Question:
I'm awaiting approval for the new adjustable lap band from the ins. co.

My concerns are that this surgery will allow me to lose the amount of weight I need to lose (125-150 lbs.) Have any of you heard of these significant results from this procedure?    — Carol S. (posted on July 5, 2001)

July 5, 2001
When I first began my rny research I also inquired about the adjustable band. Dr. Wittgrove at the Alvarado Medical Group was involved in the clinical trials and they had listed it as one of their surgery options on their web site. You might look at their site to see if they have updated their stats on it. The web site sounded very encouraging, but when asked about it at the orientation, Dr. Wittgrove was not encouraging and said that he recommends his patients have the rny instead. He also said they had been using the adjustable band in Europe for some time and that their results were not as good as the rny and that patients do not lose as much weight as with the rny (50% of their weight comes to mind but I really don't remember for sure). anyway, he put me right off it. I did end up having the rny (with another surgeon) and one year post-op, I am very happy and know I made the right choice.
   — Anne G.

July 5, 2001
I am having lap band surgery next week the 12th of july. Just remember that this is a tool not a fix. AS for results people in my support group have lost any where from 50lbs (6 months post-op) to 125 lbs two years. there is article in long island's newsday about the lap-band. feel free to email me if you have any questions. L. Apgar
   — L. A.

November 5, 2001
I had researched the lap band intensively but found that most people did lose only half the amount in 6 months that RNY'ers lost in that same 6 month period. There are also other things you have to consider like the band fills, where you go to the doctor and through a "port" attached some place in your abdomen they fill the band to make it tighter. What Ive read is that its hard to find a "good" fill doctor and even the best lap band doctors are in Mexico because of the lack of experience here.
   — peggy Y.

November 5, 2001
Another note.... Yahoo has a group called "Bandsters" and its a support group for those thinking of having lap band surgery or who have already had lap band surgery. I believe there are also some doctors involved in that group.
   — peggy Y.

November 9, 2001
Hi, I recently went to visit a sugeon who performs lap RNY and does the lap band. Though te lap does have its positives I decided against it. The results in the US are 35-40% of excess weight. Not good enough for me. As the procedure is used more and more .Im sure the results will get better. good luck
   — jill B.