Hey everyone I am so excited I finally got my surgery date. Oct 8 07 is the day. I am so nervous and excited. I found myself wondering if I am making the right decision to go with lapband. I guess in some ways I am afraid of getting thin and having all of my fat friends hate me. But I know I will be in better health to lose the weight. I need all of your support. Hey is there anyone from Flint Mich that has had surgery at Hurley Medical Center? Marcy:clap2:

Yep, had surgery with Dr. Wagner on June 21st. Could have had it in May, but I wanted to wait until they got the AP band in and I was lucky enough to be their first (don't know if that's lucky, but I really wanted that AP band). I believe Hurley only uses AP bands now, at least that's what they were planning to go to according to Kathy (one of the nurses). What's the AP band? Do some looking around on here, and here's a little info from some other sites:

There are a couple of differences in this band and the previous ones:

1. Cuff - the cuff on the AP band is 360 degrees around, as opposed to about 300 degrees on the prior bands (there was no cuff around the buckle on the old ones)

2. Cuff length - the cuff on the AP band is 18mm longer/taller than on the previous bands, so the surface area in contact with the stomach is much greater, hopefully increasing the speed of weight loss and maybe reducing the risk of slips

3. Cuff volume - the AP small holds 10cc, the AP large holds 14cc

Note that we do not believe that AP patients will lose MORE weight, just possibly faster.

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So far I collected the following information with thanks from my doctor and other AP bandsters:

• They are either APS (small, 10cc) or APL (large, 14cc).
  
• They are considered by some to be "the next generation in AGBs".
  
• They are considered less likely to cause blockage or obstruction than other AGP types.
  
• They are considered less likely to slip than other AGP types.
  
• They are considered to be less likely to cause band erosion than other AGP types.
  
• Like the VG band it is "Omniform" technology - i.e. the balloon has ribs or baffles and the band itself is curved.
  
• The AP has more of a 360 inflation around the stomach as opposed to the 10cm or 9.75cm (4cc) bands, which have more like 260 or 280 degrees inflation (the rest being the buckle), and the VG which has more like 280 or 300. It is understood that this was simply an upgrade to the existing band to make it easier and less traumatic to remove.
  
• The silicone material is much softer than other AGP types.
  
• They are more concentric (rounded) when inflated than other AGB types.
  
• The balloon is pleated to 'grip' the stomach better.
  
• The balloon goes all the way around the inner surface of the band, rather than missing a piece at the locking mechanism.
  
• The balloon is wider. A sideview of the band shows the balloon protruding top & bottom rather than sitting flush.
  
• They have an easier release mechanism to remove the band if need be.
  
• They have the locking mechanism isolated from the stomach.
  
• AP type bands have been FDA approved for the US, but will not be available until the summer at the earliest.
  
• We understand that there are NO plans at this time to discontinue any of the bands Allergan already makes. They still plan to manufacture and offer the 10cm and the 9.75cm (the 4cc) bands as well as the VG band.

Word to the wise about Hurley, expect to WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT. If your appointment is for 12:30p, you *might* be seen by 3:00pm. So PLEASE don't plan anything during the day after your appt with them that is crucial that you are at.

I loved my inpatient experience (except the blood draw at 4:00am, but as a surgical patient, that's the way it is) and felt well cared-for (believe me, I'm a VERRRRY particular patient, not difficult, but particular).

The nutritionists are pretty good, Devora knows loads!

Keep on top of your insurance approval information and when you get a date, call them back about a week ahead of time to confirm it.

:welcomeB: to LBT and if you have any questions, feel free to PM me!

Hi Faithmd, I have not met Dr Wagner yet. My meet and greet appt is Sept 27, 07. I understand that most hospitals are wait wait wait. I had all 3 of my children at Hurley so I have faith in the hospital. What can you tell me about the liquid diet that we have to follow before surgery? How was your experience with the surgery? How long did you stay after surgery. Sorry to ask so many questions but I am nervous about the surgery. Keep in touch. Marcy