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  • Username: kugirl808
  • Location: Dana Point, CA, USA
  • Member Since: 4/29/2010
  • BMI: 55.1
  • Surgery date scheduled
  • Surgery Type: VSG (07/12/10)
  • Surgeon: Justin Braverman M.D.
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BelizeSleeve
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mommyjen99
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Surgeon Testimonial

Justin Braverman M.D.
FIRST IMPRESSION:
So far, he's been a nice guy! I met him 2x prior to my EDG (in March) and then again a few months prior to my surgery (12 July)

ADDRESSING RISKS: He's been honest and forthcoming about my revision and the risks associated. He seemed

OFFICE:
His office staff leaves little to be desired! I honestly think they're VERY disorganized and in desperate need of an OFFICE MANAGER!

IN OFFICE PROGRAMS:
They have the NEW Program which they PUSH down ALL the 'revision' patients throats no matter who you are! It's mandatory!!! They lump everyone together and DO NOT handle 'revision' patients on a "one to one" basis! THAT, sucks! I believe every patient should be accessed individually as each case is different! As a 'revision' patient you MUST buy their Silver Plan for $3500.00!! The soups are nasty. The protein shakes are not much better (the Double Chocolate is the best one!) The protein bars are good. They also give you boxed food for post-op so I will review those after I try them! It's ALL processed foods though - nothing natural!

AFTER CARE: Yes, they have a structured program. We have to meet with their Dietician, Personal Trainer, Internist, and stay on their foods.

I will update more once I'm post-op! :)


Member Interests
  • Family & Friends - I have the BEST family of friends - ever!
  • Theater - I try to see one or two performances on Broadway annually
  • Writing - I enjoy writing - plan to start a WLS Blog
  • Dancing - My husband and I met dancing in 1990
  • Photography - It was my major in college the 70's - now I'm a part of the digital age!
  • Beachcombing - LOVE the beach! We are from Hawaii so it's a part of us!
  • Baseball - I ENJOY NY Yankee Baseball
  • Road Trips - GREAT fun on the mainland
  • Cruises - We take one a year! Last year, we took two; 14 days in Europe and 8 days Caribe
  • Romance - I enjoy Romance Films

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kugirl808's Blog
kugirl808's Blog


My Story - 1 week 'prior' to surgery!
on July 5, 2010 11:01 pm
I had Lap Band surgery 4 years ago. After it was done I thought, "okay ...this is it!" But the band never worked for me! After 4 years and a Cat Scan they found a Hiatal Hernia and slight slippage. Because of my high BMI my new doctors commented to my husband that it should never have been done in the first place! However; due to the slippage - my insurance company "approved" a revision. This APPROVAL is a 'blessing' for various reasons; First, as of April (2010) Aetna began to approve the VSG! Secondly, that they approved a revision at all is amazing! And from start to finish they've been great! I was originally scheduled for surgery on 14 June but Aetna wanted a few papers from my Bariatric program at Kaiser (my old insurance company) so that pushed my surgery date to 12 July.

I'm excited! This is my 2nd chance at life! It's a beautiful gift from my husband who's my best friend ......and God. This journey comes at challenging time in my life. I'm post-menopausal, retired and morbidly obese (the heaviest I've ever been) but 'happy' in my heart! I have good genetics (no hypertension, no diabetes, and low cholesterol) and a wonderful circle of friends who are supportive, positive, and aware. All of that is worth it's weight in Gold! 

During this approval waiting period (6 months) I've taken photography classes at the local college even though it was embarrassing.  I swear, I could barely fit into that darn one-piece seat in the classrooms! Yet, that did not deter me. I still showed up every class and sat there for three uncomfortable hours and swore to myself next time I take a class I'll be able to fit in the chair. (to be continued.....) It was a humbling experience to say the least but I did get an A in the class! 

I started my pre-diet last Monday. I drink 6 protein drinks and eat 2 bars per day plus lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery. And lots of water. I had some broccoli & 3 oz of lean chicken throughout the day (July 4th) but besides that I've stuck to it! I've read where some doctors suggest their patients lose 10-20% of their weight before surgery but my doctor puts everyone on his high-protein diet and expects that they do it .....but, why would anyone cheat? It's for our own good!

I pray and hope it goes well and according to plan. Specifically, that there's not an excess of scar tissue around my lap-band & port so he can do laparoscopic surgery! My scheduled hospital is a COE (Center of Excellence) and that makes me feel at ease knowing the staff is trained in Bariatrics. I'm not afraid of surgery b/c  I've had 4 prior surgeries and I've always recovered quickly! Plus, I had to complete all my pre-op testing so it's our hope this will go smooth and quick. I've read where most people suggest WALKING as soon as possible and Sip not gulp so I'll take that advice.

This also my tribute to.....my Chiropractor Doctor and friend! She got her sleeve in May of 2009 and has been an inspiration to me! Actually, it was her who suggested I look into the VSG and also the one who alerted us to Aetna's approval process. She has a beautiful spirit and her example has given me the strength to pursue. AND she looks amazing! I'm grateful I'm finally here! She's offered to 'mentor' me at any hour - of any day - if I should need to talk .....what a wonderful woman she is!

Well, for being my first blog it's sure long enough! I wanted to share and give a 'shout out' to everyone out there who's debating, scared, needs support or maybe considering a revision or a VSG?! Take your time. Do your research. And find a good surgeon. Make sure you have a strong support team of people around you and know that everything happens for a reason. I've always believed that. I go into this surgery next week with FAITH, courage, hope, prayer, and the knowledge that life will be healthier and even happier and lighter in the future!
Smiles,
~g
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