Lap Band

I am thinking of going for consultation. Does anyone have any information positive or negative? Do you have a doctor you recommend? My family is VERY against this but I feel like I am dying in my own body.

TIA

Re: Lap Band

you have FM

Re: Lap Band

My sister had it done and unfortunately, it was done incorrectly. She didn't lose any weight and was constantly sick from it. When she became pregnant a few years later, she had the band deflated and then ended up with more complications. The band "slipped" upward and she couldn't intake any water or food without throwing up. They did an emergency c-setion (she was cut vertically this time) and removed the lap band. The doctor said she was very lucky she and the baby are both alive. This is a rare case. Only you can make the decision of if this is right for you. You do have to follow a diet and exercise plan to be successful. Just make sure you are fully confident in your doctor and do not rush into it the way my sister did.

Re: Lap Band

I also have a friend who had theirs shift, and she would throw up after every meal because the food got "stuck". She was miserable--make sure you discuss this possibility with your doc.

This same friend had hers removed and had a lot of success after seeing a nutritionist. Have you tried that?

Re: Lap Band

I've had two friends that had it done. It didn't really work for them and one of them has stomach problems from it.

Re: Lap Band

I have a few friends who went to Dr. Brathwaite at Winthrop and were very successful.

If you want to do this, going to a consult and getting the proper information and making an informed decision is the best way to go. You dont' actually have to go through with it if you end up not being comfortable.

At the end of the day, it's your own decision, not your families or anyone else's.

Good luck!

Re: Lap Band

Posted by IrishLass

I have a few friends who went to Dr. Brathwaite at Winthrop and were very successful.


Good luck!

Re: Lap Band

i'm not sure where you're located.
my gastric bypass was done by dr. vincent iannaci. he's one of the drs at the advanced laparoscopic surgeons of morris... they are in north jersey.

they do lap bands and bypass.

there are two types of bands, the lap band and the realize band. two name brands, but they do the same thing.

with a band, it's outpatient and you go home the same day. but there is more "upkeep" because you have to go back to the dr more frequently.

hope that helps.

ps. i know too well the feeling of dying in your own body. i was there, last year. i really do feel that i've saved my life by taking this drastic step.

Re: Lap Band

first all look at all the possibilities. I have had two friends do bypass and are very happy even though at first it was very hard to overcome the psychological aspect of learning how to eat afterward. They both went to good sam.

good sam info

Re: Lap Band

The lap band is just an aid it is not a solution. You do stay overnight in the hospital because they have to monitor you and make sure that you can eat the next day.

The lap band will only work if you change your diet and you exercise. Take it from me...I have the lap band. Even though you are not eating the same amount of food you were before surgery the type of food you eat still matters. So instead of having two cheeseburgers and fries you only eat one cheeseburger and half the fries doesn't matter because you are still eating a cheeseburger and fries...kwim?

It's really psychological and until you are ready to change your diet and exercise habits no form of surgery will work.

FM me if you have any questions.

Re: Lap Band

The surgeon who removed my gallbladder specializes in Lap Band procedures as well.
He is an excellent surgeon.
He is based out of Good Sam.
FM me if you want his info.

Re: Lap Band

My DH works for a Bariatric Surgery group - they do informational seminars 4 times a month in the evenings. FM me for more info.

Re: Lap Band

I am not sure where you are located but I know several people that have used Dr. Vohra who is one of the best in NY.

All were very successful with Lap Band. They all followed up and did what they were told.

South Nassau

Re: Lap Band

I had a Lap Band too. I did awesome with it and lost a lot of weight. I had a slip too and ended up having to have it removed. Had it not slipped, of course I would still have it and have been happy with it.

You have to change the way you eat. Its possible that food may "get stuck" and you have to kind of throw up to get it back out. My band was also affected by stress and got tighter if I was stressed out.

I followed all the rules, did as I was told, followed up all the time with my doctors. They arent sure why it slipped. I had a pregnancy while I had the band. No one could give me an explaination as to why it slipped. Some blamed me, some blame pregnancy... Its a risk...

I did love it, when it was good. When it was bad and slipped, it had to be removed - I was upset to see it go but I had no choice.

There are other procedures available too. Research everything... Consult maybe even with more than one doctor and truly inform yourself so you can make the best choice - for YOU....

Message edited 9/30/2010 10:55:24 AM.