Pretty_baby asked:


I am getting the Lap Band in a little over a month. I would like some feedback on someone who has had the surgery and what I can really expect (not from the website or doctor… only those who have had it can asnwer my questions) Thank you!

redkickinchicken asked:


Is there any way to have only an epidural during lap band or do you have to be under general anestesia? Any other comments about getting the surgery done is appreciated.

Lap band surgery is something that is giving many people a new lease on life. This procedure is allowing many people that suffer from obesity the ability to return to a healthy weight. However, many people want to know the price before they begin researching this weight loss option as a solution for their obesity problem.

While it is becoming increasingly more common for insurance companies to foot the bill for the surgery, there are many people who still do not have insurance, eliminating this as an option for them. Recently, Medicare has made the decision to pay for the gastric banding procedure. Many health care providers have come to the conclusion that the cost of this surgery is less than the cost many years of obesity related medical issues.

As time has passed, the price of the adjustable lap band has decreased. When it first started being performed in this country (it was approved by the FDA in 2001), it was priced at about $15,000. Gastric banding was available in Mexico for about $10,000 at that time. The idea of having this surgery performed in Mexico may bring on apprehension, but it has been performed in Mexico for many years and these doctors have performed hundreds of these minor operations.

With that being said, there are new bariatric surgery clinics opening regularly in this country making the price more competitive. In the past few years, the cost of lap band surgery is running between $10,000 and $15,000. But in just the past month, I have seen clinics offering this operation for less than $10,000. Now this may still seem like a lot of money, but many of the bariatric clinics now offer financing.

If you are obese and feel this procedure would be a good weight loss option for you, the cost of is not the obstacle it used to be. Talking to your physician is a good place to start if you considering weight loss surgery. This procedure can restore your health, but there is a lot to consider before having this minor operation.

This procedure is the least invasive of all the types of gastric bypass surgery, requiring only an overnight hospital stay. In most cases you will be back on your feet and back to work within a week. The cost has made this procedure much more attractive to many people looking to lose more than 100 pounds.

By: Arlene Schneider

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Morgan asked:


Hi, I am 23 and thinking about getting the lap band down in Mexico, but seeing as the Dr want my money they probably say the after affects are not much. But is that true? dose you re stomach hurt after doing to much? what about hitting the fill area? how often do you need to get a fill?is there anyone my age who got this? well it’s more then one question but i hope you all can help.

termspec asked:

www.gastric-banding-surgery.co.uk Gastric Band surgery demonstration Video showing how a gastric lap band is surgically implanted in to the abdomen, how it works and how it helps manage weight loss in obese people. This is a laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band procedure, with audio commentary describing the procedure.

Termspec asked:


Has anyone seen the recent report on the BBC where they did an undercover investigation on Gastric band surgery in Blegium ? and if so what were your views ?

Ben l asked:


I need to get a life ! I need to lose this wight is their any one in Escondido or San diego that can help me ! Get a lap band ?

If you are considering weight loss surgery, Lap Band surgery may be an option for you. There are many reputable Lap Band clinics in Toronto, but before you make an appointment, make sure to do your research. Below are a few things to consider if you are thinking about undergoing Lap Band surgery for weight loss.

Cost

Lap Band surgery in Toronto and other parts of Canada can be very costly. You’ll have to research the different Lap Band clinics to find out specific information related to cost. In many cases, medical insurance will not cover the cost of bariatric surgery. Consider whether you’re willing to finance your own surgery through loans or credit cards should it be necessary.

Eligibility

Many different factors are considered by doctors in determining whether you are eligible for Lap Band surgery or not. In order to qualify for surgery, you must be between the ages of 18 and 55, and at least 100 pounds overweight. Alternatively, you may have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 35 and 40+ or (or a BMI of 35 with significant co’morbidity). You must be in reasonably good health and you must report any current or past medical problems. Patients with severe and permanent medical conditions are considered ineligible for bariatric surgery.

In order to determine if you are a candidate for Lap Band surgery several exams are required prior to scheduling surgery. Required tests include: EKG, Upper G.I. Series, Gallbladder Ultrasound, Chest X’Ray, Blood & Urine Analysis.

Risks

As with any type of major surgery, there are general risks associated with undergoing a major procedure. These risks can be worse for overweight patients.
Most of the common complications associated with lap band surgery will take place after the surgery. Most patients will experience one type of complication or other in the weeks and months following lap band surgery.

Common Complications
- Nausea & Vomiting: 50% of patients
- Regurgitation/Gastro Esophageal reflux: 1/3 of patients
- Slippage of the band: 1/4 of patients
- Blockage in the passage between the two sections of the stomach: 1 in 7 pages
- Difficulty in swallowing (dysphasia), constipation and diarrhea

More Serious Complications
- Erosion of the band into the stomach
- Twisting or leakage of the access port

Rare Complications
- Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis) – less than 1%
- Migration of the stomach above the diaphragm (hiatal hernia)
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
- Gas/flatulence
- Chest pain
- Infection

Commitment
Though the surgery can technically be reversed by removing the Lap Band, you must remember that Lap Band surgery is considered a lifelong commitment that is intended to help keep the weight off. With that being said, living with the lap band will require a total lifestyle change. Some of the changes you can expect include the following:

- You’ll have to learn new eating habits. While you are learning these new eating habits you can expect vomiting to occur.
- For up to three days following surgery, you will only be allowed to consume clear liquids in small amounts.
- Solid foods will be allowed only after clear liquids and soft foods are kept down.
- Progression to solid foods is slow and varies from one patient to another. Initially, one starts with 8 teaspoons of food, which must be eaten slowly. You must stop eating as soon as you start to feel full or you may vomit.

Average Weight Loss

It is difficult to estimate how much weight you will lose monthly or annually following Lap Band surgery, especially since results vary for everyone depending on your age, height, metabolism, level of activity, etcetera. However, patients who follow the new eating patterns carefully and exercise daily can hope to lose more than 30 kilos (or 65 pounds) in the first year.

Conclusion

If after considering all these factors you still think Lap Band surgery may be for you, the next step is to talk to a doctor about your situation. Research Lap Band clinics in Toronto and make an appointment to discuss surgery with a specialist.

By: Amy Nutt

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Ben l asked:


I have no cash no job to pay for this lap band. Dose any one know of a group that can help me pay for this suguery ?

ciboclinic asked:

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.ciboclinic.com If you are concerned with your weight, losing weight using the adjustable gastric band can significantly improve your health and quality of life. A recent article (April 10, 2007) in the Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends bariatric or weight loss surgery as an acceptable option for people for whom all other conventional weight loss methods have failed. The adjustable gastric band can also help patients significantly resolve or improve certain health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, hypertension or other serious conditions. * 74% improvement in dyslipidemia * 94% resolution of obstructive sleep apnea * 55% resolution of hypertension * 100% improvement in asthma * 75% resolution of diabetes * 79% resolution of reflux (Source: Fielding G, Ren C, Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. Surg Clin N Am 2005;85:129-40) Adjustable gastric banding is a minimally invasive surgical option for the treatment of obesity, designed to induce weight loss by limiting food consumption. In our opinion, it is simply the best way to lose weight without hunger. There are several options when it comes to surgical weight loss procedures. However the safest is the adjustable gastric band procedure. Not only is it the safest surgical procedure for weight loss but it can also offer sustainable results by reducing the amount of food your stomach can hold. What makes the adjustable gastric band procedure unique …