Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG)

I facilitate the local DS support group and I also have a local online DS support group.  I'd be happy to help you with any questions or research you need help with.  The VSG is the stomach portion of the DS is is frequently done as the first part of a 2 step procedure for the DS in very morbidly obese patients.  Here at the U of M, the DS is done in one step but they also offer just the VSG.  The VSG may not offer the best opportunity for longterm weight loss maintenance.  The jury is still out on that since it is so new and it doesn't involve any malabsorption, only restriction.  The restriction becomes less over time since the stomach stretchs.  I could write volumes about this topic but it would probably be better if you just contact me if you want more information.  Check out the DS forum too.  BTW~ I had the DS 4 years ago next month and I've lost 164 pounds and I haven't regained any weight!

Tammy - if my time ever comes, I'm looking you up!

Feel free to contact me now if you want to be prepared for when your time comes!  It WILL happen; it's just a matter of time.  I'll be here when you need me!  I can send you an invitatin to join my online support group if you'd like.  I just need your email address.

Thanks Tammy!  PM on the way!!

Hi-   I'm a lifetime weigh****cher member, but haven't been able to stick with it the last few years.  What keeps you going?  If I can't afford the VSG surgery right now, I'm going to back to weigh****chers.  Your advice?

well, for me, I just know that at least in 2008 surgery isn't even an option for me sooooo I have to try and stay focused.....I've got kids and one day hope to have grandkids and I just have to remember why I'm doing it...

I'm not a good one for advice (I gained 4 pounds at this weeks weigh-in) but as of today I'm 100% back OP and expect to lose that plus....I really really wanna see if I can reach my goal this year....

however, I know that if I can't...There's a DS with my name on it!!! 

 

Thanks- I appreciate your honesty.  Good Luck and Best Wishes.

Hi Tammy-    I'm glad to hear from someone in the Twin Cities Area, who knows first hand, different hospitals and doctors' reputations. Thanks for replying.  From what I've read, I would be a good VS candidate, because my BMI is low 30's.  I hate that my insurance doesn't see my weight reduction as medically necessary- even tho' I have HBP, high cholesterol, etc.      Since I need to look into paying for this out of my pocket, do you recommend any hospital in particular, that might have a longer pay plan arrangement?  Also, I liked what I've read about Dr. Rupp online. (He practices in st. paul, and since I live north of forest lake, it would be more convenient to travel to st. paul for post-op help, if needed.     I like the idea of the VS because there is no fills to do, etc., but I would be afraid that my stomach would stretch back out in a matter of time?  Your thoughts?  Roberta

Well, I can only tell you about my personal experience and what I observe at my support group meeting when we have dinner.  I'm 4 year post-op and my stomach has stretched enough that I can eat a 12 inch sub from Subway.  However, due to my malabsorption, I have not gained any weight.  At my support group meetings there are several members who are 2+ years post-op who can eat a complete meal and desert at Perkins.  I hate to admit it, but several of us are hooked on chocolate eclaires so they have to have several on hand when we have our meetings.  lol  This is one of the bennefits of the DS.  We can eat like just like anyone else after our weight loss window without fear of regain.  Since you will be self-pay, have you considered going out of the country for the DS?  It would be much less expensive than having any procedure done here.

  HI Tammy-    I have looked into going out of the country, but my husband is adamantly against it.  I even showed him a hospital in Mexico where it was American owned and has all the same health and sanitary reg.'s as the US, but he was unconvinced.......(It was with the Bariatric Group.com)     Do you know of any facility out of the country that others have used and would recommend?