In trying to find one of the top doctors or centers for lap band surgery, I am wondering how many people had their surgery done out of state? I was wondering about NYU which is located about 3 1/2 hours from me by train. Is it worth going out of state for the surgery? Or, is this something that should be avoided based on your experience? How is aftercare handled? Would appreciate anyone sharing their experiences.

Similarly, what do you do if you are traveling and you need to be filled or unfilled. I have a vacation home that is not near my primary residence where I spend several months at a time. I would expect that at some point I would need something done-- fill, unfill, etc. How have you handled that kind of thing when you have been traveling?

Thanks!

if possible I think it would be better to have surgery close by. you will probably need monthly appts and distance could serve as a bad thing. if you go by car to your second residence, probably not a problem at all. I have heard air travel is ok too but you need to check with the dr doing your surgery.

Why don't you check with insurance company and see who they recommend. They may have surgeons in your immediate area that are good surgeons. For the first year you may have to go to the Dr's office monthly, plus you may want to go to support group meetings.

In trying to find one of the top doctors or centers for lap band surgery, I am wondering how many people had their surgery done out of state? I was wondering about NYU which is located about 3 1/2 hours from me by train. Is it worth going out of state for the surgery? Or, is this something that should be avoided based on your experience? How is aftercare handled? Would appreciate anyone sharing their experiences.

Similarly, what do you do if you are traveling and you need to be filled or unfilled. I have a vacation home that is not near my primary residence where I spend several months at a time. I would expect that at some point I would need something done-- fill, unfill, etc. How have you handled that kind of thing when you have been traveling?

Thanks!

My surgeon is a 4 hour drive to Dallas. I only seen him during surgery. PA's at the clinic handle the fills. I haven't had any bad experiences, but then again I also haven't had any complications. Just remember anything can happen. I guess it would be ideal to be in close proximity if you needed an emergency unfill or something like that (most emergency rooms don't know how to handle that). I plan on moving even further away in about a year. I will just find a doctor's office at the new location to handle fills, etc.