Went to my seminar/lecture last night
It was interesting. This group has done 12000+ surgeries (mostly RNY). They claim to have 1/2 the complication rate of half of the national average. This group does RNY and Lap Band -- they stated that 1 in 20 Lap Bands will need to be removed at some point in the patient's life due to slippage, erosion, infection, etc. They did mention that, in general, LapBand would not be their surgery of choice for someone my size (their LapBand cutoff as recommended by the manufacturer is BMI of <50.
The surgeon himself seemed like a nice guy (Rumsey for those of you in SCal or San Diego). They also gave a large packet of information that needs to be completed before you have your first consult with the Doctors (you meet with a surgeon, internist and I forget the 3rd).
Also had the added benefit of getting weighed (which I haven't done in a while) and my BMI is now 54+.
I know I need to do something. One of my other options is to go to USC (120 miles from here). The doctors there do DS and VSG (and are covered by my plan -- although I'd have to appeal for those surgeries specifically). I'm just worried about being that far away from the surgeon in the event of an emergency.
Bit of a ramble there, just thought I'd share.
The surgeon himself seemed like a nice guy (Rumsey for those of you in SCal or San Diego). They also gave a large packet of information that needs to be completed before you have your first consult with the Doctors (you meet with a surgeon, internist and I forget the 3rd).
Also had the added benefit of getting weighed (which I haven't done in a while) and my BMI is now 54+.
I know I need to do something. One of my other options is to go to USC (120 miles from here). The doctors there do DS and VSG (and are covered by my plan -- although I'd have to appeal for those surgeries specifically). I'm just worried about being that far away from the surgeon in the event of an emergency.
Bit of a ramble there, just thought I'd share.
I began looking through my insurer online and think I have found another local facility that does VSG as well as the band and RNY. (although they don't do DS, which I think is odd).
(Note: I don't propose to know what is *right* for me today, just keeping my options open)
I am going to schedule to attend their informational seminar in another few weeks.
(Note: I don't propose to know what is *right* for me today, just keeping my options open)
I am going to schedule to attend their informational seminar in another few weeks.
Josh the USC Dr is the Dr that did my VSG. Not only is he amazing but his staff handled all the paperwork and got me approved for the VSG 1.5 years ago when it was almost impossible. The Dr actually wrote a letter on why it was medically necessary when they first submitted the paperwork, according to the insurance coordinator at BC it made a huge difference.
Good Luck there are quite a few VSG drs in So Cal, check out the VSG board if you need any info on any of them
Good Luck there are quite a few VSG drs in So Cal, check out the VSG board if you need any info on any of them
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