Need info.

mb2 · February 13, 2006

Hi,

I think I want to have the lap band procedure. I was interested in going to Monterrey, Mexico, but my husband wants me to find a doctor in the United States. So, I have been trying to find someone in Arkansas with experience and that others have had good experiences with. In some of the online ads that I read for procedures in Mexico, it says that you will never gain weight again. Is this true? In some of the postings I have read the word restriction. What is restriction? I am not 100 pounds overweight, so I am concerned that I will not be able to find a doctor in the US who is willing to do the procedure. Does anyone know why it can be done in Mexico on anyone, but not in the US? I will appreciate your responses. Thanks

Kathybirdseye · February 17, 2006

THE U.S. HAS VERY STRICT GUIDELINES WHICH ARE MOSTLY DRIVEN BY INSURANCE COMPANIES.

IN MEXICO YOUR INSURANCE WONT PAY ANYWAY, SO THE GUIDELINES ARENT PERTINENT.

I THINK ANYONE WHO HAS ALOT OF WT TO LOSE (MORE THAN 50 LBS) SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET THIS PROCEDURE.

I JUST HAD LAP-BAND DONE 3 DAYS AGO IN CALIFORNIA AND I HAVE 100 LBS TO LOSE PLUS BEING DIABETIC.....MY INSURANCE APPROVED IT BUT IT TOOK 6 MONTHS TO GET THRU THE PROCESS FOR APPROVAL !!!!!

BEST WISHES TO YOU

KATHY IN CALI.

Alexandra · February 17, 2006

Hi,
In some of the online ads that I read for procedures in Mexico, it says that you will never gain weight again. Is this true?

No one can promise you will never gain weight again. That's a sales pitch. If you work with the band and if you don't develop any complications, the band can help you lose weight and control your weight more easily in a permanent way.

In some of the postings I have read the word restriction. What is restriction?

Restriction is a very basic element to the way the band works. The band restricts the amount of food one can eat at one time, and adjustments increase this effect, increasing the restriction. The tighter the band, the more the restriction, the less you can eat. Being too tight is dangerous, while being too loose keeps the band from working at its optimum level. Finding the right amount of restriction can be tricky, and several adjustments may be needed. It's CRUCIAL that anyone banded far from their homes find a good local doctor to see them if there are any problems and, ideally, to have adjustments when necessary.

I am not 100 pounds overweight, so I am concerned that I will not be able to find a doctor in the US who is willing to do the procedure. Does anyone know why it can be done in Mexico on anyone, but not in the US? I will appreciate your responses.

Bariatric surgery is not considered medically necessary in this country unless one has a BMI of 40 or above, or between 35 and 40 in the presence of other medical issues. So not being 100 lbs overweight does not mean you absolutely would not be considered qualified. You should speak with a doctor about that, and find out what your insurance carrier's guidelines are.

Good luck, and keep asking questions!

nanahanna · February 18, 2006

Hi, there are several doctors in Arkansas who do the lap band surgery. There are several in Little Rock, one in Russelville and there are some others but I forget where they are.

I am using Dr. Keilen and Heiker in Texarkana. Go to ObesityHelp.com and you can find surgeons there state by state but not all lap band doctors are signed up with them. I found mine by searching LapBandTalk and reading about Dr. Keilen and Dr. Heckier (I may be spelling his name wrong but their website is:

www.pswecare.com). Good luck!

Sharon

Terri-ific · February 24, 2006

I used Dr. Wellborn in Little Rock and highly recommend him!! He has a free seminar each month and explains everything about the surgery to you. There are also people who have had the surgery who answer questions for anyone who asks. They are super. If there is any way I may be of help, please let me know! Terri