Hello from Florida

[SunyInFla]

Hello Everyone

My name is Robin and I live in the Tampa bay area. I had the Realize band placed in March 2009. I am doing relatively well...down 50 lbs since surgery and so very glad I did it.

My surgeon and her staff have been just awesome during this whole process. They really have the "insurance" thing down to a science and I was approved 24 hours after the paperwork was faxed in! If you are in the area, certainly consider Tiffany Jessee DO. You can visit her site for more information at shedthepounds.com.

Gastric Banding Surgery The adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive surgical procedure during which a silicone band is placed around the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band includes a balloon that is filled with a nontoxic fluid, most commonly a saline solution; periodic adjustments are performed by a healthcare professional who accesses the balloon via a subcutaneous port. Gastric band placement, unlike malabsorptive weight loss surgery (e.g. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, Biliopancreatic Diversion, and Duodenal Switch), does not cut or remove any part of the digestive system. See WLS Videos for animated surgery technique.

[MsJacquiiC]

Hi Robin and welcome the community. I'm so happy you've had a nice experience with Dr. Jessee. Sounds like she too real good care of you! Feel free to tell her about WLSJourney.org and if she has any other patients to refer to the site - we can set up a group for you guys to have on The Journey as a form of online local support

At anyrate - do feel free to update your profile to include your current info. I do hope you enjoy the forum = happy posting!

Jacquii.