Band Gone - Rethinking VSG

I'm in AZ too. I don't know where you are or where you had yours done but you might check Scottsdale Health Care (now Honor Health) bariatrics on Shea. Dr. Swain and Dr. Reynosa both do many conversions a week and their staff can help you with the insurance part. They will not do bands anymore. Dr. Swain did my VSG. They also have twice monthly support groups for people at different stages.

If you want to meet one of them, go to one of their wls seminars. They're free and both doctors are great about answering questions. I went to three seminars plus support group before my surgery and learned a lot. You'll also meet people in the same situation that way and that can be helpful. Good luck.

If you are able maybe try to find a new surgeon to do the VSG. My surgeon is taking out 4-5 a week and converting them to other surgeries and doesn't place the band any longer.

Best of luck!

Hope you feel better soon! I had the band for 4 years, & lost weight because I vomited all the time. I was always hungry because nothing healthy went down, so I ate ice cream, chocolate, & lots of other garbage that went down easily, & gained, gained, gained. Had terrible reflux, so finally had to have band removed. Dr. waits 3 months in between removal & vsg, & I wasn't happy about the wait, but insurance made me do the 6 month process anyway, as they didn't consider it revision 4 years later. Night & day between band & vsg. I feel full, no more food not going down & causing agonizing pain. I feel sated, I feel hopeful. Wishing you health, & clarity in making your decision

I'm sorry things are so rough right now. You have just had major surgery so be patient and kind with yourself.

If you're able to see a therapist, that would be great to help work through the post-op depression.

Beyond that? I wouldn't worry about the VSG right now. Just focus on healing and recovering from your lapband removal for now.

I'm so sorry! How rough. I am glad you decided to have the band taken out, or rather maybe it wasn't a decision but from all of the issues. I have never met anyone that's not had issues with the band. I'm sure for some it works fine, but I would not want the band over vsg.

I cannot imagine the amount of frustration you are going through. When you do not feel well it is even all the more worse.

I know we all wish we could help someway. I am praying for you physically, mentally and everything out of your control to improve.

Hang in there Gwen

Penny

Hi

I had the lapband taken out a few years ago.. I had it for 10+ years and like all others, it started to fail. I ended up having emergency surgery to have it removed because I couldn't even keep a sip of water down without throwing up. I didn't know enough about VSG at the time..so I put off having it done at the same time.

Fast forard to now... I looked into it and started the process of getting the sleeve in August. I had the surgery done on October 24th. I do not regret it one bit. I'm very happy with the decision. Also my surgeon who did the band moved out of state, so I had to find a new one. My PCP was the one *****ally convinced me to do this. So if you decide, get the backing of your PCP and fight the insurance company.

I'd get another surgeon too, since the one you had acts like it was a bother ..ugh!

Either way, best of luck!!