I have decided to have VSG. I have got the funds and have attended seminar, where I talked with the doctor. I have scheduled my initial appointment with him next Tuesday, 6/7/11. I know that I will have to attend a nutrition class and support group and will have to probably have a psychological evaluation. He might send me for a sleep study since I, more than likely, have Sleep Apnea. According to what I took from the seminar, these are the criteria I have to meet before I can have the surgery. So I'm really just beginning my journey. Anyone from the South who has had this or is willing to "buddy up" will be greatly appreciated!

Meg

Hey! I am from Alabama!! I am still pre-op. I have been planing on having surgery with Dr. Schmitt but now I am thinking of changin surgeons.

I am in NW AL. Near Hamilton/Guin/Winfield area. Where are y'all?

I am in NW AL. Near Hamilton/Guin/Winfield area. Where are y'all?

I am in Locust Fork above Bham in Blount County

Bama sleever here! I live in the Birmingham-Clay area. Dr. Touliatos at Trinity was great, if anyone is still on the fence about doctors I would definately check him out.

Ashley, why did you change your mind about Dr. Schmitt? We exchanged a couple of emails and we had both chosen Dr Schmitt. . .are you going with same dr's office? Please share your experience so far. I'm in Shelby County by the way. Had lapband at Shelby Baptist in 2008 and had it removed due to slipage in before the year ended. Obviously regained all the 50 lbs I had lost.

I am from Alabama! Shelby County, to be exact. I am being sleeved on Sept. 14th by Dr. Pennington up at Trinity, who is also a partner with Dr. Touliatos. I am nervous, scared, excited, happy, freaking out, lol. I am married with 3 kids and I know its for the better.

~*~*~Jenni~*~*~

Finished 3 month dr/nutritionist/fitness instructor/psychologist required appts(July 15)

Paperwork sent in to Aetna (July 25)

Approved for surgery (August 5)

Bloodowork, pre-op class and 2 week liquid diet (starts August 31)

Being sleeved on September 14!

Lanett, Alabama. I have a August 31st surgery date. Are you close to me?

I started this forum and never replied back to it! SO SORRY! I wish I'd have kept checking it, but got busy with everything and forgot I posted this. BTW, I'm in Selma, Alabama.

Ashley, I would like to know why you were thinking of changing surgeons and what you finally decided. I'm having surgery on Friday, the 2nd of September. I have faith in him as a surgeon and think he knows what he's doing with regards to this surgery, but I've picked up on a couple of things that have bothered me and would like to know what made you want to find someone else.

Meg

I live in Calera, AL (just south of Birmigham)...I had my surgery with Dr Schmitt in Trussville December 1st. I had a wonderful experience with him, his office and the hospital.

hey klus263 or should i say neighbor... I am over here in Columbiana!

Yeah, I know where Calera is. I come through there sometimes on my way to Birmingham. If you don't mind my asking, how much have you lost, how did you feel immediately after surgery, how long did it take you to feel "normal" again, what is your diet like now? I know this is alot of questions, but with my surgery in less than a week, these are the things I'm wanting to know now. Oh, and how often do you see him for post-op?

Thanks,

Meg

I live in Calera, AL (just south of Birmigham)...I had my surgery with Dr Schmitt in Trussville December 1st. I had a wonderful experience with him, his office and the hospital.

LOL!!! Ladies I had comented on this post before but never came back to see who posted. I too live in Calera, very close to I-65 and Walmart exit. So how are all you doing? I'm approved but still need sleep eval before I get a surgery date. I have my sleep eval today, hope the dont want to do a study, dont think I need it. Im having surgery with Dr Schmitt, do any of you attend his monthly group meetings? Maybe we can get together sometime. . .

How did your appt go with Kim Schmitt today? She probably recommended a sleep study right?? That's why I switched to Dr Touliatos at Trinity. I loved Dr Schmitt but I was not waiting a month for that sleep study!! I had my surgery with Dr Touliatos before my sleep study would have been!! I have lost 35 pounds in 9 weeks since surgery. I never get hungry and I feel full after about a 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of food.

How did your appt go with Kim Schmitt today? She probably recommended a sleep study right?? That's why I switched to Dr Touliatos at Trinity. I loved Dr Schmitt but I was not waiting a month for that sleep study!! I had my surgery with Dr Touliatos before my sleep study would have been!! I have lost 35 pounds in 9 weeks since surgery. I never get hungry and I feel full after about a 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of food.

I am being sleeved tomorrow by Dr. Pennington, Dr. Touliatos partner! I am ready but so very, very scared.

Wow Ashley, you are doing great. And yes, she did request that I have the sleep study. I was dissapointed but at the same time I want to know if I do have any type of apnea. I had my 4 yr old daughter with me and she said "you have little ones and we have to protect them as well" that's what gave me peace about waiting for the sleep study. if I have any kind of sleep apnea, I want to know and I want it treated.

So how far did you go with Dr Scmitt? I don't see how going to a totaly new doctor and starting all over would be faster than waiting a month. . .just curious :-)