Hi everyone! I am a new founder of the big medicine show and I LOVE IT!! I had the lap band surgery in March 2006 and I am so thrilled with it so far. My question is, last night on the show Dr's daughter was on there with some trouble of her band and they had mentioned a couple of times that since she was from Ohio there wasnt a Dr here to see that knew how to treat her. I was wondering if they had heard of Cincinnati Weight Loss here in Ohio, or perhaps if they had and maybe didnt care for that practice? That is who did my surgery and I go there for all my fills and everything and have had a very positive experience. I thought maybe for future use, his daughter could look at them helping her in case of an emergency.
They were not "Ohio bashing" at all. What they were saying is that there was not a doctor on staff at the hospital where she went who could do the simple procedure that she needed to have done. It wasn't that Ohio had no competent medical professionals who could handle the procedure...just that the hospital where she went did not.
That was completely strange. Here in NE Ohio, there are SEVERAL bariatric clinics within the Cleveland/Akron/Canton area that could have competently treated her.
WTH was she in OH that she couldn't get "competent care in the entire state of Ohio"?
i've been watching this show since it started and it's starting to wear on me. i think too much of it is staged and i think that kim was part of that staging.
why would she have flown 3 hours to texas when she was so sick? i realize her father and brother were available to help but why couldn't one of them have gone to help her? i know they said there was no one available in ohio to help but i found that extremely hard to believe. how could she have taken a trip like that when she had been in the er for so many hours? after they helped her they had the family reunion with the mother? what did she have to do with any of it?
also, a urologist should have been called in right away to take care of that man with the urethra problem. the senior doctor should not have been cutting that man's penis when he obviously didn't know what he was doing. the little "skit" with dr. garth in and out of the or was ridiculous. there was no mention of the problem after the last scene in the or and i'm sure that patient had problems later.
in other cases the doctors agree not to operate on people but later they do the surgery anyway, what's up with that?
i think this show is playing for the cameras and isn't a reality show but just another tv sham.
I don't understand why Dr. Garth Davis performed the procedure on his sister, Kim. I thought that was totally inappropriate. Why couldn't a member of their team at Methodist performed the procedure? I was also surprised that he asked his father if he would think of operating on his daughter. Was that just education for tv viewers that surgeons do not operate on family members? Both my uncle and father went to the same med school that Dr. Robert Davis went to and both around the same time. They would never think of performing a procedure or treating members of their own family. Also, about Dr. Robert Davis saying there was no one in Ohio who could perform the procedure. That is very different than saying no one on the hospital staff where Kim was could perform the procedure. If that's what he meant to say that's what he should have said. It came off very arrogant-that they are the only two people that could have performed the procedure. I don't know where she was in Ohio but what about the Cleveland Clinic or if near Toledo, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Could the Drs. Davis address these issues? I'm guessing a lot of this was for tv but it was still inappropriate.
I think the reason Dr Garth did the procedure on his sister is that she was so scared. I don't think she would have been able to relax if anyone else was working with her. After all it looks like she had been poked a bunch of times with other doctors trying to help her. I don't think the Ohio bashing was called for but it does make you wonder why there wasn't a bariatric doctor who could have been called in to help her. I'd hate to think that those doctors were too busy sleeping or whatever to come in on call to help someone.
Most surgeons are arrogant and are control freaks about their patients. I know mine is always a little concerned when I am going to a state where he doesn't know a Doc that he would trust with one of his patients and states it over and over again to me. I don't think it's a bad thing it just shows me he wants what's best for me. So maybe everything was said and edited to make it seem like there was no one but reality could have been there was no they trusted with her.
I work in a specialist's office and know that our physician knows other physicians in the same specialty field nationally, whether through professional organizations or just networking. I would assume that within the professional organizations of bariatric surgery and networking within that specialty that one of them would know 'someone' or could at least contact 'someone' to get a recommendation in the OH area.
This had to be for TV show affect or to personalize the Davis family to us.
Dr. Garth here. First off, I did not actually do my sister's band, a colleaugue of mine did her procedure. Her BMI was not quite in the range that insurance accepts and so she had to pay cash. There is a growing body of scientific literature which shows that as your BMI goes above 30 you are at higher risks for disease, and people who get bands between bmi of 30-35, do very well. In my institution we are not allowed to do a BMI less than 35 but I think that will change in the future.
