Dave_C

My type 2 diabetes was my primary motivation for getting banded 5-10-11. I was diagnosed about 15 years ago. Over time, the oral meds have become less and less effective and my endocrinologist has added more. I was taking 4 oral meds + a Byetta injection. My sugar #'s were almost out of control. The next step was insulin. I work in a safety sensitive job where I do not need to be on insulin due to fear on a bad reaction some time down the road. My BMI was just over the low end threshold at 35.2, so I did not do a full liquid pre-op diet. Just low carb for 10 days. So far, 10 days pre-op and 12 days post op liquid diet I am amazed. My sugar numbers are better than they have been in years. It even got a little low with a couple of days in the mid 50's. I have already stopped 1 oral med, cut another one by 1/2, and one by 1/3. Dropping and cutting the meds has given me numbers in the 90's. My younger brother was banded 3 years ago and was off all his meds within 4 months and 40lbs in. He has kept the weight off and stayed off the meds. I've been on them so long I don't know if 4 months is realistic for me, but I have a goal to be off all of them in 9 months.

I was banded on 5-10-11 by Dr John Groves in Albertville. He and his partner, Dr. Britt do a lot of bands. The have regular info seminars if you want some preliminary info. They use hospitals in Boaz, Guntersville and Arab. Mine was done in Boaz. their website: http://www.1samc.com/ Dr Groves has been banded himself. I liked the idea of going to someone that has been there, done that and knows what we go through. I've got my first office visit, post surgery tomorrow. Everything is healing nicely and so far the weight is falling off. I feel great?

Hi all, First post, but I have read the forums here from time to time. It's been a long road, but I was banded two days ago. 5-10-11 by Dr John Groves in Albertville Al, I'm still a little sore and have some upper chest/shoulder gas pain, but I'm feeling great all things considered. My main motivation for being banded was my diabetes. I've been Type 2 for almost 15 years. I am at max dosages on 4 different oral diabetes meds plus a Byetta injection. They were no longer doing the job and my blood sugar numbers were close to out of control. The next step was insulin and due to my job, I REALLY didn't need to be on insulin. Happy to report that after 2 weeks low carb Pre-Op diet and just a couple of days post-op my blood sugar is showing a marked improvement. Went from 200+ to 120 so far. My younger brother was banded 3 years ago and lost about 100 lbs and it has stayed off. He was also off all his diabetic and severe high blood pressure meds at 4 months and 40 lbs in. I started my journey last August with a visit to one of their seminars. Then I spent the next 7 1/2 months jumping through all the hoops for Highmark BCBS. Last Dr supervised diet visit was visit 3-6-11. I got approved 4-1-11 and got the letter 4-10-11. I got my date a few days afterward. The surgery went great. No problems getting put to sleep (my biggest fear due a prior surgery years ago). Arrived at the hospital at 6am, was in surgey by 7:30, recovery and waking up at 8:45,in my room at 9:30, swallow test at 11:15 and on the way home by 12:30. All went great. As of now,I'm not feeling hungry. I only have a few cravings, but no hunger pains. Look forward to my first fill! I hope to become a part of this community. I think all of us have a lot in common. Thanks, Dave_C

It will go well. Dr Groves and his whole staff were great.