Need advice/opinions

[RaiderRob 3]

After finding out the cost of going with my original choice of surgeon is not going to work for me, and not being able to find anybody in California that has a lot of VSG expirence, I am thinking about possibly finding a doc that has done a ton of RNY patients with good medical statistics that does VSG and exploring that route. I'm VERY nervous about the thought of going with a doc that doesn't have the VSG experience and statistical history to base my decision on, but if I don't explore this route I would probably have to wait until VSG becomes a more popular main stream surgery covered by insurances, or I don't know???? I'm frustrated because I know this surgery will change my life, but it feels like it is miles out of reach for me I've had a few of the trusted people that I have told about wanting surgery ask why not the RNY, and my answer is that surgery scares the $#@! out of me for some reason. I'm big on gut feelings, and something tells me not to get that one. When I found out about VSG it felt like a million pounds was lifted off my shoulders and that for once in my life I had a chance at being thin. So please any suggestions, or opinions about going with a less experienced doc, or just words of advice or encouragement would definitely help me out. Thanks.

[SouthernSleever 228]

Have you thought of going to Mexicalli Mexico? At first I didn't even consider Mexico (OMG that's like have your brother's best friend's cousin doing surgery!) but the more I read of the great experiences and the more sure I was that THIS was the surgery for me I finally considered it. I called and spoke with Dr. Aceves' patient coordinator, Nina and everything went from there. I had a good feeling about it. I go on my feelings a lot and I have been right so far.

[RaiderRob 3]

Have you thought of going to Mexicalli Mexico? At first I didn't even consider Mexico (OMG that's like have your brother's best friend's cousin doing surgery!) but the more I read of the great experiences and the more sure I was that THIS was the surgery for me I finally considered it. I called and spoke with Dr. Aceves' patient coordinator, Nina and everything went from there. I had a good feeling about it. I go on my feelings a lot and I have been right so far.

What's the out of pocket cost for Dr.A? I have Blue Cross PPO of California, and my max out of pocket cost is $3000. I will have around $3500 to $4000 to make sure I can cover any other little things that pop up. Thanks for the reply.

[SouthernSleever 228]

Dr A is 8750 for the surgery. I got a loan for my surgery. I don't know what I would do if I had to choose a Dr who had only done a few sleeves : / I'd find out if you can go out of state to a surgeon who has more experience.

[sleevesearch 14]

I thought there was a couple of docs up in San Fran, that had tons of experience? Was it Dr. Jossart, who is on this board?

BTW, I had a great experience in Mexicali.

[TankGirl 0]

I got my surgery in South San Francisco at a Kaiser facility. If you do your research I'm sure you'll find quite a few Kaiser surgeons who have lots of experience doing sleeves. My surgeon was Dr Robert Li and he did an amazing job.

I know there are 3 Kaiser bariatric facilities around here and I'm sure some of the So Cal ladies on here can pipe in about facilities down there.

[CandyGirl 2]

Hi RaiderRob,

I’m in the exact same boat as you. I initially started this WLS journey planning to have the band. After lots of research decided that wasn’t the best route for me and then began looking into RNY, albeit hesitantly. I also felt so relieved when I heard about the sleeve and decided to go that route.

My surgeon has performed a zillion RNY/lap-band operations, but only a few sleeves and that made me a little nervous. But now I’m looking at the big picture and taking in consideration that he’s a skilled/veteran surgeon and has had only had one leak and no deaths (morbid, but important!). Additionally, he has great reviews online and came highly recommended. He did mention that he’s performed this surgery many times for tumor removal, but is just beginning to for weight loss purposes. So that is also something to consider.

Good luck on your WLS journey!

[MINI-Me 196]

PM sent

[Monday_thru_Friday 0]

My surgeon has only done 15 sleeves ever, but he has done 1,000 RNY's and he told me that the RNY surgery is much more complicated than the sleeve. So, I'm going to say a prayer and have faith that he'll do a great job.

[M2G 1,836]

I was in the exact same boat!!

I picked my surgeon based on his experience. It wasn't until about 3 months into the "process" that I switched from the Band to the VSG. I emailed my surgeon, asked him directly how many sleeves he had done and he immediately put any doubt to rest. He has done less than 20 sleeves, but has done over 2000 RNY (thousands of bands too!) and he said this surgery is by FAR easier.

I also felt the exact same way upon learning about VSG....I just KNEW it was the right choice for me. I haven't second-guessed it yet (I'm only 9 days post-op but haven't experienced buyers remorse yet...lol).

Keep doing your research and go with your instincts. Whenever doubt would creep in, I always felt like my research was what outweighed the doubt.

[Darma2011 1]

I'm also going with a surgeon with tons of rny and band experience but not as many sleeves. I found him through my insurance. Where in California do you live?

[RaiderRob 3]

I'm also going with a surgeon with tons of rny and band experience but not as many sleeves. I found him through my insurance. Where in California do you live?

Sonora CA...Who are you going with as a surgeon?

To everybody else thanks for the words/advice, it's much needed.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

If a doctor has done a lot of RNY's then he has a lot of experience with the staple line. That is the most important thing to consider.

The RNY is a much more complicated surgery.

Dr. Criangle is supposed to be the most experienced sleeve surgeon in CA, but I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Aceves who is

also a very experienced sleeve surgeon. Considering more than half the people on this board have gone to him and nobody has

ever had anything but wonderful things to say about their experience, Dr. Aceves should be a top choice for anyone considering this

surgery. If you have insurance that's going to pay, that would be the only reason not to go to him. His cash price is very good

considering you will spend 3 days in the hospital and get 3 leak tests.

[RaiderRob 3]

If a doctor has done a lot of RNY's then he has a lot of experience with the staple line. That is the most important thing to consider.

The RNY is a much more complicated surgery.

Dr. Criangle is supposed to be the most experienced sleeve surgeon in CA, but I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Aceves who is

also a very experienced sleeve surgeon. Considering more than half the people on this board have gone to him and nobody has

ever had anything but wonderful things to say about their experience, Dr. Aceves should be a top choice for anyone considering this

surgery. If you have insurance that's going to pay, that would be the only reason not to go to him. His cash price is very good

considering you will spend 3 days in the hospital and get 3 leak tests.

Cirangle= too expensive with their $5700 after care program or I would be going to him in a heartbeat, and Aceves out of pocket cost is good but still to expensive. I have Blue Cross PPO and hope to find a surgeon who accepts it so I will be looking at a $3000 out of pocket max.

After listening to folks in this thread and getting PM's I'm going to at least go to a seminar with Dr. Edward Felix in Fresno Ca, who has done a considerable amount of RNY surgeries to see what kinda vibe I get from him.

[Darma2011 1]

I'm going to Dr Philippe Quilici but I'm in SoCal. I googled Dr Felix and he seems to have positive comments except the for the one complaining about their program fee. My surgeon has a program fee as well which covers the psych evaluation and nutrition classes that my insurance is requiring for 4 months.