I will be getting banded at a surgery center on the 13th of March (woot). Where were you banded? What are the differences? Pro's & Con's any insight you would have would be helpful. I have had surgeries in thepast but always at a hospital.

I don't know what a surgery center is....but I know any surgery I have where I am under anesthesia, I want a hospital. A GOOD hospital. Just in case.

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) are also known as outpatient surgery centers or same day surgery centers verses a traditional Inpatient Hospital where you may need to stay over night.

Ah ok thanks! In that case...no way would I have surgery there. (That's personal choice) Being obese, as I am, I have more risk than the normal person for ANY surgery. I'd want to be in a hospital where there are pros in case I code, etc. People DO die during bariatric surgery; not as much as they used to, and the band is laparoscopic and not as invasive, but there are still risks. I'd want a hospital.

In fact, my surgeon is the head of bariatrics at a local hospital on the other side of town from me (45 minutes away) but occasionally performs surgery at a hospital near where I live (15 minutes away). I made sure I scheduled the surgery to be at his normal hospital with his "team"...because they are used to bariatric surgery and know what to do in case things go south. I waited an extra week to get him and his team at the hospital where he does most of his surgeries.

Not to say he isn't competent, or the medical personnel weren't competent, at the other hospital....I just want to do what I can to optimize a good outcome. To me, outpatient surgery clinic (unless it's a division in a real hospital) is not an option.

Edited March 7, 200917 yr by RestlessMonkey

while i had my lapband at a surgical center (day surgery), i would have preferred an overnight stay in a hospital. i had no complications -i was however in a lot of pain (port site) and wished i had a little more TLC that a hospital could have provided. i was banded the same day as my husband, and his needs were more important....oh and his pain worse:sneaky:

my dr has since gone off in private practice (was w/true results) and does surgery in a hospital - over night stay included....