Anyone from Alabama ?

patricia5901 · 05-29-2008, 04:59 PM

Hi everyone!

I have been reading this forum for a couple of months now and it has provided so much great information! I am trying to decide if I want the lap band or to go with the bypass surgery. My daughter who is 35 and is also severely obese is considering the same thing.
Anyone know of any great surgeons for either of these procedures in Alabama? I must admit I thought that the lap band would be the best to start with, but I have read some posts that has me thinking about the bypass again - any suggestions I wouldn't greatly appreciate! I have type II diabetes, really bad knees, high blood pressure and I LOVE FOOD - oh I forgot to add that I am 53 years old and am so tired of being so overweight - I have let it rob me of my joy for life and my knees have really put my walking to a standstill. I find myself becoming a loner and even avoiding the telephone when it rings.

Four years ago, my brother-in-law went in for gastric bypass and he never got to leave the hospital - of course he did not do as the doctors had told him prior to the surgery - but it has taken me four years to get up my courage to do something about my weight. I used to be very outgoing and never met a stranger, but my weight has gotten me really down on myself - I know how I am supposed to eat - so why can't I do it - after all I am a grown woman???

Patricia

gone 4 ever · 05-29-2008, 05:12 PM

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_5_142.gifHi Patricia. Welcome. I am from huntsville and My Dr. Is John Groves/ His partner is Stephen Britt. They are In Albertville. But they have offices in Madison, and Guntersville. Dr.Groves (my dr.) also has been banded. So anything I ask he can answer from experience. There are a lot of people from Bama. Several who have also used the same drs. I did. I have been banded 2 1/2 weeks and am so happy! I am sorry about your brother-in-law. I looked into gastric but said no way.. I researched Lap Band for a year, and knew this was for me. Only you can answer wich is right for you. Any questions that I can answer I will. Just look thru the sight and ask questions. This is full of info. Good luck Patricia.

http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp...p=ZRxdm609NVUS

patricia5901 · 05-29-2008, 05:27 PM

I have actually attended one of Dr. Grooves siminars and he really impressed me and especially after he told that he had been banded himself. I have gotten a little nervous though after reading about all the band slips and now the ports flipping.
Congratulations on having your lap band surgery, I look forward to reading wonderful news from you!!

Thank you again!

teacherofk · 05-29-2008, 05:33 PM

Hey Patricia I live in Alabama too and my doctor is also Dr. Groves and Dr. Britt. I am waiting on my insurance approval. I know what you mean about your knees because mine have gotten really bad. I am a teacher and stand on cement floors all day and it is killing my knees along with my weight. I will not do gastric bypass because I know 4 people that have died from it and I just know I am not suppose to have that surgery but having Lap Band does not scare me that bad. Good luck to you and all us Bama Belles

patricia5901 · 05-29-2008, 05:50 PM

Thank you for your reply! I have said I would never have gastric bypass after my brother-in-law passed - have gone to two different seminars with two different doctors. One was for gastric bypass and the last one for lap band - I was terrified at the gastric bypass one and was pleasantly surprised by the lap band seminar, the doctor giving the seminar was Dr. Grooves from Albertville and he actually had the band inserted about one year ago by his partner Dr. Britt and he looked great and had lost over 100 pounds. Just knowing that he had the surgery made me really feel so much better, but he is young, probably in his mid to late 30's and they all look great at that age! lol
Good Luck to you and everyone else here!
Patricia

Savedbygrace · 05-29-2008, 09:06 PM

Not sure where you are located but I chose Dr. Les Miles in Birmingham. From my understanding, he and Dr. Schmitt have done more lapbands than any other surgeon in Alabama. The confidence he had was one of my main deciding factors.

Do your research and go with what is best for you!!!