As for the incident at hand, Kim was at a MAJOR institution in a mid size town in Ohio which should have benn easily capable to handle the band. I spoke with several physicians at the institution. Their main bariatric surgeon was out of town but I would guess someone would have covered for him. She sat in there for many hours and was getting sick so instead of sending her to Cincinnatti or Cleavland I just had her get in an airplane and get to my office.
There are some excellent bariatric centers in Ohio, notably the Cleavland clinic. The show is not meant to be negative to the state (although I am still upset about them Ohio state beating Texas last year).
So anyway it was a stressful moment that I took care of the best way I knew how. Not to mention I got a chance to see my little sis which was cool.
Hi all- I finally joined so I could clarify information about my experience that was featured on the show last night. I'd also like to apologize for my brother's spelling - Dr. Garth is clearly too busy to use spell check!
As my brother noted, I did have a surgeon here in Columbus that I was seeing for follow up care - I was referred to him by my brother - they are colleagues, and he is well known in the field.
The problem was that my vomiting and illness took place on a Friday morning - I called that doctor's office and they told me specifically to go to the Emergency Room at Ohio State. They said that the doctor I originally saw was out of town. Once at the ER, people there were pretty clueless - even the surgery residents and attendings didn't know much about the lap band, which is extremely unfortunate considering that OSU is a "center of excellence" for bariatric surgery. I was actually in the ER for 12 hours over two days, and I had to tell them myself that I needed an Upper GI to see if my band had slipped. I was eventually seen by "my" doctor's surgery fellow, who said he had done "a few" fills but had watched many. He tried to access my port 6 or 7 times (as you could see), and then told me I'd probably need surgery, that there was likely something wrong with my band. Clearly, that was not the case, and as soon as my dad and brother heard that, they told me to fly home immediately.
I think the whole point is that although the doctor I was supposed to see is reputable and well known and works for a well known institution, he was unavailable and did not have an appropriate person on-call to help.
Am I the only one who was shocked to see a woman, who was not that overweight, receive a lap band surgery? I find it very disturbing that someone who is size 14 (1 size larger than me) would be considered obese enough for such a serious surgery. It seems like the surgeons are a little quick to get the knife out.
Choosing to have this surgery was a decision that I made after much discussion with my brother, father, other family members, and a great deal of research.
My family has a history of type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems. I had tried many, many diets, and continued to lose and then gain back even more. As my brother (Dr. Garth) stated earlier in this thread, research on the lapband in other countries actually shows a huge benefit for patients with a BMI between 30 and 35: mine was 32, which is in the "obese" range. Clothing sizes vary - BMI is a more accurate way for most people to measure.
I took a proactive approach by having the lapband, a relatively simple and reversible procedure. Instead of waiting until I was morbidly obese with several comorbidities (i.e., diabetes), I was fortunate enough to be able to pay to have the surgery while I am still young and healthy. Because of that, I have very little loose skin, and had very few risks for having the procedure. Best of all, I am able to live my life as a happy, normal sized person. I think a great deal of post-op individuals wish they had been able to have WLS earlier and save themselves the pain of having to live so many years being obese and unhealthy.
Kim, I admit, when my husband and I saw your before picture, we both said "She wasn't that overweight at all!" You see, I would love to be at your "before" weight. I think the last time I weighed 180 lbs, I was a teenager.
But kudos to you for taking charge of your life before it got out of hand.
I am a patient of Dr. Robert Davis and Dr. Garth assisted in my RNY GASTRIC BYPASS. These genlemen are the most Profesional and Caring Doctors I have ever dealt with. Dr. Garth Performed RNY on My daughter and both of us have had great results. They have both responded to every problem and success that both my daughter and I have had. They are concerned and care about you every step of the way before and after surgery. I don't know where I would be if it were not for the Dr. Davis's and The Methodist Weight Management crew. They are the same on Tv and in the office and during surgery. Their are no put on's for the TV crew It is really them. I would like to congratulate Kim for getting surgery at BMI 32, It would have saved me allot of bad health and problems dealing with my Morbid Obesity. Dr. Robert and Garth responded like any family would for their own fix the problem and let a loved get better. Congrats Kim
First off I have to say you look great. I just don't understand how you can be a size 4 at 135 pounds. I am 122 pounds and a size 7 at 5'6". Just curious, or I may have misheard something.
