High weight & VSG

Anybodys "before surgery" weight at 400lbs for VSG? My surgery has been changed from RNY to VSG for health reasons, but im concerned that I wont lose that much weight with VSG. How much weight could I expect to lose in the first 6 months? Will it be harder to maintain in comparison to RNY?

I started my program at 394 pounds last Jan 26 am down 132 since. Hope that helps.

You might want to check out the BMI Over 50 group. There are a number of us who started with high BMIs and have had success!

As for weight loss? You'll lose as much as you work at to lose - with any surgery.

I had my surgery at over 400 pounds. I'm 10 months out and knocking on 299's door :)

My older brother was close to 400 pounds. He lost all his excess weight with sleeve and had an easy and successful surgery. It can be done. I did it too though I did not start as high. My surgeon thinks vsg can be every bit as successful as rny. GL

My surgery weight was 460, I'm at 4 months and down to 365. So I have lost 95 pounds in 4 months. And I plan on getting down into the 150 range at some point. I don't believe there is a "magic number" or "percentage" that any surgery is limited to. I know that my weight loss may slow down and that is ok, but as long as I stick to plan, move more as I become more mobile, I will be able reach my goals.

I also believe that maintaining is dependent on whether we fall back into our old habits. If we eat ice cream and junk food and stop making wise choices in our intake, we will regain. If we continue to make good choices, then we can maintain and/or continue to lose.

I went to dinner with a friend of mine who had RNY about 9 years ago. She has regained half of what she originally lost. She snacks all day on chips, nuts, candy bars. She still has restriction. She could decide to modify her eating and she would lose again. She may not be able to eat a triple cheeseburger in one sitting, but she can get it down by munching on it over the course of a couple of hours. So, surgery is not magic. It still requires effort on our part.

In my opinion, the surgery is a tool. It is possible to build a house with a rock, nails and some lumber, but it makes it much easier to have an hammer in place of the rock. You still need the nails and the lumber. The surgery is the hammer. We have to provide the nails (good eating choices) and the lumber (moving).

This could be the best decision of your life. Embrace it. And the group of people on this site are the best. We will embrace you.

Thank you, that is so encouraging! You have done so well congrats on your weight loss. I think being at 400lbs I just het discouraged/overwhemed sometimes. Thanks for reminding me that its possible to change!

Hi Lyds85!

I had my surgery Nov. 21 and weighed 420 pounds. I started the liquid diet on Nov. 2 at 450 pounds. I've lost about 90 pounds so far. I wouldn't say my results are typical or not typical...everyone is different and as hard as it is, try not to play the comparison game (I'm saying that as a reminder to myself too).

It does feel very overwhelming when you have a lot of weight to lose. I look at myself in the mirror and see what a long way I still have to go. However, having VSG actually gave me hope that things could be different. I've been super morbidly obese my whole life, and for the first time that I can remember, I see a light at the end of the tunnel.

The surgery will challenge you in new ways, and way more than just with the food you eat. I've had many days that have been great, and a few days where I disappointed myself with some of my choices. It's definitely a journey... a really interesting, difficult, wonderful, and eye opening journey.

Be encouraged as you prepare for the surgery. I know it probably feels disappointing to not potentially have the surgery you originally hoped for, but everything works out for a reason.

Wishing you the very best!