I'm at the starting line...my consult with bariatric Dr.

I am still waiting for a call to set up an appointment with a bariatric surgeon to have the Lap Band done in the future.  I have so many questions to ask him, but not sure which ones are the most important.  Do any of you have any suggestions? I was referred by my family physician in Ohio, and he recommended Dr. Sloan, I believe, at Parkview North in Fort Wayne, In. I live just across the line in Ohio, but prefer Parkview North as my hospital of choice.  Have any of you had Dr. Sloan do your lap band, and what is your opinion of him as far as a bariatric surgeon and for follow up visits? This is all new to me, but I have been reading and reading to get all the info I possibly can....plus I have asked opinions from my cardiologist, my family doctor, my sil, my husband, and my daughter (an LPN).  I get the "thumbs up" from everyone of them, especially my doctors. I need to lose 100 lbs, and want to get off of my current medications for heart, diabetes, and cholesterol.  I have a lot of medical problems that I am afraid will cause a premature death for me, and at 59, I am still too young, and have too much to do before then.  I want, passionately, to lose this weight I've been carrying around ALL of my life from childhood. Diets do not work for me. Any words of advice from those of you who have gone through the lap band surgery?  Did you ever have any regrets having it done?  Did it get you off of your meds for good? 

Hi I am SHanna, Where in Ohio are you at. I am from Ohio, currently a hoosier. Welcome to OH you will find more help here than you will ever know. I took a peek at your profile. What is your BMI current and weight goals? I am also preop and am in the process of Rny qualifications. I am in month 5 of my 6 month PCP diet. Have you checked with your Insurance on what you will need to do? I am not familiar with that particular doctor but there are many members from up there that will know, I am sure. Good luck. Shanna

Hello Shanna... I live in northwest Ohio, about 25 miles east of Fort Wayne, Indiana.  I am a former Hoosier until 14 yrs ago when I met my husband here in Ohio.  I don't have much information on my profile as of yet, because, one-- I'm not sure how to add the info to my profile, and two, I won't have much to post until I have my consultation with the doctor who will do my surgery.  I am on Medicare, and found out that it does pay for this type of surgery.  My current weight it 270/ my BMI is 41/ and my goal is 165-175 lbs.  I checked out the doctor's credentials, and read that it is all positive...one woman called him a "top gun" surgeon.  Very popular and very much admired by former patients.  He was recommended by my family doctor when I told him that I was seriously considering the Lap Band surgery.  I'm waiting for that phone call for my first consultation with him. 

Hi! Welcome to our board. Most of the people on here had the RNY done..but don't let that persaude you any. We do have some very successful lap-banders on here. As long as you are dedicated to making lifestyle changes (eat right, exercise, drink water), the lap band...shoot, any weight loss surgery...can benefit you greatly. If you don't...well, no weight loss surgery will be sucessful in the long run. There is a board here on ObesityHelp.com just for lap banders. Look on the left column at the top for 'surgery types'. You may be able to get alot of your 'in general' questions about the procedure answered there. Of course, you'll want to ask Dr. Sloan about his specific stats. Again, welcome to the board. We have members in the Ft. Wayne area..hopefully you'll be able to arrange to meet some of them in the near future. Of course, you are welcome to any of the activities you see posted on here (but most are here in Indy...if you don't mind the drive).  Sherri