I am very interested in doing a LapBand and impressed with what I've learned so far, but I've talked to several Dr's/Office's that say that they do not do them because of the complications (then they cite the possibilities of the band moving) and say they feel that the FDA will withdraw support. Yet I can't find anything on the web about people complaining about the LapBand or anything very negative in the least about it. So, what's up? Is it just that they closed their minds to the procedure after the first batch showed some problems (that seem to be resolved).

I'd appreciate anyone's wisdom, thoughts and ideas.

I don't see how Dr's can know if the FDA will withdraw support. It's true there are complications at rates similar to or perhaps slightly higher than what Inamed reports. I know Inamed has to track all 'complaints' or reports of complications and report them to the FDA.

My doctor's office, which does both bypass and the band, says that more and more people are getting banded as they learn about it and the experience data grows. They were part of the FDA trials back in 2000 and are pretty plugged in to current surgical news. They don't seem to have any concerns that the band is in any danger of being recalled.

I personally think that if you weigh the pros and cons of the band or GBP you will see that there are more deaths and complications will GBP. I will say that yes there are and can be compications with any surgery and over time some will have complications and some won't... But the complications I could face with my band are far fewer than the complications I was having as an over weight and unhealthy person who would probably die of heart failure before I hit 60 years of age. This band is changing my life for the better each day and I'm willing to take the risks verses the alternative of dieing young!!!

Hee hee, maybe that is part of the beauty about going to Mexico for me. I don't really care if they yank support or not, they will still do it in other countries.

The band's complication rates are much lower than the RNY, and the mortality rate is... close to nothing? Why would the FDA withdraw approval?