lapband - now they're trying to give it away

poet_kelly
on 1/28/12 2:08 am - OH
I saw this ad at the top of the forum and had to click it to see what it was all about.  www.obesitynomorefl.com/

This hospital in Florida is having a contest and two winners will get free lapbands.

Good grief.  If you're going to give away WLS, why not give away effective ones?  yes, I know some people do well with the band and I don't wish to get into the my-surgery-is-better-than-yours business, but really.... statistically, the band is the least effective.

I wouldn't want one if it was free.  I wouldn't want one even if they paid me.

This just bugs me.  Yes, it's the cheapest surgery, so costs the less to give it away.  But instead of giving away two bands, why not give away one RNY or one VSG?  Better yet, why not give away one free surgery and let the winner choose the one that's best for them?

Anyone else bothered by this?

View more of my photos at ObesityHelp.com          Kelly

Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR.  If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor.  Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me.  If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her.    Check out my blog.

 

(deactivated member)
on 1/28/12 2:13 am
That does seem dumb. But I didn't know that the lap band was the least effective. I was actually considering having that done instead of RNY when I first was considering bariatric surgery. I decided against it when I learned that weight loss is much slower with it,and that you need to have it filled in your stomach with a needle every few months. I can barely stand having my blood drawn. No thanks!
poet_kelly
on 1/28/12 2:13 am - OH
Oh, and check out the rules.

You have to sign a waiver absolving the hospital and surgeon of all liability for any problems that result from the prize.  So if they botch your surgery, you've signed away your right to sue.  www.obesitynomorefl.com/contest_rules.php

You also MUST have the surgery within 60 days of being notified that you won.   That bothers me because it may not be enough time for some people to prepare.

You also have to agree to do all kinds of media stuff for them, so it's not exactly free surgery - instead of paying for surgery, you agree to work for them with no pay.  So it's more like a barter arrangement, not a free prize.

View more of my photos at ObesityHelp.com          Kelly

Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR.  If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor.  Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me.  If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her.    Check out my blog.

 

Cicerogirl, The PhD
Version

on 1/28/12 4:16 am - OH
 Sign away my rights regarding a surgical procedure?!?  Not on your life, not even for a free procedure.  Thee are just WAY too many things that can go wrong.  People will, of course.  I just would not.

Lora

14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.

poet_kelly
on 1/28/12 4:30 am - OH
That's what I read the rules to say.  Now, I'm not sure that would hold up in court if the surgeon really screwed up.  But is that not horrifying?

I wouldn't sign it either.  But some people are so desparate to lose weight.  If they don't have insurance that covers WLS and if they can't afford to self pay,  Some people will feel this is their only hope.

View more of my photos at ObesityHelp.com          Kelly

Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR.  If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor.  Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me.  If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her.    Check out my blog.

 

Jane N.
on 1/28/12 2:59 am - Round Rock, TX
What's sad is how many desperate people will jump at the chance to be the "chosen two."  I don't want to get into a surgery war either, but I personally wouldn't want any procedure that uses a trademarked name like that.  It's clear that the marketing works though doesn't it regardless of the overall efficacy.

 
   
missjann
on 1/28/12 3:24 am
What I have to say is...this makes perfect sense and is a brilliant promotion....if
you happen to manufacture, sell or have a stake in the failing lap band business.
They went from making zillions on the lap band to having it fall out of favor. I
would not be surprised if insurance companies stop covering it because of the
expense of maintaining it, and with the high failure rate.  At any rate, I say "buyer
beware".  Shame on anybody who jumps at the promo without doing their
homework.  In fact, maybe right after they have the surgery, I'll sell them a
timeshare in an oasis in the middle of Death Valley, and they can plan to
recuperate there.  Just saying........some folks beg to be duped.
    Jan

                        
(deactivated member)
on 1/28/12 3:44 am
 Because the surgeon involved in the give-away loves the band that's why they are giving it away. 
He is fishing for business, he's done that for the last 3 years.
Makes me sick!
rebeccaj
on 1/28/12 8:07 am - Bowling Green, KY
Oh hell, I didn't realize you could give those things away...  maybe I should have had a lottery and given the winner the one they took out of me 4 months ago.lol  Could have helped me pay for all the co-pays and such   Just kidding (sorta)


            
Renee2be
on 1/28/12 9:13 am - NC
There was a similar contest advertised at the first surgeon s office ivisited.  My fiancee was to have hernia surgery and long story short...it started me on my journey.............not with lap band but got me curious and researching.
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