I am supposed to study in Spain next January for the semester. I'm nervous there will not be any doctors who are familar with the band, and let alone - any fill centers if I need it.

Anyone know how I can look into this? I'm going as a ISEP Exchange Student so I'm not sure which insurance they will have me under.

Do you know when you might have surgery? You might reach a good restriction before you leave in January and might not need any fills while you are away. your surgeon might even suggest a slight unfill before you go to avoid any possible problems from getting too tight while away.

And if you don't reach a perfect restriction before you leave, the band will still be there to help you, even if it's just a little bit while you're away. Then when you get back you can step things up again.

If you get banded in June and don't leave until Jan. you have the potential to lose half or more of your excess weight during that time.

I think you'll be fine.

Your surgeon might be able to suggest places in Spain for you to go for any possible problems. I don't know how popular LapBand is in Spain, but it is used in many other European countries.

Dear Bikini,

What makes you think the Spanish docs are not familiar with lap bands. Bands are being used all over Europe. I'm in Germany and was banded in July. They have different ideas about diets, fills and such, but I'm sure you can find an excellent doc where you go. Just call the hospitals in the big cities near where you are going. I'm sure you'll be just fine.

They've been banding longer in Europe than they have in the US so I can't imagine it will be a problem finding someone. Insurance might be an issue though.