Search the Community

3/17/10 had lapband. Never, never, never had a problem with the band that I knew of. The problem I had was my surgeon quit the practice 10 months after I had surgery. Ended up switching to the NP in that WLS clinic. Never once in those three years did they ever fluoroscope that band, only right after surgery. But there again I didn't seem to have any problems, or so I thought. Anyway the nurse was to have called me regarding laps, after waiting six months (I had gotten the laps myself, but she had already po'd me) I switched doctors. He did the fluoroscope and found the band had slipped. I ended up having to have the band out and 10 weeks later had bypass. I did a lot of research during this waiting period, including the complications with the band which is now coming in. The doctor recommended bypass vs sleeve for me because I'm a diabetic and there are better results getting this in remission than with the sleeve. In my research bypass has been so perfected in the past 30 years I had to agree with the doctor. I'm not sorry I had the band as it started my weight loss journey, just wish more research had been done three years ago and I would have eliminated two surgeries. So I would definitely research all the major hospitals, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland, all of them and then determine what would be best for you.

I woke up perplexed regarding Mexican surgeons and Inamed. Last weekend another Lopez patient lost her Band, so Penni contacted Inamed for answers, and she received this e-mail from Inamed. “As well as I have complete confidence in Dr Lopez and his team with myself and family members. All people of all occupations have events that are not perfect. I am sure you have had them as well. His results are at the highest levels in the world and his complication rates at the lowest. I am sorry your own and a few others you have spoke with have not been what you want. Please keep in mind there are Thousands of successful surgical patients of Dr Lopez out there.” Larry Kuri, Ortiz and Rumbault, etc. have more complications that Lopez? I’ve seen complaints about the Moulding Clinic and Garza, and I’ve only heard 2 complications with Ortiz. I’ve heard a few minor problems with Kuri, and I’ve never heard a negative note about Rumbault. Yet all these complications have been resolved and everyone still has healthy Bands with not one case of erosion (that I’ve heard of.) Yet I know at least 12 serious problems with Lopez in the past few months alone - with 6 recent Band removals. If Lopez is the surgeon with the lowest complication rate, then I certainly owe him an apology. It’s the nature of medicine that things go wrong randomly, even when the surgeon is immaculate and does everything to perfection. But if other surgeons have more complications, I want to know about them. If it’s true that all other surgeons have higher complications, then information is obviously being swept under the table. Is the Band as safe as we are lead to believe or is important statistical information being held back from us? Help me here.

I am just shocked once again about the recent string of Lopez' patients that are popping up with complications. Port infections = Someone contacted me this morning who had this problem. Port revisions = Myself, Donali, and others out there I am sure. Band erosions = I think the last count I remember there were 7 from last year. Incisions infections = Too many to count including myself. Life-threatening issues = One that I know of most recently. These are just a few of the complications I am aware of. Not to mention erroneous information being distributed by Lopez and his staff. Sigh!! IT just goes to show you to be extremely careful with regards to going to Mexico or any doctor for that matter but to be extremely scrutinizing of Mexico doctors because there is NO recourse if you are facing more surgeries or out more money for health care. SIGH!!

Mike, the two people I know asked me not to post their problems, so I deleted what I wrote in respect of their wishes. Having a LapBand is just as dangerous as any other surgery. Hundreds of things can go wrong, from problems with anesthesia and drugs to band erosions. I've asked why Inamed claims Dr. Lopez has the lowest level of complications. Why do we hear every Lopez problem but we don't hear about other surgeons' complications? If Lopez has the lowest, that means all other surgeons are having a fair share of problems. So far all I am is frustrated with the lack of honesty because I don't know who to trust. Trust in a surgeon is very important to me, and when surgeons aren't reporting complications to Inamed, which they are required to do regardless of how menial they believe the complication to be, that's a huge breach in trust that should make people think twice. Even if the surgeon does everything immaculately, things can and do go wrong. It's not a reflection on the surgeon but the nature of practicing medicine. I would rather have a surgeon tell me he's had 10 complications than a surgeon that claims he's had zero because there's no such number as zero when it comes to practicing medicine.

I see him in two days. I hope it does not cause complications. I'd hate to have issues in my first week. Maybe it's not heartburn. I've never had it before.

