Hello All,

I joined today! I am researching getting banded. My main concern is can it be removed? What do you have to do to get prepared to do this?I have no doctor yet.

Christina

Welcome to LBT! The band is not meant to be removed unless you have complications. Good Luck!

Welcome! The band can be removed if absolutely neccessary, but I think it's better to think of it as permanent. If you need the restriction removed for pregnancy or another medical reason, they can always take the saline fluids out of it.

I'm not in Colorado, so I can't really recommend a local doctor there. But to get started, I would research the band and much as you can to see if it's what you're looking for.

I'm just starting my band-aided journey, but from what I understand it still requires a lot of motivation and hard work to get the weight off. So the first thing I did was weigh whether or not I was ready to make that commitment.. For me, the band is the right choice and I feel confident that having this surgery is going to help me be able to do what needs to be done.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

Hi Christina--Where in Colorado are you? I am in Pueblo. The band is something you should be prepared to live with for the rest of your life. It's not a magic cure, but more of a safety net for me. I know I can't go back to my old eating habits, like I have on every other diet I've been on. And to me, this is not a diet, but a lifestyle change. I am fully prepared to eat this way forever. And it does work if you follow the rules--I have lost 70 pounds in 6 months. Good luck with your decision.

Hi Christina, and welcome to LBT! Like the others said, the band is meant to be a permanent thing. However, if you did need to have it removed for some reason, it is 100% reversible. As far as what you need to do, you mentioned you don't have a doctor yet. I would recommend beginning the process by attending a seminar on the lapband in your area. Then, decide on the doctor and go from there. They will let you know what requirements you have to meet prior to the surgery, and it will also depend on if you are going private pay or insurance as well. However, most people have to have a sleep apnea study, psychiatric evaluation, dietician consult, ekg, basic blood work and go on a liquid diet for one to two weeks prior to the surgery.

Keep us posted on your progress and let us know if you have any more questions.

Hi Wiseman---What part of Colorado are you in? I'm being banded on Thursday by Dr. Johnell in Greeley. I did alot of research on several Colorado docs and was really impressed by Dr. Johnell and his staff. Another doc that I was impressed with was Reginald Bell in Littleton. The fact that the lap band is completely 100% reversible was a real selling point for me. I'm nervous as I get closer to time, but I'm confident that this is the right decision for me.

Hope you find a doc that you like. Keep us posted on your progress.

Welcome wiseman! I too am in CO and was banded May 2006 by Dr Kirshenbaum in Aurora.

Welcome!

hello how are you if your looking for a doctor or just some info try dr. snyder at rose medical center they have a seminar every month or so the have an automated number you can call to see when they are having the seminars it's 303-320-2134