Question:
Has anyone had or know someone that has had the Gastirc Sleeve Op?

Just wondering i feel like that surgery will be best for me, it would be nice to talk to someone who may have it! thanks!    — ErinW04 (posted on January 31, 2008)

January 31, 2008
Hi Erin, I'm in the process of trying to get insurance approval for the sleeve. I can't have RNY WLS because I have calcium oxalate kidney stones, and my surgeon, primary care and I have decided our original plan for Lap-Band surgery may also not be the best because I had surgery in August and am still reacting to the sutures so our fear is that I could react to the Lap-Band and need re-operations. But...the sleeve is still considered investigational by the majority of insurance companies (including BC/BS) so without compelling reasons it's difficult to get approval (I just received my 2nd denial today). As far as what's the best surgery for you - everyone can give you opinions based on their personal choices and experiences, but I think the best person to answer that question is your surgeon. He/she will give you their opinion based on your history, their experience with different surgeries and people, etc, and optimally both of you can together decide what's in your best interest. Good luck!
   — obeseforever

January 31, 2008
Erin, Yep! Know a whole bunch of them! In my house we have two DS post-ops and one Sleeve post-op. I lead a local support group that has quite a few Sleeve post-ops as well. (My surgeon only offers Sleeve and DS.) You will find some great support on the VSG Forum here on OH, and there's a Yahoo group found at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/sleevegastrectomy/ I'm excited about the Sleeve - it's a *wonderful* option for folks who find that other forms of WLS are not not appropriate for them. Best of luck to you! dina
   — Dina McBride

January 31, 2008
Erin, go to forums on this site and scroll down and click on vertical sleeve gastrectomy and you'll find an entire slew of people who have had the sleeve. You can email me at [email protected] if you want to talk more about it. I am 2 weeks postop gastric sleeve. --Kristen
   — wizardofoz

January 31, 2008
Hey Erin, I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy on Oct. 26, 2007. I love my sleeve! Go to the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum on this site and ask the same question. You will get many wonderful replies I'm sure. Pat
   — pjennjr