What is the Truth About Who is Eligible for a Lapband?
My husband went for a consultation today with a surgeon because he wanted to get the LapBand. The surgeon is in Monmouth County, NJ. He went to discuss the LapBand as we had read that the LapBand is appropriate for people with a BMI up to 60.
My husband's BMI is approx 50.2. He is 350, 5 foot 10. He was told by the surgeon's staff (he never did meet the surgeon) that he is only eligible for Bypass surgery and that he would have to lose 30 or 40 pounds to be a candidate for the Lapband. He was also told that those who get the LapBand typically lose no more than 60 pounds. This is contradicted by all the success stories I have read on this site that shows weight loss well in excess of 100 pounds with the Lapband.
Does this sound right? My husband was very disappointed and shocked to hear this as it is 180 from the info available online. Really appreciate any opinions from those of you who have
had simlar consultations. Thanks!
My husband's BMI is approx 50.2. He is 350, 5 foot 10. He was told by the surgeon's staff (he never did meet the surgeon) that he is only eligible for Bypass surgery and that he would have to lose 30 or 40 pounds to be a candidate for the Lapband. He was also told that those who get the LapBand typically lose no more than 60 pounds. This is contradicted by all the success stories I have read on this site that shows weight loss well in excess of 100 pounds with the Lapband.
Does this sound right? My husband was very disappointed and shocked to hear this as it is 180 from the info available online. Really appreciate any opinions from those of you who have
had simlar consultations. Thanks!
Hi,
If your husband went in for a consultation with the surgeon and never saw the surgeon.......there's something very wrong right there.
When I went last year, I was initially going for the band. It was after my surgeon met with me, talked to me, asked me questions, reviewed MY history, that we both agreed gastric bypass was the better choice for me.
I can't speak to what they told you about the lap band.....but it would seem not having a real consultation is your first problem to resolve...
Good luck,
Bernadette
If your husband went in for a consultation with the surgeon and never saw the surgeon.......there's something very wrong right there.
When I went last year, I was initially going for the band. It was after my surgeon met with me, talked to me, asked me questions, reviewed MY history, that we both agreed gastric bypass was the better choice for me.
I can't speak to what they told you about the lap band.....but it would seem not having a real consultation is your first problem to resolve...
Good luck,
Bernadette
Hi
I agree with the others - change doctors! If you had an appt and the doc didn't even see you - don't go back.
I don't know if your husband has other issues, but I am aware that there are certain problems that can prevent you from having the LapBand - in my case it was Lupus - but they should have discussed something like that with you. In the case of Lupus, you are prone to ulcers where the band contacts the stomach.
Good Luck!
I agree with the others - change doctors! If you had an appt and the doc didn't even see you - don't go back.
I don't know if your husband has other issues, but I am aware that there are certain problems that can prevent you from having the LapBand - in my case it was Lupus - but they should have discussed something like that with you. In the case of Lupus, you are prone to ulcers where the band contacts the stomach.
Good Luck!
Thanks for the input ladies.I'm baffled as I've seen this surgeon rated on the site and it seems most are happy with him.
My husband had to fill out a very lengthy questionnaire and was told that an hour had been set aside for him for a "consultation". While I don't recall it in writing that he would meet the surgeon, I can't imagine making an appointment to see a specialist, paying a specialist co-pay,
and being told we would be charged if we missed the appt, if the appt. was with the physician's assistant. Plus we waited many weeks for the appt.
We are very limited by insurance where we can go. We are left with alot of uncertainty as to what direction to go in.
I was particularly interested in whether it is true that those with the Lapband typically lose no more than 60 pounds. Also interested in whether his BMI disqualifies him from the Lapband despite what I've read on the internet. There is perhaps one other surgeon who does this in the area from whom we could get a second opinion.
I just wanted to thank you all again so much for replying and wish you all well!
My husband had to fill out a very lengthy questionnaire and was told that an hour had been set aside for him for a "consultation". While I don't recall it in writing that he would meet the surgeon, I can't imagine making an appointment to see a specialist, paying a specialist co-pay,
and being told we would be charged if we missed the appt, if the appt. was with the physician's assistant. Plus we waited many weeks for the appt.
We are very limited by insurance where we can go. We are left with alot of uncertainty as to what direction to go in.
I was particularly interested in whether it is true that those with the Lapband typically lose no more than 60 pounds. Also interested in whether his BMI disqualifies him from the Lapband despite what I've read on the internet. There is perhaps one other surgeon who does this in the area from whom we could get a second opinion.
I just wanted to thank you all again so much for replying and wish you all well!
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