Realize band with Dr. Christoper Joyce

I have had all of my pre-op evals done and passed them all, but stil not sure on the RNY or the Realize Band. My husband would prefer me to do the band because it is less invasive and permanent if major problems occur. I was just wondering if anyone out there has had the band done by Dr. Joyce and how has their experience been. Any feedback is geatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Laura

Hi Laura,

I didn't get the Lapband but I did have a VSG done with Dr. Joyce. It was very routine and happily uneventful. My stay at Silvercross hospitol was great ( gotta love the private rooms) and I really can't find much to complain about. Keep in mind that you also get Dr. Lahmann in the surgery room. They perform all of their surgeries together so you get the benefit of two surgeons in one surgery. I went in on a Monday and was out on a Wednesday. I know from speaking with Dr. Joyce on monday he explained that it wasn't uncommon for them to perform upwards of 8 bands in one day. I believe they perform RNY/VSG's on Monday and Bands on Tuesday. They do their followups on Wednesday and leave thursdays and fridays for appts. Feel free to check out their site for more info. http://www.bmisurgery.org/

Omar,

Thanks for all the info. I did know that the doctors would both be in the surgical room, so that makes me feel better. Did your insurance cover the VSG for you?

Laura

Hi again,

It took some arm wrestling ( an appeal) but they did approve my surgery. My wife and I are insured with GEHA (Healthlink PPO).

Omar: Has Dr. Joyce ever actually done the DS? His office staff told me "no" and he is not on any of the DS community site's doctor who do the DS lists. I always like to know about DS surgeons in the area. So far, I have only come up with The U of C docs and the downstate Rossi group *****ALLY do the DS.

Nicolle

Hi Nicolle,

When I first looked into the office he had mentioned that it was an option and talked about all of the risk and rewards of each operation. My journey with Joyce started a year ago so I can't say with a 100% assurity that he has and or will perform one now. Let me edit my original post to not confuse anyone on that that. 

Thanks,
Omar

Hi Laura,

I had lapband with Dr. Joyce on Nov 10th.  No problems, he is very nice, answers any questions, and one thing I really liked, is he is one of the people who TEACHES other doctors about putting the Realize band in.  That impressed me, because I figure they (realize) must have put him through a bunch of testing and training to have him do that.  Omar is right, you get the benefit of both surgeons on surgery day, and that is a plus too.  I have had my first fill, and it went without a hitch.  If you have any particular questions, feel free to PM me.  Good luck on your decision.

Georgie

I got my realize band on 12/02/08. They gave so much info in the classes and Cherish and the staff are just wonderful about giving any answers to all my questions. I was 67 years old when banded , stayed overnight and had no big problems , he even took care of a hernia. I have lost 93 pounds this year even though my exercise was limited due to a knee problem. I am off most of my medications and breathing machine.I've never regretted my decision, just sorry I didn't know it was available for me sooner.  I thank Dr. Joyce every time I see him.  My niece who is in her 40s also got the band a couple of months before me, she is very active and has lost over 125 pounds.   Read all you can, there's  several forums on the web, but this is the best.      Glad to meet you, Merry Christmas, Norma