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  • Name: Tamara V.
  • Username: tamarapdx
  • Location: Milwaukie, OR, USA
  • Member Since: 12/5/2006
  • BMI: 29.2
  • Post Op
  • Surgery Type: Lap Band (07/03/07)
  • Surgeon: Robert O'Rourke
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Surgeon Testimonial

Robert O'Rourke
Dr. O'Rourke was courteous and informative. He spent time answering our endless questions and was very friendly. rnrnThe office staff and support clinical personnel have also been very friendly and helpful. Late into my process I changed my mind about what procedure I wanted. They got right on it and helped me do what I needed to get approval for the Lap-Band.rnrnThis program really emphasizes aftercare and offer many opportunities to participate in studies. The aftercare program isn't structured other than requiring regular visits to the office for follow up. They do make sure you know what resources are available though.rnrnDr. O'Rourke was very clear about the risks of my chosen surgery. He told me what he felt my risks were specifically and what the risks are statistically. rnrnOverall Dr. O'Rourke and his office are great. Dr. O'Rourke seems to have a great bedside manner and I have confidence that he is competent surgically as well.
Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by Shell Marr on 7/5/07 3:26 pm
    YAH... Tuesday was YOUR DAY... I'm so excited for you.... see ya on the losers bench!!
  • Comment by Linda_S on 7/3/07 9:28 am
    Best wishes Tamara! I hope all goes well and you can take your place on the loser's bench later today. I'll be joining you at the end of the month. You're in my prayers today. Linda
Click here for the surgery support page
After many years of thinking about it, I'm finally ready to move ahead.  My insurance is changing beginning 1/1/07 and will now cover bypass surgery.  I'm very excited and trying to gather as much information as I possibly can.    
tamarapdx's Blog
tamarapdx's Blog


I'm been naughty!
on July 10, 2007 12:18 am
Well not too naughty!  I'm supposed to be on full liquids until Tuesday and I had a carnation instant breakfast Monday night.  Bad bad bad I know.    I'm not beating myself up about it.  I'm actually really proud of myself that I selected something that wasn't too horrible for me, rather than a milk shake or something stupid like that.  Of course, that's sort of dumb since I wasn't tempted to get a milk shake...is it a win if you weren't tempted?

Things are going great.  I'm feeling better every day and am enjoying my time of with my husband at my beck and call.  Actually, I'm mostly just enjoying spending time with my husband.  He's really a wonderful guy.

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Banded and Home!
on July 7, 2007 8:15 am


Well I've been banded!  I had my surgery on July 3rd at about 9am.  Everything went very well.  The surgery was quick and I was able to walk myself from the recovery room bed to the hospital bed.  Then of course I slep for a LONG time.  I was supposed to be discharged on 7/4 but ended up having to stay an extra night due to a medication reaction.  So I was sent home on Thursday and have been doing well since.

I still tire really easily but I'm working hard to keep moving.  I want to get the gas out and build up strength!  It's hard deciding what is normal post op discomfort or if there is something I need to worry about.  My stomach just feels a little different and I'm trying to figure out what the signals are that my body is sending me.  I think I'm doing well.  No problems so far, but it's still making me nervous and worried that I will read something wrong.  I probably need to just relax!

Anyway, I'm happy to be home and happy that I have a couple of weeks off work to figure everything out.  My husband, Jeph, has been wonderful.  He's very supportive and attentive.  I don't know how I could have done this without him.
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Still plodding along!
on June 8, 2007 4:06 pm


This waiting for surgery can be difficult.  It seems endless and incredibly fast at the same time.  I've done my pre-op appointments.  They had a little class about what to expect in the hospital and right afterwards the same day as my pre-op.  

I've signed up for a couple of studies and will be busy with several appointments associated with that until the end of June.  

I'm really excited for surgery and staying focused on losing weight until then.  I want to have a healthy liver the day of surgery!  

Anyway, things are going well.  I'm excited and happy to have things moving along.

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I've Got A Date!!
on May 3, 2007 7:09 pm
Yea!  I have a date!!  July 3rd is my surgery date.  I'll be having Lap Band surgery at OHSU.  I'm so excited!

I'm a tiny bit disappointed at the same time.  I know I should just be grateful to have a date!  It's just that I'm planning to start grad school in late June.  Having my surgery on the 3rd is going to put a kink in those plans but I can live with it!
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Movin' !
on March 17, 2007 10:58 am


Well I'm doing good this week.  I had my upper GI on Thursday.  They found a small hiatal hernia and mild reflux.  I'm not sure what that means for me surgery wise but the radiologist seemed to think it wasn't a big deal.  

And I weighed this morning.  My husband and I have been weighing every Saturday morning.  It's sort of a contest but there is no prize involved...except feeling good of course.  But I lost 8.8 pounds this week!  I'm not sure how I did it but I'm pretty pleased.  Obviously it's not something to count on happening often, but those big numbers sure do feel good!

I'm scheduled for the motility and ph test on April 14th.  I'm disappointed that it takes so long to get in, but I know the time will fly.  

Plus!  I went to the gym yesterday and met with a personal trainer.  I purchased five sessions just to help me get started.  I feel great after working out yesterday and plan to go again tomorrow.

Finally, my BMI is below 50!  I know it doesn't seem like a big deal when you are so overweight...but it really feels great!
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My Story

I'm 34 years old and have been overweight the majority of my life.  I've gone to an initial education meeting and my insurance will begin covering bariatric surgery 1/1/07.  I've got my initial consultation and nutritionist visit scheduled for 1/2/07!  I'm very excited to move forward.  I have a coworker who is planning surgery as well, so it is nice to have her to talk with.  I'm very excited to interact with every here though.