Looking for info on personal experiences at facilityâ??s used in Ma, likes/dislikes,...

I am starting out this journey and have no idea where to really begin, aside from my pcp and insurance. I now know a few people that have had successful VSG surgery but it?s so hard to choose a facility that I may want to utilize. I have BC/BS insurance and am aware of the time it will take, how did you personally choose where to actually start the process??

It can get so overwhelming!

I'm so ready to take control of my health, it's overdue!!

thank you for taking time to read and or answer anything you are comfortable with

warmest regards

I had lapband at Falkner Hospital and was very pleased with both my doctor and the facility - all single rooms. Then he left the area and I found a new dr in Stoneham. Honestly, I hated him and I don't feel like he ever felt like I was his patient. I switched to a third doctor, Dr. Sandor in Stoneham and eventually we came to the conclusion that the band had to go and I had VSG surgery at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford. I cannot praise Dr. Sandor high enough and LMH was terrific as well. He insists on one night in intensive care and then another night in a regular room before you go home - if I remember correctly. I also am a big fan of Winchester Hospital - and not so much of Lahey.

Good luck.

Thank you so much for your insight!

I had mine at Faulkner, part ofvth e Brigham and Women's system. I have nothing but positive things to say.

Thank you so much!

Ask your insurer for a list of programs and doctors that they will approve. At the very least, they specify a Center of Excellence.

There is no point in beginning the process with a doctor if your insurance does not approve them.

As Grim says, start with a list of centers that your insurance allows. There are some programs in Massachusetts which some insurance companies will not pay for. I had my surgery at Newton Wellesley and I am so glad I did. Everything from orientation to post-op follow-up and support groups has been excellent. The surgeons there trained in Boston.

Wow! Thank you for your reply! I'm currently very similar in height and weight to your previous original pre-op stats Liz.

Best of luck to you!

It was the best thing I ever did for myself. Not a magic pill, because behavior changes are needed to maintain, but it makes it much easier. I also found that relying on OH (this site) for daily support made all the difference in being able to research questions and getting daily support during the loss and maintainance phases.