VSG Surgeon in Nebraska?

I've decided that I'd would like to have the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.  I'm getting to  the end of my six month - doctor supervised diet.  So I am now trying to decide where/who to go to for this procedure.  I'm having a very difficult time finding out who does what procedures. Can anyone give me direction? BTW....month 4 of diet and I've lost 25 lbs!!  South Beach is painless....too bad it doesn't last forever. MeMo

Hi MeMo, I am not sure of who does it. Maybe there is a surgeon in Omaha who does it. Good luck in your search. Mona

Hi Mona,  Thanks for your reply.  I know Dr McBride, at UMNC in Omaha, does DS so I am going to talk to her to see if she will do just the first half of that procedure on me.  Her receptionist didn't sound like that would be a possibility though.  So, I'm searching.  Would appreciate any referrals from all of you Nebraskans. MeMo

I think my dr. does it, but if he doesn't I know there are other surgeons in his office who does.  Why the sleeve?  Just curious.  There is a good seminar dr. sudan gives if you need more info or have any questions and it is free, all you have to do is call to make a reservation.  Message me for more info if you are interested. 

Hi, thanks for your reply, Blue Eyes.  I know of Dr Sudan but I had heard that it was about a ten month wait between consult and surgery date.  Frankly I can't wait that long because of my health issues.  I didn't check into what surgeries he performs just for the reason of time.  How long was your wait? I've chosen the VSG for a couple of reasons. 1) I haven't heard of anyone who has had complications.  Not so with Lap-band, RNY, and DS.  2)It will work for me because it will keep me from snacking and eating such big quantities.  If you can only get in 2-3 ounces at a time and you have to use a lot of your capacity just to get in enough water, there won't be any room for extras. 3) I have to take into consideration the fact that I will be on medications for the rest of my life due to my back problems (all listed on my profile if you're interested).  I know that with RNY that it would be detrimental for me to take those.  4) I'm going to be 50 this year :(  so I have to face the reality of what this surgery would mean for me as a senior citizen.  I am disabled already and things are not going to improve with age.  In my opinion, VSG is the safest, least invasive and has equal or better results to most of the other options.  Each of has to choose that which will fit our life and lifestyle the best. Thanks for your suggestion.  I guess I should check to see what his back log is now.

I had went to the seminar in december and had my surgery in april, I think alot of it depends on insurance as well.  I know some people who have had to take 6 months worth of nutritional/weight loss classes (something like that) before the insurance company will consider paying.  I luckily had no issues, so in my opinion I got my surgery done rather quickly after I found the right dr.  I only had a month to wait after I had scheduled my surgery.  I hope this helps, I would give the office a call and ask them about the sleeve, I can give you the #, it is also posted on the net under creighton's website.  Good luck. 

A month is not that long at all, really.  I've been doing the six month diet for four months now.  I'm nearing the end of it and will at that time have all my other insurance requirements in place.  It usually takes 4-6 weeks to get a pre-auth back from the insurance carrier so perhaps by mid October I could have all of this behind me.  That would be great!  Thanks for your help, I've got an Omaha phone book so will be able to get the number for Dr Sudan's from it.  MeMo

Dr. Anthone in Omaha does the DS and I think he will do a stand alone sleeve. Does your insurnace cover that? The sleeve was not covered by my insurance so I have the DS and LOVE it. You could always get approval for the DS and then have it done in two stages and just not get the 2nd part of the surgery if you don't need it. I think the sleeve is a very good option. Call Dr. Anthone's office, they will be more than willing to help and can line you up with someone else if he will not do the VSG. PM me if you want any more info from me. Good luck,
Michelle

Thank you for recommending Dr Anthone.  Another  OH member emailed me a week or so ago and suggested Dr Winterstein, who is in Dr Anthone's office.  I just need to call to check the dates for his educational seminar and get answers to a few other questions that I have.  I'm glad to hear that your DS has gone so smoothly.  I have heard of others asking for the DS so they can get insurance approval, and then not going back for stage II.  There is so much to consider.  I'll keep that option in mind if I run into trouble.  Thanks! MeMo

   I second everything Michelle said.