Hi!

I'm completely new to this whole idea, but have been thinking a lot about getting the lapband. I'm scheduled to go to one of the seminars in a couple of weeks. Do those things tend to be as informative as they make it out to be?

Whats the usual time-line from info meeting to surgery? If I decide to move ahead, would it be months and months before I could get the surgery?

Anyone know anything about the band and pregnancy? I'm not currently pregnant, but hope to have a baby in the next couple of years. Could the band interfere?

Thanks so much for anyone who answers! This is all very exciting and new!

My seminar was very informative. Of course, logically, since they are all different...that will vary. Same is true of "speed"...partly it will depend on requirements of your insurance (if you have insurance that will cover the band) and partly will depend on your surgeon and his/her schedule. Pregnancy...my doctor requires we sign a form promising to wait at least one year post band to attempt to become pregnant. Since that was not a concern for me I didn't ask him for more info. However, again logically it isn't good to try to lose weight and carry a baby at the same time.

Good luck to you!

I didn't go to a seminar. I met with the Dr for the first time in July 08 and had the surgery in Jan 09. He was booked up until then, so I guess it could have been a little faster if his schedule had been different. About pregnancy: he told the story of a woman who announced she was pregnant at her first post op appointment, about 10 days after he placed the band. He said he didn't fill the band during the pregnancy and she had a beautiful baby. With an unfilled band you can eat close to normal. After the birth he filled her band and she started losing weight. I would imagine that if you become pregnant and your band is filled already, the doctor would take the fluid back out during the pregnancy.