Hello - anybody out there from da U.P.?

I am considering lap band surgery.  Have been looking at alot of info from the internet.  My doctor's office gave me the contact info from someone up here who has had lap band surgery and she gave me this website.  As I am sure everyone was in the beginning, I'm wondering what types of problems folks have had afterwards.  If you had problems, would you still go through the procedure again?  Is it worth it?  I have fibromyalgia and GERD and am worrying about heartburn... will I still be able to take my Nexium or I wonder will the heartburn stop when I start losing weight?  I have approx. 180 pounds to lose.  I live in the Escanaba area and it looks like I will have to travel to Wisconsin for the procedure.  Has anyone else gone to Wisconsin?  I am interested in hearing anything anyone has to say.  Thanks for all your help!

I am from the Soo, but I am getting my Laproscopic RNY in Ypsilanti at the Barix Clinic.  I don't know of any surgeons in Wisconsin but today I heard there are Bariatric Surgeons in Sault, Canada.

You cannot take any kind of capsule for 1 year after surgery, but can take other antacid pills until then, or liquid. Some people find total relief from reflux after surgery, depending on the reason for the reflux.   I cannot eat well, and have ulcers since I had h. pylori, but mostly had no other major problems with the surgery (open roux n y).  I however would do it every year for the rest of my life if I had to.  I am very happy and will say that it was the BEST decision of my life. Wendy

I had open rny on march 9,  2006. I have not had heartburn since the morning of my surgery, 15mths out and still no problem.  I would have this surgery again in a heart beat. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. The only problem I have had is kidney stones but that is something i can live with. If you are looking for a doc in Wisconsin you may want to look at their board to see what people think.  Best of Luck   Marie  341/188/150ish surg. / current / goal

Hi, I am also from the U.P. (Newberry) I went to the Barix Clinic in Ypsilanti for my surgery (02/06, RNY). There were little to no options for us at that point. Have you checked out Dr. English at Marquette? I have heard good things so far but I don't know alot about his program. I have a friend and I know several other people who went to Green Bay for their surgeries and all of them had many problems healthwise and also with their insurance. I don't know a lot about lap band but I did several consults with different facilities and doctors before making a decision. It is truly life changing! Good luck, email me if there is anything else I might be able to help with. Prudy

Thank you for all the information... I will check out the Wisconsin board... Dr. English only does gastric by-pass surgery and no lap bands... he was the first place my doctor checked with.  The second place my doctor gave me was the one in Neenah, WI.  Seems like a lot of people have gone to Ypsilanti... I was hoping for something closer to Escanaba, but will keep that one in mind.   Canada is also something I had never thought of... I have even considered going to Illinois which is where I am from originally... my sister still lives there and there are 2 places not far from her home.   My reasons for wanting to lose weight are health related... my goal would be to stop taking the Nexium and Celebrex and to get rid of the horrible pain in my legs and feet.  I believe that all my health problems are weight related.  I have trouble staying awake during the day... I haven't been tested for it but would not be surprised if I have sleep apnea too... I wake up feeling like I have been standing on my feet all night... I suppose that is the FMS.  (sigh) Again I thank you all for responding... I will let you know what I decide. I wish you all the best of luck with your weight loss!

I am from the Traverse city area and there is a great program through Munson medical center.  The Doctors do both the RNY and the lap band.  The surgeons are called Grand Traverse Surgeons.  Plus another area is Grand Rapids there are multiple providers that do the lap band and RnY surgery.  Good luck  on your journey.  Tricia

Hey Trica I just heard Dr. Hing is Coming to  Traverse City for a  free Seminar in July at the Grand Traverse Resort, July 28, 10 to 12 are you interested in plastics ????

I already had my plastic surgery this past February.  So no I will not be attending the seminar.  Tricia