My Dr. is new to VGS, but had done many other WLS

I had been doing a lot of research about VSG. So I found a Dr. who has alot of experience in WLS.  So in July of this year, I went to an information session about WLS.  When I met with the DR. I told him I was interested in VSG, he told me that he just became certified for the VSG, and he has had all the training , but has not done the VSG as of yet.  He said that they were really excited about this new procedure, and that he thought that VSG will be a good WSL for me. So I figured they will have a few months to get a couple of people sleeved before me right. WRONG!  

 So now it is December, and I was told that me and another patient will be the first to have the VSG in their practice.  Because we are the first, the Dr, have a proxy who comes in and makes sure everything is going good.  I figure since he has had years of experience in gastric by passes, and other weight loss surgery that everything should be fine.

So my question is has anyone been one if the first patience in their Dr. practice to have the VSG surgery?

BTW surgery date is 1/3/11

Nope and I never would be but that's just me.

OMG!!!! Mandy, total highjack! you look so good, your arms are my inspiration......!!!! wow!

My surgon was new to it as well. I was only the 4th sleeve he had ever done.... and i survived! I am sure you will be fine, Keep us up to date~

I was more concerned with how much experience my surgeon had with the stapler that they use to staple off the stomach, and he had lots.  The VSG is simpler surgery than RNY, which all the bariatric surgeons have done for years using the same stapler.  I wasn't my surgeon's "first", but VSG is relatively new for weight loss, so it's the procedure he's done the fewest of.  If you have an experienced surgeon, I would be comfortable with him.

I can't say I would do that either.   Matter of fact, I am driving 2 to 2 1/2 hrs each way to the surgeon who has the best reputation in the state for this procedure.    Plus my surgeon does a ton of DS surgeries as well (which is the sleeve plus the switch).   I don' t know, I think you should really think about that one.    As if surgery isn't scary enough without having that to worry about.

My Dr had done many before me. I also drove over 2 hrs each way. Not sure if I'd want to be the first one, but I wasn't put in that position, so I do not know what I would have done. Good luck with whatever you decide!!

My surgeon had done many, many, before me & I don't think I could have done it if I knew it was the first or 2nd time she had done it.  I know somebody had to be brave & be first, but I would have been very nervous about that. 

I was approved by my insurance company, but the only in-network doctor didn't have a lot of VSG experience.  Lots of RNY and band but not a lot of sleeve.  And then I started reading posts by a few people on here who had him and discovered that he doesn't even use a boughie.  Plus they send you home the next day (that's an insurance thing, I'm sure, as opposed to the surgeon's preference), and I thought it would be a good idea to stay under 24/7 medical care for the first few days, just in case.  So I opted for self-pay in Mexico, and never looked back.  Very happy with my decision!

 Well, you're not alone.  When I saw my surgeon for the first time last month he had only done 10 or 12.  I was scared about that but he reassured me (without being ****y) that even though he hadn't done many sleeves he was extremely familiar and comfortable with that part of the anatomy.  I figure someone had to be first.....and I wouldn't exactly be his first, so I'm going through with it with him.  I guess the bottom line is that you have to be comfortable with your surgeon, so talk with him and get a feel for him...and see if you like him.  Good luck with your decision!