MaggieDL

thanks. I have my surgery date... July 22. I may have a band when I wake up or not... Ugh!

Thursday Morning... drove to the hospital for a barium swallow test. Was a bit apprehensive about doing so but I knew it wouldn't hurt just taste something awful. Basically I was more concerned about being completely unfilled during the process. They took pictures before unfill and then lots afterwards. They gave me a disk to take with me for my follow up visit w/ Dr. Bagnato to get my results. So next step turned out to be another trip to the hospital on Friday morning... Endoscopy. The procedure went well. Dr Bagnato has told me that basically I have a slipped band and HH. I won't know for sure but I fear another surgery is in my future. I also fear that my band could be removed permantly. So yep basically no fluid in my band, possible surgery... starting over I beleive is my future ... wishing myself luck.

Today I woke up after little sleep. I have to get to work with a positive attitude but all I really want to to do is go crawl back under the covers and escape the day. I have been completely unfilled as of Thursday, and you would think that would help with the reflux. It is worse at night and I wake up several times coughing and hoarse in the am. I am wheezing in the AM as well. Basically I am just miserable and tired all of the time... so I know I need to be proactive with my Dr visit and I have been researching this slippage and HH diagosis ... I trust my Dr but I am still apprehensive... My next appt was scheduled for the 16th but since I was still under w/ anthes. they didn't know I can't come that day due to work so now I have to reschedule my follow appt. I want answers right now.... I am not very patient at times.

I didn't change my appointment... It would be 3 weeks before I could follow up! I need to know what I am going to be doing so that I can process this in my head and get it sorted out for me and accept the changes. Crazy huh?

My Dr's office has a monthly support group meeting and I have heard that its awesome. I live to far away tho to attend but its Dr. John Bagnato in Albany Ga if you want to check it out.

No it never did get off the ground. Does your Dr office have monthly support meetings? I was banded in Albany but have never been able to attend due to work schedule and well its a 2 hour drive one way but would love to join a group in Columbus and share experiences, ideas, food ideas...

Hi... I am looking for a support group near or in Auburn AL. I recently moved to the area and had my surgery in GA. I am currently 9 months out with my surgery and have been struggling a bit. Would love to meet others to compare sucesses and struggles.

thanks for the info. I am hoping for somewhere closer to home.

I live close to Columbus so was really hoping that a support group would start up there in that area. My Surgeon was Dr. Bagnato out of Albany GA. They have a support group but with work I haven't been able to make it to a meeting... and to be honest it has been difficult to make it to my fill appointments as well. I am 9 months out and I still don't have the elusive restriction that so many talk about... I guess I haven't reached my sweet spot. My weight loss isn't no where close to what i hope it would be at this time but still its better than where I was when i started this process. I have even thought of going to weight watchers just for the support but i am not so sure it would be so effective if they knew I had the lap band surgery. I am kinda stuck in my progress and looking for advice, answers, help!!

I was banded 10/17. Sorry that you are having to struggle there... hopefully you will find something to help you with the vegi's that you can have.

Hello fellow bandsters... I joined your group around the time that i was banded but have spent more time on another website... I joined your group because of the connection of our Dr. I was from Albany but moved to Auburn AL just prior to having the surgery and I wasn't about to start over the process somewhere else and I trust Dr Bagnato. Its hard having to drive the 2 hours to get the fills and they have been far between. I still don't feel like I have a band and I have 10.5 ccs in a 14cc band. I have been struggling the last 3 months with keeping up with the bandster rules but have resolved to see this through. My next fill is 5/13 so I'm praying that this will be the fill that will assist me in obtaining my goal. I have lost approx 18 lbs and the last 3 months i have lost and gain 3/4 lbs and can't seem to move past this... I am working on getting some exercise in and that has been difficult to work into my work schedule but this AM I told myself to quit with the excuses and get it done. I know you don't know me but I still felt the need to share with someone who would understand ... Thanks for listen. Good luck with your goals. Also I have heard great things about the local support group... is it worth the 2 hour drive to get there?

not sure if you were referring to me... :cool: If so i am doing fine. Still finding my way and getting well from the surgery. My 1st fill will be Dec 3rd so that will also be a new experience for me. Hopefully we can get us a group together a maybe meet everyone month or even every other month to compare experiences or receipes etc... Any thoughts on the where and when? I am game!!

Hey everyone... i just saw the comment about a meeting to be held next week... I know in Albany but where... I am three weeks out from my surgery and my 1st meeting w/ the clinic is scheduled 12/3/08 so not sure where to go for this meeting... please let me know and i may try to drive over and attend.

Hey to all... Hope all are having a restful Sunday ... I am working getting a jump on the month close ( i am a controller for several car dealerships in Alabama) I am excited to get to know all here and to possibly be able to attend the monthly support group that i heard was held in Albany. I am basically two weeks out from my surgery and i have good and bad moments dealing with the new idea of eating and what to eat and how to eat etc... I am on mushies now but i was able to tolorate chicken, skinned, and cut up in tiny tiny bites. I don't like the protein shakes at all but really hadn't tried but one brand so far but they are expensive so feel like i am wasting money. i eat alot of eggs.. so worried i will get really tired of that... any suggestions for more protein? I know that most of you are probably alot further along in the process so please dont mind my questions.

Hello new to site! I am originally from Albany but recently moved to Alabama. Kept my Dr tho since i had already been approved!! Was banded on Oct 17th and so i am just trying to figure out how and what to do now. Dr Bagnato is my Dr and he was great!! Hope to meet you all and hope you won't mind if i ask questions from time to time.

Well lets get started!! I am so ready!!

Hi. I am originally from Albany but moved to Auburn about 6 months ago. I was banded on 10/17 so on my 6th day. I would love to join a group in the columbus area as that is so much closer than albany. Let me know the whens and wherefores!! Hope to meet lots of new friends soon. Maggie Banded by Dr. Bagnato 10/17/08 Albany Ga live in Auburn AL.

Hi!! I was just banded on 10/17/08 so on my 6th day. Looking forward to meeting all and comparing notes!! Maggie banded 10/17/08