How nervous should I be?

Sunta · January 16, 2006

Hi!

I was thinking back tonight about my first visit with my surgeon. I'm not banded yet and am awaiting a surgery date. During the visit he told me he's done 40 bands (by the time I get mine that number will have most likely doubled because he's doing about 4 or 5 per week). He said that of those 40 people, three people have had their bands removed. Two because of acid reflux and one because of a hole that occurred either during or after surgery. This hole was located just above the stomach somewhere. The surgeon gave some explanation about "shearing" away part of some membrane to get behind the stomach or something, and maybe because this person had already suffered from acid reflux, his membrane was thinner or worn away. But that was just his theory. I remember reading an article about a councilwoman who died getting the LAP Band due to surgical error which was a stomach perforation. Should I be worried??? I know the hospital I'm going to has an excellent reputation. I guess his complication (removal) rate is about 8%. This seems high, huh? He's attended during surgery by two more experienced surgeons. Should I switch to one of them, or am I just being over-cautious?

princess_n_thep · January 16, 2006

Personally, I would want a more experienced surgeon. And, I am wondering what article you read as I didn't think there have ever been any lapband fatalities. Do you know where you saw it?

gentlespirit · January 16, 2006

I agree with Jenna...I'd want someone who had done more bands than that. The hospital's reputation is something to consider, but I think the surgeon is more critical, and the more experience the better!

Emily

Refound_Hope · January 16, 2006

I also think that if it were me I would choose a more experienced surgeon. Find people on the site here who have had the surgery in your area and see where they have gone and what surgeon they used. I would definitely look in to using a different surgeon.

aligirrl77 · January 16, 2006

I was thinking the same thing as most people that responded... i would want someone who has done well over 100 surgeries... i think i remember reading that somewhere when i was first looking for a dr to do the band.