Hi,

I just found out today that my surgeon has not done any lap bands yet!! I will not be his first, as there are some scheduled and I am just starting the program, but it is still scarey!! He has done a lot of RNY's but what would you guys do?? I did a background search of him (the kind you pay for) he has a good record, he is board certified, which according to the website, only 6 out of 10 surgeons are board certified. Do you think I am unreasonable to feel apprehensive about this?? Thanks, Kristin

I think you have every right to be apprehensive. I'm not sure I would trust the skills of a surgeon who has never performed lap band surgery. Granted, he is still a surgeon, but as far as I am concerned this surgery requires a lot of experience.

Is there another surgeon in your area who has performed lap band surgeries that you would feel comfortable with? You may wish to check out the surgeon locator on www.obesityhelp.com.

I have to agree with Tricia. I haven't had my surgery yet. I'm scheduled for July. I did a lot of research. The surgeon I chose has done over 2000 RNY's and about 500 lapbands. I would not go to a surgeon who is not skilled with this type of surgery. You said that he's done many RNY's which is a very delicate and difficult surgery in terms of re-routing the intestines. He's probably a good surgeon, but I would research more surgeons in your area that have done lapband surgery.

Good luck with your decision.

Em

If I am remembering correctly the first fills are done with a proctor doctor there to make sure nothing goes wrong. So, I'd check to see if he will be soloing or if he will have an experienced lapband instructor with him. If he's going to be proctored i wouldn't worry about it.

JMHO...

Hi Kristin,

I agree with all that has been said. It's such a hard decision because we don't want to wait to be banded. If you're like me.. you wanted it done as soon as you decided that you wanted the surgery. Me personally, I wouldn't want to be the first patient for the Dr. to band. That's just me. Maybe there is another Dr. in the practice/clinic that has more experience that you can switch over too? That shouldn't change your referrals from the insurance company.

Best of luck!!!

Have you discussed this with your doc? I know I would not want to be that 'first' patient. Find out who will be assisting. I'd definitely research more or go to someone else