I'm looking for a doctor who has a good reputation with lap bands. I realize the sleeve is the probably the "go to" surgery, but I've been doing Keto to lose weight and have lost 46 lbs in 6 months. I realize this is nothing compared to others. I am trying at all costs to avoid major surgery although I realize surgery is involved in lap banding.

I have a history of throwing clots and even though I have an IVC-filter permanently in place, I am often looking for the 'least invasive' option when it comes to medical procedures due to my clotting history. I tore my meniscus on one side of my right knee and have now torn the other side. My ortho said I may need a knee replacement but until I get my weight down, that surgery is ruled out as well.

I was hoping I could tough out the pain my knee is causing me (EVERY single day) until I lost enough weight doing a keto way of life (not a diet), but the pain in my knee is increasing and my limited mobility is starting to make me desperate.

Does lap banding only work for those who have a little weight to lose (as I have more than a little to lose - I'm just looking for another 'tool' in my tool box since prior years of doing Atkins and other things have made me very sensitive/resistant if that makes sense)

Any input is appreciated!

Before you begin looking for a doctor you need to find out if your insurance will pay for the lap band unless you are self-pay. Some will only pay for their removal but not placement. If they do pay for it you can probably call the nearest major hospital and inquire about their bariatric surgeons and contact them to find out if they place the band. I just had my band removed after 10 years and my bariatric surgeon said he hasn't done a band in 3 years. All that being said, if you have other medical problems these are best addressed by an experienced surgeon. And the band is promoted as only helping you to lose 50% of your excess weight. So, if you are say 150 lbs overweight then it would help you to lose about 75 lbs. And your surgeon has to be very adept with the fills as very small amounts put in can make a big difference (good or bad). Unlike other surgeries it requires more follow-up.

Maybe Nicholson Clinic. Went there 2 years ago to get my fluid removed but even then doctor was recommending conversion to sleeve. So maybe not now.

On ‎3‎/‎1‎/‎2019 at 5:57 PM, Jennet said:

Before you begin looking for a doctor you need to find out if your insurance will pay for the lap band unless you are self-pay. Some will only pay for their removal but not placement. If they do pay for it you can probably call the nearest major hospital and inquire about their bariatric surgeons and contact them to find out if they place the band. I just had my band removed after 10 years and my bariatric surgeon said he hasn't done a band in 3 years. All that being said, if you have other medical problems these are best addressed by an experienced surgeon. And the band is promoted as only helping you to lose 50% of your excess weight. So, if you are say 150 lbs overweight then it would help you to lose about 75 lbs. And your surgeon has to be very adept with the fills as very small amounts put in can make a big difference (good or bad). Unlike other surgeries it requires more follow-up.

Jennet - so true. My insurance will cover it; however after consulting with a couple of bariatric surgeons, due to my clotting history, the "vast" amount of weight I have to lose, etc. - they all recommended a sleeve. Also, a lot of follow up appts would be very stressful with my work schedule so that is not ideal. I need to lose roughly 175 to 180 lbs..so that is quite a bit and due to bone grinding on bone in my one knee, etc. the amount of time to get to where I need to be is not as achievable as the other alternatives.

On ‎5‎/‎15‎/‎2019 at 4:38 AM, matma01 said:

Maybe Nicholson Clinic. Went there 2 years ago to get my Fluid removed but even then doctor was recommending conversion to sleeve. So maybe not now.

Yeah, I think the band may be better for people with less than 100 lbs to lose...maybe more like 50? In searching around our area, almost all the big websites don't even address lapband as an offered 'service'