Going with VSG after Lapband slip

[theresasweeney 0]

Hi, I am new to this site and would like to share my weightloss journey this far. I was banded back in Sept 2007 in Mexico by Dr Zapata. I had many fills and some unfills in the US during this past 3+ years. Due to extreme heartburn and food getting stuck I had all the fill removed in mid December to allow things to calm down. I have gained over 30 pds back and went back in for a fill. However, they discovered I have a slipped band and it needs to be removed. At first I thought I would get another band but after learning more about the vertical sleeve there is no way I want another band! I saw a surgeon last week and he did submit paperwork to get approval from my insurance company to have the revision surgery (remove band and do VSG procedure). I am hopeful the insurance company would approve but I highly doubt it since my BMI is too low. I am looking to have the VSG procedure done at the end of the month if possible. If have read very good reviews on surgeries done in Tijuana. Any recommendations others can give me would be greatly appreciated!

[TijuanaPlication 87]

Welcome! Dr Alberto Aceves in Mexicali seems to be the go to surgeon for revisions (I think Mexicali may be a quieter border crossing so not end up too much further timewise). Search for him on here as he seems to be often recommended for VSG revisions.

You want to go with the best surgeon you can get to minimize complications as revisions do have more complexity.

[MissMinnie 5]

HI,

Dr Aceves did my band to sleeve revision about 7 weeks ago. I was self pay for both the band (done in the US) and the revision. Never in a million years did I ever think I would go to Mexico but after researching revisions and how many the surgeons did I went with him. Obviously it was also 50% + or - of what most surgeons wanted in the US. There is also a Dr. that I wanted to use in San Francisco but ended up going with Dr Aceves after talking with several of his band to sleeve revisions.

I don't know anything about any of the other doctors in Mexico and would suggest that you find out how many revisions the surgeon has actually done. I would also not shop for a doctor in Mexico based on price. Mexicali is much different that TJ or Juarez but have read that several who have had the sleeve are also happy their surgeons in those areas but don't know if they had revisions. There also is a lot of good doctors in the US I am sure.

I read a post earlier from someone complaining about those who talk about how great the Mexico surgeon is/was and was actually questioning if the posts were actually "true". Sure wish she lived in my shoes maybe she wouldn't be so judgmental. We actually pay A LOT of money every month for our health insurance and WLS is not covered. In any case good luck and my advise would be to do it as soon as possible so that you don't continue to gain weight.

[Viola 15]

Hi Theresa,

Sorry to hear you are having problems with the band. But I also agree that the sleeve will be a great choice for you. I did lots of research and found a good surgeon that I'm going to at the end of the month for my sleeve. There is another member "Ms Lady from NC" who just went through the surgery with the same doctor and had great reviews. His name is Dr. jaime Ponce de leon in Tijuana. He teaches on bariatrics, he often assists other new doctors on the procedures and is very reasonably priced. "Ms. Lady from NC" said that while she was there she found out that Dr. Ponce does a lot of community service for those who really need the surgery and can't afford it. His patient coordinator is Tommy Lopez and he is speaks perfect English and is very reachable. He even returns my emails at night when I'm on sending him information as well as known to give me a call on the weekend. Dr. Ponce is running a special for the sleeve, its $4,500 (that includes all pre-opt, and post-opt, hotel, transportation, meds etc) and although that is a great price it was not my deciding factor. Tommy's number is 866-774-3002 /619-730-4161 if you are interested. I hope your insurance covers you, that way you could stay close to home. Best of luck to you Theresa. Keep in touch girl.

[Viola 15]

Hey MissMinnie,

If US insurance companies covered this surgery we wouldn't have to go other places. I agree with you. I tried to go through my insurance and it seemed like every chance they got they put up another barrier. It was very frustrating and finally I said to myself, Hey, I'm in charge of my own destiny, so, TJ here I come! : )

[MissMinnie 5]

Hi Viola,

The US medical insurance is a SHAM!!!!! Like I said we pay a lot and it wasn't covered. In saying that I am very thankful we are in the position to have the money to pay for the revision. Strange enough I agree with the 1 WLS per life some of the policies have. The hospital I went to was much nicer than the hospital I went to for my lap band in Florida. Dr Aceves and Dr Campos spent a lot of time with me before and after the surgery. I could find nothing negative to say about my revision which actually surprises me since I am not a fan of Mexico in general.

Good Luck on your upcoming surgery.

Miss Minnie.....

Hey MissMinnie,

If US insurance companies covered this surgery we wouldn't have to go other places. I agree with you. I tried to go through my insurance and it seemed like every chance they got they put up another barrier. It was very frustrating and finally I said to myself, Hey, I'm in charge of my own destiny, so, TJ here I come! : )

[Rev Me Up! 75]

Hi-

You might want to check out the lapband to sleeve revision forum - its on the main page, scroll down a bit and you'll see it. Lots of other revision patients and interesting information. I am also a revision, 5 1/2 weeks ago with Dr Aceves. I can say without reservation (and without compensation) that he is fantastic. If you want a detailed blow-by-blow of my surgery experience with Dr. A, look at my profile - its there somewhere :-) I have had no complications from the surgery, and all the things I hated about my band are gone!!! No more port pain, no more food getting stuck, etc.

The recovery is intense because of the immediate restriction with the sleeve, but it is worth it to get rid of that awful band.

Good luck with your decision--

Lara