Oh wow, I'm sooo sorry to hear about your complications! I pray you will heal and get well soon. Are you on liquids only? What are you ingesting? Your stomach is already hyper sensitive, it could be that what you are eating/drinking just isn't being accepted by your sleeve. Just a thought, I honestly don't know what it could be. If necessary keep in close contact with your surgeon. *hugs*

yikes! i too am having complications but not the same as yours. ive never heard of a complication like yours. i have a leak. i cant keep anything down due to astent being placed in me in which is making me soooooo sick. im supposed to keep the stent i for a total of 4-6weeks. its been 2wks & 1day & i am requesting them to take it out!!! i cant deal with being so sick.. the constant vomitting, not eating, barely drinking, constant nausea & discomfort. its HELL!!!!!! seriously. i cant deal with it anymore. i feel as if i am dying slowly & they are trying to drag me to the 4week mark & i cant do it.

Hi Folks, I posted at this site originally in late October (at the beginning of my 6 month waiting period for insurance purposes). As I'm going through all the major hoops I have to jump through to get this surgery, I'm starting to have serious reservations. I spoke to my NUT yesterday and confessed that I quit smoking for 3 months then at the end of December beginning of January I started slowly again. I'm on the patch again today and know this will be a battle for me. I can't even be on the patch a month or 2 prior to surgery. My other problem was that I gained 4 pounds in those 3 months I quit smoking and it's my impression that my team of experts expect me to behave as if I'm having the surgery next month. I'm not. According to them I should be eating several small meals a day. I work Sooooo much and have Sooooo many doctor appointments, I'm exhausted already. And don't have the time to focus on food continuously I could lie and tell them everything they want to hear, I get the impression they feel as if their doing you a favor by being ball busting big brothers. I feel my life is invaded by this team. I told the nutritionist that I might not be ready for surgery come Spring, I might need a few more months to get my mind wrapped around this and focused on living a completely different life. Finally and most importantly once this is done, there's no turning back. I have stomach problems as it is, IBS, had Diverticulitus and had it surgically removed. If I fall into the 10% that has complications.....I'll hate myself forever for doing this to myself. I weigh 230 lbs and if I lose 100 lbs I'll probably look like a cancer patient. How does one prevent too much weight loss? I'm struggling with this...any input would be appreciated. With a 6 month prep period, when did you all start taking it serious and strictly change your habits? Thanks Robin

Ditto to Terridoodle. I don't think you should feel guilty about taking the steps towards becoming healthier and living a life free of medical complications that accompany being overweight such as diabetes,high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease. Be good to yourself and stay the course to becoming healthier by losing the weight. Lots of hugs to you. :smile:

I know you must be terribly disappointed. But it does sound like your body is battling something. Best to be in good health when you have the surgery so you can be complication free. And have the smoothest possible recovery. Hang in there.

Due diligence is my thing. I do it for a living, and I make a nice one at that...so that said let me tell you my story short and sweet. 7 years ago at the age of 34 I was having major medical issues. Surgery after surgery, and finally my Dr. said Lisa what are you going to do about this weight? He gave me a doctor who was a colleague of his who did bariatric surgery. Lapband specialty. OK I thought maybe I will go and see this guy. I waited a year...then I went to see him. I loved him, he had a great practice, people were nice office chairs fit my big butt I was happy! Then he gave me the list of things I had to do..and the prep and the doctors and I checked on it some more..and I wasn't ready. Only a part of me was cheering...do it do it do it..the other half was saying...ummm I don't know...surgery...another one..complications...failure. I have personal friends I know who had the band, the 4cc one years ago and they not only failed but they had major issues...that was nearly 15 years ago...things have changed...but still. I wasn't ready. Then this January, newly married my husband facing a hip replacement and both of us over weight. Happy in love and overweight. WE went back to see the doctor and this time I was ready. I was all in. My hubby was all in, and we have never looked back! True it's only 5 months...(nearly) but I could not be happier! I am much healthier, I can walk and run I take the stairs now! It took me 3 years to get here from the time I first met the surgeon and 4 years from the time I was given his number. So take your time and be sure it's the right surgery and the right time for YOU. The band takes 100% commitment pre-op and post op. If your not ready to give that 100% your not ready.

