Question:
Need to pick someone's brain... about the LAP band

I have been debating about RNY and AGB. I have been unsuccessful in finding a good deal of information for the AGB. I would really be interested in talking to someone about their experiences and journey through this new surgery. If anybody is willing to talk about it especially about how much weight you started at and plateaued at, I would love to hear it. I weigh 290 and I'm 5'8. I would love to lose at least 100 lbs but I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to do it with the AGB. Thanks for your help!    — Heather B. (posted on July 16, 2002)

July 16, 2002
I'm getting the surgery in about a week. A good place to find out about the band is these email list (or you can read the messages online at their page): [email protected] [email protected] Also, http://www.waynesmith.net/lapband/index.html And http://bioenterics.com/products/obesity/us/patient/lapband/information.html http://slamflat.homestead.com/home.html http://www.surgicalconsulting.com.au/index.html
   — M. B.

July 16, 2002
I know the Lap Band is not as readily available in the U.S. as many other procedures are. We are currently doing the procedure at Medical Center East in Birmingham, Alabama. I would be happy to share information on the procedure with you. I had RNY myself. I Coordinate the surgical weight loss program at our hospital and in that position was able to go to Tijuana, Mexico and learn about the procedure from Dr. Paul O'Brien who is from Australia. He's done the procedure more times than anyone else. You may be a long way from Alabama but I figure it might be closer than having to go outside the country to get it. The Lap Band seems to be a great procedure. Please feel free to email me with any questions at all. Good Luck to you in your journey!
   — ronascott

September 12, 2003
Dr. Terry Simpson in Phoenix does the LAP band as well as Dueodenal Switch Surgery. I am studying which would be best for me. Dr. Simpson is a really good surgeon and it was he that suggested the LAP BAND as it is a much easier less stressfull surgery. I am still in the reseach stage myself.
   — Wayne F.