Hi there! I'm almost 5 months out from my MGB (Joplin, MO.), and down 66 pounds. I've had no complications and only two bad nights since surgery. I'm off all meds and treatments except BP stuff, but that's okay: I still weigh quite a bit! I anticipate getting off that one of these days. It's hard to describe how much better life is post-op. Everything is better - EVERYTHING. I don't have daily pain anymore, I can go-go-go all day long without feeling completely enervated, I now sleep like a normal person (no more apnea!), my mind is clearer and sharper, my general outlook more optimistic, my relationships better, and I'm not treated by strangers with that sort of amorphous contempt reserved only for the morbidly obese. I was never all that athletic, but I did enjoy being physical. Now I take long, vigorous walks and enjoy them so much. I can actually MOVE again! Losing this weight is like being let out of prison. Like many others, I'll have some plastic surgery when my weight loss is done. I'll need a tummy tuck to get rid of that apron of excess flappy skin (I do get rashes), my sad breasts will get hoisted back into place, and I MIGHT have those weird pockets of fat sucked out of my inner thighs. I don't need to look great or gorgeous, but neither do I want to wear a loose coat of stretched out skin either. My experience with CLOS, Dr. Hargroder, and St. John's (Joplin) was fantastic. The only bad spot in the entire journey was participating in the Yahoo group. I got REALLY fed up with the bullying, pressure to be one of the clique, and unrelenting juvenile lingo ("my dance with Dr. So-and-So . . . " UGH.) I quit the group altogether about 1 month post-op, and it was a such a relief! I figured if I needed actual MGB information, I could just contact my surgeon or the clinic - which I have done once or twice. We self-paid for the surgery, and don't regret it at all. For the benefits of this surgery (now that I know for myself), we would have paid twice as much. The price of good health and a better quality of life can't be underestimated, in my opinion. I would recommend the MGB to anyone considering bariatric surgery.

My Dr Does the Mini... Dr Heap.

Hi, Yea the clos group are rather clickish. I know that isn't the right spelling. That is why I love OH so much. Everyone is accepted. I thought about PS, but I have other financial priorities right now. Maybe some day. I would like to get a mini TT, thigh lift and a boob job. All three of those areas bother me the most. The saggy butt is next lol. Brazil huh? Most of the clos folks go to Costa Rica. I know when the hot weather comes, I will wish I had gotten things done. I hate wearing bras, rubbing thighs and you know. I don't think I would be as extreme as you are. I just want to get rid of these irritations. Do you have pics? Would love to see them. Oh, if you are still on the clos boards, tell everyone I said hi and I am doing awesome. teehee Great to hear from you! Paula

Hi Leslie, as far as Lap MGB doctors goes, I had mine done by Dr Peter O'Brien in Sioux Falls SD. I think my insurance was billed like $23,000 total but the actual pay out was much less. This was 2001 too. Dr. O'Brien "is not" in the closnet group. He "was" trained by Dr. Rutledge though and he's done tons of Lap MGB and other types of surgeries. But he has no contracts with Rutledges group and has an independent practice from them. Hope this helps. Peggy

Most major insurance companies DO NOT pay for it ; ie Aetna, BCBS. You might also check out the verticle gastricsleeve forum.