nr-vsg2be

I just had my first consult yesterday with a doctor in Northern California and beginning process . Has anyone used Valley Care in Pleasanton and have any feedback? They seem to have a substantial weight loss surgery program but most patients are going for Gastric Bypass rather then Lap-band. They require that you complete Upper GI, Psych consult , lose 5% of excess weight and taking at least 1/2 ( about 5 ) prep classes prior to submitting a letter to insurance company. I assume this process is standard. Sort of hoping that they get the date in the works so i have more definitive surgery date and something to work towards. The doctor also showed me a very recent study comparing Gastric Bypass to Lapband which indicated that going 1 year out Lapband patients lost on average 40% of excess weight but bypass patients lost 70%. Felt the message was if you really want to lose the weight do the bypass. I dont view this as a competition but curious if anyone else has seen the study and has a copy /link of the entire document. Also, how do you create those nice footer which shows your weight , goals and too date progress. Its a motivator just going through the chats looking at how well everyone is doing. Thanks NJR:)

While in the process of getting ready for surgery an Upper GI test disclosed a slight Hiatal Hernia which causes reflux. I've never been symptomatic ( no heatburn or pain) nor take any medication for the condition. The diagnosis was a complete surprise. My surgeon informed me that this condition eliminates me from being a candidate for lap-band. When asked if there is anything I can do to repair address the reflux she indicated that if i do not have an symptons then I should not do anything for the condition. She also indicated that if I still wanted to have bariatric surgery RoutenX bypass is still an option and it would eliminate the reflux. Any advice or experience with dealing with this condition? My sense is my surgeon does mostly gastric bypass procedures and believes its a better option and is very reluctant to explore working around the Hiatal hernia. I live in Northern Cal so if anyone knows of other surgeons that I can consult with I would appreciate it. thank you from "sad and disappointed"

thanks for your comments and support Im committed to the Band approach.