Gastric Sleeve?

Hi, I had my appt. today with my Surgeon. He was telling about a new procedure called the Gastric Sleeve. He said it is a less invasive surgery and not as difficult to do. But the downfall is there is no history of cases to go by as to how the patients do with the outcome and continued weight loss. Since it's so new. He said that when he does the lap rny's now that if he has any problems with it he'll just go ahead and do the sleeve unless the patient specifies she wants the open rny instead. I'm very hesitant since there is no info to go by on the success rate. He did say that if the sleeve doesn't work you're still able to have the rny done. I also had a question if anyone had any problems with going for their psych evaluation to a Dr. out of network? I was given 2 names from my insurance co and neither has ever had to do a evaluation for this type of surgery. I'm hesitant to go to them for fear they won't do what is required. I was willing to fork out 270.00 to go to a Psych my Dr's office recommended but I don't want to waste the money and than have my insurance co. not accept the evaluation. That is my last step to do so I can get my paperwork sent in to the insurance for approval. Oh and I also need to lose 10 lbs before surgery.. But I did like the scales at the Surgeons office they read that I weighed 10 lbs less than what my PCP's scales said last week..But they also said I was 2" shorter than what I have been all the time at the other Dr's it didn't make any sense to me..I wanna be taller, but I don't mind the 10 lbs less amount..LOL Thanks in advance for any info. ~Kara

I had lap rny on August 28th and I've lost 93 pounds so far. I hadn't even heard of the gastric sleeve until recently but I wouldn't have chosen it because it's so new. As far as the psych consult...I paid the money and went where the surgeons office recommended and got denied by the insurance co because I didn't go to one of their providers. I would just go where the insurance company tells you to go. Best Wishes! Stacey B

Kara, this will tell you more about the surgery: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/cmsID,8874/mode,content/a,cms/

Kara, I had the VSG a week ago after years of wanting the RNY. Please visit the VSG forum, you will find friendly people with great information. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/VSG/ Here is another site to visit for info on VSG!! www.vsgfaq.com. Elaine