Honestly, I had complications my surgeon accidentally obstructed my bowels so a week later I had emergency surgery, I was producing excess saliva, I couldn’t take in any fluids and my body no longer can tolerate artificial sweeteners. I couldn’t drink my favorite thing in the world like I wanted to anymore, water. I am now on May 3rd going to make 2 months out! I want to say 2 weeks ago everything got better fluids started rolling in. No more nasty taste in mouth no more excessive saliva. I no longer have diabetes and I crave healthy food. I’m getting my fluids in and I can drink my water cold and get through 20 ounces in 30-45 mins. So yes I regretted it at one point but now I don’t. Everyone reacts to the surgery differently if you do have a hard time after just let your body heal and it will get better.

Forgot to post earlier this week to update my 6 week follow-up appointment. So far so good on everything. Getting back to regular foods has been wonderful of course. That 2 weeks before surgery and the 4 weeks of liquids & pureed was rough but it also was a valuable learning period to know the difference between real hunger and head hunger. My appointment was uneventful. My weight loss has tapered off a bit in the past two weeks. It had been about a pound a day but for the past week or so my weight had been stuck around 285 with some back and forth. Today I came in at 283 and that puts be at 35 lbs down in 6 weeks. I'll take it! I admit I was starting to mildly freak out with the stuck scale but I knew things would slow down a bit at some point. I got my old gym membership going and will be hitting it for the first time in a long time starting today. Since my sciatica is doing better I'm hopeful I can have a decent workout for once without being in terrible pain. And I'm also not dreading going to the gym. May sound dumb but when I'm focused on going to lift and build muscle I love going to the gym. When it was all about weight loss and doing cardio I loathed going, so I'm actually excited to be getting back at it. I won't see my doc again until 12 weeks out and am pretty much cleared to eat all foods again. Our office has a support group meeting once a month and will be going to that in a few weeks to see some old faces and keep some accountability going for myself. At this point just knocking on wood for continued improvements and fingers crossed that my initial complications were just a matter of getting that out of the way a head of time so I don't have any future episodes.

Constipation can be a difficult problem after surgery. After several months after surgery I developed this complication. After trying several stool softeners that gave me no relief, I finally resorted to inserting a glycerin suppository up my rear end every three days. Obviously I did not want to make this fix a permanent thing. I stumbled onto a simple fix. I found that if I ate an apple before I retired for the night, I would have a good BM the next morning. The trick is that you must also eat the skin of the apple. This approach has worked for me for over a year. Constipation can be brought on by a lack of fluids, so make sure that you are meeting the requirements in this department. Other suggestions on past threads for this problem are: Smooth Move Herbal Tea Prune juice (warmed) Prunes (4 in the morning and 4 at night) Magnesium citrate Insoluble fibers (Garden of Life Raw Fiber or Renew Life Triple Fiber). Haribo sugar free Gummy Bears Aerobic Magnesium 07 Low Fat Bran Muffin (recipe). 80 calories each 1 cup flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon cinnamon 2 cups bran Cereal 1 ¼ cups milk 1 egg ½ tablespoon applesauce optional: banana, berries, mini chocolate chips Bake 400° F for 22 minutes

Poor advice. Everyone reacts differently. Just because procedure X didn't work for you doesn't mean it won't work for someone else. Conversely, just because procedure Y *DID* work for you, it doesn't guarantee it will work for anyone else. Even if you do your due diligence and your medical team is capable, there will always be a small percentage of people that have unforeseen side effects or complications to any procedure. While it is unfortunate to fall into that percentage, that doesn't invalidate the procedure.

My bags were packed. I was ready to go. I was at my lowest weight and psyched. Got to the hospital at 9 am this morning and sent to Pre-Op to ready for the 11 am surgery. Stripped down to the hospital gown with an IV in my arm and waiting the green light. At 11:15 am I was notified it was delayed 2 hours due to complications with the patient before me who was in surgery at that moment. At 1:30 pm I was notified it was delayed at least another hour. At 3:00 pm I asked if I stayed could the surgery still be performed and more importantly was the surgeon in any condition to do it ? They passed that question along and to my surprise the surgeon showed up. He asked me to cancel. He said his regular team was going off duty and this was major surgery. For my safety he recommended it be rescheduled. I was bummed but what could I do. I'll get my new date in the morning. UPDATE: 5/26//12: I've been rescheduled for June 6th.

