Hi ya'll! This is all new to me. I am in the early stages of researching lapband surgery, and trying to decide if this is for me. For the last 10 years I have really been struggling with my weight. My weight has really seemed to sky rocket since the birth of my twin girls, 3 1/2 years ago. I don't even recognize myself anymore. Because of my weight gain, I suffer with sciatica (nerve pain in the legs), knee pain, lower back pain, and plantar fascia. I am on so many different medications; and have been told by my Family Practicioner, Gynocologist, and dietician that the medications have slowed down my metabolism to almost null and it will be very difficult for me to lose weight. My cousin is a member to your website - JerseyTammy - she's really a S.C. girl! She has been great about sending me information. I have been to one information seminar so far with Dr. Bour. I have been told by a few people that they believe he is the best in the area. Unfortunately, I did not feel comfortable with him because he really pushes the gastric bypass surgery and doesn't seem to have alot of faith in his lapband patients. He commented that alot of them find ways to cheat and that this was not a miracle cure. I would really like to hear from anyone that has used Dr. Bour in Greenville, SC. His office has already checked with my insurance company, and yeah! I would be approved. Also, I would like to hear from anyone in the upstate area that used any other WL doctors.

Thanks so much!

Anita:hungry:

Hey!!

I too am researching lap band surgery with Dr. Bour. Just wondering if you are getting the same response as me...are they pushing bypass on you. They seem to think that is the way to go!!! Let's stay in touch. have you attended the information session?

I guess I need to read the post before I reply. Yes, I noticed a lot that he pushes bypass. I often wondered if that is because the bypass costs sbout $10,000 more. That extra might pay his house payment for the month. :nervous I finally managed to squeeze it out of "LACY" that the reason he doesn't push band is because it takes more follow through (fills, etc) and most patients don't follow through. I am thinking ONLY of band and I expressed that to Lacy on the phone. She said for me to keep an open mind but I don't think you could convince me to go with bypass with all the risks. I have talked to one person on here that had the band with Dr. Bour and she said that you just have to stick to your guns. The band is easy to cheat with but I think it is better than rearranging your guts like bypass. Take care....lets stay in touch.

I just had surgery with Dr. Bour on May 8th. The band was MY only choice and I am not displeased in any way. I did have to stress that the band was the only option for me. If you have any questions, let me know!

PS Welcome to the board!

Hi Rachel,

Thanks so much for your reply. Like you, I wondered if Dr. Bour was pushing the gastric bypass because of the money factor. I attended the information seminar by myself; my husband had a meeting at work and couldn't go with me. Have you had a chance to go? I would like to go again. I am in no way interested in getting gastric bypass - just too drastic for me. Stay in touch and let me know what you decide to do.

Anita

Poster....how are you doing? What kind of pre-op diet did you have to follow for lap band with Dr. Bour. I think I will just have to be stubborn about the whole deal and tell them it is my way or the highway. Besides....my insurance is paying the bill (I hope)...it should be my choice how they pay it.

Anita...I am hoping to attend this next session that is coming up in June.

I followed their pre-op diet of Optifast for 4 weeks. They have a fairly strict outline of dieting. I did well on the pre-op and now am doing well on the post-op. I just just started mussy foods this week after liquids for about 2 weeks. I am 3 weeks out from the surgery.

Posterchild -

Lacy mention something about paying a $2500 fee for all of the pre surgery stuff. Can you tell me about this? How long did it take you to get the date from start to finish.

Rachel