Surgeons doing vertical sleeve

I live in Springfield IL and am having a hard time finding VGB surgeons near me. I see that many are traveling across the country to have it done. What about follow up / support issues. I'm 1.5 hours from St Louis and 3.5 hours from Chicago. Any suggestions or recommendations?

I do not have an answer for you as to the names of doctors. You can go on www.asbs.org site and search for doctors that do the procedure that you are seeking.  Is there a particular reason that you are not going with RNY or Lapband?  Christine

I am also considering lap band, but so far am leaning towards the sleeve for the following reasons. 1) Excellent procedure for reducing the effects or eliminating type 2 diabetes. 2) I like the idea of not having anything foreign put in my body (band / port etc...) 3) Possible long term complications w/ band (erosion / slippage) 4) Follow up seems like it would be less ( no fills) The lapband and rny are available in Springfield, still looking at all options. Thanks for responding

UMMMM, RNY is a great option for elminating type II diabetes. My DH and I are prime examples. I am totally off of my Metmopine (sp?) since surgery. My DH was never on anything but was diagnosed the week pre op. His A1C in right in the normal range now. Chris ps pardon my ignorance but doesn't the vertical sleeve put a foreign object in your body?

To my knowledge they remove 2/3 of your stomach and use a bougie to shape your remaining stomach. RNY is interesting, but  I think VGB doesnt mess with the intestines. Less of my stuff is being messed with. I have a bmi of about 42 and have probably 100 lbs to lose.

Sorry I used the wrong termonology. I'm looking for VSG surgeons near Springfield IL. Peace, MH.