lottolose

My doctor's office has a program where they accept machines from people who don't need them any longer to make available to people who don't have insurance to cover them. Perhaps there is someone in our community who will do that!

I agree ... I can't believe they make those people stand up there so naked for the weigh ins! At the end, when they have lost weight, the women wear tank tops, not the sports bras like they wear at the beginning. That seems cruel to me!

Yes, you will be intubated. This will take care of concerns you have about not being able to breathe on your back. You should go in before sugery and will be able to talk to a representative from the anesthesia department who will go over all of that with you and will allow you to ask questions. Do you use a cpap for sleeping? I agree with the poster above that you should have a sleep study done in you haven't already done so. If you do use a cpap, you will need to take it with you to the hospital and will probably even need it in the recovery room, because you won't be intubated any more, but will still be on your back and will be sedated. You might have trouble sleeping on your side for a few days after surgery.

Congratulations on this beginning of a happier, healthier life! The band is a tool that will help you accomplish the goals you have for weight loss. The forum is a great place to get advice, info about diet and recipes, and answers to any of your questions. If you are experiencing something, there are probably several people on the forurms who have experienced the exact same thing, and they can be a big help to you. Keep us posted on how everything is going!

My doctors tell me the weight loss is probably what triggers the hair loss, but they don't offer and suggestions. My sister, who is a hairdresser, advised me to take folic acid. I have taken two folic acid tablets per day for the last couple of months and it seems to help.

Good luck with your surgery! I think the multitude of emotions is perfectly normal. Where in Alabama are you? I had my surgery in March and live in Tuscaloosa.

I experienced the same problem. I don't believe that it is related to insufficient Protein or nutrients because I eat plenty of all of that and I take Vitamins. The doctors have told me that losing or gaining weight can cause this. I started taking a folic acid pill each day in addition to my mulivitamin, and that seems to have helped, though it took about a month to see a difference.

I am in Tuscaloosa and was banded in March. Have had one fill so far. I have lost about 40 pounds. Have you had your surgery yet?

That is great! I'm glad you made it to the support group. I haven't been since before my surgery and I really should go to the next one. When I first started going, no one there had had the lap band surgery (Dr. Bilton had just started doing that surgery) and it was a little frustrating to not hear from any banders. However, at the last meeting that I went to before my surgery, there were several people there who had the lap band. This board, though, was very helpful leading up to surgery and after surgery! Good Luck with everything! Keep us posted!

I was banded on March 14th by Dr. Bilton and everything went very well! The surgery was so easy! I had very little pain or discomfort, no trouble with recuperation, and have not had any problems with swallowing, etc. I have had one fill since surgery (he didn't want to give me one when I went at six weeks because I was losing well without it) and have been pleased with the difference it made. I am able to eat pretty much any food, but just eat less than I used to without being hungry. Are you going through the 7 months of weigh ins? Good luck with everything!

I was nervous just as you are before my surgery. I had never had any surgery before, never been put to sleep before, etc. However, the comorbidities that I dealt with on a daily basis and the increasingly poor health of my mother convinced me that I had to do something. I had surgery on March 14th and have lost over 35 pounds! Even that amount has made me feel better and has enabled me to get around better. I have also enjoyed getting new clothes. The surgery itself was a breeze! I just felt like I had been doing a lot of situps. I have never had any problem at all with swallowing or eating anything ... pills, apples, whatever. I just get full after eating much less than I used to eat. While sometimes I have been discouraged by slow weight loss, I realize that is what happens with lap band as opposed to gastric bypass. But I knew that before surgery. I have had one fill (last week) and that seems to have helped a lot. I wish I had the surgery years ago! I'm sure you have read the statistics and that your doctors office has given you information, but here is some info that is posted in the FAQs on this site: Minimally Invasive Surgery Minimally invasive surgical approach No intestinal re-routing, cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel as with gastric bypass Often performed on an out-patient basis Small incisions and minimal scarring Reduced post-surgical pain, shorter hospital stay and recovery time Return to work/normal activities typically within a week Fewer Risks and Side Effects Ten times lower short-term mortality rate than gastric bypass1 Low risk of post-surgical nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass Reduced risk of hair loss No "dumping syndrome" (food passes through the system too fast resulting in severe cramping/digestive disruption) related to dietary intake restrictions Adjustable Allows for personalized steady, healthy rate of weight loss No additional surgery for adjustments Supports pregnancy by allowing for increased nutritional needs Surgical weight loss option specifically designed for long term weight maintenance Effective Long Term Weight Loss More than 350,000 Lap Band® System devices distributed worldwide #1 selling adjustable gastric band for weight loss worldwide Over ten years of medical studies and academic publications follow-up Sets the "gold standard" of care for obesity treatment for hundreds of surgeons world-wide Reversible While it is intended to be a long-term treatment, the Lap Band® System can be removed at any time, in some cases laparoscopically Stomach and other anatomy typically return to their original state/functions Good luck with your weigh ins ... just look forward to a future of better health after the surgery!

This morning, I had a packet of regular, instant oatmeal. I added a little Splenda and cut up 3 strawberries into the oatmeal. Then, I mixed a little vanilla and splenda with some plain no fat yougurt. Delicious!

I finally went for my 6 week doctor appointment, expecting to get my first fill. He wouldn't give me a fill because I am losing weight without one. I am a little disappointed, because I was looking forward to more weight loss. I have really been working hard to lose what I have lost so far. The doctor said to come back in 6 more weeks. Should I have been more persistent? If I stop losing before six weeks, should I try to get in sooner for a fill?

I told the doctor that I do get hungry and I feel like I can eat pretty much anything with no restriction. However, I don't starve like I would be if I didn't have a band at all.

I was banded March 14 and have had no trouble at all, except that I don't feel very restricted. I am eating just soft foods, but have had no problems with anything I have tried. I have lost about 19 pounds so far. I am looking forward to getting a fill at the end of April!

Hi! I'm Donna and I live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and work at The University of Alabama. My husband and I have two grown girls and have been busy remodeling our house since both of the girls have moved out.

I was banded 3/14 and have had no trouble swallowing my medicines ... even the vitamins go down just fine!

Hello Alabama Bandsters! I was just banded yesterday, 3/14/08, in Tuscaloosa. So far, everything is going fine! I am looking forward to sharing experiences with other bandsters from Alabama.

Congratulations to you and your wife on the great weight loss! Yes, I was banded by Dr. Bilton. I have been to the Genesis meetings a few times since the fall. It was great to hear the advice and success stories. I'll try to make it Thursday night!

I seem to be doing great! Just a little sore, and no problems on the full liquid diet. I'm sorry you are still in the hospital. Was the extra hospital stay anticipated?

My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, March 14, 2008. Dr. Bilton, in Tuscaloosa, AL will be performing the surgery. I am excited about starting the weight loss process but am a little nervous about the surgery, being hungry, getting enough nutrition, etc. How long do people usually take to recover? Will I be able to do much physical activity next week? I have enjoyed reading the posts on the forum and am looking forward to having something to contribute.

I just received notice today that my surgery has been approved by my insurance company! Surgery scheduled for March 14th!