I just had my first consult yesterday with a doctor in Northern California and beginning process . Has anyone used Valley Care in Pleasanton and have any feedback?

They seem to have a substantial weight loss surgery program but most patients are going for Gastric Bypass rather then Lap-band. They require that you complete Upper GI, Psych consult , lose 5% of excess weight and taking at least 1/2 ( about 5 ) prep classes prior to submitting a letter to insurance company. I assume this process is standard. Sort of hoping that they get the date in the works so i have more definitive surgery date and something to work towards.

The doctor also showed me a very recent study comparing Gastric Bypass to Lapband which indicated that going 1 year out Lapband patients lost on average 40% of excess weight but bypass patients lost 70%. Felt the message was if you really want to lose the weight do the bypass. I dont view this as a competition but curious if anyone else has seen the study and has a copy /link of the entire document.

Also, how do you create those nice footer which shows your weight , goals and too date progress. Its a motivator just going through the chats looking at how well everyone is doing.

Thanks

NJR:)

Hi, and welcome to LBT! Yes, in the first year, gastric bypass patients do tend to lose a significantly greater amount of weight than lapbanders. However, their weight tends to slow down drastically after their first year, whereas with the lapband, it continues on at a steady pace. Studies have shown that after 3 years, lapband and gastric bypass patients are pretty even with each other in terms of weightloss.

Good point, Susan, about the long-term weight loss comparison. And I hope all of us are in this for the long term. It's a commitment to lifestyle change for the rest of our lives. Good luck.

thanks for your comments and support

Im committed to the Band approach.

I just felt for me, that lapband was the way to go...I really checked out the gastric bypass, and I was just to afraid to go that direction..I really wanted the less invasive surgery...so glad I got the band....

Hi there...I came across your post and wanted to get in touch ASAP! I'm also going through the process at Valley Care with Dr. Lee. I'm in the same boat as you...RNY just seemed SO invasive! I'm very excited about the prospect of the surgery. Done the orientation, met with the surgeon, nurse, psych and dietician, and am currently taking my nutrition classes while waiting to see if I've been approved by the team.

It's really great to see someone who's going thru LB at VC because as you said, they do mostly RNY's. I'd love to buddy up with you if you're looking for one!

Oops....now that I reread your post to try to find your name I see that it was made over a year ago. Did you end up going through with the LB at VC? How are you doing with it, if so? I'd LOVE to hear from you!

Emily