Wondering which you chose, if you had a choice, and why? I have the choice and would prefer the out patient facility because they are solely there for what I need however it's not convenient at all. Is it better to go where I will be released in 5 hours or where they may keep me over night? I'm not sure what the surgeon who is close and works out of the hospital requires until I go next week for my consult. Also, realistically, how often will I need to get fills or see the surgeon? I have four children so being close to home is very important, especially if I have to be there weekly.

I know it's ultimately my comfort level with the doctor and staff.

I made the choice to stay overnight. It was really a good choice because it gave them time to run extra test and to do a screening just to make sure everything was ok and that I could tolerate liquids the following day. I do not think I would have wanted to go home right after surgery. But that's just me.

As far as in fills, that solely depends on you. Some people do not need fills in order to be in the green zone. (The lucky people) Other people get them between 4-6 weeks. you need to allow your body the opportunity to adjust to the fills. I suggest if you are still not satisfied on 1 cup of food, 3 times a day for 3-4 hours to schedule and appointment.

These are also good questions to ask your doctor since they will be the ones to operate on you.

This is strictly my opinion, but I would definitely insist on an overnight stay at a hospital. My doctor insisted on a one night stay for pain control and he was right. The last thing I'd want to do is deal with a car ride so soon after that surgery. Plus, the hospital pain killers are so much better than anything you get by prescription.

Wondering which you chose, if you had a choice, and why? I have the choice and would prefer the out patient facility because they are solely there for what I need however it's not convenient at all. Is it better to go where I will be released in 5 hours or where they may keep me over night? I'm not sure what the surgeon who is close and works out of the hospital requires until I go next week for my consult. Also, realistically, how often will I need to get fills or see the surgeon? I have four children so being close to home is very important, especially if I have to be there weekly.

I know it's ultimately my comfort level with the doctor and staff.

I stayed overnight, with both my first and second band, and I really needed it, everyone is different, I prefer a hospital in the event complications occur.

I honestly would not feel comfortable having surgery at a surgery center, especially where the lap band has to be in a very sterile environment to prevent any infections.

Do what is comfortable for you, It doesn't matter if it's a Surgical Center OR A hospital..Just because it's a hospital doesn't mean it's going to be any more sterile then a surgical center, for anyone to suggest this is just ludicrous There isn't any guarantee that just because you go to the hospital that they will keep you overnight either that is between YOU and YOUR Surgeon.

GOOD LUCK

I most definitely prefer to be closer to home! For my husband alone it would work so much better as he works 10 minutes from the hospital and wouldn't have to take an entire day off. Thanks for all your replies.

Regarding sterility, I would say something is either sterile or not sterile - so I'm not sure about "very sterile." Hospital acquired infections is always a concern, and in my opinion, a reputable free standing surgical center would be able to maintain sterility just as well as a hospital.

As long as I am stable and medically suitable for release, I prefer outpatient. I had abdominal surgery in March (not a band) and it was outpatient and I loved it. I went in in the morning, home, chilling in my big, puffy recliner in front of my TV by lunch time. When I have my band surgery, I'll request the same, as long as it is medically appropriate. I just think that recovering at home is better. I can relax, the danger of infection is actually lower and I don't have to worry about roomates.

Do what is comfortable for you, It doesn't matter if it's a Surgical Center OR A hospital..Just because it's a hospital doesn't mean it's going to be any more sterile then a surgical center, for anyone to suggest this is just ludicrous There isn't any guarantee that just because you go to the hospital that they will keep you overnight either that is between YOU and YOUR Surgeon.

GOOD LUCK

Yea, but every time I think of someone getting a lap band in a "surgery center' it brings back haunting memories of many lap banders having horrible infections over the years, because the "surgery centers" had either low accreditation or was a set up shop and go out of business type operation.

Typically surgeons who performs in hospitals are more stable and less likely to "disappear" and have less complications under their belt because surgeons who have a High rate of complications CANNOT perform surgeries in accredited hospitals.

And it also reminds of that great 1800-get-thin scams that ONLY did their lap band surgeries in their "surgery center" and a few patients died, had horrible complications, etc.

Thank god those centers are now closed, gave the lap band a bad rap, and even sparked a congressional hearing and probably part of the demise of the lap band, and one of the many reasons Allergan wants to sell the band because of BAD surgeons and ILL INFORMED DESPERATE patients who are willing to risk their life in a sub par "surgery centers".

