Anyone Banded by Sonnanstine???

Hello, I'm getting banded by Dr. Sonnanstine on July 2, 2007 and wanted to know if there were others banded by him on this forum? I have a few questions to ask, and hate to bug the staff all the time, so I figured I'd see if anyone else is out there. Thanks, Lynette 8-)

Hey Lynette my sister MIMI was banded in November by Dr. Tom and she has done great. I will see her in the morning and tell her to jump on and send you a response. Good Luck Dr Tom is great. Jane

Hi Lynette, I don't have Lap-Band.....but Dr. Sonnanstine did my gastric bypass last fall. Just wanted to tell you that you couldn't have picked a better surgeon! Congrats on your surgery date! Chris

Congrats on your surgery date! I wasn't banded either but would not want anyone else to have done my RNY but him! What time is your surgery? Does your family want company? Several of us are local and try to come up and visit.

Hi Lynette, what kind of questions do you have? I will do my best to get the answers for you. email me direct if you wish. Brenda

I was banded by Dr. Sonnanstine. Feel free to contact me....He is the BEST!!!

I was banded by Dr. Sonnanstine. Ask me anything you wish. He is the BEST there is and I would do the surgery again in a heartbeat.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so happy to finally find other patients of his. I've been on Lapbandtalk.com for two weeks and have only had 1 response. Thanks to all of you. It feels great to have support out here, as well as at home. My first question: Is there a pro op diet? I don't start my classes until May 28, but other banders have had one. Second question: Is anyone a self pay patient? I have others questions about charges for fills, appointments, etc. Third question: Anyone have complications or problems yet? This is a major concern for self payers. I'm just preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best. Fourth question: What kind of protein powder do you suggest? I can't remember how many grams of protein I should be shooting for in the powder itself. That's probably it for now, but I'm sure I'll have more. Thanks to everyone for replying, and I just can't tell you how excited I am to be able to talk to others who have gone before. I did research, and I chose Dr. Tom for a reason, and it's great to see there are others who think the same thing. Is anyone still going to Monday night classes? If so I'll see you there. My surgery is July 2 at 10 am. Right now I'm not sure who will be at the hospital with me. I have a three year old and I'm not sure who is watching him, and who will be there. Thanks again, Lynette

Hi Lynette! I am so excited that you have chosen Dr. Sonnanstine to do your surgery. You will never regret your decision. He is the best! Now, to answer your questions.... 1.) No, there is no pre-op diet. Dr. Sonnanstine is nice enough to not put you through that. He just tells you not to do a big meal the day before your surgery. 2.) I didn't self-pay, so I couldn't help you out with this 3.) I have been lucky enough to have no complications with my lap-band. I did have to have my gallbladder taken out 2 months after surgery. Dr. Sonnanstine said that it was caused by my rapid weight loss and that I may have had stones before. Other than that, I have had great success. I think Dr. Sonnanstine's patients overall don't have too many problems or complications. 4.) The nutritions at the office (Beth and Lindsey) will recommend you use Carnation Instant Breakfast and add a protein powder to it. In one of your classes you will do a taste test to see which ones you like. I preferred the unflavored Unjury mixed with the Carnation Instant Breakfast and milk. I drank that for awhile until it got too expensive. A lot of people on her recommend Body Fortress that you can get at Walmart, Kroger, Target, etc. That is what I use now. It is much cheaper and tastes great. It has 23 grams per scoop and when you add it to 8oz. of milk it ends up being 31 grams of protein for a shake. It is a great way for me to get my protein in. The unflavored unjury worked initially, though because I was only drinking 4oz. Please, if you think of any other questions, post them here or send me a message. I am happy to share my experience with you. I was banded on Nov. 27th of 2006 and have lost 60 pounds so far. The lap-band is a great tool and has saved my life. Best of luck to you as you start your journey. Sara

I have one more Monday night class, so maybe I will see you there! Melanie g.