Needed VSG friends advice etc.

I need advice from anyone who has had recently VSG or is going to have VSG. 

I just last week decided I want to go with VSG not RNY becuase of the malabsorbtion.

I guess I just did not know much about it and once I found out the differences in the surgeries I was amazed. 

I need to find a surgeon in Baltimore County East that takes medicare or medical assistance that does VSG because my surgeon does not do VSG.

I found Dr Christopher J You who is a suereon at Franklin Square and want him but dont know if he takes my insurance.  Medstar Family Choice is my HMO and Medstar ownes franklin square so I'm guessing yes but there is a big maybe there.  I wont know probably until Monday cause of this damn blizzard. 

I had my VSG at St Agnes. According to the top post on this board they accept medicare/medicaid.  I don't know myself as I have BC/BS. Good luck

Hi Laura ;o) I myself had RNY but I do know there are some wonderful people on here that did have the VSG that can help you. With the two blizzards in a week they have not been on here much but when they are, they will get in touch with you honey. Good Luck (((Hugs)))

There aren't many surgeons who do the VSG. I'm not sure who covers medicare.. Wish I could help more. But, I wanted to wish you good luck!

I don't have any answer for you but wanted to suggest that you call your insurance company to see if they have a list of WLS surgeons that take your insurance and go from there calling each one's office to see if they do VSG.

Hope you figure it out,
Heather

I don't know anything about the insurance but I can tell you there are some really nice people here who would be more than willing to help you. Good luck. 

                                                                                          Julie

Hi Laura,

I had the VSG 3 weeks ago at Johns Hopkins Bayview.  Not sure if they take your insurance or not but I like Heather's suggestion of calling your insurance to find out what WLS surgeons are in network. 

I am also not sure that medicare is covering the sleeve yet.  You may want to ask that specifically when you call as well. There was a lot of talk they would start covering in January 2010 but I don't think it's happened yet.

Best wishes on your journey!  If you have any questions let me know I'd be happy to answer them to the best of my ability.

Angie

Hi Laura

I self-paid my VSG with Dr. Pleatman, but before that I attended a few seminars with Dr. Gandsas at Sinai hostpital.  I really liked him and his seminars were VERY informative.  In fact, i went in thinking about the lap-band but after hearing his speak and talking with his nursing staff (some of whoma re also VSG patients) I decided the VSG was right for me.

I don't know what insurance they take, all I know is my insurance didn't cover any surgery, those *******s lol.

Hi, I also had VSG @ SINAI Hospital. Dr. Gandsas is no longer with Sinai, he has left us to relocate in NJ. Dr Li was my surgeon, and she was terrific.  I also had the same experience with insurance. I think each case is different, so you would have to call and check things out. WLS is not considered elective surgery anymore, so things are getting better. When you check out the Dr's and hospitals, come back and ask any question you have on VSG. Good Luck with your journey, the pre op can be very overwhelming!  :)