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?

More FAQ’s

 I have terrible GERD (reflux). Can I still be be Banded?
A great many obese people have GERD from a hiatal hernia created from  pressure on the abdomen from fat. This hernia is very commonly fixed during band surgery, and most of these people no longer suffer from reflux. A good many others have much less reflux. 76% of those with Reflux are “cured” by banding, and another 14% see a great improvement. Discuss this with your band surgeon. Extra GI tests may be needed to fully evaluate the hernia or reflux before band surgery.
The reflux that happens sometimes AFTER banding is a completely different thing, and often related to overfills or poor eating choices. Ongoing reflux is dangerous.

My family doctor has never heard of the Band?
Some doctors have not. There is a lot to keep up with in medicine. You may have to educate him/her by providing printed information, or perhaps a copy of this book. Do not let them dissuade you, if you feel strongly that Banding is for you.

My family doctor says Banding doesn’t work!?
He/she is not aware of current studies that show excellent success. The early US studies were quite flawed, and not very impressive. Since then, more studies have been done to show how effective the Band can be. You might want to print out some current studies.

How long will the band last inside me?
The earliest bands have been in place for more than 13 years. They are made of the same inert material that other very long-lasting implants are made of, and the Band has no moving parts to wear out. There is no reason to believe that the Band will not last a lifetime, if well cared-for by good Bandster habits, and you are diligent about protecting your stomach from harm from foods or too-tight fills.

Can my gallbladder be removed at the same time as my Band surgery?
If your gallbladder is diseased, it can possibly be removed at the same time. Healthy gallbladders are not routinely removed as they contribute to good digestion. Discuss this with your surgeon.

Can I have a tubal ligation along with my banding?
Possibly. Discuss this with your surgeon.

Is Banding always done laparoscopically?
Almost always. Occasionally, though, there may a case where an “open” procedure becomes necessary, where an incision must be made into the upper abdomen to complete the surgery. Your surgeon will only do this is it is absolutely necessary, and will discuss this rare possibility with you before surgery, and obtain your consent for this.

I want to have children later. Will banding interfere with this?
No, there have been a great many babies conceived after the LAP-BAND® System and perfect in every way. Most doctors advise waiting at least 18-24 months after banding to become pregnant, so that the mother is at a good weight. You don’t want to compromise your weight loss by gaining weight again too soon. Also, an obese mother adds considerable risk to her pregnancy, to the developing fetus, and even can cause lifelong problems for the baby.
Losing weight GREATLY  increases fertility, so be certain to use reliable birth control as soon as you are banded, to prevent unexpected pregnancies.

I‘ve heard that banding cures diabetes and sleep apnea?
Once you are diagnosed with Diabetes, you will always be diabetic. But, with good weight loss from banding, many people are able to greatly reduce or even eliminate their need for oral diabetes medication or insulin. Most sleep apnea resolves with good weight loss. Good weight loss also can greatly reduce high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other illnesses and conditions associated with obesity.

What is a “fill”?
A fill is what makes the band work. A small amount of saline is injected through the skin into the port, and this expands the balloon in the band. This constricts the stomach, making a small pouch that fills quickly with food and gives you a full feeling.

How soon can I get fills?
You will need to heal from the surgery, so the first fill is not given until 6-8 weeks – and then,only if you need it.

Will I start losing weight immediately?
Some people do lose weight from the beginning, but it is more likely to start after you get to a good fill level.

Will the first fill make me lose weight?
Sometimes not. It may take 3-5 fills over a few months to get to a good restriction. But you can lose some good weight before this, with attention to good nutrition, increasing your exercise,etc.

What is needed to do well with the Band?
The Band is NOT a magic cure. Successful loss will depend on these things: getting a good fill level, getting some good exercise regularly, learning about good nutrition so you can choose good Band foods, working on the emotional reasons you eat to overcome them pretty well,  and continuing to learn about your band so you can keep it and your stomach healthy and working well for you. All these things are also needed with any of the other Weight loss surgeries.

Can I eat all foods after banding, just less of them?
There are a few foods that generally do not work with the /band, as they glom up the small opening. These foods are often pasta, potatoes, rice, and all breads. These types of foods are poor in nutrition,anyway,and you’ll need to use your small pouch for only the best nutritious Band foods to lose in a healthy way. Most other foods can be eaten fine, as long as you remember band rules about very small bites and very thorough chewing. You’ll want to minimize sweets and junk, of course, if you’re committed to good weight loss.

I hate exercise. Why is this needed?
The Band is about becoming healthier, not simply losing weight. Good exercise strengthens your heart, lungs, muscles, joints, and much more. In addition, it helps build some good muscles, which make your body burn fat much more efficiently. This is important not only for weight loss, but for weight maintenance later. Also, good exercise releases hormone that ar very beneficial to your body and health. You don’t need 2 hours a day at a health club, but an hour of moderate exercise 3-4 times a week is very beneficial. It’s fine to start very slowly, as your weight and health allow.

What else will help?
Those who are active in physical and in-person support groups often do better. They are more knowledgeable about their bands, more committed, and feel encouragement from others.

Can I really be successful?
This is mostly up to you! Your band surgeon will give you a wonderful tool. How you use it is your choice!

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