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I would call a very high rate of serious complications to the point it's not allowed to be used in the US and UK defective.

This doesn't change the fact the 4cc band is discontinued in the US and UK because of it's high rate of slips, erosion, and other complications. It's only still used in Mexico because they can get it dirt cheap. Btw, there are many GOOD surgeons in Mexico that don't use the 4cc band anymore because they actually put patient safety a priority over money. It's also important to note Dr. Kuri has been blamed for one death: http://www.utsandieg...lap-band-death/ http://www.examiner....-surgery-mexico

As I get closer and closer to being banded, there are so many things that start worrying the mind. I have read on this board so many stories of friends and family members being negative about Lapband. I decided I wanted to write a letter, ok, who the hell writes letters, I want to send an email to my friends and family explaining what is going on. Here is what I have so far, let me know if you think I am giving too much info, or not enough. Well, my 3 year wait is over – I have finally been approved for Lapband surgery. I wanted to send an email to everyone, explaining what the procedure is, what to expect and what not to expect. Feel free to ask any questions. Lapband is an outpatient surgery that places a silicone band around the top part of your stomach. The band is inflated/deflated “a fill” with saline through a “port” that is accessed (by needle) around your belly area. This surgery is completely reversible and has <1% complications. I will be home recovering for about 3 days. My surgeon is Dr. Felix Spiegel. He is the MOST experienced surgeon in the United States; he has done more than 5000 Lapband procedures and is very well respected. I am extremely lucky that he is in my network. People fly in from all over the world to have him perform their surgery and he is right here in Houston. Here is his website if you would like to see his information. http://www.felixspiegelmd.com/index.asp The Lapband is NOT a miracle; it is a TOOL, it allows you to feel full faster and keeps you from eating as much. However, if you don’t follow the rules, you can gain weight on the Lapband, just as without it. The nerves of your stomach are at the very top. So when we eat, you fill your stomach all the way to the top before you feel full. The band will hold the food at the top and have a small opening where the food will slowly disperse into the lower stomach, so not only do you feel full faster, but you stay full longer. For the majority of people, this surgery enables them to loose weight, but it does not work for everyone. Thankfully the band can be removed in minutes in an out-patient procedure if needed. I hope it won’t be needed. When I have the surgery, I will be on liquids while my body is healing and the stomach is swollen from surgery. Once the swelling goes down, I will be able to eat anything for a couple of months. The band will not be inflated, so there won’t be any restriction – Restriction is when the band is inflated and helps hold the food at the top of the stomach. Sometimes it takes 6 fills or more before your restriction is to a point where it helps control your hunger. So there may not be much change in my weight or eating for many months. There are 3 stages of eating following surgery. Liquids Following surgery, the Dr. doesn’t want the stomach to have to process anything. It is freaking out because it has a band around it. The band is stitched into place and after a while it creates a “place” for the band to sit. If you eat solid foods or take huge bites, it could move the band while it is supposed to be healing. Mushy Foods Instead of going from Liquids to solid foods, they have a mushy stage so that your stomach has time to adapt to everything. Also, since you won’t be very hungry following surgery and your stomach is still swollen, this allows you to consume more calories and promote healing. Solid Foods Finally, I will begin introducing normal foods again. Some people have problems tolerating certain foods after surgery, others don’t. Tough meats, nuts, dried fruit, soft breads and pastas are normally the culprits. Once I have proper restriction, you will notice that I won’t be able to eat very much at one time. Usually ½ a cup is normal for a banded person. Because I won’t be eating as much, I will have to eat a lot of Protein. Since I will get full fast, I am supposed to eat Protein first, then everything else. So, for all you people that I go out to eat with all the time – I am going to start eating off your plate! Ha! Also, I will be taking very tiny bites and chewing forever! A couple of other things you may notice, I won’t be able to drink with my meal – that is going to be so odd and I will be taking small bites. This surgery does not cause any type of starvation, malnutrition, or vitamin deficiency. I will be able to eat everything from before; I will just want less of it. The typical banded person eats 1200 calories a day, which is what anyone is supposed to eat. Bad foods, such as fast foods, fried foods, sweets, shakes and such, go right through the band with no problem, so there is always room for failure. This surgery usually results in loosing 70% of your excess weight. I have done so much research on this procedure; I think I could give classes on it. My favorite place to browse is http://www.lapbandtalk.com/index.php this website is devoted completely to Lapband. It is a great place for information. I have started an online Blog to document my experiences. Feel free to check it out. http://lapbandtalk.com/journal.php?do=showjournal&j=936 Hopefully next time I see you guys, I will be happily banded!

