I had my surgery about 6 weeks ago w/ Dr. Hamilton. I was a little apprehensive at first because Dr. Steward has much more experience than Dr. hamilton. I loved him at my pre-op visits, and I haven't had any problems so far w/ the surgery. I had one bad experience and that was at my 1 week check up. I had a list of questions I wanted answered, and I really felt that he did not take the time to answer them. He tried to leave twice while I was still asking questions.  Granted, I had a lot of questions, but I also felt that with such a life-changing experience I wanted to make sure I was doing everything right. I was also self-pay and didn't want to encourage any complications!! So, I did leave there crying (but I chalk some of that up to emotional stress from being on the liquid diet for so long!!!! and not having food to help ease my emotions!). I emailed the bariatric nurse, Rachelle, and she answered all of my questions thoroughly. I just had my 1st fill two days ago, and Dr. Hamilton was great! He explained the fill to me and sang while he filled! The great thing about him is that he determines if you need a fill or not based on your hunger and how much you can eat. He doesn't hold it against you if you've lost weight. I know I've seen several complaints on the boards here of surgeons saying a person doesn't need a fill since they've lost 10 lbs, etc. He encourages dieting and trying to lose weight on your own until you can get a sufficient fill to give you restriction. I'd say overall that I like him. He's a little rushed during some appts (what doctor isn't??), but at least you know that the nurse will always be able to take the time to answer anything you may need. Let me know if you have any questions!

Hi there! I was told I could not have any nicotine in my system when I was tested on August 2, and my nut told us we could not smoke for at least 30 days prior to surgery. Had there been any positive for nicotine, the dr would not do the surgery. I have smoked for 30 years, and after 6 weeks as a non-smoker at the time of surgery, I felt SO much better! Stupidly, I started puffing again the week after surgery. I am sorry I ever started again, as I have a heaviness in my chest and started the smoker's hack again. Back go the cigarettes into the trash tonight! Good luck! I did take the Chantix, I believe it is called, and that helped a LOT!  LaNeta

I did & i hope others will too.. I will be posting my comments in my blog. I also recieved a reply which i poasted in my blog. 

My friend just went through Tall Grass but she is not a smoker.  I wish you luck.  Her surgery went well loved the doctor, hated office people.

Great idea right now i can't say for food ideas i have not gotten that far yet.. but i can tell you a treat we already eat that is sugar free & as great as it is simple. Sugar free choc pudding mixed with sugar free cool whip you can not tell it is sugar free at all!