I feel sorry for you as I know what you are dealing with. Having three surgeries back to back is so hard, I can only imagine. I had to do a endoscopy and had a 2 days rest and then went in for surgery. I think you can get PTSD from all of this, and it hurts to know that this is a elective surgery. We all went into this with high hopes and dreams of changing our life for the better and instead we dealt with more trauma. I had a spinal surgery in 2019 and I developed a drop foot, which was a complication from the surgery, which I still deal with. I have struggled with depression prior to this and it just hurts. I have went back to the ER and I get good support there but where I live it is overrun with covid patients, so it isn't the best place to go. My surgeon is very kind and I have his number. He comes to see me in the hospital every morning. I am doing a bit better but I still stay in bed most of the days. Your advice is great and I agree that I need to get back to a routine. I am less emotional now, I also think the meds they us on make us more emotional. I wish you a speedy recovery!

You're certainly welcome! Folks often become concerned when they read or hear horror stories following surgery. There are risks and there are no guarantees. But I always try to remind everyone that there are approximately 200,000 bariatric surgeries performed every year in the U.S. alone. If you personally heard or read 2,000 horror stories, that would be one percent of the surgeries performed in a single year. The major complication rate (usually defined as requiring re-hospitalization) for gastric bypass is now less than four percent according to a study done by Cleveland Clinic and published day before yesterday. The minor complication rate is less than 15%. And the death rate as the result of surgery is less than one-tenth of one percent. Consider that in conjunction with the other benefits of the surgery outlined in the same study: 40% reduced risk of heart attack over a ten year period 42% reduced risk of stroke over a ten year period 18% drop in the five year risk of death from cardiovascular disease 45% drop in the risk of developing moderate to severe kidney disease over five years 47% drop in the risk of developing circulatory and other complications including diabetic retinopathy (diabetes induced blindness) On average patients lost 60% of their excess weight and had a 61% remission of diabetes The overall risk of developing coronary heart disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease within the next 10 years dropped 27%. All of this research was presented in Atlanta, GA at the 30th Annual Meeting for the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) during Obesity Week 2013. http://www.newswise.com/articles/new-cleveland-clinic-study-shows-risk-of-heart-attack-stroke-among-diabetes-patients-significantly-lower-after-gastric-bypass Bottom line - the odds of having a life-changing, successful surgery are overwhelmingly in your favor. And the weight loss is just one of a very long list of benefits.

It sounds like fills are a heap more complicated in the states than here LOL. I go into my doctor's office, have my fill and am back out in 5 mins generally. I'm not charged by the doctor, nor by his office. He doesn't do flouro - I'm not even sure what it is to be honest? But he's never missed and I've been very happy with the results thus far. I've not had to pay for an unfill either. I'm assuming that it's so different because its relatively new in the US? My surgeon has been doing it for over 7 years now and works with the group here that has done all the research for banding. From my understanding (and often, I don't understand lol), gastric bypass is pretty much unheard of here, as its just not done - banding is always the first choice.

I've been banded for almost three years, and am one of the longest-term members of this board. The band has only been approved for use in the U.S. since June of 2001, so you won't find a lot of Americans who have been banded longer than 5 years, and not all that many of those. I haven't had any serious complications, beyond having had my band unfilled a couple of times to help deal with reflux. I'm hoping that my long-term experience will be completely uneventful. :biggrin1:

I was banded on 3/17 08 at NYU by Dr. Ren. If there were only one thing I could say about the whole experience it would be WOW!. I am so happy. I had NO complications after the surgery, and have continued to lose weight every month since. The comprehensive program at NYU has made everything go smoothly. First there are several opportunities to go to meetings to listen to what others who have faced the same issues have to say. I wholly recommend this. Maybe everyone is not on the same page as you, but in the long run you always learn something new that can help. Second, the after care is outstanding. I have heard so many stories from friends who have had the surgery, and from other patients in the waiting room, and even from the young woman who was in the hospital with me after surgery (for gall bladder ) about the "special"care they have received. Finally, what doesn't get said often enough: the Dr.'s are wonderful. I,personally, can only speak for Dr. Ren. She is an expert. And she is extraordinarily kind and caring. My recovery and subsequent fills have convinced me that I chose the best possible place to have this life-altering surgery. Yes, what many people on this forum have said, the office staff leaves much to be desired in terms of communication and efficiency sometimes, but the professional medical staff is truly outstanding. I know you will be thrilled with your decision.