I am not saying all "surgery centers' are bad, but MOST of them have been, and anyone who cares about their health would steer clear from them.

Most reputable lap band surgeons do not perform lap bands or any bariatric surgery in "surgery centers".

Also I would personally feel comfortable in the event of a complication, a highly accredited hospital would have all the resources, ICU, etc there if I need it.

But again to each his own.

Yea, but every time I think of someone getting a lap band in a "surgery center' it brings back haunting memories of many lap banders having horrible infections over the years, because the "surgery centers" had either low accreditation or was a set up shop and go out of business type operation.

I'd be curious to read where your getting this information, as ppl that get banded in a hospital end up with infections as well. And if your basing this on Certificate of Excellence, that is just a "title" that can be had by anyone Clinic/hospital if all the correct measures are met.

Typically surgeons who performs in hospitals are more stable and less likely to "disappear" and have less complications under their belt because surgeons who have a High rate of complications CANNOT perform surgeries in accredited hospitals...Again NOT True, In Fact a Surgeon that now practices in NY had, 14 Lawsuits against him in Australia for the LB

And it also reminds of that great 1800-get-thin scams that ONLY did their lap band surgeries in their "surgery center" and a few patients died, had horrible complications, etc Here, I agree, it was Surgeon Error /Greed, but NOT Surgical center sterility in question.

Thank god those centers are now closed, gave the lap band a bad rap, and even sparked a congressional hearing and probably part of the demise of the lap band, and one of the many reasons Allergan wants to sell the band.. Did you call Allergan and ask them if they are selling the Band due to this ? Or just your assumption Because if were assuming things I'd assume it is because their losing $$ and their a Business , common business sense is to sell that portion of their business if their losing $$ But , no problem they still have Botox

because of BAD surgeons and ILL INFORMED DESPERATE patients who are willing to risk their life in a sub par "surgery centers". Now your making anyone with a lap Band sound desperate :huh:

I am not saying all "surgery centers' are bad, but MOST of them have been, and anyone who cares about their health would steer clear from them Again I have to disagree, Surgical centers are Prolific in all types and manner, ( not just LB Centers) it doesn't make them Sub-par.

Most reputable lap band surgeons do not perform lap bands or any bariatric surgery in "surgery centers". ​Again, you might want to Google search NY LB doctor sued in Australia

Also I would personally feel comfortable in the event of a complication, a highly accredited hospital would have all the resources, ICU, etc there if I need it"

But a Lap Band Surgery is the "least Evasive" so one would hope you won't NEED an ICU after having one done .

But again to each his own.​EXACTLY

Wondering which you chose, if you had a choice, and why? I have the choice and would prefer the out patient facility because they are solely there for what I need however it's not convenient at all. Is it better to go where I will be released in 5 hours or where they may keep me over night? I'm not sure what the surgeon who is close and works out of the hospital requires until I go next week for my consult. Also, realistically, how often will I need to get fills or see the surgeon? I have four children so being close to home is very important, especially if I have to be there weekly.

I know it's ultimately my comfort level with the doctor and staff.

The choice of facility for your surgery IMO should be driven by where the best level of medical care will be given. And equally important is where the best level of medical after care will be available to you. IMO, one's important health decisions should not be driven by my convenience.

I have seen the difference first hand between a bariatric practice recognized as a Center of Excellence, versus a general surgeon who does not specialize in bariatric surgery. There is no comparison. The aftercare provided through the Center of Excellence provides the level of care post op with the methods they use to do fills and monitor your general health state along with how you are adjusting to your band.

I was fortunate to be referred to a surgeon who is the head of bariatric surgery at a Center of Excellence. I felt no hesitation with proceeding with my band due to the level of both pre op and post op care available.

Yea, but every time I think of someone getting a lap band in a "surgery center' it brings back haunting memories of many lap banders having horrible infections over the years, because the "surgery centers" had either low accreditation or was a set up shop and go out of business type operation.

Typically surgeons who performs in hospitals are more stable and less likely to "disappear" and have less complications under their belt because surgeons who have a High rate of complications CANNOT perform surgeries in accredited hospitals.

And it also reminds of that great 1800-get-thin scams that ONLY did their lap band surgeries in their "surgery center" and a few patients died, had horrible complications, etc.

