large vs small band

[maggiek 0]

I am scheduled to have LB surgery with Dr. Fielding at NYU and he suggested putting in a larger, softer band with takes more fill but it is easier on the esophagus. Does anyone know about large vs. small band? Also, does anyone know Dr. Fielding?

[Iluvharleys 15]

I have the small band, however, a few months after I got my band my Dr. started using the big band for all his patients.

[JulyBandster 1]

My doctor now seems to use only the larger band on everyone - I believe that doctors think the larger band has fewer incidences of slippage; who knows! I have the larger band, and it does takes a bit longer to reach restriction........but you get there. Just takes a few more visits. I don't believe it is a matter of one being better than another - some people do better with the smaller band. Your doctor will know best! And you have a leader in this field doing your surgery, so no fear!

Good luck!

AmyK

[maggiek 0]

Thanks for the responses. It really helps to get real information from LB members. I appreciate all the time taken to respond to my questions and everyone's questions and communications. This is a great place to call home.

[Ruthie 2]

I'm a big bander... at first I was frustrated with it because it was taking so dang long to get restriction! But now that I've got restriction I'm happy with it... I'm sure I'd be happy with a small band too... who knows... I just know that I'm happy I have a band!!

[RayLandry 18]

I'm a VGer. I have had 4 fills and still not the sweet spot yet! But after comparing the two bands, I am glad that my Doctor chose the VG. He said it is a matter of anatomy and not so much weight.

[gadgetlady 4]

Should I be thinking about this? I'm scheduled to be banded on 2/6, but I have no idea what size band I'll be getting. Should I ask or just trust my dr?

[fee 0]

i personally think u should just trust your docs judgement

[Pianoman 0]

True, the Doctor's judgement is paramount.

I have the "swedish band", which can go all the way to 9cc. It's softer, and less likely to errode, apparently.

[Kelliebelly 13]

BIG VG bander here too. My Dr uses the VG band only now too, says there is less complications with them. It took me a little longer to reach restriction too, but then some of my very lucky friends had restriction with one fill with the VG. It all depends on your insides I think. Good Luck with it and trust your DR.

As for Dr Fielding I have heard alot about him since I started my lapband journey, he studied and worked here in Australia and to date he has performed over 2000 bandings. He underwent lap-band surgery himself in December 1999 so who better than him to understand and know what we are going through. I think you would be in the hands of ONE of the best banding Drs in the world....but thats just my opinion :cake: