VSG in the Albany NY area

Hi Chrissy I was actually at one of the meetings Debbie was talking about and Dr Singh was there last week.. ( i should be at this weeks also) Dr Singh and Dr Dunnican do the VSG as stated earlier (dr dunnican is my surgeon who i meet with next week yay!) Dr Singh said they have yet to do 100 of these surgeries yet... and i haven't decided if this is a good or bad thing.. but deff come to the group most people there have had surgeries but it gives you a chance to hear what to expect in general (even though everyone is different) and ask questions!

Thanks Veronica ! I am definately planning on going to a meeting soon. Hope to see you there !

Oh Boy! You all may have helped me find a surgeon!  I have a few questions though.


I live near Watkins Glen/Ithaca area. Albany is quite a drive for me. How do you handle all of the pre-ops/ nutritionist/ psych/ etc.? Can most of that be consolidated as much as possible? Does anyone know of another surgeon that would be closer for me?

Also, I know I won't be driving there weekly for support meetings. Can you go to a local one, or only the one for your surgeon?

I  am sure that I only want the VSG. I know all procedures are good, but VSG just seems right for me.

Wow - this is a lot of work. Deciding to have the surgery. Deciding what kind. Finding a surgeon, in your location, then dealing with the insurance!

I have Tri-Care - I called them today. They said have a consultation, let the surgeon send in the request with all the medical codes, then sit back and wait. I qualify for it, but they may not cover the VSG.

Anyway, thank you all. And congratulations all over the place!!

Oh - is it Dr. Dunnican or Dunnucan?

Take Care, Lee

it is Dunnican, and i have been told hes really good at getting things approved..and he also told me that medicare/and or medicaid has started to pay for this surgery so many more insurances will soon follow so be patient if you dont get approved at first. However i want to suggest get a surgeon that you can see right away if needed. who knows what he/she did because every surgeon does it differently.

Hi leedoll,

How far is Syracuse from you? I think..not sure..Community Hospital does wls and I think Dr.DeSimmone does the VSG...here is the link it doesn't say what types but you could call them to double check. I don't know if you have already found a VSG doc or not just saw this post today.Take Care..
http://www.cgh.org/body.cfm?id=38
Kim