I had a lapband 10/04 weighing in at 320 pre op. On 6/05, I had my first slip as well as had developed a hiatal hernia and severe acid reflux. The hernia was repaired and the lap band revised. The acid relux has increased to the point I can't stand it! After more teesting it was determined that I had yet another slip and needed to convert or ditch the band. I am now at 232 and lost all my weight within the first 6 months of my initial surgury. I have experienced no food tolerance issues, nor a feeling of being restricted despite 4 cc in the band. I realize I let this go too long but travel for a living and just dealt with it until I aspirated acid into my lungs...OUCH!! Trip to the doctors told me to get this fixed so I took a few months off work and returned to MA to review my options with a gasto doc.
The first doc suggested a RNY as he does not do the VSG. (The nutritionist however feels that I am uncommitted and have failed the band.) A second opinion lead to my being told that my surgeon could convert to a VSG on a case by case basis with my insurance but felt I had failed the band twice and wasn't sure if I was committed to WLS. This Mexico for the procedure. I have been told by both docs above that one can not fly for 4-6 weeks after surgery due to risk of blood clots. Is this not the case? Where you uncomfotable during the flight?
How long was your recovery? (I was driving 3 days after lap band surgery and back to work 5 days later. No pain meds and only mild discomfort after 3 days.)
Should the surgen in MA not agree to perform the VSG, what is the time line with once contact is made with a Mexican Doc?
Has anyone had any luck with their insurance covering the surgery in Mexico? (Few VSG have been done in MA to date I would definately prefer a doc with more surgeries under their belt without incurring the out of pocket cost.)
What is the weight loss like for VSG versus RNY? (My mom had RNY and lost 88 lbs within 3 months.)
Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!
