New with questions

 Hi All
I am new to the board. I am considering surgery and want to learn more.  I have a bunch of questions!
1. Has anyone gotten surgery that didn't qualify for the morbid obesity limit? It seems rather arbitrary. 
2. Has anyone done the sleeve? It appears, at first glance, to be the least destructive - especially if you take meds as I do.
3.  Do you know who the "best" surgeons are in the area?  How to find out? There is a lot of advertising it seems and sorting through it seems impossible.
Thanks to all!
Jenny

Hi Jenny can't really help you with your questions other than just do alot of research and this OH site can help you in that department. I just wanted to welcome you to the board and wish you the best on your journey.

Candie

Hi Jenny welcome to the board! I am pretty new to the board too but I will tell you what I know. I attended one informational session which described each session and from that session they said that the sleeve is often not covered by insurance...so that is something to check into with your insurance.  As for finding a surgeon...look around and read the patient reviews. I meet with one doctor but didn't feel the connection but have read great things about him. I then contacted his partner that he recently split with via email. The one Dr I jsut meet with responded immediately and it has been three days and I still haven't heard from the other one...so Iguess I will continue to search. It isn't easy but I want to make sure I connect with the one that holds my life in there hands. So if you find a good one feel free to share with me :)

Good Luck!

Hi Jenny!!!! Welcome to the Maryland Board!!! I suggest you attend a few different seminars that the surgeons offer for FREE so you can get a better feel of which procedure is right for you. Also at that time you will feel which surgeon is best for you too. ;o)

I wasnt considered morbidly obese either and my insurance covered it due to diabetes and sleep apnea. Good luck to you. ((((Hugs)))))))

 Hi Jilly
Thanks for the warm welcome!
I am thinking about doing the sleeve.  It seems like a good option although it seems I would have to travel to get it.  What is your story? It looks like you have lost a lot! Congrats. It must feel great.
Best,
Jenny

Hey Jenny:

Wanted to wish you all the best.  I had RNY, but Deb Reithmuller (K9Krazzi) had the sleeve with Dr. Singh and she has been very successful.  Deb is also an OH support Group leader and would probably be willing and able to answer your sleeve questions.  You can reach her at 443-783-1778 or by e-mail at [email protected].  I agree with the other people on the board.  There are a lot of great surgeons out here, but it is important that you feel good about yours.  Attend several of the seminars and see where you feel the best.  Good luck in your journey! and don't be a stranger to the board.

Hello and welcome to the MD board!!

I agree with previous posts. You should attend a few different seminars and speak with a few surgeons and they will also give your thier advice on which procedure would fit you best. I know that my surgeon does the sleeve and I know a patient of his that is having fantastic results with it. There is also a VSG board that you may be able to visit and find out more info.

As far as surgeons go we are blessed and have some great ones in this area. I guess my only question would be are you closer to DC or Baltimore because that would affect your traveling distance to get to a fantastic surgeon.

As far as did not qualify for the morbid obesity limit, I was actually just speaking with another patient of my surgeon a while back and she did not qualify for the morbid obesity limit but she had several co-morbities including diabetes and she was approved for surgery.

HTH!!

 Hi Everyone
Thanks for your replies! I will definitely contact the woman who did the sleeve and try to learn more.  It's kind of hard to do my real work right now -- I want to focus on this!