WANTING LAP BAND SURGERY

Hi! I am NEW TO THIS MESSAGE BOARD BUT NOT THIS SITE. I have wanted surgery for two years. I have a heart problem (defibulator implant and cardio myopathy). My heart docs are at Barnes/ Jewish. I am currently about 60 pounds overweight (which is alot considering my health and heart condition) Last year I checked into the surgery and went to several seminars at St. Alexius hospital. I had pretty much decided that the lap band was for me. When I contacted my heart docs they told me that I should only have the surgery at Barnes with (Dr. Chris E.) I contacted his office, they were extremely rude and I was told that he did not perform the lap band surgery. His office gave me no encouragement at all. So I gave up! In the meantime my niece who also was about 60 pounds overweight too, and 13 years younger than me, had the lap band at St. Alexius. She was not to impressed with her doctor or the hospital but looks and feels great! She says the surgery was the best decision she has ever made( and I introduced and talked her into it) NOW she is really thin and I am stil very FAT ! I CANT DENY IT ANYMORE i REALLY WANT THE SURGERY! Especially since she has done so well (that was my excuse for giving up that I would see how she did ). ANY SUGGESTIONS OF doctors in the St. Louis area, and hospitals where they have had the most experiencce with the lap band.? I had knee surgery three years ago and my heart withstood it fine. I know the lapband is much less invasive and may ber done without general anth. (with local) . I am considering making an appointment with De Paul Weight Loss Institure. My next cardiology appt. is Jan 30th and I would like to have the doctor and facility ready for my cardiologist to review. I do have a different cardiologist than I had last year , so there may be a chance he approves of a surgery away from Barnes. Anyone out there with any advice I will be grateful. I have gotten my second wind and I am not giving up this time!!!!!

I am not sure what surgeon your niece used at St Alexius but I have the band and that is where I went..I used Dr Wagner.....throught the new start program. At the time he was the only surgeon in the area that does the lap band. He is a great surgeon. If you call his office Sarah is extremly helpful...his office # is 314-776-7112 Tina

Considering your special needs, I would look for a surgeon based on their area of experience, not where they are located. I live in southeast missouri, and had my surgery in Texas...I too wasn't all that excited with Dr Wagner (he has a very inflexible fill schedule) and found Dr. Spivak--he has placed over 1000 bands (compared to-at the time-wagner's 100 or so). It was no big deal to fly out there and have it done--stayed in a hotel for a few days after and flew home--it was really pretty easy. You could also consider Memphis, Nashville, KC, Sedalia, Chicago, and Columbia....all within driving distance, all have band docs there. I drive down to Nashvile for my fills (didn't have patience to wait 8 weeks for wagner If you have any questions feel free to email me! Jessica

I am almost 3 years post op and dont have any regrets about having Dr. Wagner. I owe my healthy life to him. Call them and check it out. He may want you to get clearance by a cardiologist before you have the surgery. We clear patients all the time for surgery. You will never know unless you check. 314-776-7112