Newbie Wants Lap Band

Hi all! My PCP just agreed to refer me for the lap band. I have to go to a hospital approved by Medicare. The closest one is UVA which can do lap bands, but there are indications they strongly prefer to do regular gastric bypass and will try to discourage me from the lap band. So if they refuse me, I either have to search for another facility or accept a type of surgery I do not feel good about. Has anyone had similar experience. Any suggestions? Thanks. I look forward to being on line with you all.

Hi Judy, And Welcome! My experience is not the same as yours. Most of us on the board have had Roux-N-Y bypass, laparoscopic or open. There are, of course, others who have had other types including lap band. Heather, who writes on the VA Board, just posted recently about her "hoochie"--the size of her butt (good size) since her lap band surgery (if you look back through previous posts you will find the title of hers with the word 'hoochie' in it . She is very satisfifed with hers. One of the men also just had lap at MCV. You could check MCV, they take Medicare and do lap band now, due to patient request. I write, though, to tell you that I am SOOOOO happy with mine. I just went for my 9 month visit yesterday, down 114 pounds, weighed in at 153. The doctor said I had reached his goal (NOT mine) and suggested I look into a tummy tuck. I had lap R-N-Y. The surgeons prefer to do bypass surgery because the statistics show that the results (weight loss) of bypass surgery are greater and longer lasting. But if that is not for you, then insist that you want lap band. If you can't get satisfaction at UVa, try MCV. I had my surgery at MCV and am ecstatic with the results. Good luck in your search! Lois

Welcome Judy!!! This is an awesome group of people on this board, very supportive. Anna

Hi,Judy! I have a friend at church that got the lap band from Dr. Schirmer at UVA, so I know that they will do that surgery. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do! JoAnn

I have the Lap Band and love it and I also have Medicare.

Hey there Judy I am the one who posted the Hoochie pics I have the band I love my band. my recovery was superfast. I had my surgery day b4 thanksgiving, I was home the next day. didn't need the pain pills they sent me home with and was back to my routine that Monday. My weight loss is slower then the RNY's but I am very happy with my progress I don't have any malabsortion issues, I can eat anything of course I make the decision to eat better, you have to make that decision no matter which surgery you get. If you know the band is what you want then don't back down from that. particularly if you know they offer it. Oh yeah Check out the lapband forum too http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand/ lots of great inspiration there later Heather 237-222-162-125

So what happened ?? Did you get a lap or RNY??  I had the lap with Dr. Northup so if you want to chat - just email me !!  BEst of luck !! Kim