I was excited about going to a weight loss surgery seminar, which was my first step in the process. However, the surgeon talked negatively about the lap band. At the end of the seminar, I asked him why he was so against the lap band. He told me that after the first thirty days, complications and such arise. Further, he said that he would not be surprised if the lap band would eventually be pulled from the shelves.

One woman spoke up and said, "How many of us here already have the lap band?" About four women raised their hands. These ladies had gained their weight back. One came up to me after the seminar, and raised her shirt up and said, "the doctor could not find a needle that would go into my fat; since I have gained all of my weight back." The lady was not very big at all. I left there very let down.

Can someone explain to me why the surgeon told us he does not recommend the lap band surgery for anyone?

There's probably a few reasons Dr is trying to pursuade you against LBS one being money and another is time, which breaks down to money also. They make more money on other WLS, plus there's little after care . LB patients need to see the Dr for fills and check ups once a month.

Plus, yes, a lot of patients (not all) fail from non compliance.

BTW the fail with other WLS too b/c of the same reason. You don't change your lifestyle, you are not going to do well with any WLS.

If you are serious about LBS and have done your research, I would suggest you find a different Dr who will support what they are doing. There's plenty of them out there.

Whatever you chose I wish you the best!

PS as far as the lady who is skinnh and Dr can't access port, she must have a flipped port or an incompetent Dr.

Find a different seminar and read post here.

Good Luck!

I hate to say this, but I'm going to call BS on that doctor. There are very few complications within the first 30 days of Lap Band and statistically speaking, only 8-12% of complications are by no fault of the patient. The rest have complications because of their own poor behavior.

As far as the woman going "the doctor could not find a needle that would go into my fat; since I have gained all of my weight back." I'm also calling BS. I started over 400 pounds. I've met people who started closer to 500 pounds. Never, ever is finding a needle to get through the fat a problem. Either that woman is blaming others for her own failure or her doctor was completely incompetent.

The Lap Band makes the surgeon the least amount of money of all the WLS. Either that surgeon is only in it for the money or he's an ignorant bafoon. Either way, if I were you, I'd definitely be looking for a new one.

Best wishes to you. Sorry you had such a band experience.

agree with mads and missy

if you want to lose weight, dont let a stupid doctor convince you otherwise. mine wanted me to do the bypass because of my size.....look at me now at 7 months post op.....

Love this forum................... my first visit to a doctor is tomorrow. If I don't like what he says I am on to another one. I have learned the good, the fake and the skinny and ugly on here. Thank you for your honesty