surgeon might switch fr/sleeve to DS..????

You're going to need labs and vitamins with either the VSG or the DS, so I wouldn't let that be the deciding factor. With the sleeve, you are statistically most likely to lose 55% of your excess weight. The statistical liklihood therefore is that you will still be morbidly obese after having the VSG, and you will still have to take vitamins and have yearly labs done. To me, surgery for that outcome seems like a poor use of my money and time. The DS is really the only appropriate surgery for people with BMIs over 50 IMO. Look into it a little more before you decide. I believe there is also a very experienced DS surgeon in California offering reduced rates at the moment that you may want to look into. There is another board where most of the vets from this board have moved to and they could provide you a lot more helpful information. I'll send you a PM with the link. Personally, I'd avoid going to Mexico if at all possible, both for your personal safety and because we hear a lot of horror stories. The only credible surgeons I'm aware of are Aceves and Ungston, but even with them if you have complications you will have little assistance or recourse as you are out of the US. Good luck with yoru decision!

I am just so tired of being sick and tired all the time. Sadly I only have $5,500 total to spend on a surgery. I found a surgeon that is giving me a reduced rate due to my income level, but I know I would never find a surgery here in the US for this price. I have to go out of the country if I want WLS it's just not an option for me here. I tried getting Medicaid to help me, but I have been denied since I was 15. I have been trying for 10 years, first on my dad's insurance, and then on Medicaid as I have gotten older, and heavier. Denial, denial, denial. I know surgery is the option for me, I just hope I choose the right one.

There is a woman on the other board who has helped many, many dozens of people to get surgery through there insurance after they had been denied. She has gathered cases and information for many years and even attended hearings to help people get the surgery they need. Please, please speak with her before you make this decision! I'll send you another PM.

Thats really amazing of her. I dont have any comorbities. I mean nothing. I am perfectly healthy inside-just very heavy. Becuase of this, they deny me. I dont have sleep apnea, high bp, diabetes, high cholesterol, nothing. I guess here in the States they wont cover you until you do get very sick, but I want this so I dont get sick in the fist place. Thank you for listening.

The thing is, that isn't true. The standard in the states is to cover for bariatric surgery at 35 BMI if the patient has comorbidities and at a 40 BMI without comorbidities. That's right - none, nada, zip. You don't have to have comorbids to get covered for surgery by insurance! Many, many people on this board and the other board were in that situation. Please check out the other board and speak to Diana!

Do you know how to put a link in your signature?  I don't, but others do. (*grin*) Come on over!

I have to confess I don't know how to put the link in my signature! I've been sending people PMs instead! I'm there!

Go talk to Diana on the other board.  If Medicaid will pay for the surgery, that 5500 dollars will help you pay for 2-3 years of vites and labs.

Think a lot and cut once ::)

me

 HI Britt,
i too have been SMO ...... for decades.  (445lbs)  I never did get insurance to help but, was finally able to pay for myself. (Due to some Unfortunate cir****tances)  I am also pretty poor, but with shopping and researching you can make Vite's and labs affordable. I buy vites from several sources and have discovered 

i don't have any idea what happened to the rest of my post.
ETI ... 
My labs were less than $400. It's still alot, but sooo neccessary.  We just have to tighten our belts and save for them. 

I had My Ds in April and have lost 211lbs.  I feel better than I have in sooo long!!!! 

Anyway, the rest of my post said .(para-phrased)... read read read....visit the other board. and good luck.  
PM me if you have anything I can help you with.  

thank you all so much for the great feedback. I will definately be doing more research so I can make the best decision for me. Again, thank you.