The fundamentals of weight loss are the same with all operations. Darcie knows these fundamentals as well as anyone-- she is a great cook- has written a cookbook- and I have had the pleasure of her cooking.
She knows how to lose weight, she knows how to keep that weight off - and she can teach other people how to do that.

I have done all weight loss operations- have published about all weight loss operations, and look at the data on an ongoing basis.  It is a mistake to say one operation has more issues than another- they are all operations. If you do not abuse a lap-band-  there is minimal chance of having issues with it. But that is not the important point. Bottom line with all weight loss operations-- at five years out- those who make lifestyle changes will keep their weight off-- those who don't- won't (all data, all operations).

What Darcie is offering is a support group on the east side, with the benefit of her experience. There is no financial benefit of this for the outpatient surgery center - this is a good chance to learn about how a successful person did it. She has taught countless patients - and those who wish to benefit from this- I recommend they attend.

I am going to recommend my east side patients go to this support group.

I completely agree with your thinking.

These band mills... they are a horror.  The band has a ton of long term risks and complications.  The sleeve does not.  Actually, doctors that claim they only do banding because it's the safest, that's a load.  The actual surgery is the safest, but long term the sleeve is safer hands down.

Then there are some that need malabsorption.  They just need a bit more help than restriction alone can do. 

It's all a personal decision.  But... going to a band mill and expecting him to help you with what YOU might need as an individual instead of part of the herd being run through the band mill... they aren't going to do that.  It would be like going to a Toyota dealer and assuming they will tell you that a Honda is a better bet for you.  They aren't going to do that.  They are going to sell you the only procedure they do, easy banding.

Terry Simpson's website is a FANTASTIC example.  He has these graphs that show the horrors of anything but banding.  BUT... he doesn't even mention sleeves, the fastest growing surgery and safest surgery long term today.  Why?  Because he doesn't do it.  He also doesn't mention all the many things that can and do go wrong with banding.  It is nothing short of deceptive.  He does not mention esophageal dilation, pouch dilation, stoma spasms, slips, erosions, stomach necrosis from a severe slip, port infections, band intolerance.  Why is he only listing complications of bypass and DS but fails to mention the risks associated with banding?  These are not rare complications, they are verrrry common!  But he's pushing the band so he's deceptive about it.

Oh, check out his weight loss stats.  All procedures have a 60% EWL.  Total crap once again. Here is something a little closer to truth than Simpson (aka band mill) website:

Medical News: ASMBS: Gastric Banding Less Effective than Other Procedures - in Meeting Coverage, ASMBS from MedPage Today

Then... his death stats.  1 in 10,000 for a band and 1 in 200 for bypass/DS.  What a load!  He's comparing low risk bands to higher risk patients getting bypass/DS.  He isn't even comparing the same surgical risk groups.  Walking away from his deceitful website will have a person thinking the only way they will survive WLS is if they get a band.

Look at Darcie Leigh.  Another form of deception.  Check out her web page.  She's not telling anyone that her weight loss was due to RNY while pushing banding.  She's showing a successful photo of an RNY person while inferring she is banded on the website.  And now, at goal and doing well she suddenly prefers banding.  Of course, that's all the doctors DO at her silly surgical center.

The Simpson website is a fantastic example of why you should do exactly as you think and feel.  Go to someone who does all the surgery types so that you can see which is best for you.  There is no surgery type that is right for everyone.  WLS is not a one size fits all.  If the surgeon isn't capable of giving you a safer more complex surgery then you should find someone who can and will.  Band mills are easy money, bottom line.

I would love to help
Terri

Want to be involved in the WLS community?

Want to help organize an incredible AZ event?

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Have a business (small, large, etc....May Kaye, Avon, Hair stylist, nutrition store, etc) and want to have a spot in the Exhibitor's Hall?

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The Big event day is FEB 13th, 2010

"Lvin Life on the lighter side...."

Contact:  [email protected] or call 480-814-7466

I  got a notice in the mail that my time has come to change plans if i wish to, ive been struggling to get a surgeon for about 4 years now, originaly on mercy care and apipa doors got closed on me many times with surgeons dropping insurances, now i am on bridgeway and last i heard bridgeway has no one in their network.. i was told to call diferent surgeons to ask if they will accept bridgeway. i have my choice now to go to phoenix health plan or stay with bridgeway. i really need some advice im at 480lbs now i need  help with finding a dr and or wich insurance would best serve my needs i live about 100 miles from phoenix but any travel would be worth it in the end please advise thank you and if you have these insurances and have had wls any input would be awesome ty i have 20 days to change my insurance so time is essentual