Wow! Somebody decided not to be nice! Deborah Lynn 8, please note: Clothes have gotten bigger. You're either in some of your older clothes, or you're buying "classic size" from Neiman's. The "Modern Sizes" at Neiman's are about two sizes bigger. I have 14's that are tight in my closest and I can wear any size 10 and some size 8's off the rack from any store in town. Clothing companies have gotten smart. Along with their "attractive mirrors" they've expanded clothing sizes. But please, don't be catty. You heard her right. And what could it possibly matter to you? Besides that, I believe you're taller than she is and therefore would wear a bigger size. It isn't just "hips" that determine a size. Some of it is length, also. Being 122 pounds, I'm curious why you felt the need to comment on just that statement. I'll also assume that you think that women's clothing is actually all consistent sizing? Right. We aren't men. Can't actually buy a true length and measure pair of pants. Every different manufacturer in women's clothes has a different sizing structure. Or do you not shop for your clothes?
I just wanted to say your responses were well worded. I appreciated you being willing to have your experience placed on TV. I'm sure it was bizarre to watch yourself and then there is the issue of having your decisions and personal data critiqued.
I had read your profile on OH and thinked that helped clear up the "missing" details about what had happened.
I couldn't agree with you more about being proactive about your health, especially with a family history of diabetes. If I could have had my surgery at a smaller size and younger age, it would have been great. I've missed out on so much socially and otherwise because of my size. I lost a gamut of experiences in my late teens and the whole decade of my twenties because of my MO. I'll never be able to reclaim that. More power to you for taking charge of it sooner.
DeborahLynn, I do indeed wear a 4 at 135 - I suppose it depends on body type and most definitely on where you shop. Give me any size 4 from Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft (where i get most work clothes), Gap, Old Navy, and most things at Nordstrom's, and a 4 will fit pretty well. In dresses I usually go up a size because of my "upper half" At stores geared towards teens, like Express, or at the Juniors sections of department stores, I usually go up a size as well. The sizes there are different - a 7 is not on the same sizing chart as a 4 - there's a sizing chart that goes 2, 4, 6, 8, and then there's the more "juniors" sizes that are odd numbers. I don't know why I felt the need to defend my size, kind of silly, but thought I should put it out there.
Exactly! Why do we feel the need to defend our size in clothes? Kim, for me, size has been a determinant all my life of my self-esteem. Cut the tags out when it's over a 10, leave them in when it's an 8 or smaller. When I saw Deborahlynn's message it triggered a response from me. Wrong forum, I think, to try to make us "explain" our clothes size. Shouldn't we just be able to go in, buy clothes in a size that looks best on us, and not have to let that number affect our self-esteem? Obviously Deborahlynn had issues with her 7. (And isn't 7 a junior size anyway? In "ladies" that would be a 6 or even a 4 I believe!) As women, we need to get past the drag of that marketing ploy.
Well just to clear things up I was not trying to be mean or catty. I was not trying to start a cat fight here.
After reading Kim's response I realize that clothes do come in their own sizes depending on where you shop. I don't buy clothes in those stores so I can't compare. I just bought a pair of jeans yesterday that said 6 long and they were a little loose. Goes to show you can't always rely on what the tag says because it was obviously wrong. And I agree, who cares anyway.
I didn't mean to offend anyone. I think Kim looked great before. But I understand her issue with diabetes in her family, I have it in mine too. I hope her surgery will help with all that, she has great support with her dad and brother. I love them on this show and I think it's amazing what they can do to help people. Sorry if I offended anyone. Best of luck Kim.
