PerfctWgt130lbs

Hello, I am new to the forum. I am from Tuscaloosa and considering the lap band. I was diagnosed with PCOS by my OB/GYN. Are there any bandsters that has used Dr. Bilton as their surgeon? If so, what where is requirements for the surgery? What was his bedside manners like? What was your overall experience pre and post-op? Thanks in advance for sharing your story and giving much needed advice!!

Today, I went and had my band checked under Fluoro and sure enough, while laying there watching the screen, I could see the dye streaming out of my band! Now, I have to get scheduled to have my port replaced because it is faulty. It was leaking in two places. So the 7 lbs I lost this past 3 weeks, I did it on my own without the help of the band....:closedeyes:

Thank you so much for posting this Melly...I just left my doctor's office where he checked my band because of the same issues that you described. I was suppose to have 7cc in my band but when he checked it, he drew out 4cc and tried it again and it was 3cc so now, he has to set me up for the fluoro precedure to check to see if there is a leak. And from what you all have described here, it sounds like I have the same thing wrong with my band! He did say that if there is a leak, that I would have to go back under but it would only be minor so that gave me a small sense of relief.

Hi Kimmie, Yes, it's still ok to attend the meetings. We meet every third Thursday of the month except for the major holidays. We meet at DCH in the Williard Auditorium in the main hospital. If you take the stairs right in front of the cafeteria, once you get to the top, you will turn left and you will be facing a nurses station, which is formally called 1Center. At that nurses station, make an immediate left and then a quick right. Walk about 25 to 50 feet and make another left and it's through the double doors. They usually have a poster board outside the door indicating the Bariatric meeting...It's held at 6pm. And the treadmill and bike would be all I need to do too...

Hi Kimmie... Yes, anyone interested in learning about the surgery can attend the meetings. You do not have to be a patient of Dr. Bilton. I had my surgery in February and have not had any complications. I don't regret having it at all. I just wish us Tuscaloosa bandsters could form a walking group so we can all be an encouragement and accountable to one another. If anyone is interested in forming a walking group, please let me know. :blushing:

I finally made it to a support group on July 17th, which is part of my pre-qualification for insurance purposes; I have one more meeting to attend! Sitting there listening to the testimonies from post-op patients was a real treat. One man that had the Gastric Bypass only 2 days prior came down from his room to share his experience with the group. Mind you, he didn't have his IV in nor was he walking with a cane. He said he felt good and that he was glad of his decision to have the bypass. This particular class was extremely full. The speaker for the nite was Dr. Ross Bunch, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Hey Lottolose, Yes, I have to go through the 7 months of weigh-ins. My first weight recorded was in May (before I went to the consultation to learn I had to do this) and my next doctor's appt. with my PCP is in July; therefore, my 7th month will be in December. Hopefully, I can get scheduled for the band in January. Right now, I am gathering all of the things I will need pre and post-op. I have purchased a juicer and a smoothie machine along with some smoothie and juicing books. I even purchased a few vegan cookbooks...LOL...don't know how long the vegan phase will last because I am definately a meat-eater!! I am looking around for a used recliner so I can sleep comfortably while the incisons heal.. Next, I have to purchase lots of fat-free jello and popsicles and protein drinks. Sam's Club has the Slim Fast Optima protein drinks for $17. I already have my treadmill so once surgery is done, I don't want to have to leave the house for much of anything other than to have my post-op checkups!!!

Thanks, PeachesPJ....I turned my questionaire packet in today so now I'm waiting for June 10th to have my initial consult.....

Hi PeachesPJ, Thanks for replying...I am scheduled for my initial consultation on June 10th in conference room B at the hospital. Did Dr. Bilton place you and your wife on a supervised liquid diet BEFORE the surgery? What did his recommended post-op diet consist of? If he placed you guys on the Optifast liquid diet, did your insurance cover the supplies? I have BCAL. Congratulations to you both on successfully loosing the weight. I can't wait to join you guys in those high weight loss numbers...I have heard of the Genesis support group; however, when I wanted to attend, I have had to work. I am so glad to know that you guys have had no complications. I have never had surgery before so I don't know what to expect and I am very apprehensive about going under anesthesia. How long did the Lap Band precedure take? Did you go home the same day or does Dr. Bilton require all his patients to stay over nite for observation?

Hello All... I have just received my letter from the surgeon notifying me that I qualify to have the lap band done. My initial consulation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10th and it is 3 hours long in a group setting. We are asked to bring in any questions that we may have. This is the first surgery of my life; therefore, I really don't know what to expect. Does anyone have a list of possible questions regarding this precedure that I can ask? During this consultation, I will get to meet he surgeon. Thanks for any questions that you can offer.... :thumbup:

Thanks for replying ladies... CCluvs2scuba, I will definately keep you posted...Feel free to correspond with me through private message..I wish you the best on your journey to perfect health!

Thanks for replying, Gardengrl....yeah it's a pretty decent hospital...we have four branches under our belt now...lol... I don't believe I will have a hard time loosing after banding either...so far, I haven't gained anymore weight but I haven't lost much either...After reading some other postings about PCOS, I finally realized that PCOS is why my hair had become so brittle and easy to break off...This board has really been a blessing....It's like the bible of lap banding.... I wish you much success for your big day on June 9th....I will keep you in my prayers....Please stop by the forum and chronicle your story....Hopefully your mom will get to spend time with you during recovery.....ROLL TIDE!!!!