hi i have a lap band and am not having very good luck with it and wondering how people have done with the revision to a vgb?

Hi, thanks for responding to me.  I got the information paperwork in the mail yesterday from Kim at Dr. Cottams office.  I looked it over and it was pretty much what she talked about on the phone with me.  Unfortunately, I have come to the decision that I just can't afford having this surgery  anywhere in the U.S. I just can't afford it. Medicare won't pay.  I can't get in big debt at my age. Social Secuity just does not pay enough to cover a $17,000 plus loan to go to Utah.... and Arizona is asking  $24,000 for the VSG sleeve.  Nobody here in AZ. does imbrication that I could find. Nonetheless,it would cost too much for me, so  after much research with patients that have used Medical Toursim...I'm going to Mexico.  Dr. Joya is my choice in Puerto Vallarta.  Excellent surgeon, puts you up in the beachfront  KRYSTAL hotel  for three days in Puerta Vallarta... and I'll ber getting my procedure done in the AMERIMED hospital, brand new state of the art, look it up and see how nice. I'll spend 2 night in hospital, three in the hotel, where an associate physican will come every day to check on me.  How about that ....A HOUSE CALL!!  Anyone out there that is is the same financial boat as me, checkout Medical Toursim as an alternative. See thinjourney on you tube and faithkp, both used Dr. Joya and were very pleased with their experiences. HOLA everyone.

I was only nauseated in the hospital right after surgery for about 6 hours.  Other than that, I've been fine.  Just remember the first month is kind of miserable, but I promise it will pass!  Also, remember, this is not a magic cure, it still is a lot of work! I diet and exercise every day and still lose it kind of slow.  Since surgery I have lost 45 pounds (5 months ago).  You can do it! Good luck.

Hello dpw...I see you had dr. cottam as your surgeon.  I'm thinking of using him for my VSG.  I feel he is an excellent surgeon. I don't live in Utah, and will be traveling to see him.  What was the process your Insurance Co. put you through to get approval.  You said you had to get Lap Band in order to get the coverage and Cottam was doing the Imbrication for free.  What was your cost for that procedure. I didn't get a quote for a Lap band... and did for fee include any after care program?
I appreciate your reply.
cookielu46

I am hosting a support group meeting this Saturday in Raleigh NC. This month I will be talking about managing the challenges of the upcoming holidays. I will share some recipes and welcome others to share recipes that they enjoy.

I also invite people to engage in a clothing swap. Many people find that they are no longer able to wear gently warn clothing that may benefit others in the group. If you have some things and would like to participate, please do. Please be sure to take with you any items that you bring that are not selected by others. If you do want to keep the items, you can take them to Thrift Store and a Goodwill within a mile of the support group location.

If you more details about the meeting, please go to www.meetup.com/nc-wls.