Approved for Lapband but want VSG

I have been looking around this board for 2 years. There is a lot of great information here and a lot of good advice.   My insurance approved me for the Lap band  and I was scheduled to have surgery on the 24th of this month. I have took all the test and everything. I started my liguid diet and I called them to cancel it.   My problem is,  I been researching WLS for over 2 years and I really want the VSG. I've been thinking should I settle for something I really don't want or should I just continue my search and find a doctor who will accept my insurance. Your input will be appreciated.

I would at least try to get the surgery you want.  If not you will always have that in the back of your mind.  So I say try to get the VSG...the LapBand surgery will always be here if it doesn't work out.  At least you will know you tried. 

My surgeon at Silver Cross hospital in Joliet does VSG.  you should check and see if your insurance is accepted there.

good luck

Thank you.

Where are you located at? My doctor does VSG. He is in Downers Grove.

You are going to get a lot of opinions regarding VSG, RNY, DS, band etc. Do your homework and hold your ground.

Hi Christine,

I live 15 min from Downers Grove.  I tried him and he doesn't take my insurance. I've tried Silver Cross also. I'm going to continue my search. Thanks for your input.

 Tasha

You are heading in the right direction.  Do not have the lap band just to have wls surgery.  If you want a VSG then keep hunting until you find someone who takes your insurance.  Otherwise, you probably will end up kicking yourself down the road and not be as committed to the surgery as you should.  Does your insurance company have any ideas of doctors who are on their plan that perform the VSG proceedure?  

You might check in at the University of Illinois or University of Chicago.  Both of them take a wide variety of insurance policies and have excellent surgeons. 

Nancy 

Thank you. I called UIC and Northwestern. I think I am heading in the right directions. Thanks for the replys. I will keep you all posted.

Hello All:

I am going to my first support group tomorrow at Northwestern Hospital.  I am excited to get some feedback from other people who have had this wls (rny).  Everyday is meal planning and I am trying to eat lots of protein.  I really had searched this website for several years before deciding what Doctor I would go to.  I chose Dr, Nagle at Northwestern Hospital downtown Chicago.  I am very happy with my decision,
Linda