Mini Intro and A few questions.

                                                                                                   

Hi everyone, I am Elizabeth, 41 and I live in Columbus Ohio. I have been doing a lot of research, reading and lurking here. I have decided that there is no better time than now to get WLS. Because I am a diabetic, have hypertension, and have had 3 ACL’s. I am looking forward to having a knee replacement in the next 10 yrs … I need to lose weight for me, my health and my joints. After reviewing the WLS options, I feel that the VSG is the best option for me.

But…. There are no VSG surgeons in central Ohio listed. Has anyone in central Ohio had VSG surgery? Who was your surgeon? Going to Cleveland is an option, but I would rather stay close to home.

Also, I noticed that some have taken a few months off after surgery and others have been back to work in a week….

After surgery, what hurts? Is it the incision? Or your stomach? How would it compare to a vertical c-section or hernia surgery? Thanks E-

Hello, I have had VSG and the Surgeon who took wonderful care of me was Dr Travedi at Kettering Bariatrics. He is works out of Sycamore hospital in Miamisburg Ohio, and is a Center of Excellance that is required by insurance companies. If you would like to have any information please pm me and I'll be glad to give u any help or information I can.

Hi E! I'm close to where you are too.  I chose Dr. Teel in Dayton.  He does the sleeve as well as the DS.  I chose the DS because I too, had diabetes.  The DS has a 98% cure rate for diabetes.  I was diabetes free in 14 hours post op.  I've also not taken any BP meds since the day of surgery and my BP has been normal for the first time in 6 years.  Anyway...as far as Dr. Teel in Dayton...I would highly recommend him for the DS or the VSG.  He also does the procedures Lap and not open.  For me, it wasn't a lot of pain, per se, but simply being worn down from surgery.  You need to remember...this is MAJOR surgery. It's exhausting.  But, I can tell you that as far as everything goes, I took 5 weeks off but could have gone back to work at about 2 weeks....but my job doesn't require much physical energy...but would have been very tired.  If you can give yourself more time to recooperate, then by all means, do it.  Best of luck to you!

Hi Elizabeth,  I chose a VSG also but due to the fact that my insurance does not cover it I am having a lap band.  But I wanted to let you know that Dr. Trace Curry in Cincinnati is also doing the VSG surgery now.  You ought to check him out.  The trip down to his office, which is just past Kings Island, is not bad.  Oh, I also live in Columbus, in the Upper Arlington area. Good luck with your search,  Peggy

Thanks Everyone, Although I am still keeping my options open on clinics, I really want the VSG surgery.  After calling around columbus, either they dont take my insurance or they dont do this type of WLS. A little bit of a bummer. I did call cleveland clinic, and they are sending out a packet. So lets see where it will go.  Although Dayton and Cincinnati are both closer, I have family in cleveland.... and DH and the boys can stay with my dad while I am in the hospital.  I am getting excited....

Hi, I had surgery at the cleveland clinic (about 3 weeks ago) and I live in Columbus.  I won't say it wasn't a hassle sometimes with the drive, but they do a really good job about scheduling all your appointments on the same day, since you are out of town.  They were amazing and I think the world of Dr. Schauer.  You could not be in better hands!  Seriously.  He is worth the drive.  Though I had a different surgery, I know they do the one you are interested in...and the whole staff, the whole process, was wonderful. They are very professional, very kind...a GREAT experience.   You will be required to stay in the Cleveland area until your one week post-op appointment, so having family in the area is definitely a plus.  They want you close by for the first week (and you get out of the hospital in 2-3 days). Good luck with the process.  It is worth all the work you have to put into it!