JanPuppyLover

Would you mind mentioning where you are considering getting this done-- and which doctor? thanks!

Since this is such a new procedure and so few doctors/hospitals are doing it, would those of you who have done it or researched it kindly post which doctors and hospitals you know of are doing it? So far I have heard Duke and possibly NYU? Thanks much.

Would you be kind enough to talk about where you had it done and with which surgeon? Or feel free to PM me? I am interested in this procedure. Thanks Jan

My research shows that this new procedure of doing a Plication plus lap band has been around for about a year or so. I have read that it is being done at Duke and possibly also at NYU. I think that I also read that it is also being done in Mexico but I am not considering surgery out of the country. Have any of you had this procedure where the stomach is folded and sutured and then a lap band is also used? The benefits are supposed to be fewer complications, virtually no band slipping, faster weight loss more comparable to the gastric sleeve procedure, no damage to stomach, no malabsorption, no dumping and reversible. There are no long term studies/results since this is a relatively new procedure. I am interested in hearing from people who have had this done and getting their views of the procedure and results. Thanks!

Outdoor biking is great exercise, easy on the joints and fun, especially as the fall weather approaches (assuming you live someplace where you have a fall Interval training is really a great way to mix it up and is thought to increase your fitness and burn calories faster than other kinds of training. As a previous poster, pointed out, you can easily find info on that online. I love the WII fit for indoor training and sometimes alternate between a fitness game or two on there and the elliptical. There are lots of fun games to mix it up with and there are some intended for competition between two people. The trick with burning calories on the WII is to really move and not just let the "wand" do the work. Some of my favorites on the the WII Sport and include the tennis program and the boxing one. If you do it actively, the boxing one will shoot your heart rate right up.

I'm a newbie, but have done extensive research here and elsewhere. I have a consultation with a doctor set up for several weeks from now. I have heard how insurance companies can drag their feet and want to get everything together that I can in order to expedite. I called my insurance company (United Healthcare) and got their requirements for my policy: BMI over 35, comorbidity, 5 year history of weight problems. My BMI is closer to 45, I can collect a 5 year history and may or may not have what they consider a comorbidity. Question is do I gather and submit this info to the insurance company prior to settling on a doctor (though I think I have). Or, does the surgeon's office have to do all of the submitting. Will someone kindly tell me how that works? Thanks!

Ahhhh-- I see it, it is sorta like a "like" and "unlike" button...thanks!!

Hi Rachel-- I am a newbie - not even banded yet and just exploring. So while I can't offer any advice about the Lap Band journey or what you are going through, I can offer you an important observation. I really do think that you came to the right place for support. I think that there are many here who want you and others to succeed and who are proud and eager to offer you whatever support they can to help you with this difficult journey. Please ignore the naysayer (s) and focus instead on the people here who really do want to offer genuine support and advice. Given where you are now and your understandable level of frustration, I am wondering whether your doctor is offering you, and you are accepting, the appropriate level of aftercare to help make this work. I have read so much on here about the delicate balance between fills and unfills in helping to control appetite while allowing for sufficient nutrition. If your doctor is not offering that kind of support, perhaps others on here can suggest how to get that "physical" part nailed down with your (or another) physician. My best wishes and hope that you will be able to find the support and answers you need.

There is something on the Lap Band forum profiles that says "reputation" and then gives a score. Does anyone know what this means, how it is calculated etc? Just curious.

As you've heard from other members, sleep Apnea is a very serious disease and can lead to death, heart damage, gastrointestinal problems, hernias...just to name a few. No one likes sleeping with a mask on =-- but there are literally hundreds of different masks that you can choose from and they need to be specifically fitted to you. I use a very minimal one called "nasal pillows." I can watch TV with it on, do email, keep my glasses on etc. As some have suggested, you can desensitize yourself to the claustrophobic feelings by wearing it for a few minutes at at time while you are awake watching TV or reading before you go to sleep. Before being diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, I could not make it through the day without taking a nap, planning my evening activities so that I wasn't out "too late," or I would worry about falling asleep driving home. This is a serious condition that needs attention not only for health reasons but for quality of life reasons. I strongly urge you to check out the website SleepGuide.com. You will find it as warm and welcoming and as filled with information and supportive people as the people you find on here. Best of luck to you.

I was researching Lap Band surgeons and had heard good things about Eric Pinnar several years ago. Just the other day, I asked my primary care physician about Dr. Pinnar and he told me that three of his patients were left high and dry by Eric Pinnar and that is was a disaster. He may have started or joined a new practice with another doctor in FL, but what he did was reprehensible. As the saying goes, "a Zebra does not change its stripes." He took significant money from people for "lifetime" aftercare and left them without saying a word-- not to mention the emotional letdown that might go with feeling summarily dropped by someone with whom you entrusted your heath and well being. With this many people stepping up to say what a bad situation it was, it baffles me why anyone would use him. It's not like he is getting one "cranky" review from a dissatisfied client-- there are lots and lots. I'm sure he will be fine for anyone who uses him....until it becomes convenient for him to turn his attention elsewhere. As they say, buyer beware...and remember it is your long term health and care we re talking about.

I read lots about aftercare on these message boards. Would someone kindly tell me what group of services this refers to? Is it fills and unfills? Or is there generally a more extensive aftercare program? Thanks