Janel

Thanks Littleroo and Pammie for answering my question...very informative!! Janel

Hi, sorry to hear your band slipped. I am new here and I am planning on getting a lapband by Dr. Ortiz, but as I read more posts and other forums, I find this slippage happens alot. I have been reading about the vertical sleeve gastrectomy which restricts your stomach like the band, but permanent, no slippage, no erosion or fills to do. The thing is, it's hard to find a doc outside the USA who can do it. In the US, you need a BMI >50, which I don't. It's more expensive too. But my question is... if your band slips and you need another surgery, who pays? Do you have to pay for it again, or is it free because it was defective? If it erodes do you get any type of refund?? I just don't want to borrow 10 grand and have this thing slip or erosion a few months or a year down the road!! LoriBecky, is there any type of guarantee on the product?? The Laptalk forum has a whole forum for people who had to have their bands removed because of these problems, so it's making me think twice about it and going with the VSG. Thanks to whoever can help! Janel

Hi BFP, I hope your surgery went well. I just posted my question about finding a doctor to perform a lap band with my BMI only being 30, then I saw your post just after it. It's reassuring to know your BMI at surgery was 30.9 and you were able to have it done. That's awesome! Good luck !

Hi Beth and Mary, I am new to the form, and I have been reading your posts. I have been looking for a doctor in Mexico to perform lap band for me. I have a BMI of 30-31. But like many others, I am a constant yo-yo dieter. You name it, I have tried it. And no matter how many times I tell myself I won't put the weight back on, I always do!! I loose 10 - 15 lbs (about a quarter way to my goal) get fed up with being miserable, and gain it back and then some! I have been doing this for 15 years and I am sick of it. I want a more life-long permanent solution and the lap-band seems the way to achieve that. But I am having a hard time, even in Mexico, finding a doc that will do the proceedure for people BMI 30-35. I DON'T want to have to gain a bunch of weight, just so I can loose it ! That seems crazy to me!! Do you think Dr. Ortiz would be willing to do the surgery for me?? Thanks everyone for your help!!