Dr Rutledge and the LapBand

Dr Rutledge (DrR@clos.net, 702-953-7066) comments on failure of the Lapband for weight loss surgery.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Weight
• loss
• obesity
• gastric
• bypass

[DrRRutledge]

Hello Tricia, I had my band removed. I can honestly say I tried to make the band work for me but the amount of vomiting I did after eating only a few bites of the healthy foods was causing other health issues for me. I thank God I discovered the MGB. I have many friends who failed Bands. Many gained back their weight and still can't eat healthy foods. With the MGB I have never vomited. Our bands were a nightmare but that part of our lives is over now. Beth 7 mo post-op down 80 lbs

[DrRRutledge]

"Dr. Rutledge,

I am looking for a surgeon to remove my Lap-Band as I have complications that I am no longer willing to tolerate.

For the last 12 months, I have had nightly acid reflux, causing erosion of my esophagus, often leading to infection and fever. I am managing somewhat with 300mg of Zantac before bed and by sleeping with my torso elevated. Getting a good night's sleep is so rare, I'm actually surprised when it happens. My quality of life is not good."

[hazen066]

Poll Results FROM Web: "Lap Band Talk Forum": How is your band? Fine, no complications so far 73% Removed NOT erosion/slip 2% Slipped but unfill repaired it 2% Slipped, I was rebanded 5% Slipped, removed, no new band 3% Slipped, revised to bypass, ETC 2% Eroded, unfill repaired it 1% Eroded, removed, no revision 4% Eroded, revised to bypass, ETC 1% 1 year + band isn't working 7%

[ftmjake]

so if its true that chocolates & milk shakes & water are easier to eat & that steak & salad may not be as easy. Its up to the the person to find the RIGHT food that is good for them that they CAN eat & stick with the correct food choices.

In my opinion the 9 times out of 10 the lap band doesnt fail the person, the person fails the lap-band. if your not eating right with the lap band, then you arent going to eat right with bypass, plain & simple.

Don't need to be a Dr. to figure that one out.

[tlsimpson]

Jaw wiring is not the same as a lap-band. You can overcome any surgery with drinking liquids-- including RNY, mini-gastric bypass, or others. There is no surgery that subsitutes for healthy living. When you talk about your experience-- you don't do lap bands.

[kpoulos]

Interesting but inappropriate analogy. The small pouch created by the band makes the stomach send a full signal to the brain after eating a small amount. This is the advantage of the restrictive part of any bariatric surgery. Jaw wiring is more of a road block than a restriction.

[lightnerbride]

Not an expert, I mean comparing to jaw wiring how outdated! Told upfront with banding no ice cream! I lost 120lbs in 1yr and maintain 2yrs!  Dr. Frering of Lyon, France is a real expert (Dr. R Fox in WA great also) I think this doc is just trying to line pockets with $ from more expensive procedures. I didn't pay $20,000 and no regrets