Attended my mandatory informational session yesterday ...

... with Dr. Kligman.

1. I really like him ... he's going to be tough but they have an excellent program

2. He does 95% RNY ... I want a VSG ... what do you guys think? I know he's an excellent surgeon. He's done over 800 RNYs ... he's only done a handful of VSGs

3. He offered the following statistics; please let me know if anyone can verify:

Average % EWL loss:

> lap band -- 50%
> sleeve -- 60%
> RNY -- 80%

 am going to get the sleeve.

Good luck on your journey!!!  It doesn't matter what WE think, because everyone loves their own specific type of surgery.  What matters is which surgery Dr. Kligman thinks would be best for YOU, based on a variety of factors.

No matter which surgery you ultimately have, you won't regret it, I'm sure!

Tia

I agree wtih Tia.  You have to make the decision that you and your surgeon feel is best for you.

Great point ladies ...

Hi there! My advice is that you make an appointment with Dr. Kligman ASAP and talk to him about it. He will recommend the surgery he thinks is best for you and tell you why, but he will also talk to you about why you want what you want. Sleeve is an option. So is a band. Your insurance might be the determining factor.

Just had my surgery with him on May 6th, 2010. Program is great...surgery experience was great and I'm in great shape. You're in good, experienced and knowledgeable hands with him and his staff. The day I was there he and Dr. Lomenzo (other surgeon in his practice) 2 bands, a sleeve and my RNY, so he does multiple procedures.

Oh and he IS tough, but it makes all the difference. His investment in your success is very strong. Best of luck in your decision. Make that appointment ASAP though! The waiting is the worst part. They are very thorough.

Best of luck to you!!!

I have my initial appointment scheduled with him on the 19th. I had explored WLS a couple years back at a bariatric center in Woodbridge. I actually completed the six month monitored program already. I'm trying to get those records so that on th 19th I can get the approval process started.

You have got to keep me updated on your progress with Kligman. I am so very much impressed with their program. How does it feel just a few days out?

I actually feel really good! It's amazing to me because I expected terrible pain and lack of mobility, neither of which I am suffering from. The eating part is really weird but it's progressing. They are so strict with rules and schedules that it's like a full time job making sure to get everything in on time. Sometimes I feel no different. Sometimes I feel like there's an alien baby in my tummy, gurggling away! My advice is to be educated, prepared, start a walking program BEFORE so you can walk right after surgery (it made it so much easier for me), follow the rules and try to have a postitive attitude, even when you're thinking "WTF did I do?!" as you sister sits next to you eating Chipotle! lol! I sound like little Mary Sunsunshine I'm sure, but it's true. Those are the things that have gotten me to where I am feeling good. Also, like I said - you are in good hands with Kligman's group.

Best of luck to you!
Laura

Hi CidGrad!  I beleive an excellent surgeon is an excellent surgeon.  If you want the VSG, you should be able to have the surgery you want.  My surgeon had also done only a 'handful' of VSG's but he's and excellent surgeon and I trusted his skills. 

As for the stats... most stats are based on limited studies.  And as VSG's were most often done (at the time of the study) as the first part of the DS for super obese patients.  Those stats probably don't take into consideration that the patient may not have been given the chance to lose more because the surgeon decided it was time to do the DS.  Just a thought, as the stats were done years before VSG as stand alone WLS was approved in the US.

Have you seen the 2-5 year VSG members on the VSG forum that had lost 100% of EWL and sometimes more and maintained it for years already?  If you haven't, go back a few pages more and you'll see them!  However, as on all boards... the farther out you go as a post-op, the less you post, but you can find them! 

I have friends who've had the RNY, I have nothing against the RNY.   It just wasn't for me. I have noticed that some RNY patients seem to lose faster than VSGers, but the malabsorbtion was a real issue for me. So I'm willing to lose a little slower.  And, I have arthritis and need to take anti-inflammatory meds which you cannot with the RNY.  I can't exercise as most because of it and that has slowed my weight loss as well.  But I've lost 35 lbs since 02/08/10.  And my surgeon and I are both pleased with my results.  I believe the VSG was best for me.

It's good to do your research, and make your own informed decision.  You want to go in on surgery day, confident and excited... not still questioning if this is the right surgery for you.

Best wishes to you, whatever you decide, for a successful and uneventful surgery!

You guys are great! Congrats to both of you