Ask Dr. Curry?

All surgeons do the procedure this way.  But there is no such thing as a "no slip" it just reduces the rate.  Our slip rate is 1.7%

Hello Dr. Curry,

I have a quick question, if you have a lap band can you have an MRI?  It came up in a converstion I was having today wiht my PCP.  I was never warned against it but I never ask either.  The thought was the metal in the port may be an issue.

I will of course ask my surgeon the next time I have an appointment but was currious.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer all our questions!!!

Michele S.

There is no problem with Lap Band or Realize Band and MRI's.

Hi Dr Curry. Congrats on your band and the current weight loss. Good on you. I just have a simple question. I have read different answers so I'm looking for a professional opinion. I am 4 1/2 weeks out and on 'regular' food. Is it possible for me to stretch my pouch this soon? Some have said that since I haven't yet had a fill, the food will just slide right through the band and therefore will not stretch the small pouch. Is there any truth to this because I fear I have stretched it. Thanks very kindly. Starr

I have never seen it nor have I heard of it.  Could it be remotely possible?  I suppose...but I wouldn't stress too much!

Dear Dr. Curry,

I'm considering the Lap Band but I don't know if I'm an ideal candidate because I have:

asthma
GERD
bipolar disorder
iron deficient anemia
fatty liver
hypothyroidism

Based on these medical conditions would I be an ideal candidate or would I be ok to undergo Lap Band surgery?  I've heard that GERD can get worse with Lap Band, but wouldn't the GERD go away when I lose the weight?

Thank you!

Amy

I don't see any reason that these conditions would interfere with being successful with a band, just make sure your bipolar is under control.

I am 36, 5'3, and weight about 245. I was diagnosed with Type two diabetes two years ago. I also have been diagnosed with PCOS. Since then I have lost seventy pounds by extreme diet change and portion control. In that time I've been imobile most of the time because I've had my achilles tendon repaired twice.
I found out today that I may need a knee placement. It was an old injury that has flared up with recent physical therapy in relation to my achilles. My orthopeadic recommended I discuss the lap-band surgery with my primary physician because he thinks it may give me some more time with the knee and assist in the achilles rehab.
My question is, I'm working wtih a nutritionist, I have extreme diet control with strict portion control. Will the lap band assist me if I already have these things placed in my life?

Thank you

Dr. Curry - does a slip always involve persistent vomiting and the general inability to hold down even liquids?  Does it always involve pain? 

I ask because I recently had yet another slight unfill in the hopes that it will alleviate night reflux.  I am back down to the level at which I felt hardly any restriction at all (at 6.0cc I felt no restriction; I'm now at 6.5 down from 7.5).  I'm afraid that if I keep "unfilling" but still experience the reflux, I may have a slip.  Help!  And thanks in advance.

Hello Dr. Curry,

I had my lapband placed on Monday, April 20th, and I'm experiencing a lot of stomach acid. Is this normal?