ronda9702

I have only just decided on the Lap Band procedure to help me lose weight. My reason for doing so is because I have severe osteo-arthritis in both of my knees. I have already had one surgery in Nov '10. My (ortho) surgeon informed me that I 'need' both knees completely replaced but, he refuses to do so since I am only 36yo. Well, carrying around this extra 100lbs is not fun for me. My legs and knees hurt all day, every day. I also have lower back issues.

I wish you well.

I am scheduled for surgery on May 9th with Dr. Ren. I am scared and wondering what this will be like. I need to lose weight, and this is my only option now. I have high blood pressure, pre diabetic, and back problems so I can't exercise. Any body else like me ?? Let me know what your experience was like, I am so curious. TIA

Hey there,

Before having any surgery, it's important to do your research. I found my orthoepedic surgeon online, and chose him based on all of the great reviews by previous patients of his and by meeting with him to discuss my procedure. On the other hand, I also understood that my experience would not necessarily be the same as the experience of the patients posting reviews.

As far as your physician's recommendation; it is just that, a recommendation. My PCP has referred me to numerous physicians but, ultimately, I choose who I want to care for me- You can do the same, responsibly, of course.

Lastly, I see that you referred to Atlanta,which is where I am. There is a Lap-Band seminar on May 14th that I have registered for online through the Lap Band website. The site also has a list of surgeons that are certified through LB to perform the procedure. I have already found two potential surgeons (one a reference from a classmate (T. Duncan;).

Check out the site and let's see what type of information we get from the seminar. I'm sure it will be informative. We can be buddies.

Good Luck.

I am so conflicted and disappointed right now. I went to see my primary care doc today to discuss lap band. Things were going to great until he wanted to refer me to a surgeon. I had already picked out a surgeon based on 2 friends that have already been banded by this surgeon. They absolutely love him. So I tell my do who it is that I am planning to see. The conversation went completely down hill from there. He does not recommend my surgeon at all, he was very adamant about it, he said that he would feel very uncomfortable with me seeing this surgeon, he said he could not go into details but he has heard many horror stories about this surgeon. WTF? This surgeon is well known and is a contributor to Fox5 News, Atlanta's HOUSECALL.

I don't believe my doc would steer me wrong, but damn. I really wanted to see this guy. Do you know where I would go to get information on the surgeon? I have googled and only found 1 bad complaint. Not very much information out there.