Is your LAP-BAND failing you? Here are 5 ways to fix it.
Tuesday October 06 2009posted by Adam - Total Comments: 0
If you hang out long enough on the Internet, you'll find a lot of people talking about LAP-BAND failure without much explanation. I always warn people to dig a little deeper into those stories, because they might actually be stories about people not following their doctor's orders in regards to the band or they could be promoted by surgeons supporting other weight loss procedures.
Though the majority of people with LAP-BAND devices have good success with them, there are some people who struggle. If you're one of those people, consider these ideas before giving up on your band:
1. Be honest with your LAP-BAND provider. Let him or her know you're having doubts about the band and be completely honest about your eating and excercise habits. Your provider can't help you if you leave out details.
2. Ask for a barium swallow. If your provider does not routinely do barium swallows, as most of the Weight Loss Surgical Center providers do, he or she may be unaware of those rare complications, such as leaks, that sometimes arise. A barium swallow might also help the provider see how tight the band really is around your stomach.
3. Go back to basics. Pretend you're a new patient who knows nothing about the band. Re-read all the materials about the band so you can refresh your understanding and pick up details that you may have missed during the stress and excitement associated with your surgery. Read every item about food tips and honestly evalutate how they match up with your behavior.
4. Attend support groups. The LAP-BAND is only a tool. It's very powerful when used right, but it's still just a tool. I've attended a lot of our support groups, and I'm always impressed with the advice that members give each other, and often advice is given about getting past a plateau. Some of the most successful band patients, who really know how to use their weight loss tool, attend support groups and are willing to give all kinds of free advice.
5. Talk to another LAP-BAND Specialist. Remember that the surgery is only the first step in a long weight loss journey and that high-quality follow up care on your part and on your provider's part are essential for your success. If you feel you aren't getting the support you need from your provider, ask the scheduler about another fill practitioner in the office, or if one is unavailable, research another LAP-BAND Specialist in your area. Just be sure that they specialize in gastric band care, so that you know they will support your decision to lose weight with a band and not try to talk you into additional surgeries.