Hello folks,

I can't tell you how much I appreciate this forum. Without this forum, I can't imagine that I'd be embarking on this surgery.

As a child, I was normal weight. However, many members of my extended family were overweight with some having diabetes. In my early 20s I started gaining weight and have never stopped. As I approach 50 I'm obese, have very high blood sugar (and will definitely become Type 2 Diabetic), high cholesterol, severe sleep apnea, etc. I've done Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Phentermine, exercise, Pritikin, and a lot more.

A few years ago I looked into the Lap Band and decided against it. The post-band lifestyle and complications were more than I was willing to live with. Gastric Bypass was too severe and not really appropriate for someone with my BMI. A few months ago I found out about VSG and it appears to be the answer to my dreams. My problem has always been binge eating - once I start I can't stop. VSG seems to be the tool that can help me stop.

After a lot of investigation I'm pretty sure I'll be going with Dr. Lavin in Louisiana. I'm self pay and he is much cheaper than the doctors in California where I live. Also, he seems to be very highly rated.

Anyway - I'm in the very early stages and I'll keep those interested posted via this thread.

-Jordan

Dr. Lavin is a part of the group of doctors that I decided to go with. I know several people that have used him. I have heard nothing but positive things about him.

Good luck to you. I, too, am glad to have found this forum and am happy that the VSG seems to be the perfect compromise between a Lap Band and Gastric Bypass. I look forward to your journey continuing.

Wow - this is starting to move fast. I have orders for blood work and an EKG that I will fill this week. It looks like I may be sleeved by mid September.

I got a major scare today. Dr. Lavin's office called with the results of my lab work. According to them, I actually have Type II Diabetes now. I'm a bit confused because my PCP tells me that my glucose is only elevated.

Glucose: 140

AIC: 7

The good news is that VSG should clear this up for me.

I've got my date!!!! http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/46579-its-a-date-august-28th/page__pid__424862#entry424862

Update...

We arrived in New Orleans (yes, that New Orleans) on Sunday. Due to the hurricane everything was in flux. Dr. Lavin ended up doing the surgery yesterday. I'm now sitting in our hotel waiting for the storm to clear. The surgery was great success. The only issues for so far are bloating/pressure/gas. I hope that will pass soon. Also, it's tough to get all liquids in.

Update...

Finally back in California. First time on the scale - lost 9 pounds! Wow!

Is he in with Dr Redmond? I will be having my surgery Oct 4th with Dr Redmond in Metairie (that's right outside of New Orleans). I had to wait a little bit longer to get my date because of the hurricane... I live near Baton Rouge, La.

Congrats on your Surgery!!!

3 weeks post op and 26 pounds lighter !!!

Just a note on progress: weight loss has slowed to a normal rate (which I'm glad for). As of today I'm down 28 lbs (212)!