crabcake 0 Posted March 13, 2007 Hey Crabcake!I was banded by Dr. Schmitt on December 18. I cannot say enough about Dr. Schmitt. He has been wonderful. I live about 40min. from Birmingham in St. Clair County. It too am self-pay. The benefit of self pay is that you get surgery faster. I am so glad I had this done. This has changed my life. The day of your surgery they will give you a 5 page print out of things to eat and things to avoid and when you can do what. This will be a big help for you. I have lost 25 Lbs. and I go in Tuesday for my 3rd fill. Good luck and I hope you get banded soon. Losinit07 Thanks for the encouragement! I hope I do as well as you have. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daisalana 33 Posted March 15, 2007 I have changed doctors, I'm not going to go with Dr. Freeman in Anniston,AL. Anyone have any experience with him? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daisalana 33 Posted March 15, 2007 *not=now in that last post Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TamifromAL 1 Posted March 15, 2007 How'd I miss this thread? Howdy, neighbors! I had my surgery (self-pay) on September 5, 2006, by Dr. Miles at MCE. He's my hero! I've lost 87 lbs, and feel awesome. We have a lap band support group meeting every 3rd Saturday, at 11am, on the third floor, Bldg 46, at Medical Center East. Although most of the participants are patients of Drs. Miles & Schmitt, others are welcome, too. I think it might be the only lap band-specific weight loss support group in the area. Ya'll come on down! Tami Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crabcake 0 Posted March 16, 2007 on the second floor at Medical Center EastTami, at the banders4life website, it says the 3rd floor. Which is it? Isn't this the same group? I'll be there this Saturday. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TamifromAL 1 Posted March 16, 2007 Ooops, you're right! They just moved to a new room. Thanks for the correction! Tami Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crabcake 0 Posted April 20, 2007 :update: I have a date! May 8th!!! I'm soooo excited! :high5: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alaverde 0 Posted April 20, 2007 I'm glad to see some activity on this board. I was beginning to think I was the only one in Bama! Congratulations on your date crabcake! Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crabcake 0 Posted April 20, 2007 Thanks, it hasn't quite sunk in yet...I keep thinking they're going to call me back and cancel! :hungry: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TamifromAL 1 Posted April 20, 2007 Congrats, Crabcake! That's right around the corner! Tami Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crabcake 0 Posted April 21, 2007 Congrats, Crabcake! That's right around the corner! Tami It is isn't it? I guess I'll get nervous closer to the time, but right now I'm really excited! This forum has been a huge help in my decision. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diann140 0 Posted April 23, 2007 hello! I am Diann and I went to Mexico 4/11/07 and had the surgery. I live in Chilton County, AL and would love to discuss lap band and all that goes with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TamifromAL 1 Posted April 23, 2007 Hi Diann! Congrats on your surgery. If you have any questions, ask away! Also, I spoke to Veronica, the Bariatric Coordinator at Medical Center East, and they are switching the time and location for the lap band support group meetings. There was a meeting today, so there won't be another one for a month, but I thought I'd let ya'll know, so you can mark your calendars. The monthly lap band support group meeting is held every 3rd Saturday, at 10:30am, on the Second floor, Main Bldg, Seminar Rooms 1-4, at Medical Center East. This is where the meetings used to be held. They tried a smaller room to make it more cozy, but the group just kept getting bigger! Although most of the participants are patients of Drs. Miles & Schmitt, others are welcome, too. So, the next meeting is May 19. Hope to see some of ya'll there! Tami Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amy 0 Posted April 25, 2007 Hi, I'm new here. I just got my surgery date, May 24, with Dr. Richard Stahl at Shelby Baptist. I am so excited and terrified at the same time! I would like to join the Birmingham support group, if you'll have me and look forward to meeting my fellow bandmates. I also would love any tips or advice anyone wants to pass along. Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daisalana 33 Posted April 30, 2007 In case anyone ever comes across this that knows of a lap-band support group in the Northern Alabama area, please PM me!! All I've been able to find is gastric bypass, and while it's better than nothing, I'd still rather have a lap-band support. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites