Anyone decide on switching docs after surgery??

Crummy78 · May 4, 2009

Im a little perplexed right now.

Im 20 months now post op, and feel that my results are minimal...

I have been filled and unfilled numerous times, and as time progresses and lapband becomes more popular, I feel like Im taking a back seat to my doc and his associates. The personal attention is diminishing as their practice grows and they take on more patients. I was unfilled for 2 months after an ulcer was discovered, only after i complained for about 6months. In those 2 months I gained about 20lbs. :unsure: I now only have 2cc's in a 10cc band. I feel as if I have no restriction, and they are reluctant to put anymore Fluid in.

I was told when the ulcer was found that there may be a possibility that the band may have to come out. I instantly told him that if I cant have my band i want to have a revision.......That deal has now totally come off the table and basically am being told that if the band is unsuccessful for me, its because of my own doing. AND that he is happy with the result so far due to the fact that lapband usually only has a success rate of patients losing 40-50% of their weight....

right now I am 212lbs and5'3". My goal weight is 125, which to me is far from a success.....

But like I said I feel like the intrest level in my case has diminished......

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

ParrotheadCathy · May 4, 2009

I would make an appointment for a fill and if anybody gave me any negative comments on that, I would tell them that they have to pursue your aftercare. The ulcer is healed and it's time to move forward.

HeatherO · May 4, 2009

I agree with ParrotheadCathy, go in to get another fill. Explain how you feel about the situation and see if they are just keeping your fill level low for now to heal sufficiently or if they are just not working with you.

If they are not willing to work with you, it might be worthwhile to find another doctor.

Cleo's Mom · May 5, 2009

I changed doctors last month. I went from an inexperienced doctor who was a general surgeon and did bariatric surgery "on the side". I was his 23rd banding. His inexperience showed when I developed problems with an overfill. Plus he told me I had a different band than I actually had. When I went for a second opinion, I switched to that doctor. Went today for a follow up upper GI to see if the problems caused by the overfill have gotten better (they have). My former doctor's general surgery patients took priority - what with all their emergencies, etc. He didn't seem to have time or the knowledge to deal with post bariatric surgery patients. I am glad I switched.