Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Has anyone here had or know someone who has had the vertical sleeve surgery here in Maine?  I'm researching surgical weight loss options and this particular option appears that it may be the best one for me.  Just wondering is there is anyone who has gone through this surgery and what your experience has been!  Thanks!

Andrea

I know someone who has had it done here in Maine, but she isn't on the OH board. Sorry.  If you have some specific questions, I can print them out and ask her for you. I know that whenever  I see her she says she is doing well and losing pretty consistently.  I know she is looking really good!  Good luck!

I know my surgeon has some upcoming but I don't specifically know anyone who's had it done as of yet.  I think it's a great surgery and although I love my RNY, I wish I'd had VSG as an option.

When I went to my informational meeting in Jan of 2009 in Bangor, they had said that they had done 2 VSG's in Bangor.  That was 18 months ago, so I'm sure they've done more. They hadn't done that many because insurance wasn't covering them at that point.  I'd definitely call Bangor.

Thanks for your responses!  I've talked to Bangor and was told that they are definitely doing the VSG but I didn't ask how many had been done.  I'm very early on in the process.  Have attended the Orientation and Support Group.  I do have appointments for other necessary pre-op requirements coming up soon.  I'm thinking if my surgeon agrees with me that this is the route I will take. 

TIGGRPT:  If you wouldn't mind asking your friend a couple of questions, I'd sure appreciate it.
How long has it been since surgery?
How long did the surgery take and how long she was in the hospital?
Were pre-op requirements similar to the RNY or not so strict?  As in the liquid pre-op diet, was it required and for as long?
Has she had any problems with her pouch since having the VSG?
Sorry I have so many questions.  If you can get any answers, I'd be grateful!

The only thing that concerns me a bit is that there is not really any long term data on how people are doing several years out.  I keep thinking what if five years down the road I pop a staple...I know, I know...pretty random...lol.  If there are ANY off the wall thoughts to be had, I'll have them!
Thanks again!
Andrea

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you but I haven't seen my friend for a while (holiday and all)  I WILL ask her when I see her....hopefully on Thursday!

There is one person on this board who had VSG and is waiting for a revision. I met another person in support group who was doing a revision. Unfortunately most of what I have heard isn't all that positive. A friend of mine from another support group has a sister and mother who both did it and gained most of the weight back, she herself did the lapband and then revised to a DS.  Sometimes, though, I think it can be easier to here the bad stories. I would think that a positive with the VSG is that if you do stall you can fairly easily convert to a DS and continue the loss.

Bec