A newbie asks "Why Not a Lot of Laparoscopic Lap-Band Info"

Hi everone! I am just starting to investigate this type of surgery and noticed that there are not a lot of people having the lap-band approach. It seems less invasive and has had good success. Am I missing something - do you guy know something I do not? Also, how do most folks pick their surgeon? It seems there are so many that have received favorable reviews - how do you pick? Sorry for the 'newbie' questions Gary

Hey Gary! There is a lap band forum on here. You have to do your own research----ask lots of questions of everyone! Lap Band and the fills afterwards are typically not covered by insurance. I did not like the idea of something other than titantium staples being inside me. You have to decide what works best for you.

Hello Gary! Welcome, and don't worry about the 'newbie' questions, if you don't know something, ask, we'll answer ! I decided that I don't want to have the lap band because I've found that it is easier to cheat. Other reasons were behind this, but I feel comfortable with the open RNY- there are so many people getting it done- it really is more popular. You just got to research and make the best decision for you. As far as the surgeon goes, my insurance company gave me a list of surgeons that took my insurance, I just picked the one that I felt more comfortable with. I live in Valdosta, and I knew that I would want a surgeon that was in a bigger city (Atlanta). Do your reseach on surgeons as well, and then make the best choice from what your insurance is able to work with. Good luck and best wishes! God Bless, Tiffany.

Hi Gary, I, too, thought about the lap-band after I did all the public internet research out there. It seemed the less invasive and left most of the anatomy intact; however, after talking with my surgeon AND researching some of the current medical research success...written and researched by the MD's themselves, it was clear that the RNY procedure was the "gold standard" for losing AND maintaining the weight loss...thus, resolving all those weight-related medical issues. It did also seem that the lap-band procedure was one of those that needed constant maintance?? How did I pick my surgeon??? You need to ask yourself some important questions: 1-How convenient & accessible will my surgeon and his staff be to me both pre-op AND post-op? I live in Columbus, so driving to Atlanta or Macon would have been a strain especially if it was an emergency. 2-What are insurance requirements? My insurance was very picky and had a clause that I had to stay in-network will all services. If I didn't, I would be held accountable for 100% of ALL costs for the surgeon, hospital, etc...basically, they wouldn't cover anything!! 3-What type of surgery I wanted to do? My surgeon only does the RNY procedure because it's what the College of Bariatric Surgeons claim as the "gold-standard" for gastric bypass surgery. Good Luck

Hi Gary, and WELCOME to the Georgia Board! We are a fun group, and would love to see more of you! I'm sorry, but I cannot answer your LapBand questions, but Big Yank is right, the LapBand forum is a good place to visit for answers on the surgery. If you need help manuevering your way to the other forums, let me know and I'll be happy to help you find your way! I picked my surgeon after a couple of referrals. I had a dear friend who had had the surgery about a year before me, and he was doing very well, and was VERY pleased with his surgeon. After the suggestion, I did some research on the doc, and then visited him, asked him MANY questions, and after researching a couple that were a bit closer (including the one my PCP was going to refer me to) I chose the doctor that had been referred to me by my friend and his wife. Don't ever be afraid to ask questions here! That's what we are here for!! You will find this group to be VERY supportive. Come visit again, and get to know us...we have a get together once a month...we'd love to have you sometime! Sorry to ramble on. I wish you all the best on your journey...please keep us posted. Tami