So my husband is not on board with me having my surgery in Mexico. I have 2 insurances that don't cover the procedure. So now I have to find a local surgeon & pay lots of $$$$!

Help, does anyone know of a great surgeon in Las Vegas? I'm looking into Dr. Umbach & Dr. Atkinson.

Thank you,

Molly

I could be wrong but I think PDX had surgery with umbach or was it the other one....

Anyway I would PM PDX

Oh Laura, you're so awesome.....BIG THANK YOU!

Just looked it up. Yep pdx had umbach and LOVED him!

Yes, I would totally recommend Umbach. He is not the warm, fuzzy kind of Dr, though, if that is the type you are needing. He will answer every question you have thoroughly, but is not going to sit you down and go through everything step by step. His NUT is always available and he even gave me his personal cell # to call him at any time with any concern. I liked the option of doing this outpatient because I am not a fan of hospitals. Too many sick people there and I wasn't sick. I stayed at the Golden Nugget and everything went great. I am 21 months post and still have excellent restriction. PM me with any more questions or more detail.

Thank you, PdxMan! I'm so bummed, his office is closed today. I saw that he was offering a discount to cash patients & I wanted to know if that included follow up care & support?

How was your recovery? Did you go to any of his seminars or support meetings?

Thank you,

Molly

I assume you are in the Vegas area ... correct? As my name suggests, I am from Portland, OR, so, no, I have not attended any of his support meetings. I flew in on Thursday and went to the nutrition seminar. Had surgery on Friday morning (probably why office is closed today ... surgery day). Monday morning had a follow up appt where he removed pain pump and flew back to Portland around noon.

I believe his cash price for outpatient is still the same, $10,400, which is what I paid. I have full access to the team and did call the NUT a few times post. I also did call Dr Umbach a couple times before I flew down when I had a list of questions. Answered all my questions, no problems.

The physical aspects of my recovery were great. He repaired a hiatal hernia I didn't even know I had. I had researched the procedure well and knew the first month was going to be tough ... and it is. You go stir crazy not being able to chew any real food with texture. Not following the guidelines is met with instant regret as progressing too soon can be painful.

Psychologically adjusting, for me, was the biggest challenge. I suggest you may want to make some appointments with a therapist post-op, even if you don't think you need it. I was surprised at how I mourned the inability to gorge on food. I knew that pity party would be coming, and it did. Doesn't make it easy, but my expectations were right-sized and I was able to turn that pity party into determination.

Thank you for the awesome response!

I have been through the insurance route for the lap band and decided last minute that was not for me.

I have seen a few nutritionists & 1 psych but, I do agree with you....I definitely feel I need a therapist to help me through this!

I'm definitely looking at the sleeve as a tool & not a magical quick fix....I've been on so many diets & I joke that I diet well but, not well enough to keep it off!

I've only attended 2 sleeve support groups & everyone says it's the best thing they ever done & wished they have done it sooner. Honestly, I find it hard to believe with so many food addicts in the support group that not one misses their friend....food!?

Not intended to confuse you more, but I had dr Teng. great doctor with complete follow up and support. I am sure others are good but he is in a national program of excellence. Just someone to check out. Best of luck to you.

Thanks Shotzzie! I actually went to a few of his seminars, they were very informative!

*Bumping*

I won't be much help. I live in Vegas and still chose to go with Dr Aceves in Mexico as he had much more experience. Also, I was alone and liked the idea of being cared for over the first few days. I needed the warm fuzzies LOL.