Any Low BMI'ers that have had VSG?

Hi Danielle,

My BMI was higher at 39.8 but I went to Dr. Almanza.  My experience was great there and I have had ZERO problems.

I had my surgery 6/16/09 and have lost steadily since then.  My last few pounds are taking forever, though!

Good luck-this was the best decision I have ever made for myself.  Nancy

Thank you for your response.  Congrats.

 Hi

I have a lower bmi (35) and am wanting to get a vsg.  I was hoping to stay in the states to do it and I will be self pay.  Right now I am trying to figure out who has a somewhat resonable price and does self pay here in the states.  If you hear of anything please let me know and I'll do the same.  I'm in the midwest.

My surgeon is relativly cheap. I think its about 12500 for self payers for the VSG and he does people with a low BMI such as yours! He has a website if you'd like to google it

There is also a new procedure done only here thus far that is involves no cuts.  Dr Thomas Lavin goes in with a gastroscope or endoscope and has developed an instrument which pleats the stomach from the inside.  Reduces size, reduces hormones produced.   Not cheap  $15k
But it is outpatient, and reversable.  Called POSE SURGERY    Primary Obesity Surgery Endoscopic.

I am in Louisisana  which is surprisingly on the cutting edge in WLS.  I am not low bmi but I have$found a surgeon in New Iberia,  LA  who does low BMIs for $9800.   The best part is that he does it outpatient.  You stay in  a hotel there and he v isits yu daily in the hotel instead of the hospital.  I find that attractive to me.

I've done extensive research and have found Dr. Almanza at www.mexicoweightloss.com to be the best solution for me.  Due to my low BMI my insurance will not cover the procedure so I searched for alternative solutions.  Read lots of posts here on this board and on verticalsleevetalk.com.  You'll see many variations of everyone's experience.  you need to determine what you are comfortable with as far as price and the doctor you choose.  Good luck in your search.  I'll be posting info as my date gets closer.

Dr. Stanley Hoehn from Bariatric Center of KC is excellent.  $11,999 self pay price (includes everythings!) and has several board certifications.

My BMI was 32 at surgery on 1/27/10.  I am now just over 32 pounds and loving it - 35 more until I am at my high school weight!

I used Dr. Umbach through Medical Tourism - he is located in Las Vegas.  Cannot say enough good things about the experience & the price was 1/2 of what I would have paid at home.