Newbie With A ? Please

speck · November 16, 2006

Hello EVeryone

I've just decided to look into the Lap Surgery but I have a question.

What exactly are the fills and how often do you get them?

Also, when you get a fill, is it a one day thing or do you stay overnight?

Can you go back to work the same day. Any extra info is appreciated.

Also, for the ones who travel outside the US, doesn't it end up costing the same because of Air Flight Cost and having to go back and forth for the fills?

Thanks in advance.

Sandra

Georgia

Alexandra · November 16, 2006

Hi Sandra,

The "fill" is just an injection; no hospitalization is necessary. It takes about 10 minutes plus whatever time your doctor makes you wait. Some doctors do it in a facility with x-ray equipment (fluoroscopy, sort of a moving x-ray) and others just do it in their offices.

Fills are intrinsic to how the band works; they're how the band is adjusted for your personal needs. Saline is added or subtracted to the band to tighten or loosen it, and it's done as often as necessary to answer the patient's needs. In general, people probably get 3-5 adjustments in the first year, fewer after that. In 3 years I've had about 8 or 9 in total, and am having another one next month. I get them in the morning and am usually only about an hour late for work.

Kat817 · November 16, 2006

Hi Georgia--alex explained it much better than I could have!!

As far as going out of the US for surgery...many Dr.s (ok, their staff!!) will help you locate a more local Dr. to handle your adjustments, and follow up care. My surgeon had a difficult time locating a Dr. very near to me, the closest is still 6 hours away. So he arranged for him to do my adjustments, (after I met with him, and thought he would be fine), but he also spoke with a local surgeon for emergency purposes. I have never had to see the emergency surgeon thank goodness, but I do feel a little better knowing he has some idea of what has gone on with me. With the amount of advertising they are doing for the lap band around here, it is going to be a big issue around here! Anyway, you are right, I have a year of free fills, but once again, to fly out of our rural area, the cost is prohibitive...but most will work with you to get you set up.

Good Luck, do lots of research, and ask any questions you have--lots of helpful people around here!!!

Kat