I have just returned from my fifth annual trip to the Lap Band Patient Executive Council meeting. I was honored to be invited to listen to an internationally renowned surgeon, Dr. John Dixon, and others speak about what it takes to have long term success with this incredible medical device that I credit with saving my life.
If I came away with one piece of information to share with all of you, it is to stay connected to your surgeon. It’s more than fills and un-fills. Don’t need an adjustment, haven’t been to see the doctor in years, what if I told you that if you went in for a “tune up” visit at least once a year you might decrease the odds of having any issues down the road? Would you do it? Yes - well I’m telling you - call and make that appointment.
When’s the last time you did a swallow, had a fluoroscopy, or an endoscopy? Never you say? How about calling and seeing if your doctor would like to check you from the inside to look at your band position, the state of your stoma and stomach, and tell you that all is fine? Wouldn’t it be nice to hear at least once a year that everything is in good working order?
Having a little reflux, or perhaps recurring stuck episodes? Can’t tolerate firm protein? What if these could be resolved by visiting your doctor, and sitting down together and honestly discussing your habits, what you might change and what he/she can do to help you? What if it didn’t include long term medication, but the possibility of some positive short term changes, and BAM you’re back in the green zone again? No reflux, no stuck episodes, no eating slider foods only because nothing else works.
Remember, the “head adjustments” we get by staying connected with our surgeons for regular visits is as valuable as the band adjustments, as long as we are honest with our surgeons. When asked if you have reflux, answer truthfully, when asked if you are eating firm protein with no problems, answer truthfully. Don’t be afraid that you will either get “yelled at”, or that your band will have to come out. The statistics I heard at this meeting were that in 95+% of the cases of reflux, stretching of the esophagus, and yes, even slips, were resolvable without removing the Lap Band.
Do you go to the dentist once a year? How about taking your car in for service once a year? Getting those mammograms annually ladies?
WHY would you not have your surgeon check out your implanted medical device at least once a year?
Problems with your band do not necessarily mean another surgery. You just do not know unless you see the surgeon and ask. If you are told your band needs to be removed, ask WHY, and be sure you understand that there is no other alternative.
I keep hearing things like my band isn’t working, I’m not losing weight. Well, guess what folks, the reality is, if you have another surgery it may work for a while, but if YOU haven’t done the work, you will see the weight start to come back on again. Surgeries are tools; they can help us control the amount that we eat as long as we choose the right foods to use the tools. In every case, that is firm protein first.
Want to keep your Lap Band, and yourself, healthy and happy? Get connected with your doctor, get the education and support you need, and get that Lap Band tuned up to get your lifetime of success in place.