Hi. I have been researching the lapband. I have an appointment Nov. 22, to go to a seminar that is led by two doctors that do this surgery in Texarkana. I would appreciate any info on these doctors. Also what is a "fill" Is it something you have to go back for often? What are the serious risk of having a lapband, if any? Thanks .

Sugarbear -

My insurance does not cover at Wadley as well as they do with St. Michael's, but they agreed to pay anyway, and Wadley is going to offer the same discount that I would have gotten if I would have been having the surgery done at St. Michael. I had to have a letter of recomendation also. I hope everything works out. I was so excited about the surgery, but now I am getting nervous!! There have been so many people with problems lately, that I am kind of scared. I have two small children, and I need to stay healthy for them. Good Luck!!!

Sugarbear -- I've been banded since 8/31 and have no restriction so far from eating any kind of food (bread, steak, salad, etc). I have given up pop completely though, and severely limit my intake of sugar, bread, etc.

Besides smaller portions, most docs will tell you to avoid bread, Pasta, potatoes, and junk food even if they will go down just fine. None of those are conducive to weight loss. Lean Protein, veggies and fruits are the best choices. Of course, it ultimately comes down to eating fewer calories than what you need. The band won't do all the work -- you'll still be able to eat junk, so you need to be committed to following a healthy eating plan.

Good luck! Hope you get your insurance to pay most/all of this. If not, make sure you have a financial plan for what you are going to do if you are one of the unlucky few who have to have a port or band removal down the road. [plus budget for fills -- they are expensive and the band is worthless without them]. Some docs do them for cheaper/free during the first year after surgery, so don't forget to ask about that.