Any Boston, Ma Gastric Sleevers Out There?

[Hopeful Spirit 7]

Hi Everyone! I have been using and enjoying the forums on VST but only just today found this "Boston Area Site". Great! I am from Boston (Allson neighborhood) and had my Surgery on October 17 at Mass General Hospital. They have a great program and have done a fair amount of Sleeves. My surgeon, Dr. Mathew Hutter, told me he had done 20 before me and others in the MGH Program had done as many or more. 20 seemed low to me, but he was a very well respected Gastrointestinal Surgeon at MGH and had done hundreds of BiPass surgeries as well as other GI surgeries involving cancer, etc., so I trusted him. And he was WONDERFUL. I couldn't have been happier. I had absolutely no complications and I am 66 years old. Mass General was the only hospital I could find in the area that took people over 65 for this surgery. The hospital care was great and the pre-surgery and post-surgery nutritional guidance and psychological care are also excellent. The only problem is that the non-insurance out of pocket costs are higher than most of the hospitals in the area. It costs $1,045 paid in two payments before surgery for the educational and support part of the MGH Weight Center program, but the support is excellent and the program is life-time support. Another issue is that it usually takes a long time to get an appointnment since they are very busy. But most of the people I have talked to say that it was worth it.

If you all still want to have a "Regional Meeting" we can meet at my house if you would like, or maybe I can find some space at one of the local universities. Let me know what you think.

Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

[Hopeful Spirit 7]

Hi Sandy. Just want to wish you lots of luck for a smooth surgery and quick recovery. You should be getting a little nervous now with surgery only a couple of days to go, but remember that positive thoughts help to have a positive outcome. The first day or two may be a little unpleasant, but the best part is that you will be over the worst part of this journey. It will get better every day after that. Let us know how you are doing and best wishes!

Phyllis (from Allston, MA)

aka, Hopeful Spirit

I'm from Somerville and am getting sleeved on Nov 1 with Dr Sandor at Lawrence memorial hospital in Medford. I have heard great things about him, I hope I am another of his success stories.

[Tarada9 1]

To Sandy123, goodluck on your fast approaching surgery. It is hard not to worry, but you will do great!!! Just focus on what this new beginning will mean to you. The first few days are hard, but soon they will be over and you will begin the path to a new healthier, happier you! We will be sending our thoughts your way on Tuesday.

To Hopeful Spirit, I am so glad to hear that things are going so smoothly for you. I would love to attend a local group to share our struggles, concerns, and successes!

[BroadwayBaby 19]

Sorry - I'm just seeing this thread again now. My surgeon (Dr. Ashley Vernon, Brigham & Women's) did not specifically tell me how many sleeves she had done - she said that most MA surgeons were just starting to do them because insurance companies just started covering them in our state. She did say that when she worked in Oregon she had done many sleeves as the first procedure of the DS but I don't think she has done too many stand alone sleeves. I did get nervous before having the surgery that she might not have as much experience with it as I would like but everything went smoothly. I asked her straight out to honestly tell me if she thought I should see one of the other surgeons who has done more sleeves and she told me she felt very comfortable with her abilities. She did a 40 bougie and all as gone well after surgery. I have lost just about 42 lbs and I am about 10 weeks out. I can eat pretty much anything without any nausea, etc. but that just might be the luck of the draw. If you have any questions please feel free to send me a message!

K

[NotSoPlump 3]

Hey Everyone! Eric Here. I'm from NH but had my surgery (VSG) at Lahey Burlington on June 22 2011. I started the program in January at 462. I lost 61lbs prior to surgery and have lost an additional 52lbs since surgery. Having the surgery was the best thing I have ever done for myself. Lahey was AMAZING. The staff and care was really awesome. I didn't have one bad experience. Hope everyone is doing great and I wish you all lots of success and health on your journey's! Take care!

[Kimma34 5]

Hello all fellow Bostonians!! Starting the VSG process @ Salem Hospital in Salem, Ma! Any advice out there!!! North of Boston here 36yr old!!

-Kim

[lisalisa0 0]

Hey there I see that this thread is older but is there anyone out there for mass?

[Jenni3366 0]

HI YES HAD SURGERY 1/23 IN BURLINGTON U?

[lisalisa0 0]

Hey there I'm waiting for insurance to approve my appeal. Im getting mine at brigham and women's. How has your experience been so far

[wnnd 5]

How's the pre-op going? I am from the Seacoast of New Hampshire- just up the road from you and I was sleeved 10-13-11 by Dr Looser at Portsmouth Hosp. Great program/ great care BTW. We should have a regional get together- there's another gal here who just sleeved this month at Brigham's.

I am from Southern NH and am just starting out on this journey. I am looking at Hospitals and programs now. Portsmouth is an option for sure! It's a bout a half hour from me.

[alexeleni 15]

I'm from Boston! I moved to JP in June and am always looking to meet new people--say hi sometime!

[peacelovenkarma 12]

Hi! I am getting sleeved May 16th at MGH in Boston. I am so excited!

[Jenni3366 0]

how u doing peacelovenkarma??

[peacelovenkarma 12]

Hi! I am doing great! I was discharged the following day. I was pretty sore at first, but it's much more manageable now. I'm ready to take on the world haha! I am on liquids right now, so only Protein Shakes, broth, sf Jello, Water, herbal tea, and crystal light. Thursday I can move on to cream Soups, yogurt, and sf pudding. It was tough yesterday with the weather being so nice my family had barbecue chicken, macaroni salad, and all of that good stuff. I seriously wanted to lick the sauce off, but I stayed strong. I am already seeing changes. My bra is a little looser and I feel like my lower chub roll is less puffy( haha I refuse to call it a fupa)

Thanks for thinking of me!! Definitely made my day : )

[Kimma34 5]

How are you doing Peace? Anything u wanna share??

-Kim