sorry... I can't seem to get more than one thought out at a time lately.... I see your surgeon is not with CLOS who performs the MGB, can you describe your surgery to me? I'm wondering if it is the same surgery as they perform at www.clos.net? hugs Kim

I used to be the one that pushed this surgery. I am now a statistic that it has failed on. I am not going to go into the long details, but if you would like info please email me. With all I have now learned, all I can say is think twice before considering the mini-bypass. Bridget

Hi Angel J, I looked up Dr. Heap and his price seems very reasonable but myself personally, I'd never opt for any gastric bypass surgery that involved a gastric ring. I've just known to many people (close friends) that had rings and they had major complications (failure from the ring)about 2 years post. I've also got 3 very good friends that both had the DS and both did a fine job at getting the weight off but they pay dearly daily. I just don't talk much about their surgery because I'm not against it as it has helped them with the weight but one of the 3 people has to daily "irrigate" his bowels due to the stomach acids and the other 2 gals has to eat then turd/**** immediately after. I swear she goes #2 about 6 times per day minimum. And if she don't eat immediately at the onset of feeling hungry, she gets very ill, pale, and nearly passes out. The Ds works but it's rough on a person. There's a doctor in Brazil that does Laprascopic (5-teeny tiny little incisions, instead of open surgery) weight loss surgeries for $10,000. He does the DS, RNY, or Band. I think he's over priced myself on the band but the other two types I think are great prices. Many people that go there "deduct" their entire trip under medical expenses on their income taxes as well. So it's nice to get a vacation to South America and get a refund both. But this all is only my OPINION about DS and Bands/Rings. I'd never do it but my reasons are based on what my friends have went thru that had these different types. Remember to that maybe what Heap does is completely different, I just wouldn't have any of it myself!

Hi Leslie I had my MGB in High Point, NC with Dr. Dasher. There are CLOS sites in Florida, Texas, Missouri, Michigan and North Carolina... check with the clos website to see where each site is. Many people have success with having insurance reimburse them for the surgery, but CLOS does not accept insurance directly. You have to pay the $17,000 out of pocket and then get reimbursed by your insurance company. Any other questions, please ask away! hugs Kim

Sounds like you are doing great! Keep up the good work and work on developing good eating habits now. Keep us posted on your journey.