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I have read that there are only 20 surgeons who perform the VSG worldwide. Surely this is inaccurate?? Who all has had their surgery in the US?

Is there a list of these 50? Lol

Aaaannnnddd, the past few days have made me REALLY excited about having WLS. I'm 32 (as of yesterday), very tall (6'2"--which means as a female I stand out as a freak anyway), and my bro-in-law got married yesterday. My size 26 dress was tight, the reception was outside and I was miserable (so was everyone else), and my feet hurt 30 minutes into the reception! My new sis-in-law is as gorgeous as ever, and God love her, she included me in everything even though I wasn't a bridesmaid. Anyway, between her bachelorette party, bridesmaids luncheon, rehearsal and wedding, I can't wait to JUST FIT IN already. I took a picture last night that I plan to use as one of my before shots. I am SO READY for someone to call me back and schedule a surgery date. Let's DO THIS! :thumbup:

Hi Carrie, glad you are here! I don't have a date set yet, but I'm so encouraged by what I come here to read. Congratulations on your success thus far!

Stupidly, I didn't think to ask that when I went for my consultation. At the consultation, we talked about a lot of things, but WHY I didn't ask about it, I have no clue. I still have not gotten a call back like I was expecting, but when I do, I will ask then. My surgeon is part of a practice that has three surgeons total, and from things I've read on other boards, they seem to work together during surgery a lot.

Okay, one more question...SORRY!! How long was the hospital stay? I thought I knew this one, but now I'm not so sure!

Curious as to how long you had the drain before it was removed???

Congratulations! How exciting for you and your family. If you don't mind answering, how much time have you taken off from work?

Congratulations on your success! What an awesome accomplishment :laugh:

Thanks to all for being so welcoming and sharing your knowledge! It is greatly appreciated. Should i be concerned if a surgeon is fairly new to the sleeve procedure?

I fretted over how to get the money for about a week, then I decided to try my credit union. I had just paid off my car, so as long as this new loan payment was less than my car payment, I was going to be ok. I ended up getting approved and with a 6.9% interest, which was much better for me than care credit. Anyhow, if you have the option, that's my suggestion! Best of luck.

Congratulations!!! You sound like me...I was all ready for the band, but now I'm not so sure. Best of luck with everything!

Wow, I really, really appreciate all you've told me. I just talked to a friend of mine who said she'd have done the sleeve instead of the band, but they weren't doing it when she got the band a few years ago. I just hope my Dr. doesn't think I'm crazy if I call back and say I've changed my mind!!! :thumbup:

I don't have a surgery date yet (hoping to get one scheduled this week), and I know exactly how you are feeling. I'm also paying for this myself and am FREAKING OUT that even if I do everything right, it's not going to work. I just paid off my car, and the loan I took out to cover the surgery is going to take the place of my car payment! On the whole, I am very excited to get this done, but I'm VERY scared the universe is going to work against me or something. Anyway, best of luck to you!!!

Congrats and best of luck with everything!

I met with my surgeon and dietician today, and because I'm doing self-pay, I can pretty much go on to schedule the surgery after I have the psych eval, so YAY! Unfortunately, I couldn't get an appointment with the psychologist until July 20! I need to be up and running by Aug 1 because of things I've got going on, so I was seriously upset with that date. I asked to be put on the cancellation list in case I could get an earlier date. On my way home, I got a call that someone had canceled for July 9. About an hour later, I got another call that someone canceled for June 23, so I took it! I'm super excited. My husband and I have started to tell some members of his family, but I don't want to be judged, so we are only telling his siblings and parents. My family and a few friends know. So far I've had to do all this alone, and my husband has it in his head that I'm going to lose a ridiculous amount of weight in a few months time. I have been trying to tell him that it's different for everyone, and just because we have to pay for this surgery doesn't mean I'm going to magically be thin in 3 months. He's so weird, haha. Thanks for allowing me to share my excitement here!

Congratulations! That is exciting. :thumbup:

When I lived in TX, there was a class at the gym I went to called Latin fusion. I LOVED it. LOVED. I think it's similar to Zumba, and there was one instructor that I really liked better than the others. I really miss that class and there is not one to be found in my new location. :-( Glad you guys are having fun with it!

I am meeting with Dr. Cunningham this week for my first consultation. Has anyone else had him as their surgeon??? Ash.

Thank you all for sharing your successes! I am really very excited about this process, and I am praying everything will go smoothly. Congratulations to you all!

Hello! I am seriously new here... I attended a seminar last week, found out my insurance will not pay, and now I have decided to get financing. I have an appointment with the surgeon next week and am hoping that I wont be scared off by reading all these threads about the band not working...especially because I don't want to be in debt for nothing!!! So, anyone who's had success and would like to give me a little encouragement, it would be much appreciated!