looking for support

Hi, This is my first post here and I am sure not my last.  I have an appointment with Dr. Hargroder Sept. 5,  I am hoping to have the gastric sleeve.  I first wanted the lap band but thought this might be better.  Would love to hear your opinions. I am ready for a better life, one with some energy.

Hi Dee, Welcome to OH and congratulations on your decision for weight loss surgery.   I made my decision just recently.  I've had my first visit with Dr. Chung in Lake Charles.  I was considering Dr. Hargroder, but found out that Dr. Chung is approved by my insurance.  My first visit was Aug. 20.  I'm just waiting for written approval from my insurance company. I researched for about a month before I decided to go with the gastric sleeve.  For me, it's the best choice.  I want to be able to absorb my nutrients and don't want all the extra connections with the other procedures.  Also I wasn't sure about having a foreign body inside me with the lap band. Have you checked out the Vertical Gastric Sleeve forum on the main board.  There are some awesome people who post there regularly.  They're a lot more active than this La. board. You might want to check out this website as well. www.vsgfaq.com    There's lots of good info there.

Just wanted to wish you the best....

thanks for the support and quick reply's. Granny Jo we live in the same city.  Maybe someday we will meet. My insurance will not pay for any WLS so  I am self pay.  Not too happy about that but I will do what  have to do.  Dr. Hargroder had the best self pay price and he is a good doc. I am 55 and need to loose a large amt. of weight.  I am investing in my future, I want it to be a healthy one. I am ready to reclaim my life. 

Ms DeeR  you will love dr hargroder  i had my sleev in may an never  looked back i m down 75 lb an still going

Thanks for the reply, it is very encouraging.  WOW! to you for the awesome weight loss.  You must be feeling great.  Please keep me posted on your progress.  What are you eating now? Later,

Congrats on taking a step to better health. I had Lap-Band surgery in September of 2005, lost 92 pounds my first year and am currently at goal. Best of luck making the right choice for you. http://www.triciakutz.com/surgery.html

Congrats to you on your weight loss.  I did first want the lap band until learning about the gastric sleeve.  I am looking forward to being a success story too.

     Welcome!  I had the sleeve on 5-7-07.  I was going to have the Lap Band but when I talked to Dr. Hargroder's office they told me about The Sleeve and that sounded really good, so I went with that.  I was also self-pay bec my ins. would not cover it.  I've had no probs. and I have lost 72 lbs.  I'm very happy now.  It really feels good to be "full".  I think Dr. Hargroder is a good doc and did a good job on my surgery!  Having said that, I also want to say that I still have a good bit confusion on post-op foods/liquids/supplements/vitamins.  As far as I know there is no present nutritionist at Vista Hospital, but that's even better, of course in my opinion, than the actual nutritionist who was there before, when I had my surgery.  I was to talk to the nutritionist before surgery, but what she informed me of was different from Dr. Hargroder and so I didn't know who to believe.  So now I have alot of unanswered questions just bec, I guess, I haven't clarified everything with Dr. Hargroder yet.  I think I was done a disservice when it comes to post-op nutrition info.  I've tried to rely on health food stores, etc., for helpful info. and have found that at least around here one place puts down another and their products and so I'm still confused, and wish someone would be more straight with me!!  The most logical answer I think is Dr. Hargroder, so I think I will just make a big list of questions for him!  I do believe he is a good doc. and knows what he's doing.  I think you'll do fine with him.  I would suggest, I guess, to get totally straight with him on post-op nutrition so hopefully u won't have to go thru what I had and still am going thru. As far as The Sleeve surgery itself, yes, I am totally satisfied so far.  Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center did a live Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy tonight on the internet.  I think u can go to their website and watch it.  U can try http://www.or-live.com/ololrmc/2002/index.cfm?r=orlive.  They also answered the questions the whole time during the surgery that I think would probably be pretty helpful to u. I wish u the best of luck!  :)

Hi Dee, I want to encourage you to see what's best for you and your lifestyle and family. I have a lot of respect for the sleeve procedure and I'm a lap band patient -- so I see a win-win situation for you. My starting BMI was 56 and my highest weight below was 350 pounds. No, it's not easy, but it's far from impossible. Wishing you well, Frances