Can't Have VSG Due to Shape of Stomach?

[NoKo]

Has anyone been told after their endoscopy that due to the shape of their stomach they are not a candidate for VSG (gastric sleeve)? I've just found this out from my surgeon's office and will be scheduling an appointment with him to discuss alternative surgeries. But I must say, I never even considered or knew that could happen. Anyone else experience something similar?

Thanks,
NoKo

[Jose Figueroa]

Wow that's a new one to me. Maybe you should get second opinion just to be sure.

[Breen]

Never heard of it! Now I'm nervous! Hope there is an alternative for you. Keep us posted.

[NoKo]

Yeah I hadn't even considered this possibility before. Now I'm faced with considering other surgeries which is basically either a RNY or band. Band I lfat out refuse, and RNY I didn't want because of increased complications from sleeve. One week left of supervised weight loss before we can submit to insurance, and here I am facing a different surgery. I kind of feel like turning around and bolting the opposite direction. Oh, and having some chocolate on the way. But alas, I do not truly want to ruin all this work.

[mimipam]

I was sleeved on 5/23, but before that I did a TON of research. That is the first time I have heard anything like that. I would strongly recommend getting a second opinion before I allowed myself to be talked into a different procedure. Good luck and keep us posted.

[niamh]

Ditto - get another opinion. Or even ask him to seek a second opinion - I assume he would have some colleagues he could consult with.

[NoKo]

You're all right. I am going to get a second opinion. Something just doesn't sound right and I have a hunch it may be financially motivated. So I will meet and speak with the surgeon on Thursday, take detailed notes about what he says, then go with all my information to my primary care doc and see what he says. Then possibly get a referral to another surgeon. I am still going to finish my supervised weight loss and let them submit to my insurance for approval though. If there's any way I can avoid starting this all over from scratch, I will.

[LauraJo]

I see that you're in WA state. I went to Dr. Billing in Edmonds if you'd like to get a second opinion. They were terrific!

[NoKo]

Ooh thank you! I appreciate the reference!

[reberm]

I have DR Billings also. I agree he is wonderful.

[dawnbarnard]

I'm just curious --- I'm from Washington State as well. I would LOVE some support. My insurance told me that they would not cover the surgery because the employer did not cover it on any of its plans and that I could appeal it all I wanted but nothing would change. Dr. Billings' office was wonderful but their hands were tied unless I was able to cough up the cash to get it done. Aside from a second mortgage on our house and selling everything of value we had, there is no way that we could cough up that amount of money. I ended up going to Mexico and paying $5000 and had the best care and best experience ever. I was treated first class and I have had absolutely NOTHING negative to say about that experience. HOWEVER, what is lacking is support of other sleevers. I do not have the aftercare that you guys have had. I have different internet boards and they have been helpful, but accountability would be awesome. I've done very very well and no complications and I'm 10 weeks post surgery. But I sure would like to connect up with some locals. The surgeons in the area will not include me in on their support groups because I was sleeved out of country. My insurance pays for aftercare but not the surgery itself. Isn't that the craziest thing ever?

[LauraJo]

Dr. Billings actually helped me fight my insurance and I won!! Have you worked with Anna Conrad?

[cbridges1962]

I met a girl the other day at Chuy's. Our waitress had the RNY. She has done great. Looks great too. She's 2 years out. Prayers for you.

[NoKo]

Got a call from the nurse at the surgeon's office to discuss more of my pre-req' paperwork. I asked her for further information about why this type of surgery wouldn't be advised for me. According to the surgeon's notes my stomach is very "letter C shaped", which is not advised to perform VSG on. I expect to get more details as to why from the surgeon or his minions on Thursday, which I will share. It sounds like no one has heard of this.

Fellow Washington folks, although I'm pre-surgery at this point, I'd be happy to be a support and hit a meeting or make our own together out somewhere or on here.

[christine53]

I asked my doctor that and he said that is crazy. That they follow the shape of the stomach and that most 99.9 are the same shape. I think I would ask another Doc that question. At lease before they rearrange your guts doing something else. My thoughts on that.