VCU Health System/Lap-Band

Question? I've been searching on the website for reviews from anyone who has had the Lap-Band procedure done at VCU.  I've seen many individuals who have had the RNY procedure, but I want to know about any reviews from Lap-Band recipients?  Tell me about your experiences.

I do  not have any info on lap band or VCU as a surgery site (I had RNY and it was done at St. Marys) but I wanted to wish you the best of luck.  If you have any questions regarding my procedure I would be happy to share.

Thanks Tammy.

I was going to do the lapband at  VCU but they kept telling me they had such a mixed success rate with the band and I found it discouraging.  I think the doctors there are great but when I went to a support group there was one bander there and she was not a "successful" bander so I decided to look at other options.  I know one of the nurses in the Stony Point office had a lapband placed a couple of months ago.  Good luck with your journey.  I am not sure which doctor you are seeing but I felt very pressured to have a RNY.  If you are sure the band is what you want stick to it.

Thanks for your comment.  I hope you held your guns and stuck to what you really feel is right for you. Hope all goes well.

I had RNY at VCU on 7/17/09.  It's the best thing I ever did for myself.  I can tell you the care is great as are the physicians and entire team. 

I think a lot depends on your health issues/co-morbidities.  I too wanted the band but Dr. Kellum said he thought I'd do much better with the RNY as I have diabetes, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, pretty much all the obesity-related issues I can have.  He did say he'd do which ever surgery I chose, but he seemed to think the RNY would be more effective.  I'm REALLY glad I listened to him. 

At three months out, I have lost 60 pounds, am off my Insulin and one of my other diabetes meds (originally was on the three meds plus 100 units of INSULIN daily) and I'm off my BP meds (was on two originally).  I hope to shortly come off my Actos, another diabetes med.  My initial goal was only to come off my Insulin. 

Also, while I was in the process of my surgery, I met a really nice girl that worked at VCU that had the band and she was disappointed with the slow weight loss results.  I think a lot depends on your health issues and sometimes the insurance companies.

Even at 50, I feel like a new person.  Best of luck in whatever you decide.    VCU is also a Bariatric Center of Excellence - you'll be in good hands.  You also might want to go to the lap band forum on here.

 Thanks so much for your input and congrats and best of luck on your WL Journey.