lap band linked to high reoperation rates and costs

[Larra]

This will come as no surprise to most of us, but I'm happy to see it being documented and making headlines.

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20...nked-to-high-reoperation-rates-and-costs.aspx

 

[harrietvane]

My mother is considering a revision from her band, and I've encouraged her to think about the DS.

One surgeon said he'd just unfill the band but leave it in! Told her to strike that guy off the list - I've never heard of that being done! (She's now talking to the vetted surgeon in Melbourne.)

 

[Larra]

@harrietvane I've heard of that being done, though obviously it leaves the patient with 1) nothing to help her lose weight or improve her health and 2) a foreign body that could cause problems in the future, even when unfilled. Some people have that done when they don't have insurance coverage to have the band removed, let alone have a second bariatric surgery. Sad. I agree completely with the advice you've given your mother.

 

[harrietvane]

The band made eating miserable for me, even unfilled. I couldn't wait to get it out. I found it hard to imagine having them go in to do a sleeve (what was suggested for her) but leave the empty band in!

 

[Munchkin]

For a while they were trying to sell lap band over DS. Just imagine trying to get 100 gr protein and few carbs with a lap band!!!