gret1964

Hi, LPKIng23, I read your posts, how did your meeting go at MUSC? I went there and was scheduled for surgery in February and at my 2nd consultation, at my preop visit, the doctor tried to persuade me to have the gastric bypass, he had said it was more successful, and he wasn't having success with the band. I really knew that I wanted to have the band since I first heard about it. I also found out that the doctor at Musc learned the proceedure from doctor Ponce, so I checked more into Dr. Ponce and the Gastric Band Institute of Chattanooga. I was pleased with all I learned and even though it was 7 hours away, decided that was where I would have my surgery. I saved almost 5,000 dollars also. I was self pay. I have no regrets. Dr. Ponce has done hundreds of these surgeries also. Musc has done just a few.

Hi bandedgirlSC, I live on Johns Island and had my surgery on March 14th. I was banded in Chattanooga, TN, by Dr. Ponce. I just received my second fill and have lost 33 lbs, so far. I am so happy to have gotten the surgery, I am learning slowly what works for me and have alot of bad habbits to change. I know taking the weight off won't happen overnight and I didn't gain it overnight either. I am a mom of 4 sons, from age 21 down to 6 years. Gretchen

Thanks Momlambert, I am worried and paranoid too, but I always try to stay positive. I was banded on the 14th of March. My surgeon is in Tennessee and I live in Charleston SC. I almost went to the emergency room last night, Right now I am starting to feel some relief. Thank you.

Hi everyone, I'm so happy to have you all for support. I called the doctor today and let them know that for the last two days I have been having horrible pains in my chest and stomache area. I feel like my stomach is bloated too. I have been eating soft foods, and did have a small piece of ham with sweet potatoes for easter. Last night I had 1 pack of water downed oatmeal, and the pain came back and lasted all night, This morning I had less than a 1/2 cup of coffee and a baby bell cheese ate it really slow, chewing and the pain came back. This is so hard. The doctor told me to go on clear liquids again, and call back tomorrow. They think that something may have got stuck, and thats why I have been PBing for the last 3 days. Has anyone else had this happen, and what did you do? I have lost 24 lbs. so far.

Hi everyone from SC, I live outside of Charleston, and had my surgery in Dalton GA, Dr. Ponce of the Lap Band institute which is in Chatanooga TN- only 30 min. from Dalton. The cost out of pocket was $13,800 for everything and he has done over1200 surgeries. I almost had the surgery here in Charleston and found out that the doctor here was taught by Dr. Ponce. The doctor here kept trying to push me to have the gastric bypass, and it wasn't for me. I had my surgery on the 14th of March and am doing great. Good Luck to you all- Gretchen

Hi everyone Hope all are doing well, I am still on

Hi everyone Hope all are doing well, I am still

Just trying to post my new ticker, I couldn't update my other one.

Congradulations everyone on your weight losses, and Good Luck to all those who are being banded this month. My Prayers and thoughts are with you, and I look forward to hearing everyones progress each and every day.

Bikergirl- thanks for the ticker info. Flea- I'm glad your doing much better, I'll keep in toudh.

Good morning all: I am feeling so much better today, I still wake up between 2-3 a.m. for about 15 minutes, Last night I felt a throbbing in my leg so I started walking around. I ended upstairs in our guest bedroom changing the bed that my brother stayed in when he visited last week. I was very careful not to stretch too much, ( He left monday and I had to work all day, then had to drive 61/2 hours the next morning at 5:00 a.m. to my pre-op with the anethesthesis- thats why the bed still wasn't changed) I went right back to bed and woke up feeling great. I still have some upper chest pain, but have lost 5 pounds since the surgery on wenesday. I now need to try to figure how to update my ticker for my weight loss. I truly want to thank everyone for all the information I get from you. This is so helpful. I really enjoy talking to you all, since I have 4 sons and a husband and really enjoy the female perspective on everything. God Bless you all - Gretchen

good luck to all monday bandsters, i'm feeling much better too thanks

Hi Flea, Hope all went well with your sugery, I was moved up in time, and have been stayingat the Wingate Inn right up the road from you. I felt so sick yesturday, but much better today, I will be going home Friday. I hope to hear from you and your progress.