Hi there. This is my first post as I'm in the VERY beginning of my journey. Just got approved to see Dr.Katkhouda at USC and I am wondering if anyone on Vertical Sleeve had him do their surgery. Thank you.

Hi there,

I was approved and will be having my sleeve surgery with Dr. Katkhouda next week. I am so excited and nervous. My cousin had bypass surgery with him and is 220lbs down with complications. It has been amazing. I really like him and feel so secure in my decision. Good luck with your surgery!

Hi. Thanks for your reply. Please keep me posted and ill pray you have a fantastically smooth procedure without complications and an easy recovery. :-)

I'm barely going to seminar in Feb 2.

Can you tell me how long it took from seminar to surgery date?

Thank you!

The seminar was very I formative. The whole practice does feel that RNY is the better surgery so originally I was booked for that. About two weeks ago I decided that I was much more comfortable with the sleeve so I met with Katkhouda and let him know I wanted to switch. He still tried to convince me RNY has better success etc... But I still really wanted the sleeve so he said that he would do whatever I was most comfortable with. I love his bedside manner and he is a great doctor.

So for timeline, I was really lucky. I went to the seminar either late October or early November. Met with Katkhouda, got my stress test done in December and had my psych and nutrition eval in December. My insurance did not require a 3-6 month nutrition program beforehand. The office submitted everything for approval on a Friday and I was approved by Wednesday. I have Blue Cross PPO. I was so worries about getting denied but I think it was just meant to be. I have a BMI of 40 (just barely).

Can't believe my surgery is in about 3 days!!! So crazy!! Let me know if you have any other questions!

*informative