HOW TO CHOOSE A SURGEON AND TEAM, FOR LAPBAND SURGERY? Type of Lapband that...

Hello everyone, It is so nice to see such a site as this. I think I will be in great hands here. I hear that Lapband surgery can be done many different ways, and there are two types, one approved by the FDA in Canada and USA- the ALLERGAN BAND. The other is INAMED. I am not finding any info on the FDA approval for that one. Does anyone know the difference, or have any experiences to share? Secondly, how do you get the best surgeon for all this money? I fear having complications, from erosions, or stitching, or filling, or whatever..... Does this need to be done by a Bariatric Specialist, and if so, who is that in British COlumbia?? Or just a General Surgeon?? Thanks a bunch!

Hi, I can't give you much info on Lapband as I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy in Puerto Vallarta Mexico on Aug. 23. I would do alot of research on the Obesity Help Lapband site as well as the RNY and VSG forums. You want to compare notes and make sure you are selecting the right surgery for you. You will learn alot about lapband by reading about people that have had them and had great success and about others who ended up opting for other surgery. I believe the surgery must be done by someone who specializes in this. My surgeon was a gastroenterologist who does bariatric surgery. Dr. Amson in Victoria performs Rny and I believe lapband but he has a very looong waiting list. Not sure about self pay though. You can check out his site at: http://www.victoriabariatricsurgery.com/ I know there are other surgeons in BC and you might find out more info about them on Dr. Amson's site. Good luck and keep asking questions. Take care, Gale..