I am a pre-sleever also. I have done my paperwork also. I am also an RN and by law those are questions that health care faciities and providers have to ask you. It has to do with Living Wills, Advanced Directives, Medical Power of Attorneys and other documents that health care facilities need in order to take care of you in the event that you have some sort of complication or adverse event. This is not just for the sleeve surgery but any surgery. All these documents do is give you a voice of how you want to be cared for in the event anything was to happen that you needed life support, feeding tubes, etc. to sustain life. If you read these documents, it states that it gives you voice in how you want to be cared for in the event that you cannot voice your wishes. You can designate a family member to make these decisions for you. If you do not have a Living Will, then the State in which you live will have a line of authority set as to who can legally make these decisions for you. Please do not be freaked or uncomfortable. It is a formality. I have one, my husband has one, my parents have one. In time of need, you will feel much better knowing that you made the decision of how you want your final days to be taken care of. You have the power to make your own decisions by completing one of these forms. Please let me know if you have other questions, please do not put off this important surgery by being uncomfortable with legal forms. Just formality. You go girl.

Just in case anyone wants to take a copy of the Changes regarding Lapband to their Dr.s appointments, here is the link to the PDF file - it is quite awkward to manipulate - so I copied and pasted the text into this post also. Tricare Manual Once it pulls up, choose "Section Affected by Change 66" Then Download the one named "C4S13_2". I also saved it as an attachment at the bottom - I hope it works. TRICARE POLICY MANUAL 6010.54-M, AUGUST 1, 2002 SURGERY C-66, December 10, 2007 CHAPTER 4 SECTION 13.2 SURGERY FOR MORBID OBESITY ISSUE DATE: November 9, 1982 AUTHORITY: 32 CFR 199.4(e)(15) I. CPT1 PROCEDURE CODES 43644, 43770 - 43774, 43842, 43846, 43848, 43886 - 43888, S2083 II. DESCRIPTION Morbid obesity means the body weight is 100 pounds over ideal weight for height and bone structure, according to the most current Metropolitan Life Table, and such weight is in association with severe medical conditions known to have higher mortality rates in association with morbid obesity; or, the body weight is 200% or more of ideal weight for height and bone structure. III. POLICY A. Gastric bypass, gastric stapling or gastroplasty, to include vertical banded gastroplasty is covered when one of the following conditions is met: 1. The patient is 100 pounds over the ideal weight for height and bone structure and has one of these associated medical conditions: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cholecystitis, narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome (and other severe respiratory diseases), hypothalamic disorders and severe arthritis of the weight-bearing joints. 2. The patient is 200% or more of the ideal weight for height and bone structure. An associated medical condition is not required for this category. 3. The patient has had an intestinal bypass or other surgery for obesity and, because of complications, requires a second surgery (a takedown). B. In determining the ideal body weight for morbid obesity using the Metropolitan Life Table, contractors must apply 100 pounds (or 200%) to both the lower and higher end of the weight range. Payment will be allowed when beneficiaries meet all requirements for morbid obesity surgery including the ideal weight within the newly determined range. 1 CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2005 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS Restrictions Apply to Government use. TRICARE POLICY MANUAL 6010.54-M, AUGUST 1, 2002 CHAPTER 4, SECTION 13.2 SURGERY FOR MORBID OBESITY 2 IV. EXCLUSIONS A. Nonsurgical treatment of obesity, morbid obesity, dietary control or weight reduction. B. Biliopancreatic bypass (jejunoileal bypass, Scopinaro procedure) for treatment of morbid obesity is unproven (CPT2 procedure code 43645, 43845, 43847, or 43633). C. Gastric bubble or balloon for treatment of morbid obesity is unproven. D. Gastric wrapping/open gastric banding (CPT2 procedure code 43843) for treatment of morbid obesity is unproven. E. Unlisted CPT2 procedure codes 43659 (laparoscopy procedure, stomach); 43999 (open procedure, stomach); and 49329 (laparoscopy procedure, abdomen, peritoneum, and omentum) for gastric bypass procedures. F. Adjustable gastric band (open or laparoscopically) (CPT2 procedure codes 43770 - 43774, 43886 - 43888, and 90772). V. EFFECTIVE DATES A. Laparoscopic surgical procedure for gastric bypass and gastric stapling (gastroplasty), including vertical banded gastroplasty are covered, effective December 2, 2004. B. Laproscopic adjustable gastric banding is covered, effective February 1, 2007. - END - 2 CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2005 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS Restrictions Apply to Government use. C-66, December 10, 2007

