Let me introduce myself

Hi Cheryl!  Always happy to have newbies on the Oklahoma board.  This is a wonderful group of people as everyone else has already said!  I like the VSG board but this board is family!  We take care of each other.  I had VSG yesterday and just got home a couple of hours ago.  The staff and hospital is spectacular.  By far and away the most pleasant hospital experience I've ever had.  Dr. Walton did my surgery but I understand that when you pick one you get the other too since they assist each other.  Cool, huh?  They call Dr. Broussard the Ragin Cajun and you will love him.  He did one of the seminars I went to and he has so much personality.  Very charming. Congratulations for picking such a great facility to help you change your life.  You couldn't have made a better decision.  And like they said, keep all of your receipts because it probably will be tax deductible for you.  I'm self-pay too and I'm keeping it all!  And you can deduct mileage which will add up for you. I'm happy to answer and questions you might have no matter what.  I like to know what's going to happen going in so please ask.  I really hope I run in to you at one of the meetings.  The support group meetings this month will have the plastic surgeon speaking so this would be a great, great time to come up. Best wishes and good luck for a smooth road to the Loser's Bench!  It's comfy over here! Kim

Kim I hope we can meet at one of the meeting too! I was just thinking about the deductions for the trips and everything else.  Stay in touch Cheryl

Hey, there, Cheryl! I grew up in Western Oklahoma closer to Amarillo than to Oklahoma City with Texas television. It's nice to "meet you", and please come on and join in the madness. It's an addiciton, but it's a good one!

Welcome to OKC area. I am trying to figure out which way to go on this...I have a BMI of 35 or 38, but have diabetes, 3 stents, severe Sleep Apnea, HBP and GERD. I am going to die if I don't do something to hault my diabetes soon.  Can anyone tell me if there is a difference on the out come from these surgeries on diabetes?  I prefer the VSG but am so undecided....I am going to the seminar on Sat AM in Edmond, but wondered if anyone has first hand experience??? Any input on which procedure is best?

Dear Okie, From what I understand the VSG is a tool to get most of those issues under control. I would ask the Dr at the seminar in Edmond. They were great about giving straight answers. Best of luck in your journey. Cheryl

OkieChic:  Welcome to our little world!!! I will be attending the seminar Saturday witha family friend - be sure to look me up. As far as which surgery has the better outcome for diabetes - the jury is still out on whether VSG will do better or as well as RNY in resolving diabetes.  What the statistics is showing is that no matter what procedure - the fact that the weight is lessened, decreases your symptoms, issues, etc.  Yes RNY is still going to lead in the resolution side of diabetes, however VSG is still very new and the statistics are still not conclusive - but these patients are also seeing a significant "cure" rate. I know that the Drs talk about this during seminar so be sure to ask questions if they don't.  Good Luck on your journey and please let us know if there is anything you need! Drs Walton and Broussard are LIFE SAVERS in my book and I would recommend them to anyone!!! I would do it all over again as long as I could have them as my surgeons!!! R