Looking for a LapBand Doc

[LittleGirlBlue 24]

I've been banded nearly two years. When banded I lived about 2 to 2.5 hours from my LapBand surgeon (he is great by the way, Dr Elli in Chicago). I'm now 3.5 to 4 hours away and have been looking for a LapBand doc closer to my home. I've been completely taken back at the fact that no one, not one LapBand surgeon within 100 miles, is willing to take on an already banded patient. No one will tell me why just a simple "such and such is not currently taking banded patients for fills". I've been very successful with my band and I'm self-pay so someone would be making money- I don't get it.

Does anyone know if the brand or licensed LapBand company has a resource to match banded patients with doctors?

Any help please... I'm stuck in the middle of nowhere Indiana (30 miles south of South Bend) just hit 12 weeks post op for a TT and would like to get my first refill under fluoroscope with a great local surgeon.

[MammaJamma42 106]

I think if you go to this link, you should be able to find somebody near you: http://www.lapband.com/find-a-specialist/ Good luck!

[NaNa 878]

Yea, sorry unfortunately that's one of the worse things about the lap band, it's very difficult for banded people to change surgeons.

Surgeons DON'T WANT PROBLEMS, and sadly many with the lap band have many, some don't follow up with their surgeon for years until they have a problem and most surgeons consider taking on someone else's patient pose a liability, some surgeons don;t like "fixing" other surgeon's problems.

Even if you are doing "well" and don't have any issues NOW, some surgeons still will not take on anyone that they did not band.

Have you went to www.lapband.com? You can type in your zip code and hopefully you can find a surgeon there.

I changed surgeons but I never had any problem, but I live in the Mid-Atlantic DC region, but my band surgeon was well respected and the first thing they asked... Who did your band, and where did you get it placed...most surgeons WILL not take on most people that get banded in Mexico.

Also, remember MANY surgeons moved away from the band a few years ago, and are now doing more Sleeves, "I think the Sleeve popularity" is wearing down now since so many are gaining weight back, and 'some' surgeons are now coming back to the band with a new perspective on aftercare.

Also please keep in mind if you find a surgeon that will fill you, you need to ask if "complications" will be part of that aftercare, some surgeon will fill your band, but will not offer any complication aftercare if they did not band you, so please be aware of this.

Good luck