Considering Lap Band

[Momto4kids 0]

I'm considerig LAP-BAND® (I researched about 4 years ago also) but I have some concerns I want to ask about before I approach my dr's so I know what to ask them about when I make appts.

Last year I had to have a pacemaker/icd implanted due to malignant heart arrythmia's (NSVT, Vtach & Vfib episodes), NCS & OI.

I have neurocardiogenic syncope problems and my blood pressure & HR drops due to autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Through testing, it showed I didn't have anything wrong with my arteries - no kinks, blocks or clots.

I developed obstructive sleep apnea last year also. I don't think its attributed to weight gain, because I've gone up and down the weight rollercoaster for many years and didn't have OSA until recently.

I've read others have pm's and have the procedure done, so I assume it's ok? What about ANS or syncope problems, arrythmia's and OSA problems, anyone have these and have the procedure done?

Any effect beta blockers or vasodepressors have on the band itself since I have to take those 2 meds for life? (ProAmitine & Zebata)

Do I need a certain dr since I have these problems and would need my PM turned off? I know I would need a different type of knock out drug because I can only take certain meds as is.

Any recommended dr in FL, also how do I find out the cost?

thanks in advance and any suggestion is appreciated

[Pamweezie 0]

Hey Momto4kids,

I'm not sure what part of Florida you are in, but there is a wonderful lady in Pensecola who has a blog and you can contact her via email and ask about her doctor. Here is her blog address: Once Upon A Time...In the Land of cheese and Sunkist Maybe she can point you in the right direction.

BTW, I'm new here and also strongly considering the Lap-Band surgery. I'm a recent breast cancer survivor.

[Momto4kids 0]

thank you :thumbup:

[atgoalgal 0]

If you don't get any recommendations here, I would consider going on the ASMBS www.asmbs.org and looking for doctors there as a starting point. You may also want to talk with your primary care doctor, and or cardiologist and ask around for a lap band only support group in your area. They can be great resources who are familiar with your medical history. As a long-term patient I'd be happy to answer any questions about how the tool works and what you need to do to work the tool. Good luck

[Pamweezie 0]

You are welcome Momto4kids.

Gloria, I just went to your blog and WOW!! I am speechless. There is such a wealth of information on there, I don't know where to start. I just went to my first WLS seminar last evening and have made an appointment to start my journey. I hope that I will be able to peruse your blog and learn. Thank you for paying it forward.

pam

[atgoalgal 0]

You are welcome Momto4kids.

Gloria, I just went to your blog and WOW!! I am speechless. There is such a wealth of information on there, I don't know where to start. I just went to my first WLS seminar last evening and have made an appointment to start my journey. I hope that I will be able to peruse your blog and learn. Thank you for paying it forward.

pam :frown:

Hi Pam, Thanks so much. You made my day. Did you sign up for regular emails (kind of like inspiration and information sent to your inbox, to cheer you on your own journey. I really appreciate the kind words.

How was the seminar. What did you learn? Any surprises?

[Pamweezie 0]

Hi Pam, Thanks so much. You made my day. Did you sign up for regular emails (kind of like inspiration and information sent to your inbox, to cheer you on your own journey. I really appreciate the kind words.

How was the seminar. What did you learn? Any surprises?

Yes, I did. I appreciate the opportunity to do so. I have been reading your's and Sandi's blog and it has been so helpful :cursing:. Especially how to prepare and what to buy. I had no clue and was going to wing it actually. Meaning wait until my doctor tells me what to do, but my friend who has been through it says that the doctor doesn't tell you a lot of things. So your forum is extremely helpful to me.

The seminar was great. It confirmed my decision to have the surgery. There were no surprises and actually I had done so much research in advance of the seminar that I knew just about all of what he said. I did get to see him in person and witness the famed (here in Memphis anyway) no-nonsense attitude that he has been said to have. He kind of has a personality like mine. "Either you are going to do it or you are not" attitude."

Right now I'm getting all my paperwork together so that when he submits everything to my insurance company there will be no questions. I'm so excited and yet scared of the unknown. I haven't been near a 14 in 19 years.

Thanks again. :thumbup:

Edited April 1, 2010 by Pamweezie