I am supposed to be banded on February 23, and went for my last consult on Monday and was to preregister for surgery. To my surprise the Doctor tried to talk me out of the Lap Band and to get the gastric bypass. He said he hasn't had good results so far with the lap band. He has done thousands of gastric bypasses, and is a center of excellance, but has only done about 20 Lap bands. I was very disappointed. We have been praying and I really was excited for the surgery until Monday. I don't think I am having second thoughts about the surgery Just the surgeon. I have heard that there is a surgeon in Tennesee, who has done thousands of the lap bands. I would like to get someone else's opinion. Thanks Gretchen

a frequent trick of those surgeons who do both. Never ever consider the bypass, find someone who does several bands and get yours...it will be great!!!

Hi,

My Doctor on my first visit told me he recomended the bypass for me because of all the weight I have to lose but I was to have the final choice, on my follow up visit I told him I decided on the band and he said OK and never mentioned the bypass again. He does both and I think he does more bands than bypases but I felt really that he was not pushing one way or another, this was one of the factors that made me decide on him. I think you need to trust your doctor, after all he will have his hands (well, not really now with the laparoscopies) inside you so if you don't like your Docs aproach maybe you should see another one.

Well, I hate to scare you, but 20 surgeries is not enough! I did a lot of research and the majority of the complications come from surgeons who has done less than 100 surgeries.

Your health is important, if you are having 2nd thoughts about the surgeon, go with your gut instinct - time to find someone you feel comfortable with. The support of your surgeon is so important for success, and if he is not supporting you now, I worry about the post operation support.

Good-Luck!

seriously, this is why i came to Houston to have mine done. They do banding in Maine, where im from, but have only done a handful there. it took some serious convincing to my insurance company, but i am SO GLAD i did. My surgery went off without a hitch, the surgeon is certified with the producers of one of the lap band products and he teaches the techniques to other doctors and hospitals, plus he answers his own email and responds to questions. i am really happy. i didnt have any of the shoulder pain other people have talked about and i just feel pretty good. You can choose who does your surgery, and i think its the MOST important decision you can make after deciding to do the band in the first place.