Considering Lap Band Surgery, Pros/Cons???

Hi everyone! I'm new here. My husband and I are considering having Lap Band surgery. He already has had his first appointment with the surgeon, and now has to get all his pre-op bloodwork, cardiac clearance, ect done. I hope to have my surgery a couple of months after him. So, we are looking for more feedback on this surgery. What are the possible complications? I have heard about slipage, how often does this happen? What causes it? What has been your experiences after surgery, good and bad? We are considering using Dr. John Dietrick, University Hosp, Surgical Weight Loss Center in Tampa. Has anyone else had this procedure done by him? Did you like him? Any problems? My hubby and I would appreciate any feedback anyone can provide. :-) Thanks, Charlotte

Hi Charlotte, I can't help much with the lapband because both my sisters and myself had rouen-y gastric bypass. All three of us have had different surgeons. My oldest sister who went first had her gastric bypass by Dr. Dietrick when he was over at the wish center. She has done great and gotten down to goal. She has nothing but praise to say about Dr. Dietrich. I had my gastric bypass in August by Dr. Gallagher and Dr. Murr at Tampa General and I think they are the best. My younger sister had her surgery by Dr. Haiken in Clearwater (he is now retired). We have all had very positive experiences. I wish you and your husband all the best with whatever surgery you choose and with whichever surgeon you choose. Patty

Hi Charlotte, I'm a Florida lapbander scheduled for surgery 2/15 with Dr. Rosenthal at Cleveland Clinic Weston. I've done a ton of research on the three main options: RNY, Lapband and VG (sleeve gastretomy). You should definitely read the info materials at the OH Lapband forum and there is a terrific site for VG. I picked the lapband because it made the most sense FOR ME given my weight and medical history. I was impressed with the low morbidity rate, few complications, no organ removal, adjustibility, quick recovery and fact that it''s removable. I wasn't too troubled about having a foreign body, I figure people live long lives with many artificial parts--knees, heart valves, etc.--rejection is very low. The incidence of slippage is only about 1%!!! It's caused mainly from what I have READ (not personal experience)by vomiting and not following the dietary restrictions. Some doctors now suture the band. The biggest complaint you'll hear about the lapband is that weight loss is slower than most other options. I actually liked that; it seems healthier to me. In the end, you should determine based on your medical history. They say the lapband isn't for sweet eaters b/c you can still drink milkshakes and other high sugar foods. The RNY is the gold standard in that regard. If you are a volume eater, then success is good w/ the lapband b/c it is restrictive only. For what it's worth, I come from a family of doctors--two are surgeons--and they will ONLY let me have the Lapband!!! Hope this helps! Meg

Charlotte, Dr.Dietrick is a very good Bariatric Surgeon. I've only heard of him and had a few friends use him for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypasses though, but he is in Charge of the Bariatric Unit where he is now. Where abouts in FL. do you live? As I chose my surgeon not only for his experience but also for future appointments and if I had any after-care complications. Good Luck and hope to see you at our Florida OH Conference this summer, Mike

Thanks for all your replies. We live in Ft Meade (Polk Co) which is only about an hour from Tampa. We did like Dr. Dietrick, so far. We have done research on all the types of surgeries available, and the lap band seemed to be the right choice for both of us. Our insurance will not pay for the surgery, so we will be paying for the entire thing ourselves. And seems that the lap band is less evasive, not as many complications and faster recovery time. Which brings me to our next question. We have secured partial financing for my husbands surgery. Any ideas of other financing options with fair interests rates? Again thanks for the replies! Charlotte

Hi Charlotte I had my lap band the last week of October, I have lost almost 40 pounds since then. You will go a couple of weeks without losing weight, before you get your adjustments I had my second adjustment last week and I think now is when I will start seeing more result because I can feel the restriction more this time then with the previous fill. For the lap band to do its job, you must follow up with the fills when your weight lost becomes stagnant. I researched the different WLS for two years before committing to the lap band. My reasons for choosing it where quicker recovery time, less invasive, lower mortality rate and its reversible if something goes wrong or you just don't do well with it. You also don't get dumping syndrome like the by-pass, but the weight lost is slower then the by-pass. I financed my lap-band using one of those 0% interest credit cards, do an internet search for who's giving the best rates and terms...just don't fill out the form on-line, call the company and speak to a rep. I think Capital One or one of the other big financial institutions has a special program for surgeries. Go directly to the lender don't use a broker to get the best deals. Best of Luck

Thanks for replying. I never thought about a credit card. My husband Chuck got his financing and now I'm looking for myself. I'm so glad I found this website. All the message boards are great, and the people here are very helpful. Thanks everyone! We will keep everyone informed of our progress. Charlotte