Excited about VSG Surgery

I just had my first consult with Dr. Savoie in Bathurst.  I have already lost over 100lbs on my own but have hit a weight loss plateau for over a year and since gained a few lbs back.  My family Dr. wrote the referral eons ago when I was over 300lbs so I went to the consult thinking they would reject me. They did the opposite.  I thought the Lapband would be what he would recommend but after he explained the VSG procedure that is what I am going for. I go back to see him in 2 weeks to sign the consent form and book the surgery for the Fall.  Can anyone tell me how many visits I should expect and if Medicare will definately cover this?  They told me it would for sure.  I live 4 hours away and it is a whole day for me to travel.  I also have to take my vacation for the surgery and only have so many days left. He told me I would be in the hospital for 4 days.  How quickly can I return back to work after?

Hi there I am so glad you are having the VSG surgery! Once healed it is pretty low maintenance. I love my VSG(in case you couldn't tell, haha) So that is exciting that you are getting ready to go and sign consent papers already. I had Dr. Beausoleil and so if you want details on their visits, talk to Dr. Savoie's office and explain you are getting low in vacation days. They are pretty understanding and try to work with you as much as possible. I found most people were able to go back to work after about 2 weeks depending on what your job entails.  For office workers it was easier. Again the surgeons office can give you recommendations on that as well. Two weeks after surgery I was pretty much back to normal and once my staples got taken out, what a relief!! I believe Dr. S uses stitches instead of staples though. Hope that helps and best of luck with your surgery!   Trish

Thanks so much for responding.  I am getting really anxious about this the more I research it.  I have a list of questions to ask at my next appointment.  I already eat very healthy and excercise alot.  I run 5 days a week and am very active. I just want to heal fast and move to the next level so I thought if I worked on toning up my Abs and getting in better shape it would help with recovery.  I also wonder if I should try to modify my portions and drinking fluids in preparation for surgery so it won't be such a shock. I do not see this surgery as a quick fix but more as a tool to take me to the next level to realize my full weight loss potential.  I made lifestyle changes that are part of my life now and hope to continue them such as running and eating well. Running for me is so important and I love it so I am a little nervous about not being able to run or excercise for 6 to 8 weeks. I worry that I will lose conditioning. It will kill me to not be able to move at all. Were you able to walk?   Did you find it very painful? I work at a desk job so hope I can be back to work after 2 weeks. 

If I had a choice I would go for a VSG. My band had just been too much trouble.

Thanks for the feedback.  I was prepared to have the Lapband but Dr. Savoie explained some of the complications and issues I would face.  I also had no idea that the band is not removed nor is the port.  I thought it was temporary but according to Dr. Savoie it is not.  The idea of having the port attached to the side of my stomach like an ostomy was not appealling to me.  I also really do not want to have to keep going back for band adjustments.  It may seem extreme but reducing my stomach size by 85% all in one shot is the answer for me. With the Lapband I would most likely be the patient who would have the worst side effects with slippage etc...    I hope that things improve for you.  You have no idea how much I appreciate all the comments from everyone on this site.  You are all such an inspiration for me.

Hi there, glad to hear about your appointment.

I signed my consent with Dr. Savoie for the VSG on May 13th.  There's a battery of tests that need to be done and I'm waiting for that to be all set. 

I was told that they hope to get my surgery done before the end of the year so here's to keeping our fingers crossed and our hopes high that we'll be ringing in the new year on the loser's bench!!!!

I'll keep you posted on my progress....and you keep us posted on yours... 

In response to your questions were you able to walk and did I find it very painful....The nurses will have you up and walking very quickly in the hospital to keep away blood clots but as far as walking for exercise, it will be only a very short time and you will be able to walk everyday. The running will have to wait of course but it blows me away that you are doing so much already before your surgery. That bodes well for you after. You have already made so many positive changes to your lifestyle, you will rock the VSG! So as far as pain goes, no I wasn't in much pain at all. This varies from person to person but my pain was managed very well with meds. The surgeon will send you home with a prescription and if you have pain still, you can call the office and the surgeon may switch your meds accordingly. Good luck on everything, you will do fine....Trish

Thanks Trish, Did you have to wait very long for your VSG?  They told me I could be done in the Fall but upon reading other posts I am worried I may wait longer.  I really want to get this done late Fall.