Did you have your surgery in a hospital or surgical center? I read an article on the boards here last night about 3 deaths from lap band surgery in CA all performed in a surgical center. That spooked me. I was looking forward to having it done in a center now I am questioning whether I am making the right decision all together. HELP. Can you tell me if you had your surgery at a center and what your experience was?

Did you have your surgery in a hospital or surgical center? I read an article on the boards here last night about 3 deaths from lap band surgery in CA all performed in a surgical center. That spooked me. I was looking forward to having it done in a center now I am questioning whether I am making the right decision all together. HELP. Can you tell me if you had your surgery at a center and what your experience was?

I';m in texas and had a surgical center. It was a great experience. Was the deaths from the same doctor or different ones? Who did you hear this from? On the news or word of mouth??

I had mine done inpatient in the hospital. I would not want to have it done in an outpatient center. I liked the security of having medical personnel on hand if I needed them.

I agree w/ Cindy C. I liked knowing there was always docs/nurses there should I need them.

I had mine at a hospital and stayed overnight. I preferred that for the same reasons as the above 2 posters.

I had mine at a center it was very nice and there were plenty of nurses and Dr's there. It was connected to a hospital.

Like with any other surgery there is always a chance of death (sorry don't mean to scare you but it's the the truth). Did the article say if these patients had the same doctor and if they had any other health issues that could have attributed to this? I am having my surgery in couple weeks in a hospital as and outpatient, since I live near the hospital. You should do a lot more research before getting the lap band. You should call your insurance company and find get the information from them. Ask them if you were to get the surgery done would it be done at a hospital or oupatient center. I know and from what I've read in a lot of posts is that it seems that the majority of people have had their surgery at a hospital. Do a lot more research. Attend seminars of people who have had the lapband done. I think this would easy your fears. Best of luck to you!!

My Insurance company required me to have mine done at a Center of Excellence, which is normally a Hospital setting. I would not have any surgery of this degree in an Outpatient Center. That's just my preference. Best of Luck to you!!

Thanks. The article was from a post on here. The cases were in CA..same surgical affiliates all from a billboard sign..1800-getthin! Go figure..that's creepy. My doc has a zero mortality rate. I have been to seminars and have done a lot of research over the last 2 years. I have had surgeries in the past..just not in a center. I liked the idea of coming home the same day so that it would be easier mentally on my girls but if it is a danger I will talk to the doc about changing me to a hospital. Dr. Trivedi is a good doctor. I just need to speak with him I guess.

Any surgery is risk but yeah I read that article too but the lapband surgery isn't like having a kidney removed. I had knee surgery at an outpatient place by one of the best surgeons in the country.

It all depends IMO on the dr who is performing it. I wouldn't dare go to that place with all the deaths. Somethings not right there. I had to have outpatient asap cause I had to return to work in 4 days and have a hubby to care for. Of course I've had lots of diff surgeries so going under the knife doesn't bother me at all.

I had mine done at a surgery center, Surgery was at 8 a.m., was headed home by 1 p.m., great experience, great staff.

I had the choice to have my done at the hospital or at the surgery center and I chose the surgery center all day long and had a wonderful experience. I was surrounded by doctors and nurses. They stood by myside the entire time from check in to check out. They called me the next 2 days to make sure I was doing ok and my surgeon called the day after that.I feel like i got a way more personal experience then I wouldve had at a hospital and there's nothing like recovering in your own bed. The surgery center was so clean and comfortable and had an A+ rating.

I had mine done in a Center of Excellence Hospital. I had no choice, My surgeon told me surgery in the morning, stay overnight for observation.

Then I had a barium swallow in the morning. When it was all done. I got the O.K. to leave.

I was treated very well, checked threw out the night. The Staff was excellent, and I would never think of a place like 1800 get thin.

Only a Center of Excellence is what I would recommend to anyone.

So I agree with the Lady's above completely !

I am in North Carolina and I had mine in a surgery center. Got there at 6am, went into surgery at 7:45 and was out at 8:30. I sat in recovery for a little over an hour and was headed home by 10:00 They made sure I went pee and was able to walk/talk/drink before I left. I was loopy and achy the first two days but after that I felt better everyday. The center even called me to make sure I was happy with my services about 5 days post op. EVERY single person there introduced themselves to me, shook my hand and made me feel like I was their number one priority which is what I needed because it was my first time having surgery...ever. I wouldn't change my experience for the world!!!! Good luck!!!

I had mine at a surgery center and had no problems at all. Surgey was at 7:15 am and I was back at the hotel at 9 am. I was very, very glad to not have to stay in a hospital.

FYI - Mine was a Center of Excellence - they award this designation to surgery centers too, not just hospitals.

I was at the docs yesterday and all of my fears were eased. My doc is here In NJ and I believe he is one of the top five in the country..so I am ok with doing it at the center.