I have found this site in my efforts to research the Lap-band. I currently do not have insurance coverage, and so whatever I choose will be paid out-of-pocket. Since I am not relying on an insurance company to "tell me" what I am allowed to have, I want to find the best option for myself and my family.

I would love to hear "details" from anyone that is willing to share with me regarding their experience, including physician name and any side-effects that you might have had.

I know many people that have had standard bypass surgery, and while they seem very happy with their results, I dont' know anyone who has had the procedure for more than 3 or 4o years. I have no long-term results to look at. I like the thought that 20 years from now, if I have any sort of complication, a band can be removed, etc...

I would love to receive information on pros, cons, opinions, or anything that anyone can offer.

Also...Does anyone know how long has this procedure been done in the US?

Thanks for your response!

Hi Cheermom,

You're in the right place to hear many, many personal stories of life with the band. Most of us here are American, and the band has only been approved for use in the US since June of 2001. It's been in use in other countries for at least 15 years now, where it is the standard of care for bariatric surgery.

Browse around and read old threads and you'll get a very good picture of the challenges and joys of banded life. Feel free to post when you have questions. We'll be happy to answer!!

I am getting banded Friday 2/18/05 I will let you know first hand how it was and is...

Tara

Where are you wanting to get banded...in the U.S. (city, state) or out of the country (Europe, Mexico)? We have bandsters from all over. You're going to get a variety of prices. But you also need to consider your after-care...convenience to get back and forth for fills, unexpected problems, surgical corrections (if needed), dr's experience, his/her staff, how easy/hard is he/her to contact, $$$ and time allowed to get to him/her, hospital facility used. If you're going to have a different dr. do your after-care (fills, etc.) check directly with that dr. to be sure you are accepted - coming from another dr. It's not just about who has the lowest price. It's your life and you have to take care of yourself.

There is a lot to think about before you're banded. Please research and get as much info. as you can. Best of luck to you!