Hello everyone. After reading these forums for a few days I called my insurance company and found out that they cover the lapband procedure (as long as it is approved by a doctor) minus a $1750 deductible. So I am in the first stages of researching and I'm going to try to attend a seminar for a couple of different doctors in my area next week. My three biggest questions are:

1. Has there been documentation of anyone ever dying during lapband surgery or from placement of the lapband?

2. How common is slippage or erosion?

3. Is the lapband left in you permanently or do you get down to your desired weight and after maintaining a while do they remove it (since I assume by this point you've hopefully learned portion control, etc.)?

I feel I can handle situations from questions 2 and 3 but obviously the first question is of great concern, especially with being a mommy to a six year old.

Thank you for any insight anyone can give!

I think you will get your answers at the seminars. My clinic is a "center of excellence" They have never lost a patient and very few complications. I think you should find out just what the statistics are where you are going. I'm sure that since you asked about complications here you will hear from everyone who had them. There are a lot more who never had anything go wrong. Keep reading and learning.

Sharon

Thank you for your response

1. Has there been documentation of anyone ever dying during lapband surgery or from placement of the lapband?

I've not heard of it.... yet. (I say yet because with increasing popularity...it's bound to happen)

2. How common is slippage or erosion?

Not common at all. My fill doctor has never seen it and has been in practice for years and years. My sister's surgeon has never seen it either.

3. Is the lapband left in you permanently or do you get down to your desired weight and after maintaining a while do they remove it (since I assume by this point you've hopefully learned portion control, etc.)?

It's permanent, although you can get it removed. Word to the wise... alot of people don't learn portion control...or it just creeps back up. I think instead of a total unfill, I'll just take a little out at a time... til I STOP loosing weight...but don't gain it.

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Hey! Good job for looking into your insurance. That will save you thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Thanks Grace!