The goal of the prep op diet is to help you prepare for your dietary changes and to shrink your liver to reduce complications during your surgery. If your liver is too big, they may cancel the surgery. My pre op diet was no more than 30 carbs and no sugar.

thank you! i actually havent been cleared to workout yet due to medical complications ive been having! im hoping that i will soon though!!

Fair warning – This was a lot longer than I thought it would be. You might want to have your Water bottle with you before starting! Today (plus one day that I've confessed to above) makes one year out for me. WOW! What an incredible year. In some ways it seems like forever and in other ways, just like it was yesterday. As my signature states, I’ve gone from an 18W to size 4/6. My BMI changed from 32.8 to drum roll please .... 20.1. Hard to believe!!! My surgeon was Dr. Thomas Umbach in Las Vegas, NV. I found him through Medical Tourism and am very thankful that together we’ve made sure I have a nice long, healthy life. The typical question – would you do it again? YES, YES, YES! I was known as a “lightweight” since my BMI was “only” 32.8. Was I fat? Definitely! Did I have risk factors? Definitely! I’ve often said that I was the smallest obese person in my family, but I had to personally realize that I was still obese. I really considered this surgery due to my father. I lost him in March 2009 due to complications from his obesity – congestive heart failure and uncontrolled diabetes. He was only 64 years old. It broke my heart to lose my dad at such a young age. I want to be around for my kids (currently 20, 17, and 9) and their kids! Not only do I look better, I feel better. I can run up and down our stairs all day! No more having to sit down because I’m tired after one trip up. I can go to costco, shop, put the food away & still have energy for more chores/tasks. INCREDIBLE!!! With that being said, I still have not been good about regular, planned exercise. My stomach may look better if I had (but part of me thinks not – skin just isn’t going to bounce back but so much). I am thinking breast augmentation, but I probably won’t. Just invest in more push up/padded bras. Do I want to punch out people that say I took the “easy way”? Yep! Is it hard? Yes. Do people who say I’ll gain it all back annoy me? Yep! Does my new tummy give me a tool that can make me successful? Heck yeah! Am I already successful? YES I AM! Am I concerned about maintenance and gaining again? Yes, but with continued dedication & support groups like this one, I can make it! The next question – how much can you eat now? Slider foods – more than I thought I could/should. I can pack down close to pre-surgery amounts of Cookies, ice cream, popcorn, etc. I have been testing a bit with “normal” foods … the other day, I was able to eat almost all of a McDonald’s hamburger with just the top bun & all but 3 slices of the Apple Dippers (no caramel sauce). I had one or two more bites left of the top bun, but knew I was done. I can eat about 3 ounces of steak with a bite or two of salad & maybe 1/4 of a baked potato. My biggest battles right now are (1) head hunger at night and (2) not counting foods as “bad” or “good”. I am trying to change my thinking to “good for me” or “tastes good, but not very nutritious”. I met with a nutritionist last week to talk about my eating plan for life. While she questioned if I still needed to track every bite I eat, I told her that it helped me be accountable. I am now tracking to 60g Protein, 64+ ounces of water, 100+ grams carbohydrates, and somewhere between 1500-2000 calories a day. I will add a confession here – I track Monday to Friday, but rarely on Saturday & Sunday. I just kind of eye ball/mentally track on the weekends. OK – enough rambling … Just want to leave with 2 more things. (1) If you are on the fence about this surgery, I want to strongly encourage you to investigate further. This surgery has truly saved my life & given me a new future and (2) At one year out, I thought it would be fun to go back and read some of my old posts – my worries, fears, doubts and successes. I don’t know if it will help anyone or not, but I’ve listed a few here: Surgery & Post-Op: · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3255-on-my-way-to-the-airport/page__p__29783__fromsearch__1#entry29783 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3363-weird/page__p__30519__fromsearch__1#entry30519 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3403-surgery-recovery-sucks/page__p__30905__fromsearch__1#entry30905 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3471-im-gagging-over-here/page__p__31374__fromsearch__1#entry31374 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3538-concerned-should-i-be/page__p__32047__fromsearch__1#entry32047 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3602-finding-the-time-to-stop/page__p__32545__fromsearch__1#entry32545 