Rocket City Guy

Congrats on getting a surgery date! You are getting yours done 8 days before mine, so I'm jealous. Good luck man! And if I come off like an ass in my reply to the bcbs question, it wasnt my intent!

Hey Guys, Just wanted to say hello and that I appreciate being able to read what everyone is going through and how they deal with the different roadblocks that arise. I'm being banded on 22 Feb and looking forward to being able to share my experiences as well.

I guess I kinda got ahead of myself, commenting to Andy before introducing myself.... I live in Huntsville, AL and am being banded on 22 Feb by Dr. Schmitt in B'ham. I started this process back in August (seminar), had my first appt with Dr. Schmitt on 25 Sept, was approved by FED BCBS in October, and finally got through with all the sleep ap related stuff in late december, and got my surgery date a couple of weeks ago. It's really inspiring to read how everyone is doing...and was even more inspiring to hear Tammi talk at the support group I attended.

Andy, Federal BCBS does not require a 6 month diet. In fact, getting approval from Federal BCBS was easier than all of the things the doctor required for me to do such as sleep study (which has added at least 3 months to my wait time).

I am due to be banded on 22 Feb. I would love it if we could start a group here in Huntsvegas. Lemme know if I can do anything to get this going!

I'm really glad to read this thread. I've been in the process of trying to get the band since September and found out two days ago that my surgery will be on 22 Feb 08. As I've read the forums here I've started to wonder if I should really do the band, or go for the GB. I've got to do something before my health gets REALLY bad and I'm more comfortable with the risks associated with the band as opposed to GB, but after reading lots of posts, I've wondered "does it really work?" It's good to read about those out there who are really happy with the band, thanks for sharing!

Hi Guys, I've been reading this forum for awhile now, and really appreciated the insight that I've gained. I got a surgery date yesterday for 22 Fed 08 with Dr. Schmitt in Birmingham, AL. I've been working this process since September and when I started I was very gung-ho about the LB...however, in the last few weeks I've began to wonder if the bypass wouldnt be better. I keep reading how GB is the "gold standard" and what not. Are there any of y'all that are regreting choosing the band over bypass? Also, if anyone has comments about Dr. Schmitt, I would love to hear 'em. Everything I have heard/read about him is very positive. Thanks!