Hi Kim! Thanks for joining to clarify the situation. I did not intend for everyone to start bashing you at all, nor was I trying to imply "ohio bashing". I was just invisioning you on a airplane for three hours, feeling the way you were feeling, when airplanes (for me) are bad enough! And I honestly felt bad thinking, why couldnt someone in Ohio help you to save you that plane ride. But, as Dr Garth, also pointed out...you also got to see your family and they took care of you all in one. I am amazed OSU couldnt handle that as you pointed out they are considered a center of excellence for bariatric surgery. Although I live about 45 minutes from Cols I chose to go to Cincinnati (2 hours away)because I had heard more about that lapband from there and more about the RNY from Cols. It was nice too for us viewers to see that they (the Drs) not only are excellent surgeons but also actually have a family member experiencing what we are. Especially for me because as I mentioned I am a lap band patient and I am always excited to hear anything about the band. I think you are fabulous, as well as your father and brother, and I commend you for being so understanding and patient. I also think it is great that you were able to get the band to stop the vicious obesity cycle before it got out of hand and had serious health troubles. As many have mentioned, if I could of back when I was a 14 I surely would of too. Thank you!
I do the data collection/reporting for a Bariatric Center of Excellence (designated by two different organizations). We're preparing for a "site review" for one of our surgeons. One of the things that is asked is if a bariatric surgeon was on-call at all times and I'm assuming that is a requirement. We also have nurses trained in lap band adjustment in the bariatric unit.
In that respect, I was shocked that a "COE" was unable to properly take care of Kim.
There are many people who have 90+ lbs opting for the Lap Band. The jury is still out on how effective it is. The hospital I work for has been doing lap bands for almost 2 years. I'm watching the numbers.
I agree with everyone. How could Kim have the lap band done when she had a BMI of 32? I thought that only severely obese persons get the lap band surgery. Kim, you look great now but i'm also wondering- how can you be a size 4 at 135 lbs? I'm 5'4 and 120 and i wear a 2-4. I think its unfair that people who really need the surgery can't get it due to insurance problems but someone who is not in such dire need can get it done right away. Don't mean to be nasty Kim, i just don't think the system is fair. Anyway, love the show and the Dr's Davis seem like great surgeons and great people to have as your physician.
I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY THE TOPIC OF THIS CONVERSATION IS THE SIZE OF KIMS CLOTHES,WHEN I FEEL THE TOPIC SHOULD ADDRESS WHAT DR ROBERT SAID TO ONE OF HIS PATIENTS..."YOU ARE NOT GOING TO CRY NOW,ARE YOU??" AFTER HE INSERTED, WHAT LOOKED LIKE A PAIR OF SCISSORS INTO THE PATIENTS INFECTED INCISION!! I FOUND THIS SEGMENT VERY INSENSITIVE AND HURTFUL...NOW,THIS IS WORTH A DISCUSSION!!!
I have to admit I was shocked to also see someone of this size and weight getting this procedure done. It just didn't seem necessary and I wasn't convinced by the "I've tried numerous diets line." And it left me wondering if Kim's brother and father weren't in this line of work would she have even have had the procedure done.
Also, is the adjustment/shot something that must be done for the rest of your life once someone has the band.
I do however wish her the best and hope she does not find herself without adequate medical care again. I can only imagine how scary that must have been without family nearby.
Hmmm, I can't answer for the factual individuals here, but I think you have read more into things than needs be. The topic was not at all about Ms. Davis' clothing size, it turned into that when things get off tract a bit.
Frankly, as for what your saying " drama queen" I saw something, as well as heard something totally different. I personally felt Dr. Davis was saying that the patient had been through so much already, and now for a small infection he was going to cry. Sure, that would probably be uncomfortable to most anyone, however I really did not hear the tone of Dr. Davis being fascias at all. I believe he was really trying to lighten the situation, NOT at all be mean or insensitive.
Many times things are said and many people take them in a different manner. I believe this is one of them. Drama queen, what's with the caps? I mean I could say it was insensitive to ones ears??? The point, it's all in how one perceives things.
I wasn't convinced by the "I've tried numerous diets line."
Are you serious?
I expected these kinds of criticism by going public with my story, but I am still shocked at the ignorance that I see on a daily basis on the boards.
For the record, I tried Weight Watchers (twice), the Zone, Body for Life, and South Beach. I've been dieting since junior high school. While I lost weight on all of these diets, as expected, I ALWAYS gained the weight back, plus a few extra pounds with each one. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be able to stop that cycle. I've lost more weight with the band than I ever had with any diets, and I've kept it off for twice as long thus far. My hunger is limited, my back problems are completely gone, and I feel fantastic. I don't have a single regret.
