Wisdom from any sleevers who had BMI's over 50?

Hey everyone,

I've been away from OH for quite a while. Loads of insurance-related issues that threw me off the road towards surgery many times....but now, as of today, I'm back. I just came home from having an orientation and meeting with the surgeon. I'd had hopes for the RNY because I weigh about 419lbs, but now he's telling me the RNY is too risky for me and the VSG would be better. Is there anyone who can relate to this? I'd love to hear from anyone who had a BMI of 50 or more. I could really use some inspiration. Happy Holidaze x0x0x

My BMI was 57 at the time of surgery. I'm very happy I had the VSG as opposed to RNY. I'd hate to deal with the possibility of dumping and malabsorption. My restriction is still there and works well (when I'm working the program the right way).

I had insurance issues too. My employer's policy did cover WLS, until they decided to exclude it because so many people were taking advantage of it and it was costing them two much. Delayed me by two years, until I got Medicare coverage.

Best of luck to you!

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm going to start absorbing everything I can about the surgery. I have Medicare now, too. I'm so grateful for this chance at a healthier life worth living.

My BMI was 58 when I started the process, and 53 the day of surgery. It was the best decision I've ever made in my life! It's hard work, I won't sugarcoat it, but the VSG gave me the tool I needed to successfully lose the weight and keep it off. I would do it again tomorrow in a heartbeat! Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.

Thank you for the true low-down-- I don't want the sugarcoating. It's taken me so long to get here. I want to make it work.

it depends on the surgeon. I had RNY and my BMI was over 50. But if he/she thinks it's too risky, then I'd listen to them. I wouldn't want anyone operating on me if they were uncomfortable doing that particular surgery. I think some surgeons won't because often at that weight, people don't have enough room in there for them to easily do what they need to do, so some surgeons don't want to risk it.

Hey,

THank you for your reply. He did say that he's concerned about the pressure that would be put on my heart from my abdomen and innards being pushed upwards during the surgery.

Hi there!

My BMI was 55 at the start.

I'm not sure why the RNY would be too risky at your weight. I'd question that. Do you have other health complications? Do you have reflux/GERD issues? Diabetes?

Like I said, my BMI was 55 at the start of this process and I'm now about 26. (So close to normal, aaaah!) VSG is an awesome surgery, just like RNY. You can eat around any surgery, but both will be a good tool to help you reach your goals if you use them. :)

Thank you for your feedback. I am pre-diabetic with high BP, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. I don't have reflux or any GERD issues, though. I hope to be where you are one day!:0)

My BMI was just about 50 when I had my surgery eight weeks ago.

My doctor was also reluctant to do RNY because I had a prior failed RNY surgery because my liver was too large. It took me eight years to lose more than 20 lbs but I finally did it and went with the VSG.

The surgeon said the surgery was a lot easier than he expected. I guess he was worried since the first surgeon called it quits.

But, while I haven't yet lost a ton of weight, I'm glad I got the VSG. The recovery was probably easier, at least according to my sister who had RNY.