Question:
CAN ANYONE HELP ME FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VERTICAL LAP BAND ?

OR ANY SURGEONS IN GEORGIA THAT PERFORM THE SURGEY?? THANKS ALSO ANY INFORMATION GETTING STARTED WITH THE WHOLE PROCESS FROM SUGREONS TO INSURERS THANKS IN ADVANCE    — ShonF. (posted on January 1, 2003)

January 1, 2003
Hi. Do you mean the Vertical Gastric (I think) Band (VGB) or the Adjustable Lap Band? Two totally different animals, sort of...I am no expert, but can tell you they both work by restricting the amount of food you eat only, with no bypassing of the intestines. The lap-band gets injected with sillicone to increase/decrease the opening to your stomach (hence, the adjustable part) while the VGB is attached, and can be fraught with complications. Neither is proven to be nearly as effective as the RNY or DS proceedures. For more info on the lap-band, there is a Yahoo group (I think) called "the Bandsters". Having said all that, I have heard that the lap-band is no longer performed in the US, as the FDA revoked it. You would need to go to Mexico or Europe, where it has been available for years. Anyway, perhaps an AMOS member who knows for sure could confirm or deny this, but I am pretty sure this is what I understand to be true. Good luck to you, in whichever WLS you choose...
   — rebeccamayhew

January 1, 2003
I had the VBG and would be happy to answer any questions you have if that is the procedure you are asking about. I actually chose the VBG because it is different than the RNY as far as absorption issues and other things. We tend to lose a little slower, but it all evens out! lol Again, feel free to email anytime.
   — Helenjean P.

January 1, 2003
Hi! Just wanted to clear up a few details here (No offense - Rebecca, just giving additional info) The Lap Band has not been revoked by the FDA. It was approved in June of 2001 and is performed all over the U.S. The primary reason people go to Mexico or Europe is simply cost. It is generally not covered by insurance benefits and the cash price for the procedure is cheaper outside the U.S. The band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. The band is made of silicone and plastic and is filled with saline. There is a great surgeon doing the procedure in Georgia. His name is Dr. Ponce and he has a large Lap Band practice. My hospital does the procedure as well. We are in Central Alabama. My hospital and our surgeons are currently the only hospital in Alabama certified to do the procedure. Please email me if you have any questions. It is true that the weight loss is slower and does not tend to be as dramatic as RNY. However, there are times when the less invasive procedure is more appropriate. Happy New Year!!
   — ronascott

January 2, 2003
Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, GA does the Lap Band surgery. I have had a consult with Dr. Paynter and they are really great there. they have a fabulous website.www.hamiltonmedicalcenter.com. I am waitning for insurance approval right now.
   — gatrgal

January 3, 2003
You may want to check out Dr. Champion. He is located at 140 Vann Street, Ste. 350, Marietta, GA. His tel# is 770-425-5525. He participated in the US trials on lap bands, so he has the experience. Good Luck!
   — Caroline R.

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