phenry

thank you for the info! You all seem to being doing great! I am almost convinced...but of course I still will research and ask questions until I am totally confident that this is the best thing for me.

I am considering the lapband surgery. I guess one of my fears is that something will go wrong and I will have to have the band removed. I know that the procedure is relatively new to the US. 2001 I believe is when it was approved by the FDA. So, how many out there have had the band for 2 years or more? Any problems? I would like to hear from some people who have long time experience with the lapband. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!

I am considering using him too. Does he do his surgery at a hospital or more like a clinic?

Hello all! I am in the process of learning all I can about lapband surgery to see if it's right for me. I live in southern Indiana near Louisville.

I am considering having the lapband surgery. My fear is this...I don't have my bottom jaw teeth on the right side of my mouth . They were removed several years ago because of dental probs. I can chew on my left side...but of course it isn't as good as if I had my right side to use. I know that you have to really chew good before swallowing. Should I consider an implant to replace some of my chompers....or do you think I will be able to do a good enough job? It might sound like a silly question to ask...but only a bandster would know just how much chewing is required to get the food to go down and stay down.:help:

Thanks Terry! That was a great explanation and sure was helpful! There is so much to learn and so much to research. I have found this website to be very helpful.

I am researching lapband surgery. Are there different types of bands? I have noticed some are called Inamed and I found one called BioEnterics. Is there a difference? Is one better than the other? I noticed on the BioEntrics, a saline solution is used for the fills where as others refer to a flouro fill? Can someone clear this up for me? On the US doctors thread, the doc in Colorado that charges 10,000 for a self pay surgery uses the BioEnterics system. Is this inferior and therefore cheaper? HELP!!!!

thanks sherrijo! I will look into it! Just wondering, how was your experience in Mexico? It sounds fairly safe and all, but what if you had some type of problem with the surgery once you got home? Did they offer any advice should that happen? That would prolly be the one thing to stop me from having it done down there. Hey sherri...what part of Kentucky?

I am also in Indiana. Considering lapband surgery. Looks like the place in Denver is the cheapest at 10,000.00. However I will need a fill doctor within driving distance. Dr. Curry looks like he could be the answer!

I appreciate you responding cozzie. So glad to hear your experience with the surgery has been positive. I am still a bit chicken! I am probably about 75-80 pounds over weight of what I would like to be. As you get older...it seems harder to lose weight by conventional methods. I am starting to have trouble with foot pain, getting out of breathe quickly, and a few other minor ailments (minor compared to many other people) but I realize these ailments will only become worse and I am sure I will aquire new problems down the road if I don't do something soon. I also have 2 young grandkids that depend on me and I want to be around to help them!

Thanks for the info Diva! I am not sure where Miamisburg is at so I will check it out! I am thinking about having the lapband done by the doctor in Denver mentioned elsewhere in the thread about US doctors. He does it for around 10,000.00. Since I will be self-pay...I want the best price but of course I also want a reputable doctor to do the surgery. It's not practical to fly to Denver whenever I need a fill or any other follow up care...so your doc may be a good alternative for me. I am still sorting through things and gathering information. I do not have a date in mind yet. Still a little chicken...but I will reach an answer for myself soon I am sure! I do want to keep in contact with you!

I am looking for a doctor near me...Louisville, Kentucky. Hopefully at a reasonable price since it will be self-pay. Close is good, but anywhere in the midwest will work as long as I can get follow up care and fills near to home. Any suggestions?

I have not been banded yet, but I am getting my ducks in a row. Looks like surgery is cheaper in Colorado, so I may look into that. If so, I will need to have follow-up care and fills done here where I live in the Louisville, Kentucky- southern Indiana area. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks...and I just love this website. It has been so helpful and a wealth of information on any topic pertaining to Lapband surgery!

Hi everyone. I am new here and have not been banded yet, however I am researching it. I am at about 35.2 BMI. I have been overweight all my life except when phen-fen was legal....I did lose very easily on that. Over the years it has crept back up on me and now I am near 50 years old. I know I have to do something before I get too old. Is there an age limit where they will not except people to do the surgery on? I would like to lose about 60 pounds.