Lap Band??

Why I am even considering this after I have done just about everything pre-op I need for RNY but has anyone on this board had the Lap Band done. And if so..where? I know where I am having the RNY done ..they don't do it at all..so if I even consider it I would have to start over.

Wendy, Another thing you might want to think about and check into is that some insurance companies pay for the RNY but do not pay for the Lap Band. That was my problem I wanted the Lap Band and my insurance company would not cover it but they cover the RNY completely. Jennie

Thanks Jennie. I did call and they are quicker to approve the lap band than the RNY but both of them are covered if I "qualify". I will tell you what my main issue is...I am gung ho the RNY BUT...I am starting to question the mal-absorbtion issues and what OTHER consequences I may have to deal with. I am not totally convinced I need the extra "bonus" of mal-absorbtion.

I am wataing for a surgery date. CMC in Manchester does the lap band, (Dr. Campbell), the Elliot does the lapband (Dr. Gould) and I know there are some doctors in Portsmouth too. In addition, there are some right across the border in Mass. I am waiting for the lap band. You might want to call Melanie Davis at CMC Obesity Clinic and ask the questions you have regarding "going thru all the pre-op stuff". Whatever decision you make I hope its the right one for you. Good Luck.

I do understand, for me I didn't have the choice, I needed the surgery, I could not get my diabetes under control, a week after I came out of the operating room I didn't have diabetes anymore, my sleep apnea is also gone after two months. I just take my vitamins everyday and make sure I get my B12 shot, of course I am only two months post-op so I wouldn't know if I am going to have any problems in the future or not. Good Luck in your decision, you have to do what is best for you. Jennie

I am just starting the process of getting the Lap Band done. For me the risks of RNY were just not worth it. I have know people with long term complications and we have all heard of some deaths. I know any surgery is dangerous. I like the fact that the band is adjustable, removable, and they don't have to cut and rearrange anything. I want to have one more baby and it is not a problem with the band. I am going to the informations session @ Saints Memorial Medical Center in Lowell on Tuesday at 6. I live in Salem and my orthopedic doc referred me there. I have read great things about the whole team there. Candice

Hi I just read your question today. I had lapband with Dr. Campbell at Catholic Medical Center on Valentines day. I have felt great all along. I have Cigna for insurance and had an approval in 6 days.....I also had some thoughts about having a gastric bypass done so I decided on lapband and i am extremely happy with it. To date I have lost 20 pounds in 3 weeks...I am never hungry, eat mostly because it is time to and i'm just so excited by the surgery and by Dr. Campbell who was great, and the Catholic Medical Center was also great everything was just such a positive experience for me. I feel I am one of the truely fortunate. Write me anytime you want to gab....I also have first hand knowledge about the bypass as my sister had one about 7 years ago and a good friend of mine had one about 3 years ago and even though the both of them are doing good I was more at peace having a less invasive operation done to me. Diane