Surgeons in Ocala, who do Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy ???

Hi, I'm fairly new to the boards, but have been a lurker, for some time. I was all set to have RNY, until I started reading articles about the VSG surgery. I kind of like the idea of not having my intestines messed with. Does anyone know of any surgeons in the Ocala area that does the VSG method? I have had all my pre-ops done and am waiting to hear from my insurance company. I live in R.I., but winter in central FL. I'm seriously considering having my surgery, done in FL. I appreciate all input. Thanks, Nancy

Well good luck but you'll probably have to contact Surgeon's anywhere personally as the procedure just made the press/media down here in Florida. Which places it as a very new procedure. Have you asked your insurance from NY if they'll cover this New Elective Procedure or for that fact if they cover any orher WLS Surgeries out of NY?

Oh I'm sorry, you are from RI not NY. So the same Questions but from RI? LOL!

Hi Michael, Why, does everyone get R.I. and N.Y., mixed up? I think, it's because they think of Long Island. Well, anyhew, LOL! I appreciate your feedback. I actually talked to Dr. Overcash's office in Ocala, and they said they take my insurance, and there would be no problem transferring all my files there. Unfortunately, no one does the VSG, yet. I have had such a nice responce from everyone on the boards So, I will continue to follow the leads suggested by all of you. Thanks, Nancy

i know there is a surgernt in south fl who dose it... but i dont know about central

i know i'm not really answering your question; however, i'm from CT. and If I could I would rather have this surgery in NYC or Boston, just because there are far better doctors & hospitals up there. I am only stating this based on my experiences with the Doctors in jax & Gainesville areas. Good Luck to you!!!

Hi Jessie, I know there are loads of good Bariatric surgeons up North. The surgeon that I have now doesn't do the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I really like this option for me better than RNY. No messing with the intestines. I have already had one emergency operation for a bowel obstruction and don't want to chance it again. The reason that I am leaning towards having the surgery in FL., is because I winter there. If I have the surgery here, it will probably be dead winter. I'll be stuck inside recouperating and if the weather is bad I won't be able to get out and walk. I'd rather be in sunny FL. LOL! Good luck on your journey. nancy

Nancy--Just wondering if messing with your intestines concerns you --have you considered the Lap-band. It is not the surgery that I had but it appears to be having some great results--long term. Yes-the losing may be slower to begin with --but really if it all equals out in the end--who cares. I was a snowbird also--I had my rny in the early spring in the Boston area after my first winter in Florida.

Good morning Lynda, Thanks, for your reply. I have been researching for almost two years now. I had decided on the RNY, until I started reading alot of new information on the VSG. I have had all my testing and pre-op done, but no reply on the insurance. My Dr.'s office up here, is so bogged down, they sent me for all my testing and I didn't even have a pre-approval from the insurance company. This has been quite an experience, as it is for all of us, trying to make the journey into a healthier and thinner world. LOL! I will keep posting, so everyone knows where my journey will take me. Have a great day, Nancy