Question:
Can anyone explain to me if the Fobi pouch is the same as Lap Band?

I know....You'd think I could find this out somewhere but I haven't so far. Is there anyone out there who could tell me if the Fobi Pouch is the same as Lap Band surgery? Do you know if the surgery is available in AZ. and covered by United Health Care? I have read a little on the the lap band and the fobie pouch and they sound like the same type of WLS. Thank you for all your help in advance. Pam    — Sally Jane N. (posted on May 4, 2003)

May 4, 2003
They are NOT the same. The Fobi Pouch bypasses intestine and the lap band does not. The Fobi pouch is much more complex and has a lower failure rate. I am NOT bashing the lap band procedure at all. Your complication risks are much lower with the banding procedures. But they don't work for many people over the long run. If you are merely a volume eater, the band might work for you. If you are a sweets eater or carb addict then odds are it won't. I digress, to answer you they are not the same. You can read about both procedures at (Fobi Pouch) http://www.cstobesity.com/clininfo.html - and (Lap Band) http://www.gastricbandinstitute.com/procedure1.html
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 4, 2003
I have UHC but in NY so I am not sure if they are the same from state to state. If you want to see the Lap-Band being performed (a little online movie) check out my surgeons website http://www.drgeiss.com It is pretty cool to actually see what is happening and it is not gross at all. Good luck with your decision.
   — meliss0725

May 4, 2003
NO, they are NOT the same. The LAP BAND is 'just' a band put around your stomach. Period. You loose weight by 'eating' less. There is NO cutting the stomach; no bypassing the intestines (slower weight loss). Weight loss by the Band is strickly by 'diet' alone. The FOBI is the RNY. The difference between the 'fobi RNY' and a 'regular' RNY is that the doctor inserts a 'ring' around the stoma opening to keep it from stretching. Everything else is the same; pouch, intestine bypass etc.
   — star .