Is there anyone here that has had a VSG?

I know that this is not offered much if at all to Ontario residents but I'm hoping to find someone!  After looking at RNY and VSG I really believe that the VSG is the right choice for me.  I have a refereal already to TWH for RNY but they have told me that they DO NOT do VSG....does anyone have any info that would help me?

Thanks!

You have to go throught he assessment process and then meet with TWH surgeon. Express your reasons for wanting the VSG and why you think the RNY is medically inappropriate for you. If he agrees, then he will refer you to another surgeon who performs the VSG to discuss it with them, probably someone at HRRH.

   I've had one!  Unfortunately a lot of things have changed since I had mine.  I went through the Ottawa Centre and was one of the few that had surgery out of province.  When you get referred for weight loss surgery, it is almost always for an RNY in Ontario, but when you meet with your surgeon, he/she makes the final determination as to what surgery is best for you.  If possible, get yourself a referral to a surgeon that does do VSG's (sorry, I don't know who all does them).

The last update I have seen as to what qualifies in Ontario is:

The OHIP guideline reads (I copied and pasted, page S12, Oct 2010) :

# S120 Gastric bypass with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, for morbid

obesity ................................................................................. 7 1350.00 10

# S115 Reversal of previous vertical banded gastroplasty.................... 7 820.00 10

# S114 Sleeve gastrectomy................................................................... 7 820.00 10

Note:

 

1.

S114 Sleeve gastrectomy is only eligible for payment when:

a.

previous surgery;  Adhesions

 

or

a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is not possible due to small bowel disease/adhesions or

b.

 

patient to lose weight.

performed as a planned staged surgery in patients with a BMI > 60 to enable the ability to have a DS

Good luck and fight for what you want!

I educated myself and had a disscussion outlining why i felt it was a better option for me at the time that I met my surgeon.  He agreed to do VSG because he agreed that I had valid reasons (I use NSAIDS daily) and he said it could be considered as the first phase and revised later if need be....I think not!  I LOVE my sleeve and am very thankful that I was allowed to have the surgery that I feel is best for me. Good luck to you!  Be prepared and ready to back yourself up with educated valid reasoning.

There are two doctors at St. Joe's in Hamilton that do VSG, Dr. Hong and Dr. Gmora.

Hamilton seems to be a bit more open towards supporting a VSG.   I am trying to get one approved.  I am awaiting my surgeon's appointment to discuss.  I have other issues that prevent me from having a RNY so I hope to get approval.  If I don't get covered I'll be going to Montreal and have Dr. Gagner do it for 18K.

Good luck

I am having my lapband removed and revised to VSG with Dr. Gagner next week for 15 000 (I was told it would be 12 500 for just VSG, which my sister may be getting in a couple of months). I know that it's not easy to get the VSG in Ontario, so I didn't want to suffer with my band while being on the wait list only to get told I could only have the RNY.

Are you kidding me?  His price has gone down!  Yippie!! You made my day. The only reason I am not running out to Montreal next week is because I know I will need plastics and 12,500 could go a long way.  However, the minute the surgeon says no I'll be going to Gagner too.

Had a VSG at TWH last fall!! I can give you more info, but I'm about to start a movie! PM me if you wanna chat!!

I am having a VSG in Guelph Sept. 30. I am having the VSG after discussing my use of NSAIDS for migraines more than 10 days a month with my surgeon