As for it being unfair that I could get the surgery while others in more dire situations couldn't, well, yes, it is unfair. However, it's just like everythingelse in life. I was fortunate enough to be able to PAY for my surgery - insurance did not pay, nor did I even try asking them to. Saying that it is unfair is like saying that having money is unfair - some people can pay for personal trainers and chefs and plastic surgery to stay in shape - is that "unfair" as well?
And as for my clothing size - is it truly that shocking that I'm a size 4? Do I look much bigger than that? I don't think so, but maybe my perception is off. My Joe's jeans are a size 28 and fit perfectly - does that sound any better to you? I think size has a lot to do about where you carry your weight - I do not have big hips or a big butt, so my pants/shorts/skirts may be smaller sizes than you would expect. Additionally, Saluk, you are 5'4" and 120 and wear a 2-4. I am 5'5" and 135 and wear a size 4-6 (depending on the store, like I said earlier). I think that seems like a logical progression. I don't know why I'm still "defending" this, as if it matters!
Kim, as you said you did go on the show and in that way you do open yourself up to the opinions of others. And this is a message board so public opinions and reactions to the show are to be expected.
I know it is hard to lose weight. I have gone from 203 to 145 with diet and exercise and what I feel has been permanent behavior modifcation/self control on my part and have kept if off for three plus years.
And I wish you nothing but the best like I said before and I do enjoy the show but I do form opinions about it or any other reality show I might watch, for that matter, and the views I expressed in my earlier post have not changed. Good luck to you.
I don't know why I'm still "defending" this, as if it matters!
Ms. Davis, I am not quite sure why either. However I would have probably done the same thing. It's not so much defending as it is getting the TRUE FACTS out!
As for fair and if you can afford it or not ....the only unfortunate one is the one who does not help themselves! If you want something badly enough you will do what it takes to get it. I am a firm believer in this.
My insurance will pay part, but I am finding creative ways to make the amount my insurance does not cover to have the WLS.
I myself am a tall woman, no matter what size I have been no one has been able to guess what size I am. Fortunately I have been able to always physically appear smaller. Your body shape, bone structure and size is different, no two snowflakes are identical.
So Ms. Davis wears a size 4 , a size 1, or a 14, who cares. The important part is she is healthier and happier, I think until someone wants to buy my clothes for me that it is no ones business what size I wear. For argument sake.... I too wear different sizes with different manufactures.
Ms. Davis, keep up the good work and continue to do what makes YOU happy. Best of luck.
You know - some people mortgage their houses to pay for bariatric surgery!
Kim, please don't take these things seriously. People are idiots. The surgery and aftercare isn't easy, but at least it's not as hard as a Roux-En-Y.
I just popped in this board for the first time today. I'm not surprised how people are reacting. Be secure that your decision was what was right for you and that you're happy with the results.
I think it's great that you were able to have surgery at a BMI of 32. I wish I could have done it at that point. I'm probably right at the qualifying point right now, and I'm considering the lap band. But, I'm going to give it one last effort with Weight Watchers. I congratulate those that have been able to loose weight and keep it off. However, for many people, your body knows where it wants to be, and will keep trying to get to that point. My mother is MO and all of her siblings are as well. I hope your Ohio experience will be better in the future. I have lived here all my life and was shocked to hear this all happened at OSU. Then again, it is a teaching hospital with many residents. Your doc should have had someone on call even if it meant going to Mt. Carmel or Riverside. Good luck to you, and don't pay any attention to the people on this board who want to tell you their opinion. It's really no one's business except yours. You look great!
Originally posted by kimsdavis: Hi all- I finally joined so I could clarify information about my experience that was featured on the show last night. I'd also like to apologize for my brother's spelling - Dr. Garth is clearly too busy to use spell check!
As my brother noted, I did have a surgeon here in Columbus that I was seeing for follow up care - I was referred to him by my brother - they are colleagues, and he is well known in the field.