I had the lapband in May of 2010. I lost 50 lbs, but regained 15 of that. Everytime I would go in for a fill, within 12-18 hours later I would be back in Urgent Care with the acid reflux cough the next day back to surgeon having fill out. I tried it evey 6 months for the first 2 years, then just stopped going. I vomited almost with every meal after 2 bites. Very frustrating. In June 2014, I met back with a surgeon, he suggested the band be taked out so the vomiting would stop. I was scared, I did not want to gain the 35 pounds back. He suggested the sleeve, and I started the procedures. I had both surgeries, the same day with a over night stay, October 6. Went back to work on the 15, and since that day I walk a mile on my lunch. Unfortunately, that is the only real exercise I get. Not that 1 mile 7 days a week is bad. I have lost 70lbs and have had no complications. Knock on wood. My only regret, is not doing it sooner. Good Luck you will love it

In the same boat. I had my band in dec 2010. I haven't lost that much and still need to lose 50-60lb. I keep vomiting and am miserable. I spoke with my doc today about revising to the sleeve (or bypass). Which he reccomendation the sleeve for me. He actually removed ALL my fluid today (which I was not expecting). Now I am worried about gaining. I haven't gained in a bit but I haven't lost either. He said he is doing more and more band to sleeve revisions. I really hope due ton he go it to g complication my insurance will ok the procedure. I can't afford it myself and as of right now I don't qualify for it. Bmi is 35 with no comorbidities. He did say it would be slightly more risky due to the scar tissue the band has caused, but said it should be ok. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Ok so ladies....update please!! How'd it go? How do u feel? What if any complications are u currently experiencing? Tips or advice?? Are you settling in well?

talk to you Dr's office. My dr's office had an alternate diet that they moved me to which was basically a no/low carb high protien diet. Chicken, steak, pork, eggs, cheese... all allowed. It worked fine, I lost weight and had no complications with surgery.

I have had the band for 9 years and suffered with it as well... I revised to bypass (my personal choice) 2 months ago and even though I had complication, I love it. I ate chicken today and didn't have horrible "stuck" episode! It was amazing! I wish I have done his so many years ago!

@@SusanB55, we have some things in common. I will be 56 in June, my surgery date is May10th (but I am having bypass) and I am also 5'5". Good luck to you! @@Gaylene Davison - my surgeon told me he had a 74yo woman who was very healthy and she had the surgery with no complications at all. I don't know if she had sleeve or RNY but he said she was an exception and he would not as a rule perform WLS on someone that age. It just depends on their health and motivation.How are you feeling as your surgery date gets closer? Honestly, I am scared to death and at times, I feel like backing out. We are leaving for hubby's surgery is 10 minutes. I feel nauseous. To be perfectly honest, I am not nervous at all at this point. Met with my surgeon today, he is one of the best and I have complete confidence in him and everyone I talk to raves about him. I was nervous for months when I was trying to decide if I was doing the right thing or not but once my decision was made - no longer nervous. Just so excited to make this change to better my health. Let me know how your hubby makes out - I'm sure both of you will do great!

Many doctors are no longer doing the band because of all the complications...mine no longer does it either. The sleeve seemed the best choice & I'm very glad I went with it!

several years ago when bypass and the band were my only options, I decided against WLS surgery altogether. The band was a no go for me because I didn't like the idea of having a foreign object in my body. Late last year when I learned about the sleeve, I knew it was right for me. Especially since it addresses the issue of grehlin (the hunger hormone) whereas I don't think the band does. Once I made up my mind, I found VST. There's an entire gang of folks here that are band-to-sleeve revisions. And holy moly some of the complications people have had from the band are enough to convince me I made the right choice!

I had to have mine out 4 months post, but I had gallstones for 3 months before they found them (thank you army docs) so 1 month post op is when the complications happened

I am 2 weeks out and worried that im going to regret it. I think about food more than i ever have and im still in a lot of pain around one of the incision sites. It burns every time i change position or cough and i cannot use my core muscles without pain. I'm also freezing all the time. Im down 14 lbs so far, although it doesnt feel like ive lost anyhing and its starting to slow down. But i know there will be starts and fits with regard to the pounds coming off. I dont regret it yet but ive gotten close. Maybe once ive lost more weight (and actually feel like it) and i fit into jeans that i havent been able to wear in years ill feel more positive about things. But i dont regret it yet. point is that you wont really know until you do it. I keep thinking of the positives and the reasons im doing this- to be healthier able to more fully participate in my life. maybe ill regret it if i dont achieve my goals or maybe ill realize that im still healthier even if i still weigh more than i want and cant eat all the things i could before. I wont know or be able to say, if i regret it until im farther away from surgery and back to somewhat of a normal life. in looking at why others regret surgery or not, you have to consider why they regret it. Is the regret due to a temporary complication or long term failure to achieve goals, or something else. i had the support of my family but not of my best friend, however i had to make the decision for myself, just like you. Regardless of what you decide, you have my support. And all the people here.

