Recent Posts
I had my DS from lapband performed 5 years ago, and have struggled to reach goal - which is still 40 lbs away - despite being vigilant with protein, carbs, water, etc. I just got back my annual labs, and all vitamin levels are off the charts! This has never happened before. I have searched online for current recommended vitamin supplementation for DS surgery, but cannot find one. Could someone post it here? I know I super-absorb calories, fats, etc...so I obviously need to cut way back on my vitamins. Please, could someone share their total daily vitamin regimen, so I can compare? Thanks!
Hi there - I actually had a revision surgery to my DS in Celebration, FL in 2018. I had a great doctor, Dr. Dennis Smith. At the time I lived in Sarasota, so it was quite a trip...but so worth it. If you haven't already found a doctor, you could give him a try!
I'm sorry I don't have any advice. I just wanted to say that VSG did not work out for me. For the first 4-5 months I was losing steadily, but then I stopped losing. I've gained back 10 pounds. So since my surgery I've only lost 20 pounds. It's so disappointing to be just over a year out and not have the results expected of me. There's definitely room for improvement on my part, but I have made huge changes to my overall eating habits and feel so defeated. I'm hoping with the New Year and new doctors that somethings will change for the better.
Good luck on your next journey and hope it all goes well. Please keep us informed on which procedure you have done and why. It's very helpful for me to read about other VSGers.
Hi Patty,
thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. I agree with you on needing the malabsorption this time around to both lose and keep the weight off. I have another consultation with Dr Gagner next week to talk about the DS. My anxiety feels better just knowing that I have that option.
i did look into going to Mexico, but the exchange rate from CDN to USD makes it more expensive, plus the flight down there. I'm within driving distance of Montreal, so that's another reason why I'm choosing to go this route. Thank you for thinking about me though for suggesting those options. ??
Your choice. There are SADI patients who have done well and others not so well. My personal opinion, I would insist on the real thing.
The VSG is just another diet with a smaller stomach. You need the power of malabsorption to succeed. They sold you the wrong surgery. And this time you need to get it right.
Gagner is well known. Have you considered Ungson/Esquerra in MX? Bet he would be much less expensive.
Hi, I had a VSG done in 2011 where I lost 150lbs, but due to things in life and falling off the wagon and having a 4-year long pity party I've gained most of that back on, I'm sad to say.
I'm based in the province of NB where there's a good 7 year wait to even get a first consultation with the only surgeon who does the DS. By that time, I'll have aged out of the system, which is 55 so I decided to go self-pay. I've also decided to go with someone with a great reputation, Dr Gagner.
ive had my first consultation with him and he brought up SADI. I hadn't heard of it before, so I wanted to read more about it. I have another consultation with him next week where I want to discuss having the DS because I really want to lose as much weight as I can and to keep it off.
i guess my question is has anyone here had Dr Gagner as a surgeon? And what are thoughts on SADI vs DS.
thanks so much!
Hi Stacie -
I think you're AMAZING!!! To go through all you have been through in the last 15 years and still have the "I can do this" attitude...well most people would have said "F-it" and just ate their way back to the beginning again.
You're an inspiration and I, for one, am glad to know that people don't give up on themselves due to "bad luck" situations. I just had my SADI (I have the sleeve done in 2011) and over that period of time, I lost 100# then over the last 4 year, gained back about 30 of it. At that point, I said ENOUGH!!! I did my research and contacted my origin surgeon and then went to Mexico 09/01/2021 and had it done. I was blessed to have the EXACT same team of doctors to do this one.
Even with the Christmas holidays, I did cheat a little but still managed to lose around 6 pounds. I'm down 40 from my surgery date and I'm back on the eating well wagon again (man, those horses are glad not to pull my big butt around anymore...LOL)!
Happy Surgiversary to you!!!
Barbara
Barbara McKeown 
If that hospital placed a hold I would have to bet that others are doing the same. WLS is considered an elective surgery and many hospitals are putting surgeries like WLS and other non important surgeries on hold until the Covid spike has gone back down.
Not sure if it is possible to switch surgeons without going through their protocol. Is your initial surgeon in the Aetna network?
Dr. Sanchez Lapband 9/12/2003
hw305/revision w280/cw197/gw150
Revision from Lap Band to Bypass on 2/4/2015 by Dr. Pohl
I have Aetna POS Choice insurance .
My surgery was scheduled for 1/5/22 for a revision from VSG to Sadi however I received the most devastating call 12/30/21 where I was advised my operation was cancelled and placed on hold due to COV19 spike cases at the hospital I was going to have my procedure done . I was advised by the coordinator it could be an approx 6-8 weeks wait for a new date .
After the tears I immediately began to be proactive trying to find an alternative. Since that day I contacted my initial surgeon from VSG and scheduled a consultation. Has this ever happened to someone changing surgeons late in the game ?
what I'm hoping happens is my approved
pre authorization is transferred and I'm able to schedule a surgery date .
BTW : my previous surgeon is in another state that doesn't have an executive to temporarily
cancel elective surgery.
Happy New Year! Thank you for everyone who posted responses to my question. I really appreciate all the help and guidance, very thoughtful.
I wanted to give an update because it might be helpful for anyone with DS or other bariatric procedure who are dealing with Kaiser and in particular So Cal Kaiser.
Basically, I ended up writing my primary care doctor on Kaiser website expressing my frustration and explaining that while I wanted to stay with Kaiser and not switch to Blue Cross, it would be cost prohibitive if I had to pay for my much needed labs out of pocket. She is a good PC, and ended up calling me explaining that her hands were basically tied in regards to ordering labs (both vertical sleeve and DS were done in Mexico) but that she could refer me to Kaiser's Bariatric Dept. This, my friends, was a the break I had been seeking. KP Bariatric Dept. was fantastic and basically ordered 12 separate labs and scheduled a follow up with me in 3 weeks.
So to answer the question of "How Pushy is Pushy?" I believe it serves us well to reach out to others in the community and not be afraid to advocate for your own medical needs.
Thanks again for the responses and guidance!
