vertical sleeve?

Anyone in TN had this procedure, and if so, by whom. It is the best, as far as I can tell, only the centers in Nashvlle aren't really doing them yet. I have been researching this for months......RNY is absolutely not for me and the lap band has too many annoyances in my opinion. I have tried to post here before, but seems like the TN is mainly for the RNY'ers. ANy one's experience would be appreciated. Thanks, Jillianna p.s. I know there is a sleeve forum, just looking for some folks close to home.

You might check with Dr. Spaw's office at Baptist Metabolic Surgery Center. He is the only surgeon in the Nashville area currently performing the DS. The way I understand it, the VSG is basically the DS without the intestinal rerouting portion. If I am totally wrong on this understanding of the surgery, I apologize. I do know of some people with extremely high BMI's who have had to have their DS surgery done in 2 stages with the first stage being essentially a VSG. The TN forum is not mainly "for" RNY'ers. It just happens that most of the people who stay active on the forum have had the RNY. We welcome any type of procedure as long as the person doesn't come on bashing other procedures and/or surgeons/hospitals. We are here to support each other on the journey to better health no matter what method you are using to get there.

I agree with Susan, on the support of this page. I can't help you at all with the vertical sleeve, I know absolutely nothing about it. I do hope you keep coming here for support and maybe you can educate me on the procedure. Darlene

Good morning Jill and .... Happy Easter!!! go to the top of this page ,click on forums ,then click on vertical sleeve ,, you can talk and discuss this procedure woth others who have had it .. I personally do not know anyone, but have heard alot about it .. I have had a lap bamd and my daughter had an RNY (some years back ).. Try calling Dr spaw too and if he does do this procedure maybe his office can get you in touch with others who had had it in your area and you can discuss it with them before making your desicion. I understand being it is an "elective' surgery ,making a final desicion is not easy ..... Good luck to you!

Hi ya'll, Thanks for answering me. I hope my first post didn't sound too snotty. I didn't mean for it to come off that way, if it did. I am frustrated and going thru a little "roid rage" as they call it.... im on steroids for a ruptured disc! I did call Dr. Spaw's office and they said he wasn't yet doing this procedure......again, its fairly new to US. I have gone on the sleeve forum and they are great, too. I was just looking for some of us Tennesseeans and some local docs. I feel like we have some of the best health care here in the world, and some great centers of excellence here, and i don't really want to travel out of state to get the surgery I want, but.......there you go, we just don't always get what we want. I have seen great kindness and support here, and I thank you... Sincerely, Jillianna

You didn't come off as snotty at all. I just wanted to let you know that we are a very easy going lot except when someone does come on here with attitude. I have seen some very ugly attitudes expressed on other boards and we do get the occasional flamer on here but we quickly set them straight. I would love to have a wider variety of procedures represented on our board. I think it is important to get support from folks with your procedure type. But, it is also very nice to have support from hometown folks and be able to get together face to face and really get to know each other. By all means participate on the VSG forum. But, come over and play with us too!

Jill, If you will go to the Forum Of Vertical Sleeve, you will glean all kinds of info on it. I discovered it while browsing and decided to check out what it was.................. My ins company would only pay for RNY and I had some concerns of what adjustments the body would go thru and worried about the long range nutrients issue. My PCP thought lapband was the choice, but I knew after reading about it that I didn't want that either....................... I am self paying for a VSG to be done May 2nd................. in Puerto Vallarta, MX by Dr. Joya and I am thrilled with my choice and all the reports from all those that have had it. There are two women doctors on the VSG site that have some great info on the VSG choice and why they believe it is the best. Also, Jane H is a RN from Oregon and she is great at telling you everything you wish to know. I wish you the best.............. in making your decision. Everyone must ultimately make that decision for themselves................... so many of us hadn't heard of the sleeve, and since we have, wouldn't consider anything else!! Good Luck to you. If I can help in any way............... please don't hesitate to ask. I wouldn't be doing this without all the support and help from the great people on OH!! Karen H