Thank god those centers are now closed, gave the lap band a bad rap, and even sparked a congressional hearing and probably part of the demise of the lap band, and one of the many reasons Allergan wants to sell the band because of BAD surgeons and ILL INFORMED DESPERATE patients who are willing to risk their life in a sub par "surgery centers".

I am not saying all "surgery centers' are bad, but MOST of them have been, and anyone who cares about their health would steer clear from them.

Most reputable lap band surgeons do not perform lap bands or any bariatric surgery in "surgery centers".

Also I would personally feel comfortable in the event of a complication, a highly accredited hospital would have all the resources, ICU, etc there if I need it.

But again to each his own.

Wow...more sweeping broad generalizations again...please provide a link to validated research to compare/contrast the incidence of patient infection post surgery in hospital facilities vs those of reputable surgery centers.

Inquiring minds...want to know.

So here is a little info on one of the surgeons I am going to see. Knowing nothing about this process, except what all of you have told me, does this sound reputable?

Daniel T. Hoeltgen, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Hoeltgen attended Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Illinois Metropolitan Group Hospitals surgery program in Chicago. He is a cum laude graduate of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Hoeltgen is a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, just to name a few. He has been in private practice since 1998.

Dr. Hoeltgen has a special interest in advanced laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery and bariatric surgery. He is the only surgeon in Illinois – and one of only a handful of surgeons in the world – who performs totally robotic laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. He also has significant experience in multiple other advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques. Dr. Hoeltgen serves as a faculty member for several large laparoscopic surgery companies, teaching other fully trained surgeons advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical procedures, including gastric bypass.

Dr. Hoeltgen is a native of Chicago, and resides with his wife and twin daughters in the northwest suburbs.

So here is a little info on one of the surgeons I am going to see. Knowing nothing about this process, except what all of you have told me, does this sound reputable?

Daniel T. Hoeltgen, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Hoeltgen attended Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Illinois Metropolitan Group Hospitals surgery program in Chicago. He is a cum laude graduate of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Hoeltgen is a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, just to name a few. He has been in private practice since 1998.

Dr. Hoeltgen has a special interest in advanced laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery and bariatric surgery. He is the only surgeon in Illinois – and one of only a handful of surgeons in the world – who performs totally robotic laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. He also has significant experience in multiple other advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques. Dr. Hoeltgen serves as a faculty member for several large laparoscopic surgery companies, teaching other fully trained surgeons advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical procedures, including gastric bypass.

Dr. Hoeltgen is a native of Chicago, and resides with his wife and twin daughters in the northwest suburbs.

Yes, his bio does read that he has excellent qualifications for his specialty in bariatric surgery. But the importance of his professional record eclipses that of his education.

What I mean by that is that your state of residence should have a website to provide prospective patients with not only education and residency/fellowship information, but also to know if this particular surgeon has had any legal judgements leveled against them and also if they have been disciplined by the state medical board who governs ethics and professional history.

I was in need of abdominal surgery, and my PCP gave me the name of the physician who he felt was best qualified for the surgery. When I looked up his record, I discovered that he had 2 lawsuits over the past 10 years, and the site also disclosed the amount of money his suing patients were awarded. Needless to say, I contacted my PCP for the name of his second choice surgical specialist, and was very pleased with the entire experience, if you can be happy with major surgery.

But doing my research allowed me to move forward with an anxiety provoking surgery with much more peace of mind.

Yes' date=' his bio does read that he has excellent qualifications for his specialty in bariatric surgery. But the importance of his professional record eclipses that of his education.

What I mean by that is that your state of residence should have a website to provide prospective patients with not only education and residency/fellowship information, but also to know if this particular surgeon has had any legal judgements leveled against them and also if they have been disciplined by the state medical board who governs ethics and professional history.

I was in need of abdominal surgery, and my PCP gave me the name of the physician who he felt was best qualified for the surgery. When I looked up his record, I discovered that he had 2 lawsuits over the past 10 years, and the site also disclosed the amount of money his suing patients were awarded. Needless to say, I contacted my PCP for the name of his second choice surgical specialist, and was very pleased with the entire experience, if you can be happy with major surgery.

But doing my research allowed me to move forward with an anxiety provoking surgery with much more peace of mind.

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Thanks so much. I went and checked out the medical board and he's clean!

i know this is an old post but Dr Hoeltgen just did my sleeve in April 2023. I love him and am forever grateful to him for changing my life!!!