The LapBand surgery is a successful and minimally invasive procedure that is rapidly increasing in popularity in the United States. With the LapBand procedure, hospitalization is often less than 24 hours, the band is adjustable, and the procedure is 100% reversible.

If you are severely or morbidly obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, if you are between the ages of 18 and 60, and if you have the desire to improve your health, you are the perfect candidate for the LapBand. So, what is next? Find the perfect surgeon.

So, how can find qualified LapBand surgeons?

Medical referrals. If you suffer from obesity, you may have regular checkups with your primary care physician. Mention the LapBand system. Chances are your doctor will agree with your decision to learn more. The next step is to refer you to a qualified LapBand surgeon. Medical referrals are ideal. Your primary care physician has your best interest in mind, meaning they will not refer you to just anyone.

Recommendations from friends and family. As previously stated, the LapBand system is increasing in popularity in the United States. This means that you may know someone who has undergone the procedure. If so, ask for advice. Not only can you learn a lot about the procedure, such as preparation and recovery, but you can also get a personal referral. What surgeon performed their surgery? Were they pleased with the results?

Phone book. Your local phone book is an easy way to find a local LapBand surgeon. By opting for a local surgeon, you can save money on travel time expenses. Turn to the yellow pages of your phone book. Under the heading of surgeons, or physicians, you should find the contact information needed. Unless you find listings specifically outlining the LapBand, contact all surgeons in the area.

Online business directories. If you reside in a small city or town, your local phone book may not produce results. In that instance, turn to the internet, namely online business directories. Online business directories allow you to search for a business based on location, such as a LapBand surgeon in Los Angeles, California. To maximize your search results, eliminate the phrase LapBand and search for a surgeon.

Recommendations online. What is nice about using an online business directory is that most enable ratings and reviews. Use this to your advantage. After all, you are paying up to $20,000 for the LapBand system, so get quality results. Look for surgeons with high ratings. Online messages boards discussing the subject may also contain referrals and personal recommendations.

Standard internet search. In keeping with using the internet, perform a standard internet search. You can do so on Google or Yahoo. Your internet search phrase should include your location and the phrase LapBand. Your results should lead to the online websites of weight loss surgeons in or around the surrounding area. You may also be directed to bariatric surgeon directories, but you will still be provided with the appropriate contact information.

By taking the above mentioned steps, you should be able to find a surgeon who can perform the LapBand procedure. With that said, you need to do more than just find a surgeon. Schedule a consultation appointment. Use this as the opportunity to find a quality surgeon that meets and exceeds your expectations.

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If you are interested in undergoing the LapBand surgery, you will need to find a LapBand surgeon. To get started, speak with your primary healthcare professional for a referral or turn to your local phone book or the internet. With that said, you need to do more than just find a LapBand surgeon; you need to choose the best one. For that reason, ask many questions.

So, what questions should you ask your LapBand surgeon?

Am I an ideal candidate? This is the most important question to ask. If you did not receive a direct referral from your primary care physician, do not have your heart set on weight loss surgery. The ideal candidate for surgery is 100 pounds or more overweight, between the ages of 18 and 60, and has the commitment to restrict their diet.

How much does the LapBand surgery cost? On average, the LapBand procedure costs between $15,000 and $20,000. That is quite the average price range. This means that you can find varying rates. Of course, you want to choose a quality surgeon who is Board Certified and who is known to produce results, but why pay more than you have to. In addition to asking about the cost, price compare with other local surgeons.

Do you have a payment plan? Some insurance providers do cover the cost of weight loss surgery, but there are typically many rules and restrictions. If you are uninsured or if coverage is not extended, ask about a payment plan. In this case, it is recommended that you have a good credit rating. If not, at least have enough for a substantial down payment.

Will you perform the LapBand procedure? If you are receiving a consultation at a hospital or large surgical center, you could be speaking to anyone. This is not what you want. You want to have a consultation appointment with the surgeon who will perform your LapBand surgery.

Are you Board Certified? In the United States, a Board Certified Surgeon is recommended. When opting for a certified surgeon, you are given a certain level of peace, comfort, and guarantee. You know the person has undergone strict testing and is qualified to perform the procedure.

How many surgeries have you performed? Not only do you want a Board Certified Surgeon, but you also want one who has experience performing the LapBand procedure. Surgical experience is recommended, but the LapBand is different than other surgeries. So, make sure your surgeon has experience with the LapBand system. Not only is installation experience recommended, but adjustment too.

What is your success ratio? When it comes to success ratio, it is important to ask about complications and weight loss. Your goal of undergoing the LapBand procedure is to lose weight, ensure those before you have done so. Next, examine your risks. How many patient complications or deaths has your surgeon experienced under their care?

Can I see before and after pictures? Before and after pictures will not only give you insight into your weight loss potential, but it may give you comfort and peace of mind. A LapBand surgeon who has before and after pictures of their patients is one who is invested in their long-term success. These are hands you want to place your life in.

Can you speak to past patients? Hearing that a LapBand surgeon has a good rate of no complications and successful weight loss is nice, but best when coming directly from the source. Ask to speak with or meet previous patients. When doing so, ask questions. Did they like the surgeon? Were they pleased with their treatment before, during, and after surgery? Would they extend a recommendation?

The above mentioned questions are just a few of the many you will want to ask during a LapBand consultation appointment, but they are a good start. In the days leading up to your appointment, record any additional questions you think of.

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