LappingItUp

I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I'd like to know if you are still able to eat like a half of a PBJ after you have your band on. I've read so man posts from banders who don't seem to be able to tolerate bread. I would think if you chewed it enough, it should go down. Any thoughts from you experienced banders? Thanks!:hungry:

Thanks for your humorous story. I take PBJ's on airplanes too. They are the perfect snack when you have one of those unforeseen delays on the runway.

Sorry I created such a craving for you. I just don't know if I could live without my daily PBJ. I'm 44 years old and I still eat one every day.

I actually like a thin layer anyway, so that won't be a problem. Thanks for the encouraging words!

I went to see a lap-band surgeon (Dr. Davtyan) who was pushing for me to have my surgery in his "state of the art" surgical center where he has the latest and greatest tools and a "$70,000 surgical table." My primary care physician believes that having surgery outside of a hospital setting is asking for trouble in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. Any advice?

Has anyone ever had a complication in a surgery center that required a 911 call or a trip to a hospital?

That doesn't sound right to me. All the research I've done indicates that a lap-band is called for when BMI is between 40 and 50 (or above 35 with co-morbidities). I think you should go to the consult and stick with the lap-band. Gastric bypass has 10x the morbidity and is irreversible. A friend pointed out to me the advantage of having a reversible procedure, namely, that if medical science advances in your lifetime and alternatives are developed, you have the option of removing the lap-band. No such option exists with the Gastric bypass.

Thanks for your responses. Those were the points that the surgeon was making, but my primary care physician (who also happens to be my best friend) is someone who I really trust and who I think is looking out for my best interests. So I'm kind of torn, but leaning toward the hospital setting.

Hi Mark: That is what I've been thinking, but the idea of giving up my mistress (food) is very scary. Of course, so is dying (I don't even believe in Spinoza's God). Thanks for providing a bit of clarity. Daren

I was just advised by my sleep doctor to consider getting the lap band. I have my first appointment next week with the bariatric surgeon (Dr. Davtyan in Glendale, CA). I've been reading posts on this site since the referral last week and the posts have me wondering whether I really want to go through with this surgery. Any thoughts or comments? I currently have a BMI of 40.3 and have been diagnosed with hypertension, sleep apnea, and fatty liver. :help: