dOn'T BlAmE ThE SurGeoN

[Cleo's Mom 257]

From my own personal experience, and those who have been following my lapband drama on these boards know, I will tell you what I expect from a surgeon. First, he should be a bariatric surgeon exclusively. Not a general surgeon who does bandings & fills and bypasses almost on the side. Second, he should be experienced. Third, he should be knowledgable about the complexities of obesity. One size does not fit all. Fourth, he should be willing to listen to your questions and if he doesn't know the answers, say so and then find out. Fifth, he should stay current by attending bariatric conferences and symposiums and bring that knowledge back to his practice. Sixth, he (or designate) should be accessible after hours for those problems and concerns that can't wait until normal business hours.

For many of these reasons, I just changed doctors this week. So, sometimes, it isn't the patient, it is the surgeon.

Now, as to how the band is promoted. It is promoted as allowing you to only eat a small amount of food that will satisfy you for several hours. Healthy foods, of course. Nowhere does it say the band should cause pain, heartburn, reflux, hiatal hernias. I know that's not what I signed up for. For those who reach their sweet spot without suffering any of these problems - great. They are among the lucky ones. But read these boards, for many, many bandsters - it is not working this way, despite their best efforts.

[2Flyguys 13]

maybe i should've been more specific in this thread...those that dont lose weight due to lack of exercise and changing their eating habits....SHOULD NOT BLAME THE SURGEON....