You might. I did have an account, but I left when I had just had enough from people who are emotionally unhealthy. I see that there are still people who like to unload on others here, so I won't frequent this site. I just wanted to share my experience in case someone really needs help. I really needed help, and Dr. Illan and his team really saved me from the complications of a rather severe lap band slip. I am so lucky I found them.

Let me start with a little history... I became a bandster in 2007. I lost 130 lbs and have gained back 115 lbs. I did well in the beginning. The weight melted off of me. Restriction was never a problem. I followed the band rules perfectly. Then in 2009, things changed. An event actually changed everything for me. I either had a virus or food poisoning. Either way, it was terrible, I could not stop heaving. We all know that with the band, anything below the band is not coming up. I had to call my surgeon and was prescribed Zofran, but I think it was too late. Something terrible happened. The area around my band was sore for quite some time and my little "friend" inside of me, started to become my enemy. Since then, I have shown a nasty hiatal hernia. My reflux is terrible. And there is no fill that is comfortable. I get a fill, follow the rules, and I am right back at the surgeon's office the next morning to get an unfill then I am back to NO RESTRICTION. It has become a viscous cycle and I have gained most of the weight back slowly since that time. I have been told that if I correct the hiatal hernia and if the band is pushed up a bit, that my restriction will come back and things will get better. However, even with that in mind despiration has pushed me to go more extreme to scheduling a VSG on September 17th. I am strongly reconsidering my choice after doing much more homework on the possible complications of a VSG. Now I am doing some homework on the RNY, which may be a better alternative to VSG. Either way, I have to get the hiatal hernia fixed. So, my questions to the lapband community: Would personally try to correct the situation if you were in this position? Have you been through a revision from an existing band surgery to a correction and were you successful after the correction? I am just looking for some input and possible support either way. Looking forward to hearing from you!

The only insurance requirements were Psych clearance and 1 visit with a Nutritionist. My surgeon required: EGD to check for ulcers, etc. that could lead to complications during/after surgery, and PCP clearance which included physical, health history review, EKG, and a blood panel.

I used dr fitzer and was very pleased. He was very upfront about everything and had wonderful post complication ratings! I'm current 4 weeks post op and doing well!

definitely count your blessings. i got the other side. no complications mind you, but pain, fatigue, constipation. took a couple of weeks to work it out.

Hi! Good luck to you! I DO live in WA and had my surgery in Federal Way by Dr. Srikanth. I had a complication post surgery, but everything ended up ok. I am 12 days post op and feel fantastic! 31 pounds gone forever! Let me know if you have any questions.

Just wanted to ask to see if anyone had issues with infections.or any type of complication

Reshiapooh96 The thought about it being permanent and not being able to unfill if you get symptoms...I reasoned like that for 5 years while not know what else to do and regaining 100 pounds. Now,anyone can have complications with any surgery,sure.But statistically complications are quite low.And long term comps as I can see it is mostly heartburn or reflux but not too many have it out of control either. The thing is I waisted another 5 years of my life wondering,worrying about this.And 8 months out I can tell you I now go through phases where I mourne the loss of those 5 years and the regain of those 100 pounds as after the band and the weight loss I didnt need any plastics (maybe boobs but no one sees them and I can hitch them up quite high..lol) Now,I am going to need to do arms,legs tummy and boobs.I am still so mad at myself for this as I hate surgery but I look terrible and will definitely have to do it. If you can lose it without the sleeve en get rid of the band and change your life by yourself. But the bottom line is we have to lose the weight as it will kill us sooner rather than later.The qualitly of a very obese persons life is so much lower and life is just so much harder wit so many aches and pains.And it gets worse as we age! Good luck to both of you and dont let the fear that made us do the band,because it isnt permanent,stop you from have a great long healthy life!

A word of advice: DO NOT PICK UP ANYTHING HEAVY POST-OP. It may seem silly, but I didn't follow that advice when I was at work a week after surgery and picked up a box. I didn't think it was odd, and didn't feel anything. But my weight loss slowed down a year or so later and I got acid reflux. When I switched doctors in 2003, the new doc found that I had a hiatial hernia, which moved the Band and complicated my weight loss. I had a revision done in 2004, and fixed the hernia as well. I didn't mean to scare you, but felt like I had to warn you about the only downside of the Lap Band. That complication was my fault, not the doc or the Band's.

Many people are going to gasp at your comment that it's not uncommon to need a revision or replacement after 7 years, Delooka. But I know what you're saying. For my money, another laparascopic surgery to get a new band and a clean bill of health is a small price to pay, especially if it's being covered by insurance (which my band replacement is). Seriously, even if I had known back then that another surgery would be required four years down the line I STILL would have chosen the band over bypass. These are minor complications, easily dealt with, compared to the risk of major long-term complications with something as drastic as a gastric bypass.