Ellen Chernoff Simon is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in peak performance and pain management. Her lifelong studies and training include meditation, medical hypnosis, neurofeedback, biofeedback and guided imagery.

Check out the LAP-BAND® System Success Six-CD Set!!

1) Bandster Wants and Needs

2) Self-Love

3) Mind Mint

4) Comfort for Difficult Times

5) Achieving Bandster and Life Goals

6) Sweet Dreams for Bandsters

Considering the Band?

Get the FAQ’s

 I’m considering the Band. Where can I get more information?
I've put some pictures together for you plus.....
Do a web search on “Adjustable Gastric Band” and “LAP-BAND® System”. Join several online band support groups, and read back through several month’s  worth of posts, as well as the files and databases on each of the sites.
Meet with a couple local band doctors (whether you use them or not), and attend their support groups to get general information. You may locate US band surgeons near you by using the “Surgeon locator” link at http://www.lap-band.com/
You may also choose one of the well-known and highly skilled Mexican surgeons, who generally are much less expensive for those who must self-pay, as well as often more experienced in the procedure.
How does the Band work to help me lose weight?
The band works in four ways. First, the surgery creates a smaller pouch which will only hold a small portion of food. When this small pouch is full, you will no longer be able to overeat. Secondly, the band slows the passage of food through your stomach, so you feel full much longer. It will be easier to avoid snacking. Thirdly, the band presses on nerves that send a feeling of “FULL!” to your brain, so you don’t feel like eating between meals. Your intake of calories will greatly decrease, and you will lose weight. Lastly, there is a behaviour modificatio element. If you forget a band eating rule, you may vomit. This can be mildly painful and you will not want to repeat it. It will be easier to practice the new habits
This very unique combnation of factors give you an excellent chance to lose serious weight, and KEEP it off this time! In addition, the Band is the safest method of surgical weight loss. It does not involve cutting and removing any part of your body, as other weight loss surgeries do.

Does insurance cover banding?
Some insurances may, but not all. You’ll need to ask your specific insurance.

Why should I choose the band over a gastric bypass?
This is a personal decision,but be sure you have all the facts.  The band is much, much safer. The surgery is much less risky, much shorter, and there is no cutting or removing parts of the gastrointestinal tract. There are no lifelong medical problems, or malabsorption, as there is with the  bypass. The weight loss with the band is sometimes slower than the bypass the first 12-18 months, then is about the same at 2-5 years. The Band weight loss is much safer, and much more likely to be maintained.

Is the Band a guaranteed way to lose weight?
No, the Band is not a magic cure for years of overeating. It is a wonderful tool to help you lose weight and maintain that loss, but there are many lifestyle changes that you will have to make, to help the Band work for you. These do not need to happen overnight, but you MUST be willing to make some changes.  After all, what you WERE doing helped you become morbidly obese!

How much weight can I lose with the Band?
The statistics show that, on average, people lose 60-75% of their excess weight. Not everyone  is able to lose 100% of their excess weight, but a great many people do. It is largely up to you , and the commitment you have to do well. It is also essential to be working with a very experienced Band surgeon, who has a good fill and aftercare program. Even if you don’t lose 100% of your excess weight, you will become much healthier and have a much less risk of future health problems.

Is the weight loss permanent?
It is permanent as long as you continue the new ways of choosing and eating foods that you will learn, and continue a more active lifestyle. You can start to regain weight if you neglect your band, or return to poor eating habits.

Is the surgery risky?
It is MUCH less risky than the gastric bypass. All surgeries carry some risk, but Band surgery is similar to the risk associated with gallbladder surgery – about 1 death in 2,000. Most of these are from pre-existing heart or lung problems, and not from the surgery itself. By comparison, the risk of  death within 30 days after a gastric bypass is 1 in 50 or even more.

Will it hurt?
Most people have little pain. There can be mild-moderate incisional  pain for a few days, but this is usually very easily controlled with RX or over-the-counter pain medications.

How long will I need to be off work?
Many people return to sedentary jobs within 3-5 days of surgery. Others require a week or more off work. Your reaction to any previous surgeries is your best guideline. Taking a week off is plenty for most people.

Does having the band inside you hurt?
No. There are new (but not painful) feelings at the beginning, but you will quickly get used to them. There should never be regular pain with the Band.

How long has the Band been around?
It has been used successfully in Europe, Mexico, and Australia for more than a decade. It has been FDA-approved in the US since June 05, 2001.

How big are the scars?
Laparoscopic scars are very small. You will have 4-5 incisions about 1/2 inch long, and one about 1 1/2  inch long. All are very thin, and often fade until they are barely noticeable.

Who can be Banded?
Per FDA guidelines, in the US, banding is limited to people who meet the following guidelines:
have a BMI of 40 or more
have a BMI of 35 or more, and also have 2 or more weight-related illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, PCOS,

Do the Mexican and European doctors accept patients that do not meet the US guidelines as above?
Yes, the Mexican and European docs can accept certain patients who are older, younger,  less obese,  or with fewer weight-related medical problems. The Mexican surgeons consider banding patients with a 32-35 BMI, in some circumstances, but it is unknown if there will be extra problems with very low Bmi patients. The band is not made for these thinner people. . Discuss all this when you consult your surgeons.

What other medical conditions might make me ineligible for banding?
Serious stomach or GI problems, previous fundoplications, ulcerative colitis, certain auto-immune diseases, uncontrolled thyroid problems, uncontrolled mental illnesses, drug or alcohol problems, eating disorders.
These should all be honestly discussed with your doctor.

Do I have to tell anyone I’m being banded?
Band surgery is still considered a major surgery, and there are risks. While it is very unlikely that anything unexpected will happen, you should still be certain all your affairs are in order, your children provided for, and your Will up to date. At least one relative should be aware of your upcoming surgery.

Can I go have the surgery alone?
This depends on your doctor. Some doctors require that you have someone with you,  while others do not. It is always best to have an adult to help you, support you, and be your advocate. But many people travel alone to be banded, and do just fine.

Should I tell lots of people I am being banded?
This is up to you. Some people tell everyone they know, while others prefer to tell only a few close friends at the beginning. Some who told many people regret this decision, since they are frequently asked how much they are losing, what they are eating, and why they did not choose the “faster” bypass. The first few weeks and months can be a time of slow loss, since the band is often not filled well yet, and constant questions about weight loss can be disturbing and unwelcome. Many people find they are more comfortable telling people about their surgery after they have some noticeable weight loss, and are more confident in their success.

Do I need help at home after the surgery?
Usually not, but it is always good to have someone to call if necessary.

Has anyone died from the surgery?
There is risk with ANY surgery. A few people have died during or right after band surgery, often from pre-existing heart or lung problems. Band surgery is MUCH less risky than Bypass surgery. With the very experienced surgeon, the risks involved with band surgery are very low.

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