Anybody got the Gastric Sleeve?

Wanting to talk to any locals who have had this procedure. I spoke with Dr. Hargroder who seems to be the most experienced here in BR (according to his website). His office administrator had already had it done and the surgical assistant was in the consult group meeting with me wanting the sleeve! Even though he recommended the RNY for me b/c of known long-term results, I am still very interested in the sleeve. Just wanting to know the experience of others--good, bad and the ugly!!

Not sure if you've discovered the Gast. Sleeve forum on OH, but in case you don't get many answers here, you might want to check it out: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/VSG/

Yes, thanks---I am also posted on the VSG forum. I am still in process of reviewing all the info on the VSGFAQ (unofficial site). Thanks.

I'm waiting on insurance approval, almost finished 6 mo supervised diet. Hopefully in March I will have my VSG. My surgeon is Dr Mark Hausmann in BR. The VSG site on OH is wonderful lots of good people and info on there. Best of luck to ya on your journey. Mel B.

I will be getting the Gastric Sleeve next Wedns Feb 14th. I have to self pay and picked this over the Lap band after lots of research. Dr. Bellanger will be doing my surgery at the Vista Surg Center (He is in the same practice with Dr. Hargooder) Good luck! Jackie

Hi Jackie, Don't know if you will get this before the surgery but Dr. Bellanger did my sleeve last Tuesday. I have already lost 15 lbs. He was great, the staff at Vista was great, it was an overall great experience. I had no pain from the surgery however I had major caffiene withdrawl (which nobody warned me about). That was the worst part of my experience. Take care, Lynn

I am also doing research on the sleeve surgery. I couldn't find a doctor in Baton Rouge that would take Medicare so I am going to use Dr. Chung in Lake Charles. I have my first appointment on February 21, 2007. I will try to learn more when I go for that appointment. From what I can see he has excellent reviews.

I just talked to Dr. Chung yesterday! He was very knowledgable and took time to explain what he would recommend for me. He did recommend the RNY for me due to hx of childhood obesity. Also said I would do fine here in BR with Dr. Hargroder. I am cash pay so not dealing with insurance issues. Good luck with your consult.

Hi-Jodie Dr. Hargroder is the right pick if I may say so myself. I just had my sleeve surgery on 02/08/07 and everything went great. Dr. Hargroder and his staff are awesome. The staff at Vista is also awesome. I have never been to a hospital or physician's office that has made me feel like they care so much. Also, I know Dr. H's Office Administrator and she is doing great. Her surgery was the week of Thanksgiving and she has already lost over 60 pounds. She looks so good. I myself have love over 23 pounds in just 10 days. Also, to answer your question on the sleeve. I chose it because there were not as many side effects as the other procedures. Good luck with your decision.