lapband7

Thanks for the information - it is helpful to know that it can be done.

Hi - I am not just basing this decision on how many scars I will get, but it is a big factor. I keloid easily, and while I have absolutely no aspirations of being a bikini model, it would bug me to have 6 scars, one of which would be 2 inches long, all of which keloid. I understand there are huge benefits, but also very real risks. I am very concerned about my port flipping, vomiting, etc. That is why I am unsure about the surgery, and being very careful about the surgeon. I didn't mean for my comment to be inflammatory, but I also don't appreciate hyperbolic and judgmental responses. The majority of this surgery would most definitely be for health, but I think most people will admit that small part of it is for vanity as well (looking better). Personally, having 6 scars would bug me. That is just something I know about myself. I know there are benefits for health and longevity, which is why I am considering the surgery to begin with. But like I said, having 6 large scars would weigh against it. Having 1 scar would be more acceptable, given my tendency to keloid, especially as having a lap-band is no guarantee of long lasting weight loss. I will still need to work very hard. So as vain as it may sound, having 6 scars would tempt me to just try diet and exercise one more time. Both surgeons I am considering do the 5-6 incision operation, as well as the SILS. They just have more experience with the 5-6 incision operation, as SILS came out last year. That is why I am trying to educate myself and get some input. Both surgeons are well respected, have done over 1500 operations, and offer aftercare. I have met both. Just that one is in CA, and has a little more experience with SILS, and another is in my hometown, with a less experience with SILS (but more convenient, and I think better, after-care).

Thank you very much for your replies. I did actually have a chance to meet the surgeon in California. I went down to Los Angeles for a consult, and he seemed okay. But yes, I am definitely concerned about the aftercare. I guess I am leaning towards Seattle at this point. The surgeon in Seattle does SILS and regular laparascopic - but that involves 5-6 incisions, not 4. The surgeon in California does 4 in his "normal" procedure. Any thoughts on SILS? I went online and looked through pictures of post-op scars for 4 to 5 incision lap-band operations, and they all still look pretty visible to me. Do they prove over the years? If I have to have 5-6 visible scars on my stomach, I'd almost rather not have the procedure at all. Does anyone know where I can find pictures of SILS scars?

Hi - I am thinking of having single-incision lap-band surgery in California, but I live in Washington State. None of the hospitals in WA will accept patients who didn't get banded at their facility (maybe this is because I looked at their practices, but ultimately decided to go with a surgeon elsewhere). Any idea where I could get after-care in Washington for exams, fills, etc?

Hi: I am new to the forum, and am posting because I am having trouble deciding which surgeon to go with. I live in Washington State. I want the single-incision lap-band. There is a surgeon in Seattle who does it, as well as a surgeon in California. The surgeon in California appears to have better statistics - lower slip rate, flip rate, erosion rate, etc. However, he doesn't do an Upper GI test after surgery to clear you to begin drinking Water, and he doesn't give prescription pain medications - only liquid tylenol. Is this common? Also, I don't know where to get my fills in WA. All the WA hospitals with a bariatric practice refuse to accept patients who were not banded at their hospital. How many fills are required in the first year? I just don't want to have to travel to CA every time I need an exam or a fill. The surgeon in WA is very well respected, but has a slip rate around 3% and a flip rate around 5%. Is that average? He also has only done 15 single-incision surgeries, whereas the surgeon in CA has done over 78. However, the weight loss surgery practice at which he works is very nice, I could get my fills there easily and for free, and his staff seems very caring. Any advice on who to go with?