I'm going through the process with this hospital. He had pretty good reviews on the lapband forums and doesn't charge a huge program fee like other doctors in the area. However, I am now leaning towards VSG than lapband and I was wondering if anyone had him as their surgeon.

I am particularly interested if they speak to you about the size of the sleeve (bougie and capacity) and what the aftercare is. I am not a believer in a one-size-fits all approach to anything much less a major surgery involving the removal of healthy organ tissue. So I would like to find or make sure I am seeing a surgeon who is willing to work with patients (i.e. not a "god") and has a good aftercare program.

Any experience with this program or others in the area is appreciated.

They should offer a seminar. If so then go and go to another somewhere else to compare.

I did that and ended up with Dr Jeremy Korman of LA BARIATRICS in marina del ray. I had a fellow patient Who was from Sacramento and another from bakersfield, which shows something!!!

I couldn't consider that Lapland for me cause of the many issues and the hunger factor is still there and you have constant maintanece for long term. Just too many issues all together.

I was never more sure until i read about The sleeve and I got tht done 2/13/12. I am more than thrilled with my doctor and his entire staff! Which btw are all in one office... Pysch, NUT, plastics, therapist, exercise trainer and so on... So look at the overall benefits and of course their track record since the sleeve is sort of new.

Good luck!!

No one went to UCI?

Hi MissMeow;

SoCalKurt and his wife both used UCI. Send him a message. I do not know if Dr. Ngyuen was their surgeon.

Good luck!

PS - I used The New Program in Newport Beach. HIGHLY recommend that group. Dr. Q is the barriatric surgeon of the stars here in SoCal. Also his saftey and success is way above average. Free support groups for life there too.

I used Dr. Nyugen on November 5th. I had insurance restrictions on where I could go (had to be a center of excellence) and UCI was the closest to me. He is an outstanding surgeon. I have not been super impressed with his "bedside"manner but the PA and other physicians in his office more than make up for his business-like nature. I love Dr. Chamberlain and Washington. They are very patient. As far as the surgery, it went smoothly. I had 5 small incisions and a month later only 2 of them are even noticeable. The hospital is nice and I had my hysterectomy there as well. I would recommend Dr. Nyugen for his abilities.

I have Dr. Justin Braverman at The New Program in Orange Co. I love him, great bedside manner and the staff there is incredible. They have made this process so easy for me! Good luck! Oh and my surgery will be at Tri-City medical center in Hawaiian Gardens in Orange County. They have courtesy transportation and everything

Have you had surgery now? Any updates?

It has been almost 4 months since my VSG with Dr. Nguyen. I do not know what my stomach size is. He did not discuss that with me. I am comfortable with my stomach size, whatever it is. I feel the total program is well rounded. You are required to attend an information meeting where all bariatric options are presented. You have to get a psych evaluation. At most appointments, you see Dr. Nguyen, the dietician, the social worker, and possible the PA. Because it is a teaching hospital, Dr. Nguyen always has students following him. I am very glad I had this done.

I had Nguyen for vsg surgery in OCt 2011.

Dr. Ninh Nguyen is President of the ASMBS. He's a very well respected surgeon and I'd highly recommend him.

Agreed.

I was in Omaha, Nebraska 2 years ago talking to my mother's doctor. She had gastric surgery several years ago and had developed a hernia. Her doctor knew Dr. Nguyen. He told me Dr. Nguyen was the president of the bariatric doctors association and very, very well known as one of the best surgeons in the country.

Hi There, I am a newbie in Rancho Santa Margarita and am scheduled for VSG on 10/20/15. I work in Irvine and am having my surgery at UCI by Dr. Smith. Has anyone had any experiences that they can share? I love reading all of the success stories, they are very motivating! Congrats to everyone on their progress!