If I gathered up all of the reasons why I have been successful with my Lap-Band, I would probably come up with a list of about seven or eight secrets to my success.
One of those key reasons that I've been successful? AFTER CARE.
I was lucky enough to have a FABULOUS local bariatric surgery practice only three miles away from my house.
In my opinion, the magic of the Lap-Band ('cuz you know it's magical like a rainbow unicorn) is directly related to the quality of the medical professional who does the aftercare appointments and band adjustments.
Sometimes it is the surgeon who does the after care.
Sometimes it's a Nurse Practitioner.
Sometimes it's a Physicians Assistant.
Either way, those aftercare appointments should be a little medical advice with a WHOLE LOTTA therapy and talking it out.
For me, I only saw my surgeon at two pre-op appointments and the day of surgery. That's it.
He did a GREAT job. Seriously. No sarcasm here.
But who was it that was each and every after-care appointment for over two years post-op?
A Nurse Practitioner.
That's a total of 23 appointments.
Yep.
Those after care visits to my local bariatric surgery practice was a HUGE reason for my success.
That's why I am sooooooooooooooo happy that you now have a chance to have some of that magic too.
That nurse practioner who I visited 23 times has recently started a podcast series on iTunes.
Check out the podcast here: Weight Loss Surgery Podcast; Episode 002
Make sure you choose episode 002. It's all about the Lap-Band.
I wish I had heard all of the info that's laid out in this podcast prior to my surgery.
I would love to know what you think of this podcast.
So please, please, pretty please give me some comments below. I'll be your BFF if ya do.
This is fantastic! Cannot wait to listen.
ReplyDeleteI will give a listen and your advice is true to the letter. I actually did not realize how much aftercare there would be- despite my research, it escaped me!
ReplyDeleteVery nice! You're famous!!! And yeah...I wish someone had told me all of that before surgery. I'm having a little trouble with my band right now and maybe I DO need a small unfill. If my pattern holds, I'll be crazy loose next week so I'm riding it out to see what happens and just being careful, but yes, I can relate to everything she is talking about. Great podcast.
ReplyDeleteGood podcast. Although, I have to admit, I felt she got a bit 'preachy' at the end when discussing the 'spirit' portion and I kind of tuned out. I did like the 'mind' and 'body' portions.
ReplyDeleteI too, rely on my great Aftercare gang. My surgery center has two NPs, I meet with one of them monthly. The ancillary staff (medical assistants) are very helpful also, often giving me pamphlets or little tips. I agree with you completely, they (the Aftercare providers) are a huge part of my success.
Thanks for sharing, I'm so happy I found this community online BEFORE I actually get banded (hopefully in September?) Great insight into what I should expect.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of another surgery that has you interacting with the surgeon for so long. Usually it's wam, bam thank you ma'am and done. Choosing the surgeon wisely is so important. My surgeon does all my fills and I love him. Consider that you'll be going back to the office several times a year when choosing a surgeon!
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