sleeve gastrectomy

milk99
on 10/24/09 7:09 pm - Fayetteville, NC
Has any one heard about this new procedure and how safe is it?
(deactivated member)
on 10/25/09 7:29 am
MsPatooti
on 11/1/09 11:57 am - Angleton, TX
I had the VSG - Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy last April.  The results are very good so far.  I have lost 104 pounds.  I originally wanted the RNY but the surgeons wouldnt do that on me because of my Psoriatic Arthritis - like Rheumatoid Arthritis.  I take alot of medicine because of my arthritis. 

Initially I was unsure of what the results would be.  So far I am very happy.  I am glad I do not have to suffer the malabsorption effect of the RNY.   I have really good restriction.  But as the days go by I am able to eat a bit more and different things.  Breads were very hard at first, but now I can eat a bit of bread.  I am back to eating some raw veggies.  I still must follow rules of getting in a certain amount of protein and limiting carbs.  But balance is good.  Sweet stuff and chips go down easy still.  But knowing that this will work is inspiration enough to keep with the rules of high protein low carbs.

My surgeon is doing a "single incision" version of the VSG.  And teaching it to other surgeons.  Dr Terry Scarborough in Houston Tx. 

Please do all of the research you can on it.  Make the decision that is best for you. 

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/a,messageboard/board_id,5463/



 I am revision from lap band to sleeve-Weight loss includes preop.
mjjracer
on 11/6/09 6:18 am - Lakeside, CA
For an opposing view, I have to say not everyone can have the VSG. The insurance wonks have a lot to say in the matter. I have moderate RA and had the RNY 6 weeks ago after the surgeon said I could continue my meds with the exception of any NSAIDS. I will be honest, after being off the methotrexate for a month prior to the surgery, I had lots of very bad flair-ups. However, now that I am back on meds I am doing fine. I've lost over 55 lbs. I personally think the malabsorptive part of the equation is very important. It is generally conceded that of all the weight loss surgeries, VSG is the easiest to eat around and gain weight. The RNY is working well for me and I have no regrets. Besides, you should remember that NSAIDS, though great at what they do, are some pretty nasty meds. I don't miss the upset stomach and swelling that I had with them.
MsPatooti
on 11/6/09 10:04 am - Angleton, TX
You can gain weight back with ANY of these surgeries - RNY, Lap Band or VSG.  They all have their pros and cons and they all require dedication.  They all have a honeymoon period where the weight loss is easier and after that it will require more dedication.

The VSG is gaining recognition as a safer and successful alternative to the RNY. 

Do your research on the surgeries and pick the one that is right for you.


 I am revision from lap band to sleeve-Weight loss includes preop.
spankymonkey1973
on 11/6/09 7:12 pm
My VSG surgery is on Nov 19, so I haven't started yet.  However, i have researched my options for years and was never really sold on any of them until I learned of the VSG.  I am choosing this procedure because lap band patients tend to have more complications after surgery with slippage, erosion.  I read that the band itself is meant to be permanent and will last a lifetime, however our bodies can't stand it for long lengths of time.  Plus, the thought of fills, unfills, sliming, just grossed me out.  RNY was out because I am a big chicken about the whole malabsorption thing, it just didn't pass my common sense test.  But, that was just me, I have a good friend who lost 200 pounds with RNY and looks fantastic. 

VSG has it's risks too, the biggest one is the chance of a leak.  And these are less than 1% chance however,  Leaks can be fatal.  And, the staple line on a VSG is longer than RNY so, the area of the stomach that has a potential for leak is physically bigger.  Other than that though, there are not many complications.   the VSG has been shown to be just as effective for rapid weight loss comparible to RNY.  If your decision is going to be based on whether or not insurance will pay, most insurance companies will not pay for VSG.  Hence, I will be shelling out $16K to have this done.  But, it is the only surgery I am comfortable with.  VSG is as effective as RNY, is a less invasive surgery, mortality is very low and definitely lower than RNY, and it is rumored to be the up and coming top recommended surgery for Weight loss. 
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