Considering Lap band vs VSG in SoCal

 Hi all,

I am trying to learn as much as I can about the lap band.   I originally wanted the sleeve,  however my insurance doesn't cover it.  So now, I have to decide between the lap band and gastric bypass.

Any input any of you can give me would be most helpful......  I am going through and trying to read as much as possible on this forum. 

Anyone have surgery in San Diego?  If so,  what hospital?  I am going through Scripps.

Thanks in advance!  
Amy

 Can't tell you anything about California, since I'm waaaaaaaaaaaaay over here in Connecticut, but welcome to the forum!

I am still preop, but I have decided on which type of surgery I would prefer to have based on my habits, issues and needs.  I have done most of the steps I am suggesting to you and I feel they have been helpful in my decision process.   I feel I have made the most informed decision I can based on those things.  You have to do the same, do what is right for you though, dont let anyone scare you into or out of a certain type of surgery. 

I would say be open minded in your research, you will find the most information that way.  Read everything that you can get your hands (or computer screen) on and research which one would be the best fit for you.  You are going to see alot of stuff about people telling you one is the best choice over all, and others telling you that the one you may prefer is wrong and not for you.  Decide what you need from the WLS and what you are willing to do or go thru to get the results you are searching for.  Choose a WLS that best fits your needs, and your issues.  You are the one afterall who has to go thru the surgery, recovery and weight loss and eventually maintenence of it.  Read about both proceedures, how they are done, any complications that could occur, how those complications can be fixed and long term success.  Decide if the potential complications are worth it to you.  Read about the different surgeons in your area, talk to your doctor about what he would suggest for you and go to a couple of support meetings for people who have had each type of WLS.  They will be able to tell you first hand of their trials and tribulations, and what you will have to look forward to.  Post on both of the boards for the WLS that you are researching, but also read some of the revision posts as well, you want to understand fully what could happen with both types of surgery.  Most of all I would say go into it determined that you will beat this, you will lose the weight, you will fight for what you want and you will prevail.  Whichever WLS you decide to have I promise to be a cheerleader for you and I wish you nothing but success in all you do.  Best wishes 

I was faced with the same thing, last year. I chose the band and have been glad I did. One thing is that you may appeal the insurance decision. They occasionally will approve. If not, then learn everything you can about the band. What to expect from it, what to not expect. What works and doesn't. It is hard work but with dedication the work will pay off.  You need to kjnow how to live with it, too. Do some independent research, too.

Some will tell you that if the only surgery they could have was the band they would not choose to have surgery at all. I don't feel that way because though I MIGHT have been able to lose all my weight I knew the only way I would be able to keep it off was with a tool. Since I was unable to have a malabsorptive proceedure this was it and I am glad I did it.

Some have had trouble with their bands, and you need to understand their are risks. The band is a lot of maintenance, decide if you can live with it. Research all the wls types and weigh the pros and cons because the band is not for everyone. No bariatric surgery is. If you cannot deal with the cons of the band then do not go for it. If you can then know that with proper education, diligence, patience, and hard work you can and will lose your weight. If you truly change your eating behavior you can also keep it off. Just be realistic about your expectations.

Whatever you choose we will heartily support you. Good luck, Sue

 
What ins do you have?  Typically the only ins co's that won't budge on sleeves are TriCare and welfare.

Appeal!!!

If you are absolutely set on the lapband, I can recommend a REALLY GREAT doctor.

Dr. Santiago Horgan in San Diego is the surgeon who "fixed" me after my original surgeon botched my lapband surgery.

I can highly recommend him and he's one of the few surgeons I'd trust completely.

http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/lapband/about/santiago-ho rgan.htm

 I have Tricare.....

And yes,   Dr. Horgan is the office I am going to!!! Heard nothing but great things about them!  So glad to hear another happy patient!!!

How long after your initial consult was your surgery?  My consult is March 16th.

Full disclosure: I had the band placed in 2003 and had massive, life threatening complications. My original surgeon told me to "get a hobby" when I complained of chronic daily pain. So, I went to Dr. Horgan in search of help. He immediately performed a fluoroscopy X ray and informed me that he needed to operate right away to save my life.

He truly did save my life and I'm eternally grateful to him for taking on the epic complication patient that I was. He ultimately ended up doing my band removal surgery because I didn't trust any other surgeon to not harm me further. I'm only alive today because of Dr. Horgan's surgical skill.

I wouldn't recommend the lapband, personally, but if you're going to have it done, Dr. Horgan's one of the best surgeons to perform the surgery for you.

I only wish I had had Dr. Horgan to begin with. I might have had a very different outcome. I wish you the best! Please tell Dr. Horgan that Nicci says, "hi" to him when you see him! I knew him when he was in Chicago... and I saw him quite often. Then he ditched us Midwesterners to live in California! 

Take care,
Nicci

I could not recommend the band to my worst enemy!

VSG and RNY are both much more effective procedures! If your really want the VSG though............APPEAL!

Site this study by the ASMBS in your appeal:

http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ASMBS/20919

If your go to the VSG forum on OH there are ppl there that can give u some suggestions about appeal.

Also if you go on my WLS blog (FormerlyFluffy.com) there is an article on there about WLS appeals and a link to some sample letters.

Good luck!!!