need some lap band info

I was contacted today by a co-worker whose God-daughter is looking into WLS.  She has about 75 pounds to loose.  Her doctor here in Fort Wayne has recommended WLS.    I have several questions.  I had RNY long limb back in Dec 06 and have lost 186.  My surgeon was Dr. Inman.  She had an info session at St. V's in Indy where she talked about the different kinds of surgeries.  I can't recall if she talked about a lap band or not.  I had so much to loose that the lap-band was not one of my considerations so I did not listen to all the details.  First of all, I would not recommend any kind of WLS any place other than St. V's since that has been my experience.  Some doctor's in Fort Wayne might be just fine, but  the only hospital I know that is a Center of Excellence is St. V's.  Know of any others?  Also, my impression was that if you had less than 100 pounds to loose you were a candidate for Lap-Band surgery, but not RNY.  Do I have misinformation?  Do all surgeons do Lap-Band or only specific ones?  Do you keep the band in tack permanently? Or is it removed after you loose your desired amount of weight?  How often do you get a "fill"?  How many ounces is your pouch? I have initially written this gal and told her that I had surgery and that I would be glad to answer any questions that she had or would put her in touch with people who could.  So who knows if she will write back to me.  I just needed some info in case she did.  Thanks for your help.  Karen

When I went last week to the info session at St. V's, Dr. Evanson talked about not only RNY, but lap band and gastric sleeve, and had diagrams in our packets, and slides that he used during his talk.  I think most of them do both RNY and lap band.  I know that Clarian and St. Francis are Centers of Distinction along with St. V's according to Blue Cross.  Hopefully some of the more experienced folks can help with your other questions.

I can't say I know from a doctor's view, but I would guess  that with less than 100 pounds to lose, lap bad would be the choice. BUt I met one lady at a support group or something who had RNY with about that to lose. She was very happy with it, as I recall. My guess? Your friend's daughter would have to talk to the surgeon to get it figured out.

When I went for my consultations, I didn't know which I wanted --- lap band or RNY. I liked Dr. Inman, because at the initial consultation, after the informational session, she sat for a while and talked to me about it, to help me make the best decision for me. We talked about how much I had to lose, and what my eating habits were like. When I went to see a different surgeon previous to that, he had just said he'd do whatever I wanted. Well, part of what I wanted was his input. That's one reason I liked Dr. Inman so much.

The doctors in Louisville are now preforming the Realize Band, as well as the Lap Band.  Not sure if they are using them up there as well, but it may be another option for your friend to check into.  The Realize Band has an online section on here as well, so check it out.

As a successful bander out 3+ years I feel compelled to answer your questions.

Some doctor's in Fort Wayne might be just fine, but the only hospital I know that is a Center of Excellence is St. V's. Know of any others?

Here is a listing of the current COE (Centers of Excellence). Click HERE

 

Also, my impression was that if you had less than 100 pounds to loose you were a candidate for Lap-Band surgery, but not RNY. Do I have misinformation?

There are people that have either surgeries when having less then 100 lbs to loose. It's basically up to the client and the surgeon to decided what is best for the client.

 

Do all surgeons do Lap-Band or only specific ones?

NO. It's a choice for the surgeons to learn that skill. She'll need to as each COE for a banding doctor if that's what she's considering. Or ask for a surgeon willing to do either or.

Do you keep the band in tack permanently? Or is it removed after you loose your desired amount of weight?

This is a permant fixture, unless medically necessary to remove. The only way it works to keep your weight off is to stay there, otherwise it's not going to help for long term. Long term it's constantly adjustable to keep restriction, unlike the RNY. Kind of think of it as similiar to that of pins and plates when you have a broken bone. 

How often do you get a "fill"? Intially 6 weeks after surgery is your first fill, after that it depends on you.When do you want them, how restricted do you want to be, etc... 

How many ounces is your pouch? 3 oz... at least mine is. 

Please feel free to visit the Lap Band site here on OH or even the offical LAPBand website for lots of information. ALso I'm available too. I love my band. I've lost 167lbs in 16 months with my band and have maintained for going on 2+ years. I love my band and my choice to have it. 

 

 

Blessings

Jodi 

Hi,
I'm also a successful lab-bander 3 years out (5/20/05). I chose lap-band for the simple reason that I didn't want my 'furniture' re-arranged in there. Restriction on what I ate is what I wanted and I got restriction. I can only eat so much in one sitting and that is what keeps me in check at all times. I have a 4cc band and am at 2.75 fill. This fall I plan on seeing if I can get up to 3cc for some more restriction to get 'back on track to goal' (husband's illness caused me to put my weight on hold for the last year, without that restriction....)
I really think it's a desired preferance for the patient to decide which she wants, and there are plenty of excelent choices out there.
I had mind done in Goshen at Team Bariatrics, and a friend just had hers done in Ft Wayne, we're both happy with our Dr's and our results.
God Bless,
Hope