awesome.  I am content with what I can eat and although I still crave bad food I focus on my health and doing the weight loss right this time. I am happy. I have a job when many others are struggling to get one.  I have my family and my true friends around me and supporting me. And me and the ex-bf are working on things and I think this time things will work out for the best.  Now I finally have hope of getting married and not being a plus size bride and shopping at a regular bridal store lol. My masters classes are going well and I will be back in medical school in August. What more can a girl ask for? I am at my lowest weight in my adult life and the skies the limit.  Hope everyone is doing well and for those of you just beginning just keep pushing forward. It is sooooo worth it.
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State of Mind
on December 12, 2011 7:00 pm

I haven't been able to post like I wanted to over the past few weeks.
Thanksgiving went well. I had some turkey thrown into my food processor, a bite of stuffing, and about 3 leaves of baby spinach. A bite of pumpkin pie. Honestly didn't enjoy anything that much.

My weight loss has been steady over the past several weeks as well, 2-3 lbs/week.

I got a new job finally and I am adjusting to it so far.

So all my complaining about food from about week 2 has finally amounted to what we believe is a stricture.  Do I regret having surgery?? NO WAY!!!! I couldn't be happier.  Honestly it is sad to say but not having eaten in the last 6 days, I have lost about 7 lbs lol.  But not being able to eat has made me come to the realization that there is nothing I can't live without. 

I am afraid of regaining weight in the long run but I am also aware that I have to let nature take its course.  What I think may be my goal weight may not be where my body wants to be....all in due time.  I have come to the conclusion that this is not going to be a change for 1 or 2 years. I will have to watch what I eat and workout for the rest of my life.  I am ready for the ride called life as a RNY patient. 

Does that mean I am going to eat 100% healthy all the time? Heck no!!! I plan to live life to the fullest and enjoy because no matter what I am going to die eventually. With that said do I plan to eat what I used to and do it 100% of the time? NO sirry!!!! I plan to eat healthy most of the time and splurge on occassion.  Maybe eating a small amount of what I want once a week or once every two weeks.  Some may not agree with me but hey it's life. It hurts to see people go through this surgery and then regain all their weight or go back to old habits on a daily basis. It is just sad to say the least.

One thing I have realized, I do not think as of now I am a dumper. I prayed and was almost certain I would be because alot of times I would get sick when I ate greasy or sugary food when I had the band. I would get sweats and the runs.  So I thought for sure I would be a dumper but doesn't seem to be the case. Do I take it as a green light to eat what I want? hahahahahahaha NOPE!!! Life is about moderation and making adjustments.  I love sweets and candy. I also love savory foods.  Knowing that sugar can be my downfall I eat as if I am diabetic. Everything is sugar free. YES I eat candy but all sugar free. I drink my crystal light and diet snapple and have no sugary beverages at all.  As far as the savory, it is fat free or reduced fat all the way. I eat my cheeses and I enjoy it.  I honestly don't see the differences unless cooking with them.  When I cook for others I will use the regular stuff.

The hardest part so far? abstaining from alcohol. I can't even lie about this one.  If I am not around it, I don't miss it but Nov and Dec are big birthday months for friends and family so I have been going out almost every weekend for the past few weeks.  It has been so hard. I don't really want to carry around a bottle of water but most nights I do. Or I get a SF Redbull (I know bad) and then mix it in a cup with half water and some lime. Most people have no idea what I am drinking lol and it makes me feel better.  Sometimes I do the same but with cranberry juice.  When I see my friends/family drink I sometimes have a sip (not enough to swallow just to moisten my tongue) from them but only if they know I can't drink because they won't let me drink it.  I know I will eventually drink and possibly before I am supposed to but I know that is the demon I face more so than food.  I am by no means an alcoholic but I am a social drinker.  When I drink I DRINK!!! But I know the effects of surgery and I won't be able to do what I used to and I am prepared for that.  My birthday is coming up in about 3 weeks (NEW YEARS EVE) and I have been debating. Guess I won't know what I am going to do until the day arrives.

I have started seeing some folding of the skin and some wrinkly skin here and there, I think if I continue to exercise and lift weights, plastics (except for my boobs) won't be something I have to really worry about.  My boobs are gone. Deflated and sagging. I was never perky but sheesh I don't even have kids yet but I am okay with it. Part of what I signed up for.

As of now I have my scope scheduled for thursday and we'll see how it goes.  I hope they find the issue stricture or whatever and fix it so I can start eating again.  I was finally getting on track with all my nutrients and this has been a major set back.

Ok I think I got it all out for now.  Hope everyone is doing well!!! Stay positive and don't lose your prospective.

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Tomorrow marks a month...
on November 13, 2011 11:26 am
and I have been having some buyers remorse.  What was wrong with how I was? Sure I was morbidly obese but didn't have any related medical conditions. I was pretty happy and confident.  Only thing is I wanted to look better in clothes and I was tired of people staring at my butt.  I am still learning day by day about this surgery.  i have been doing much better with the proteins but still not so good with the water/fluids or vitamins.  I think once I get a job and have a schedule to go by, it will make things easier for me.  I am definitely realizing when people say they eat something one day and the next day, it may not agree, how true that is.  This past week has been so hard. I have been dealing with a lot of personal issues as well as struggling to eat and exercise.  Today is a new day and tomorrow I officially go back to the gym and I can't wait for my Zumba class. 

On a brighter note, went shopping at the outlets with my bff Friday. For the 1st time I was able to shop at NY&Co and OMG the clothes fit.  I decided to purchase 2 clearance items and I have been wanting a blazer so bad so I got one.  It fit so well except for the sleeves  but that will just motivate me to get in the gym and lose the fat off my arms. 2 more weeks left in my classes for the quarter and my birthday is next month!!!! Hope everyone is doing well!!!
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My Story

I have struggled with weight issues since I was about 8 years old.  By 4th grade I was already 180lbs.  I have done all types of diet and exercise as most of us on here have with no real results.  In 2007 I decided tha WLS was the way for me to go.  I wanted to have RNY but 2 surgeons advised because I was so young and had no kids the lapband might be my safest bet.  I decided to go along with it and within 6 months I knew it was the wrong decision.  Still I remained determined to make it work.  Now I know that it is definitely not working for me and I need to do something or risk losing my life and not being able to do all the things I want.  I come from a family of overweight people with a history of hypertension, diabetes, and degenerative joint disease.  Last month my mom at 49 years old had her 1st of 2 total knee replacement surgeries.  I realized that I need to get this weight off or risk being in her position.  I am currently in medical school and constantly wonder how will my patients react to me telling them about healthy living if I look the way I do.  I cannot wait to get the ball rolling on this revision so I can live my best life possible.