If you want the LapBand but doctor says RNY

Hi again everybody, Well i switched doctors...I'm now going to use Dr. Harris at Coastal Surgery.. Dr. Miles office lost my information.. I personally took it there and placed it in their hands and when I called to check they haven't received anything.. So now I'm switching and Dr. Harris doesn't require all the test that Dr. Miles did either.. So now I have everything lines up.. But what I'm scared of now is that maybe he might suggest RNY instead of the Lap Band,, because of how much i weigh and all.. Has a docotor ever done that..or do they feel that it's your personal choice.. My first appointment is on Aug. 14th and I will ask then as well..But just asking here first.. Thanks and blessings to all My Outline July 25th-Sleep Study Aug 6th- meet with Dietican (nutritional classes) Aug 13th- Bariatric Support Group Meeting Aug. 14th- Dr. Harris first appointment as well as the LapBand meeting  Aug. 16th- Fasting Lab work(chest x-ray and ekg) Aug23rd- CBC-TSH and Pylori blood test Aug. 29th- Psychologist Appointment Aug 31st- 2nd Evaluation with Psych..

I think it's something that you should persue to some extent before going very far with the dr. I didn't think that Dr. Harris did lap-bands at all ... I thought he only did RNY.

Maybe I'm mistaken.

Barb

I originally thought, DS, but then ins didn't cover it.  I went with RNY and did so onlly after consulting wit the DR.  I wanted rny because I wanted the malabsorption aspect.  Just limiting intake wasn't going to do it for me. So, seriously evaluate what your issues are, what your fears are, and what your desired results are.  Then talk to the doc about it, and make a decision.  If the surgeon doesn't agree, you will want to seriously think it thru and see if his reasons make sense.  If you genuinely think he's wrong, then you should find another surgeon.

It's a hard choice....it's a personal choice for everyone and everyone seems to pick the one that is right for him or her. I personally don't think the doctor should make the choice for you. I mean they can help guide you but it's your tool and how you use it. So if you know this is the only tool you have then you are going to use it to the best of it's ability. I remember my doctor telling me that w/ the band I haven't burnt any bridges and if it doesn't work then we can go in and change it, becuae I had the thought of is this really going to work. Things will always fail for me and I will be the first to make the band not work. Well a 100 pounds later...it's worked and still working.

So really don't let a doctor tell you what is right or wrong...it's a choice and they should be there to help you. Good Luck!

Hi- I also live here in Wilm. and I specifically choose my surgeon in Concord because , at that time, Dr Harris ONLY did RNY. My surgery was 2/23/07. I have hesitated saying this on the Boards-but I never heard overwhelming positive things about Dr Miles office- not bad stuff, but not the total satisified outcomes that so many of Dr Bauman's ( my surgeon) patients say....I practiced medicine for 18yrs and clinical outcomes and complication rates were important deciding factors for me. I was either using Dr Bauman or Dr Vollinger in Charlotte. IF I had RNY- I have heard fabulous things about Dr Harris- was strongly recommended by both my internist and my PCP ( family practicineer). Good luck with your journey and please let us know if Dr Harris is indeed doing the Band now. That would be great news locally! Sheila

Well I will be calling his Bariatric Nurse Sanica Coleman tomorrow and let you know if he's strictly RNY only..  BUT in his packet that came it states this: Determine if your insurance will help pay for weight loss surgery: following codes: Lap Adjustable Gastric Banding(Lap-Band) 43770 Lap Gastric Bypass:43644 Diagnosis Code for Morbid obersity: 278.01 and then in step 5 it states: At your first visit you will have an initial consultation with Dr. Harris. If you are felt to be an appropraite candidate, you will be invitied to attend a grup meeting to be held later that afternoon. In this meeting BOTH TYPES OF WEIGHT LOSS SUERGERIES OFFERED at Coastal Surgery Specialites will be described in detail by Dr. Harris. Indications, risks, benefits, andpossible complications of weight loss surgeries will also be discussed.................. So I'm thinking yes but I will def. find out tom... and I pray that he do Lap-Bands

That would be awesome to have him doing Bands locally. Please stay in touch! Thanks, Sheila

 YES he does them as well... I just got off the phone with his nurse and she said he does them BOTH.... so hopefully this will help someone out as well if you are looking for a local doctor as well... blessings

 That is soooo cool!!! I'm sure glad to hear that! Maybe I can get fills locally without having to do the 4 hr drive each way! Great news for you! Keep us posted of your journey. When is your 1st appt with Dr Harris? Sheila

Hi Shelia 4 hours ONE way OMG!!! that's a drive... and my first appointment is Aug. 14th with Dr. Harris...