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3687-advice-for-road-trip/page__p__33232__fromsearch__1#entry33232 Losing: · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3884-took-measurements-today/page__p__35215__fromsearch__1#entry35215 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3944-time-to-increase-the-portions/page__p__35826__fromsearch__1#entry35826 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/4565-need-some-support/page__p__40607__fromsearch__1#entry40607 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/4263-wanting-to-eat-more/page__p__38113__fromsearch__1#entry38113 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/4778-size-12s-and-medium-tops/page__p__42293__fromsearch__1#entry42293 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/4827-gotta-get-serious-about-exercise/page__p__42772__fromsearch__1#entry42772 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3769-am-i-the-only-one-wanting-sweet-liquids/page__p__34103__fromsearch__1#entry34103 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/5217-its-a-fat-day/page__p__46024__fromsearch__1#entry46024 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/5065-post-op-when-did-you-have-your-first-carbonated-drink/page__p__44749__fromsearch__1#entry44749 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/6305-my-funny-nsv/page__p__55830__fromsearch__1#entry55830 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/5869-normal/page__p__51835__fromsearch__1#entry51835 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/7060-why-cant-they-just-say-congratulations/page__p__62386__fromsearch__1#entry62386 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/7964-irritated-with-people/page__p__69470__fromsearch__1#entry69470 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/7376-i-cried-tonight/page__p__64804__fromsearch__1#entry64804 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/8064-need-to-be-accountable/page__p__70372__fromsearch__1#entry70372 Moving to Maintenance · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/8602-calling-those-on-maintenance/page__p__75039__fromsearch__1#entry75039 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/6171-weight-regain-with-vsg/page__p__54548__fromsearch__1#entry54548 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/8392-today-7-months-out-and-642-pounds-gone/page__p__73224__fromsearch__1#entry73224 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/9506-goal/page__p__83431__fromsearch__1#entry83431 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/9995-almost-9-months-out/page__p__87012__fromsearch__1#entry87012 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/10260-i-am-not-controlling-my-sweet-tooth/page__p__89285__fromsearch__1#entry89285 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/10135-holiday-strategies/page__p__88283__fromsearch__1#entry88283 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/10981-nsv-nsv-nsv-for-me/page__p__95104__fromsearch__1#entry95104 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/11548-so-discouraged/page__p__99499__fromsearch__1#entry99499 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/12379-this-is-why-journaling-food-is-so-important/page__p__106369__fromsearch__1#entry106369 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/12406-fruits-and-veggies/page__p__106553__fromsearch__1#entry106553 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/12769-not-quite-a-year-out/page__p__109462__fromsearch__1#entry109462 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/11607-i-have-a-question-about-alcohol/page__p__99986__hl__alcohol__fromsearch__1#entry99986 For newbies … this is a great place to start: http://www.obesityhe...or-New-Members/ (yes, I know this is another website, but many of us frequent there as well as VST.J)

I'm not pro band or pro sleeve or anti RNY. I do think that each is appropriate for certain patients. And each person needs to make the decision with their health care providers. Dr. Trace Curry out of Cincinnati area is my surgeon. He's done over 300 sleeves, lapband is far and away his mainstay. When he did my band, he was the only surgeon in the state certified to teach other surgeons the procedure. I don't know the numbers on the RNYs but it's in the thousands. I actually learned about him through a RNY patients who by the way is 6 years out and doing very well. Most of his staff, including his wife have been banded. I would think that with his vast experience he would have a good sense of the complication rates of each type of WLS. In addition, he was banded himself within the last year. It stands to reason to me that if a large portion of his patients (not to mention staff whom he sees everyday) were having such high rates of complications he would have gone to the best surgeon he could find to sleeve him. But he opted to be banded. That speaks volumns to me. My guess would be that he has access to very reliable statistics not only in his own practice but nationwide.