I have already started (and am almost finished with) the process for the Lap Band approval. I am having second thoughts and want to switch to VSG. I called 1 800 Lapband to get the lapband process started so I know they will not change my surgery type. Has anyone started an approval process for one type of surgery and switched to another? I am hoping that the tests that I have done will switch over to VSG and I won't have to go thru them again. I have Aetna PPO insurance. Also I live in So Cal (Lake Elsinore). Anyone have a doctor they recommend? And is everyone happy with VSG vs. Lap Band?

I changed my mind from lap band to VSG. If you didn't receive an approval letter yet you should be fine.

thank you.. i need to find a dr for the sleeve now. I guess I should call the Lap Band place and tell them to hold the process.

I orignially wanted to have the band, but my surgeon said "NO WAY"" he hates the band and will not do them. too many complications and needs for revisions.

He told me about VSG and told me to research it. I did for a few months and I am so happy I chose to have this procedure.

I love my sleeve!!

Kelly

I had an approval letter from Aetna PPO for a lap band surgery and decided to change doctors. The new doc mistakenly submitted for a lap band when I really had decided to go with the sleeve (thank goodnes!) It only took a phone call and 2 days to have it switched to sleeve approval. I doubt you will have a problem. Good luck!

Thank you all soooo much!

Switch!!! I've had the band since 2003. Lost all the weight and regained it, which seems to be a common tale. Now here I am researching VSG. Save your money and skip the band.

I have already started (and am almost finished with) the process for the Lap Band approval. I am having second thoughts and want to switch to VSG. I called 1 800 Lapband to get the lapband process started so I know they will not change my surgery type. Has anyone started an approval process for one type of surgery and switched to another? I am hoping that the tests that I have done will switch over to VSG and I won't have to go thru them again. I have Aetna PPO insurance. Also I live in So Cal (Lake Elsinore). Anyone have a doctor they recommend? And is everyone happy with VSG vs. Lap Band?

Aetna approved my sleeve fairly quickly - they seem to treat the sleeve the same as the other WLS and dont seem to put any special conditions on it like some companies do.

I'm in SoCal too but went to San Francisco for my sleeve for a variety of reasons, primarily that we already had a working relationship with Dr Rabkin up there thru my wife's DS. He is certainly one to recommend, though you may not want to travel to have the job done.

Good luck with your future sleeve,

Here is my response to those thinking about Band Vs. Sleeve:

This is me at my highest weight of 330 Lbs before any surgeries:

This is me 2.5 YEARS after my Lap Band Surgery:

This is me a few weeks ago now, 10.5 MONTHS post op revision to VSG:

Now ultimately the decision is all yours. I'm just sharing how I've done and having been on both sides of the fence.

Good luck with whatever you decide!!

I think Irene's post says it all. I too started out with the LapBand process and switched to sleeve the last month. No problem. All the tests were good for either procedure. The psychologist report said just bariatric surgery so it was no problem to submit it for the sleeve. I too have Aetna. No problems. Good luck!

Wow Irene mama me glad I picked the sleeve too...

I also was considering LapBand at first, but being so research-conscious I gathered all the information I could about both procedures. The results were very clear. Sleeve patients were happier, more successful in weight loss, and experienced fewer complications. Period. There was no other choice to be made. Although I have not yet had surgery (scheduled 9/28) I can already tell you how at ease and secure I feel in my decision. Good luck in finding the same resolution and sense of peace, no matter which you choose.

Also, since you are in California, you may want to consider my doctor, David Oliak. He is in Brea and he is wonderful so far, as is all his staff. I have the utmost confidence in them all.

Good luck!

Best of luck on your journey with whom ever you choose.

I am hoping that I will be able to go to Dr. Brian B. Quebbemann, MD, FACS

Here is a link the website.

http://thenewprogram.com/default

Keep us all posted