My apologies if I upset you. I can see you have done your research and have chosen the procedure that you feel will work best for you. I'm so glad that all the follow up is covered by your insurance. That is a huge financial relief!

What a bummer that you have to search for another surgeon. But from the way you are writing, you are a very intelligent woman and will find the right person for you.

I wish all the best for you in this journey!

I have to agree with all the other posters. It's too bad your insurance doesn't cover the sleeve, but you can't take NSAIDS with the band so I would encourage you to look into DS. I know a few people who have had luck with the band but I was not one of them. I had mine removed and revised to RNY about 2 months ago. Seriously, please reconsider getting the band. Understand that you have to get fills and unfills in order to find the right amount of restriction and you need to check to see if your insurance covered them. My surgeon charges $250 for each fill or unfill. This may not even be an issue for you, but RNY and DS are way more effective than the band. Feel free to ask me questions if you want. By the way, I'm 57.

 I am also late but haven't been on the OH site in a log time.  I am 16.5 mos. out and have both RA and Lupus.  I've been on methotrexate for a few years now and just started Enbrel a few weeks ago. I have not noticed any major changes since my VSG except that minus 105 pounds, I feel better.  I still experience pain but I'm a much happier and a more confident person.  I have noticed that I heal alot slower than the normal individual.  I am researching plastic surgery for the Fall and know it be will a long recovery, once again.  Good luck to you.
Dana

 I was agreeing with Tammy. Sorry when I started typing there were no other posts. I just don't think you will find success with a band based on so many stories I have read over the last 2 years. It seems revision is done often. When I had my surgery I decided I wanted to do it once and that's it. And it is a permenant way of life, those with bands it seems to me feel better knowing they can have it removed. What is the point if that is the case? 

 I completely agree. Many many people end up with revision with the lap-band and at your age, (I am almost 60 myself) you don't want to be thinking of more surgery down the road. I say do it once, do it right. I have degenerative arthritis and have had 15 orthopedic surgeries. Right now I am typing one handed as this is the 3rd wrist joint that went and had to be fused. Also, fibromyalgia. So I take Celebrex, Voltarin gel (a nsaid cream), tramadol, and a few other meds with no problems.
Due to some esophogeal problems I had to have a BPD without DS. It was the one and only choice offered to me due to my health issues. I had absolutely no problems with the surgery or after. Because he also had to do a myotomy I was on fluids for a month. I'm sure your saying OMG I would never do that. But I have no regrets I am coming up to my second anniversary. I have lost 126 pounds and and wearing a size 10petite. The Dr. doesn't want me to loose anymore. Complete success. I can eat most foods, and sugar isn't a problem for me like most with the rny. I'm not recommending the BPD, as it is the most mal absorbative option and I have a neurologist that monitors my labs to be sure I don't experience any nerve problems, which almost happened. There is a lot of work to be put in, but the rewards are beyond belief. Good luck!