Andrew0929

I've been reading up on the sleeve and while it seems very effective when everything goes right, it seems like complications (leaks) can turn into serious issues with long recovery times. The band still seems like the right procedure for me but my doctors feedback and the industry trends are of concern. I think it's down to the band or nothing for me ...

The surgeon I met with today made it very clear that he would support me 100% with whatever decision I make. He recommended by 2 other doctors I've used for years and trust.

I'm using Dr Papasavas ... Interesting that your Dr said the same thing. Actually my niece got the sleeve last August (different Dr) and originally planned to get the band. I can certainly be a local partner. Just not sure what route I'm going at this point ...

Thanks very much everyone for the informative responses. It's so great to see so much evidence of success in this forum ..

Congratulations!! You should be VERY proud of yourself!!

I'm freaking out about this same issue. Not banded yet, but trying to plan for what I'll tell people. One part of me wants to just be truthful, as I'm a bad liar and everyone will probably find out anyway. But, I also don't want to bring on everyone's advice and opinions, which will likely happen if I'm truthful. Pretty confused about this ...

I attended my info session 6/11 and just changed my initial consult from 7/22 to 6/19. I'm getting eager to start the process. I think due to my anticipated upcoming diet (physician monitored diet) I have been eating out of control. More proof that something big needs to change quickly.

I was undecided about getting banded until yesterday. After lots of discussion with my wife and daughter and their strong encouragement I'm now committed to getting banded. My first consult on Wednesday may result in the surgeon recommending bypass or sleeve due my higher bmi (52) but its the band or nothing for me ...

I attended my first info session last night sling with my wife. It was very informative and I was very pleased with both doctors as well as other staff members that presented. My wife seems sold on the idea but I'm still researching. I think my biggest area of apprehension is the possibility for multiple surgeries and lots of dr appointments over time. I am self employed with little time for regular appointments never mind additional surgeries. Still, I am leaning toward going it. Have a dr consult 7/22.

Hi Everyone, My name is Andrew and I've just recently started seriously considering getting a LB. I've thought about it for a few years but am ready to move forward with this (I think). I'm scheduled for the informational session on 6/11/13 and have a Dr consult scheduled for 7/22/13. My wife and daughter are in full support of me doing this. I told a close friend (also overweight) and he's discouraging me, but his weight loss efforts over the last 30 years that I've known him, have all been unsuccessful. I'm a little concerned about all of the complications that many experience. Granted, my health-related issues due to being overweight will only become bigger problems as time goes by, if I do nothing. I've lost weight several times, over the years, but of course gained it all back. Lost 120 lbs one time using a ephadra-based product in the early 90's. Also lost 40 lbs twice doing Atkins. I can stick to a program, but eventually I get tired of it and go back to my old ways .... Looking forward to participating in the forum and hopefully getting banded. Andrew

Thanks. I did check out that link and it was very helpful.

I attended my info session tonight, so I'm in the very early stages of getting banded. I keep reading things similar to what you've stated and what confuses me is that if it's completely up to me to control my volume of food and I'm still able to eat a large plate of food with the band, why get the surgery? I was hoping the band would control the amount I could eat and that it would be up to me to choose healthier foods ...

Best of luck to everyone!

My band experience is non-existent, as my first info session is tomorrow night. However, my experience with doctors (for myself and several family members) is extensive. My opinion is always to seek the very best doctor available, no matter how minor the condition is, and I don't tolerate sub-standard care. If a doctor isn't cutting it, I find a better one. My point is that there isn't any excuse for sloppy record-keeping when it comes to health care procedures. For me, all it would take is one incident of not charting a procedure and I would be out the door. Sloppiness like that could result in someone getting hurt. Just my opinion.... Andrew

Wow this is exactly what I'm looking for!! I'm early in the process, attending my first info session tommorrow night. Andrew

Just my luck ... I'm going to my info session Tuesday night and have been counting on getting banded. Has this affected doctors willingness to continue recommending lap-bands? Also, has this influenced the insurance companies at all? For me, it's the LB or nothing, as I'm just not willing to take on the risks of the other types of WLS. --Andrew

From a man's perspective, my advice is to wait until you get to know him better and then just mention it casually. Regarding your eating small portions at dinner, that's not something you need to elaborate on with him. Lots of people are watching their weight, eating smaller portions ...