I want to help with pre-op, intra-op or post-op questions. Your own surgeons will give your "official" answers but I am only to happy to help. Lets get started.:biggrin1:

Again, welcome to southwest Ohio ! Your input on this forum will be greatly appreciated by all of us.

Perhaps you could start by addressing why Cinci Wt Loss refuses to open the doors on its support groups. Band-only support groups are in great need in the Columbus and Dayton areas. There are many many people out there that have banded by other doctors and it would seem that you could ultimately get MORE business by opening your doors. To say that the groups are closed because of the differences in diet seems a smaller problem to deal with than to contribute to the lack of live bandster support. I think it's great that you are a new surgeon to the clinic and that you are banded. What a great and valuable resource, especially in an arena where the RNY is still pushed by so many surgeons still. I know your expertise will be valued by many many people. But, as you said, you'll give your professional opinions despite that people should listen "officially" to their own surgeons - couldn't the support groups be the same way?

Support groups are part (a large part) of the total band package, individuals must consider this when choosing a band surgeon. The whole package is why the band is a great option. Cincinnati weight loss center does offer support groups, but why would anyone not want support from where they were banded. As more and more people are banded by surgeons who can not offer adequate aftercare this problem will continue to grow, and we Will be there to assist this underserved population.

Questions:

1. Once a person gets to "proper" restriction, what is the average time before he/she will need another fill.

2. Do you advise yearly esophagrams as a precautionary measure?

3. How many cc's of saline does the tubing hold and why does some of the saline seem to dissipate over time?

Thank you!

1)After proper restriction it may be years before you need another fill, but as you lose you may need a fill along the way.

2)Only if symptomatic, though we have fluro in the office and will do one ourselves at a year

3)I do not think anyone knows why/how the asline "evaporates" over time, I think the total saline in tubing and band is max 4ml in a regular 10 band and 10ml in a VG

hopes this helps

Support groups are part (a large part) of the total band package, individuals must consider this when choosing a band surgeon. The whole package is why the band is a great option. Cincinnati weight loss center does offer support groups, but why would anyone not want support from where they were banded. As more and more people are banded by surgeons who can not offer adequate aftercare this problem will continue to grow, and we Will be there to assist this underserved population.

Insurance companies, in large part, dictate where people can get their surgery. I happen to be familiar with nearly all the clinics in Central Ohio and they ALL offer good aftercare and support groups. The distinction I am making is that there is an area that is lacking that Cinci Wt Loss recognizes and provides support, unlike the rest of the clinics. They only do band; therefore they only provide aftercare for the band. Many of the other clinics are still not large enough yet and therefore combine the support groups to RNY's and the band. This is unfortunate. I wouldn't say that this is an underserved population. I would just think that if a clinic is already offering a band-only support group, why not allow others to come, especially once the post-op period is passed and the diet is really the same. And, if you will be there to serve this need, when is this going to happen?

This is already up and running. If there is a good reason why one was banded elsewhere (ie new to the area, etc). However we can't be the support group for all those not happy with their decisions to go elsewhere, we are in the business of lap band surgery, and a huge part of lap band surgery is the aftercare. Our patients know we are a band only program, pre and post-op.

Feel free to come to our support group at Deaconess, I fail to see why any practice would deny a patient help through a support group who needed it. For some clinics it's more about the business than the patient maybe, I don't know.

Dr. C

Cincinnati, Ohio

www.TheBandDoctor.com 877.442.BAND

DISCLAIMER: I am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!

that why you left greenville?

Please explain the difference between a regular 10 band and a VG band? Thanks.

the difference is in the actual size of the band and how much fluid each holds. Which size you need is determined by your surgeon at the time of operation.

The VG is larger and holds up to 10ml of saline, a regular 10 band holds only a max of 4 ml

good luck in April

I am newly banded, just 2 1/2 weeks out, feeling great, however I really dont have any restriction. I am basically portion controlling myself. Why do you need to wait a month before your first fill?

1)After proper restriction it may be years before you need another fill, but as you lose you may need a fill along the way.

2)Only if symptomatic, though we have fluro in the office and will do one ourselves at a year

3)I do not think anyone knows why/how the asline "evaporates" over time, I think the total saline in tubing and band is max 4ml in a regular 10 band and 10ml in a VG

hopes this helps

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

elisabeth you are indeed welcome

Carol you are right from now until your first fill it is all you...the band has to heal in perfect position and all the sweeling from your opoeration must go away...thus the 4-6 weeks, hang in there once you are appropriately adjusted you never have to diet again!!!!

"never have to diet again"

You better clarify that one. LOL. There are physical, emotional, genetic, etc. factors that all play a role in obesity and, like any disease, lifelong changes have to be implemented and adhered to. I suppose it's correct to say that if you follow the banded rules, dieting will become a natural way of life.

Am I correct in guessing that you have never had a weight problem? Thanks again for your help with questions and answers.