I am scheduled to have LB surgery with Dr. Fielding at NYU and he suggested putting in a larger, softer band with takes more fill but it is easier on the esophagus. Does anyone know about large vs. small band? Also, does anyone know Dr. Fielding?

I have the small band, however, a few months after I got my band my Dr. started using the big band for all his patients.

My doctor now seems to use only the larger band on everyone - I believe that doctors think the larger band has fewer incidences of slippage; who knows! I have the larger band, and it does takes a bit longer to reach restriction........but you get there. Just takes a few more visits. I don't believe it is a matter of one being better than another - some people do better with the smaller band. Your doctor will know best! And you have a leader in this field doing your surgery, so no fear!

Good luck!

AmyK

Thanks for the responses. It really helps to get real information from LB members. I appreciate all the time taken to respond to my questions and everyone's questions and communications. This is a great place to call home.

I'm a big bander... at first I was frustrated with it because it was taking so dang long to get restriction! But now that I've got restriction I'm happy with it... I'm sure I'd be happy with a small band too... who knows... I just know that I'm happy I have a band!!

I'm a VGer. I have had 4 fills and still not the sweet spot yet! But after comparing the two bands, I am glad that my Doctor chose the VG. He said it is a matter of anatomy and not so much weight.

Should I be thinking about this? I'm scheduled to be banded on 2/6, but I have no idea what size band I'll be getting. Should I ask or just trust my dr?

i personally think u should just trust your docs judgement

True, the Doctor's judgement is paramount.

I have the "swedish band", which can go all the way to 9cc. It's softer, and less likely to errode, apparently.

BIG VG bander here too. My Dr uses the VG band only now too, says there is less complications with them. It took me a little longer to reach restriction too, but then some of my very lucky friends had restriction with one fill with the VG. It all depends on your insides I think. Good Luck with it and trust your DR.

As for Dr Fielding I have heard alot about him since I started my lapband journey, he studied and worked here in Australia and to date he has performed over 2000 bandings. He underwent lap-band surgery himself in December 1999 so who better than him to understand and know what we are going through. I think you would be in the hands of ONE of the best banding Drs in the world....but thats just my opinion :cake: