I am in Santa Barbara, and have no idea how to pick a doctor for a Vertical Sleeve. I am willing to travel, but it seems most surgeons have done mostly Roux n Y or Lapbands. Can anyone recommend a surgeon who has already been through the procedure? I am worried about picking someone with not enough experience.

I'm in SoCal (in the Valley,) but went with Dr. Rabkin in San Francisco. While not based down here, he does have a presence in Ventura where there are support group meetings (tomorrow evening, for that matter) and an office where they do some pre-op and follow-up appointments, so most of the work beyond the actual surgery itself can be done locally. His CV over on ObesityHelp lists that he has done about 90 VSGs and 1500 DSs (which include a VSG as part of the procedure,) so he's one of the more experienced VSG guys out there.

What is a DS?

I'm in SoCal (in the Valley,) but went with Dr. Rabkin in San Francisco. While not based down here, he does have a presence in Ventura where there are support group meetings (tomorrow evening, for that matter) and an office where they do some pre-op and follow-up appointments, so most of the work beyond the actual surgery itself can be done locally. His CV over on ObesityHelp lists that he has done about 90 VSGs and 1500 DSs (which include a VSG as part of the procedure,) so he's one of the more experienced VSG guys out there.

What is a DS?

The Duodenal Switch - a WLS procedure that starts with a VSG, usually leaving a somewhat larger stomach than we get with a standalone VSG, and adding some intestinal rerouting to restrict the absorption of fats. Of the mainstream WLS procedures, it generally offers the best initial weight loss and long term weight maintenance, but as with all of these procedures, comes with its' own set of compromises.

I'm in SoCal (in the Valley,) but went with Dr. Rabkin in San Francisco. While not based down here, he does have a presence in Ventura where there are support group meetings (tomorrow evening, for that matter) and an office where they do some pre-op and follow-up appointments, so most of the work beyond the actual surgery itself can be done locally. His CV over on ObesityHelp lists that he has done about 90 VSGs and 1500 DSs (which include a VSG as part of the procedure,) so he's one of the more experienced VSG guys out there.

dr sergey lyass cedar sinai beverly hills

I'm going to Dr. Billy in Ventura for my sleeve and can highly recommend him. Here's a link: http://www.drbillybariatrics.com/default

Hey Sheila!

I am from SB too, but am getting the surgery in Mexico.

I just wanted to let you know if you ever want a VS buddy, message me and we can get together!

Dr. Aileen Takahashi (Association of South Bay Surgeons, Torrance, CA) did my surgery at Torrance Memorial 4 months ago. She is an amazing surgeon....she is an absolute perfectionist and takes her job VERY seriously. There are a ton of hoops to jump through but I think that is actually a good thing....she wants to make sure you're serious and ready for surgery. Oh, and Torrance Memorial is a Bariatric Center of Excellence....and the care I got there was phenomenal!!!

Good Luck

Welcome SBSheila, I live in Morro Bay and I chose Dr. Cirangle at http://www.lapsf.com/dr-cirangle-your-bariatric-doctor-for-weight-loss-surgery.php. He is in SF and has done over 1700 VSG's. He sees patients in Templeton, 20 min. from my home. Well worth it not to have to drive.

I had my surgery June 7 at cedars sinai with dr. lyass.

Dr. Billy in Ventura is amazing! I went to one of his seminars and he did one of my friend's lap bands.