Who to go to for a VSG?

I want to have a VSG and live in Howard County Maryland.  I am willing to go to DC, Montgomery County, or the Baltimore area for the procedure and will probably wind up as a self pay.  I am looking for a doctor that is experienced and has a good track record with this procedure and is a caring sort (I really don't want to be treated as a just a number).   Of course the choice of hospital and surgeon's staff also is important, so any input is most welcome.  Sinai or Johns Hopkins?  I took the online session at JH and filled out the on-line form over a week ago and have heard nothing back and have not been able reach a real person there via phone.  Sinai's web site does not address VSG as a procedure they do but I have heard otherwise.  I will try to get to their orientation session on Monday.  Anybody VSGers out there who can share with me their recommendations? 

Little; I am a Sinai veteran Lap Band in 2005(long story) and VGS 1/30/09. Sinai does offer the Sleeve Dr. Christina Li and Dr. Gandass both performs this surgery. But this is Dr. Li's baby she enjoys the Sleeve. I like the staff at Sinai the office support is wonderful many of them are former WLS patients themselves! I would say do your research (such as this OBH) setup an appt with Sinai, JHU and even St. Agnes hospitals and see what you think of them.

All the best!

Thanks for the reply Adrien!  I started my WLS path in 2005 too, investigating all the procedures, doctors and hospitals.  I had my lapband surgery scheduled in May 2006 with a doc in Montgomery County when the presurgery chest xray showed something - the something turned out to be Hodgkins Lymphoma and I had to cancel my lapband surgery date and start chemo... now three years later I have the greenlight with my doctors to have WLS.  My research this time has taken me from banding to VSG - but probably without my insurer paying.  I so much want to to move forward, and I have heard good things about Dr. Li.  I am going to attend the Sinai seminar next Monday - but it looks like Dr. Gandass is holding it this month - so I might not get the chance to hear Dr. Li.  Thanks for your input!

I had my sleeve at st. agnes with dr. andrew averbach and am very happy with him and my surgery.

I remember hearing Dr. Averbach when I went to the informational seminar at St. Agnes in 2005 (was looking into the lapband at the time) and he seemed very knowlegible and experienced.  I might go back to St. Agnes again to see if they will discuss the VSG.  Thanks.

Adrienne really said it all about Dr Li. I will add a few things. I had VSG on 2-24, 6 weeks ago and Dr. Li was wonderful to me, to everyone really. I also was a self pay patient, and Dr Li really watches out for you when it comes to certain things, that she didn't feel necessary, she really watches your money because she knows how expensive it is. Just like Adrieene said the sleeve is her baby,she really loves everything about it as far as a WLS.She is a intelligent, caring woman, who I trusted with my life, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you want to talk further you can PM me anytime. Leslie

thanks so much Leslie,  I am hoping to go to the seminar at Sinai on Monday.  Both you and Adrienne have spoken of Dr. Li so positively - and that echos what I have read from others elsewhere - she is really moving to the top of my search.  It is also good to know that she would be sensitive to the expenses of a self payer and not require any more than essential.  I would love to learn more of your experiences. 

Hi Leslie,  I sent you an email on Sunday and I just read that OH is having some email problems - just wanted to know if you received it? 

I'm planning my surgery with Dr. Schweitzer from JH.  He's not really "warm and fuzzy", but he does have a good track record and knows his stuff.

Thanks Lisa,  I had heard he was very good technically - wishing you the best with your surgery.  Keep us up to date on your journey!