I finally have found the courage to post :)

Hello everyone, I have finally found the courage to post something. I've been "stalking" this website and these forums for some time now, so I need to stop "lurking" and post something! Well, I have decided that I want/need WLS, I had my heart set on Lap-Band, but have become very open to VSG.  I've narrowed my choices down to two doctors. Ramos-Kelly or Aceves.
I really do have my heart on Ramos-Kelly since he is closer to me distance wise than Aceves. So far I have read very positive reviews on both doctors and feel confident that I will be fine with whomever I choose. 
I would like to thank everyone on this forum for all your stories, for sharing your experiences, and most of all for giving me the motivation I needed ( i became motivated reading your posts!) to decide on WLS.  I'm saving my dollars, including some leftover financial aid money so that I can realize my dream of being a more active me! I'm tired of hiding behind the camera! I'm tired of not wanting to go to amusement parks cause the seatbelt/bar things are too tight! I want to be healthy, I want to be sitting on the loser's bench!

Thank you in advance for any feedback
 Urs

I had considered having my surgery in Mexico when I was denied by my insurance. That all got worked out so didnt go. With my research my Dr of choice was Aceves. I know 2 people personally who had the VSG with him and were very pleased. I even spoke to their families and they were very impressed.
You really want to research your surgery options to determine what is best for you. I am continually reading that those who got the band have been very disappointed and had alot of problems. I wanted the band at first and decided against it and very happy I did.
I wish you the best of luck.

Thank you for your input, I've also been reading posts from people who are disappointed in the band. I think that has what made me lean towards the VSG. Congrats on your progress!
I'm excited!

I just had mine done by Dr Kelley and could not be happier. My sister who is a nurse went with me and was also very impressed with the care I received. The other patients at the hospital at the same time also seemed very happy with their care.On all the boards and reviews I've looked at, I only saw one complaint, and I don't knw why it was there, as it actually had nothing to do with Dr Kelly or the surgery, but rather an experience in the hotel afterward. (Which, by the way, is also just fine!) I also see very good reviews of Dr Aceves, but as I paid for it myself and the reviews seemed equal, I chose Dr Kelly because it's a couple of thousand dollars less expensive with him. Again, I can't think of a single thing I would have changed; if Dr Kelly is closer to you then so much the better!

Hi, thank you for your response. Yeah, I only read that one thing about Kelly and you're right it wasn't about him it was other stuff, and that's not a big deal. I'm really excited about all of this, I do agree about the pricing and I'm out-of-pocket so......Anyhow, I can't wait and will definitely be posting more often, I don't want to be a "lurker" :)

 I am one year out from the VSG, best decision ever.  I was considered a lightweight, my BMI was 30 and that is why I went to Mexico.  The band needs maintenance and you will have to find someone to do that.  I have several friends with it and they are trying to save to convert to the VSG.  Weight loss with the band for both of them was 40# and they have a heck of a time eating.  When we go out I can eat whatever I want just not a lot of volume.  the hunger pains have also decreased significantly and you don't get that with the other surgeries.  No foreign object (other than staples) and no re arranging the plumbing!