Questions...wanting LAP BAND surgery

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone here had the LAP BAND surgery, and if so which doctor in Iowa did you use? How long is the process before you can have the surgery, do they make you wait for a certain period of time? I would appreciate any help. Thanks! -Heather

Hi I am from Creston, I have to go to omaha have lap band surgery if all goes well. I am attending the seminar august 3rd and consult august 4th with dr sudan at creighten university in omaha.

There are two docs here in Sioux City that do this. They are both really good. They do the surgery at Mercy Medical here in Sioux City. Dr. Rizk and Dr. Volstad (spellings maybe off). I have been to both their seminars and have talked to several people that have had it done with them. Have not hear anything bad. Seems like if people have had complications, they still would do it over again!! I have not had my surgery yet. My ins will not cover it, so I am going elsewhere to have it done. But have learned alot by going to these seminars. Good luck!! Jen

I don't know much about it, but have you checked with your insurance carrier to be sure they cover it? Many will pay for bypass but not lap band. They consider it investigational or experiemental.

They have started doing it in Cedar Falls but like Lyn said, check to see if you can even get it covered. I was just told today that at the office in Cedar Falls, they have signs up telling the patients that BS/BC Wellmark & John Deere will not cover it. Dixie

Morning Heather, I had Dr. Volstad for an emergency surgery (after my hyster) & loved him! Very compassionate person. I know of a gal that had lap-band with the Sioux City team but can't tell you personally about lap-band. Agreeing with other's make sure your insurance will cover it. Hugs Carolyn