Vertical Gastric Sleeve surgery? (VSG)
I think it's important that you speak with the surgeons as, the last time I spoke with them about the VSG, they "would do it" but they "hadn't yet performed any VSG's" - so, be sure you're comfortable with your decision. As a surgeon at Umass said to me "I'd be happy to give it a try..."
ETA: In my 3+ year surgery quest I have found that this is VERY competitive field...I have spent time in 3 different programs and all but 1 spoke horribly about the other programs. At the same two, several of the medical professionals didn't even KNOW what a VSG was until I mentioned it to them. They informed me as well that they performed the surgery, got me to their info session and then tried to sway me into the RnY or LB surgical routes. Just wanted to share fwiw. Good luck to you!
I'm with the BIDMC program and love it!
ETA: In my 3+ year surgery quest I have found that this is VERY competitive field...I have spent time in 3 different programs and all but 1 spoke horribly about the other programs. At the same two, several of the medical professionals didn't even KNOW what a VSG was until I mentioned it to them. They informed me as well that they performed the surgery, got me to their info session and then tried to sway me into the RnY or LB surgical routes. Just wanted to share fwiw. Good luck to you!
I'm with the BIDMC program and love it!
My journey: http://abowlfullofjelly.blogspot.com/ w/ March 2011 Sleevers List
"Sleeve Santa Sleeve!"
HW: 309 ~ PreOpW: 306 ~ SW: 293 ~ CW: 184
"Sleeve Santa Sleeve!"
HW: 309 ~ PreOpW: 306 ~ SW: 293 ~ CW: 184
Thanks folks... I did go to the Umass class and did ask them about self pay and they wouldn't do it. And they said if they considered doing it they would only to the Lapband and nothing else. I guess I am forced to travel which I don't prefer but expect if Umass DID offer self pay it would be cheaper to travel. It's just a comfort thing having the doctor a half hour drive away and not a plane ride. I am down to the GSP (Plication) in OH or VSG in MI or NC... No matter how I go it;s $11k+.