JoeMalik

Hello Everyone, I am seriously considering the Lap Band, and have an appointment scheduled with a physician to discuss it. I've spent some time researching the procedure, and have a couple of thoughts / questions I'd like some feedback on. My primary concern is with the frequency of follow-up visits to the physician. I've read that monthly visits are required. I travel a lot, and having to go monthly would be burdensome. Does a Lap Band recipient need to plan on monthly doctor visits forever? Is it just for the first few months, then tapers off? Next issue - I'm having a hard time getting a clear picture on the rate of complications. Some research suggests that an awfully high percentage of Lap Band patients end up with complications that require additional surgery to correct. However, various Internet user groups and polls of Lap Band patients tend to indicate that most people are quite happy with the Lap Band and glad they got it. This could be explained a couple of ways - 1. people feel that the Lap Band is worth getting despite the complications; or 2. complications are over-reported or over-emphasized. It seems like a lot of people initially get a lap band, then end up having it removed and receive either a gastric sleeve procedure or gastric bypass. I'm not sure my weight and over-eating problems are quite severe enough for a gastric bypass, but I'm wondering if I should opt for a gastric sleeve. If I'm going to have surgery under general anesthesia anyway, might as well do something that's less likely to have complications, require less maintenance, and be more likely to work. I would greatly appreciate any feedback on the above. I don't pretend to know the answers and just want to hear from people with more experience and knowledge than me. Thanks, Joe