The problem was that my vomiting and illness took place on a Friday morning - I called that doctor's office and they told me specifically to go to the Emergency Room at Ohio State. They said that the doctor I originally saw was out of town. Once at the ER, people there were pretty clueless - even the surgery residents and attendings didn't know much about the lap band, which is extremely unfortunate considering that OSU is a "center of excellence" for bariatric surgery. I was actually in the ER for 12 hours over two days, and I had to tell them myself that I needed an Upper GI to see if my band had slipped. I was eventually seen by "my" doctor's surgery fellow, who said he had done "a few" fills but had watched many. He tried to access my port 6 or 7 times (as you could see), and then told me I'd probably need surgery, that there was likely something wrong with my band. Clearly, that was not the case, and as soon as my dad and brother heard that, they told me to fly home immediately.
I think the whole point is that although the doctor I was supposed to see is reputable and well known and works for a well known institution, he was unavailable and did not have an appropriate person on-call to help.
Kim, I'm so glad you decided to join the forum. I saw the show the other night and your story reminded me so much of myself that I made my husband watch it over with me. I've applied for weight loss surgery many times and have been denied, it's sad because I work for OSU Medical Center and have wonderful insurance. I had a really good feeling that's the hospital you were referring to on the show as well.
You are a true inspiration and your story has given me the motivation to apply for the surgery again and really push it this time. You look wonderful. I believe that you are a size 4! Thanks.
Hi Kim, I think you have addressed the forum with CLASS!! I will be on next week an hope that I can answer any negativity questions with the same class. The airing of what happen to you is something that needed to be addressed as to many times in the ER they do not know what to do with the bariatric patients (band or rny ect..) I hope they learn more as what you went through is unacceptable. As to your brother being there to help you that is what family does if at all possible, I think he did the right thing an thank the good lord above they were there for you. :-). As to having the banding, we all do things in life to help our selves or in this case all of Big Medicine to help others. My hat is off to you for allowing others to be helped an I hope I do the same, as that was my purpose of doing the show. Hugs! Cat
Thank you to Dr. Garth and to Kim for responding. I, too, was wondering how she was approved and now I know. I don't understand why the insurance companies make it so difficult for people to have this done. I tried once, but my insurance turned me down. I had told the doctor if that happened, I would not fight them on it. That was three years ago and I'm starting the procedure all over again. I go Wednesday and I am going to fight this time. Kim, good luck with your "new life". Dr. Garth, thank you for the show. I have learned a lot of things from watching it.
Hi Kim (I'm a new poster) - just in case you are still reading these (and this is admittedly a rather silly topic) but - I am 5'4" and I wear a size 4 at 135-142 or so. It depends on one's body type!
Hello everyone, I am new to posting here but I have been following the show since day one. I am hoping to have the lap band surgery here in California in just a few months and I have to say that watching the Dr.'s on this show has greatly helped me with my decision to finally have the surgery. They seem wonderfully caring and sensitive to the feelings and needs of their patients.... I also saw the show last week with Kim and I wonder why some people always have to find something negative to say. Did'nt you people ever watch Bambi? Nobody is perfect but what these doctors do goes above and beyond what most other physicians would do. Kim's decision to have surgery is between her and her family it should'nt bother anyone. How would you like to have your everyday decisions scrutinized by millions. It's not fair because no one is Kim so how would you know what is better for Kim THAN KIM. I guess what I want to say is it would be a much nicer place to post if encouraging comments or questions could be answered without all the hostility....and for the people who are losing weight with diet and excercise....just curious as to why you are posting on this board. Do you want to make people feel bad....or is it because you are considering wls also? No one knows better than an obese person about diet and excercise but the reason we are here is that it has'nt worked for us. If it works for you I think that is absolutely wonderful but I wish you would not judge other people for their decisions because they are personal decisions.
[/QUOTE] I was fortunate enough to be able to PAY for my surgery - insurance did not pay, nor did I even try asking them to. Saying that it is unfair is like saying that having money is unfair - some people can pay for personal trainers and chefs and plastic surgery to stay in shape - is that "unfair" as well? [/QUOTE] Most of these people had to just pay their deductible and 10 to 20 % after that. I know I had a $500 deductible so, I maybe paid $600-$800 for my surgery.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: kim g,
